Hey all,

I'm not 100% which forum I should be posting this in, but here goes that im in the right section (Admins, please forgive me if I'm not). I'm trying to purchase a 370Z differential to upgrade my Datsun 280Z. I got a bite on one that isn't in too bad of condition, but the guy is being shady about what year and model/sub model the Differential came from. I was able to snap some shots of it and hoping you guys would be able to tell me how to identify if it's a 350z or 370z differential. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Stay happy and healthy all!

 

It's hard to say. I don't know enough about the casting markings on the pumpkin to say if that means anything significant or not. Also that sticker on the side with the QR code, I've never seen one like that before on a 350Z, so I suspect this might be from a 370Z. Here's some photos I took of my old VLSD when I was selling it, not sure if it will help. Came out of a 2006 350Z Enthusiast.
Good Luck!
-Icer



Rear Cover.

Front Upper.

 

You do realise that a 350/370 diff will not fit into a 280Z without a lot of work don't you. Your best bet is a long nose R200 diff from a 280 back, after that diffs were changed to a short nose version.

 

I pretty sure Subarus use stronger versions of the R200 that should bolt in. Check my work though with the Google.

 

​​​​​​​Got the Apex Engineered Rear End Frame to swap over to a 370z Diff and (most importantly) CV axles. I plan to swap it over to a VQ later, but want the Steering and Suspension to be able to lay down the horsepower safely and effectively. Something about my brain wants to keep the old girl in the Datsun/Nissan family, rather then give her Subi Parts or even LS Swap her.

 

Very true. The Z33 OR Z34 R200 diff, while it will fit in an S30 physically, know that what 260DET (numero dos) said above, mounting is different, stub axles won't bolt up directly to your S30 half shafts, and drive shaft modification will be needed. All said though, it can be done (know of people who have done it - and I considered it when doing my last S30 but even more work was needed as it was a Series 1). Have also *heard* of using the short nosed R200 from a Z32 but also required work.

Another route to look at, the Subaru WRX (or maybe STi) used a pretty strong version of the R180 (and possibly R200). Have seen that swap (into S30/S130) which required some work as well but had the ready benefit of a lower 3.9 FD gear.

As far as identification, the number indicated does not seem right to me. I did a quick cross ref on it and it might actually be from a different Nissan vehicle but.... there is a cross reference note showing it applies to use with a VQ35DE so, Z33/350Z. But take that with a grain of salt as that number may not be what I should have keyed in on.

 

This right here is correct. Ive build a few S30s back in the day. R200 from subarus are a good choice. Also maybe you should look into a Z31 turbo LSD diff. They are pretty much a bolt on upgrade. Good luck

 

The difference between a 370Z diff and the short nose R200 diff that was used on Silvias, Skylines etc is that they used two mounting studs on the diff cover whereas, stupidly, only one is used for the 370Z. It sounds like your Apex conversion requires the use of a single stud 370Z cover.