My cousin just got a 78 280z 2+2 and it wont go into 5th gear. All the other gears including reverse goes in fine but no 5th. Anyone know what this could be and how to fix it??

I have a dodgy method that MIGHT fix it for a while but I strongly recommend you get it checked out first.

maybe its only a 4 speed??? or didnt they do a 4 speed in the 280Zs ?

In the US 280zs came with both 4 and 5 speed manual. It did go into 5th when I first drove it. My cousin just got the car for $1500...its been sitting since 03 so it needs a little work...but it runs good.
Could itbe the shift fork or linkage thats stuck or something?

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Top-up/Change the oil.

I meant transmission oil. I had a GB that was missing second and third was hesitant, put some penrite 75 trans oil in and both gears came back. Oil was low and very old/dirty.

i'll try that...hopefully that will work

Maybe just dump the oil first and actually measure how much comes out, then you know it's either low or just right. By then you can see if the oil is filthy and gritty and if it is then hopefully some fresh decent oil will help things along. May have to do a couple of changes before you iron out all the issues.

Having said that it would probably be something a little more serious but fresh oil won't hurt.

how do i check the linkage in the tranny?

Bent internal linkage can cause this.

Or they swapped the 5 out between test drive and purchase.

I remember testing the tranny out to see if it went into all the gears and they all went in just fine. It's just weird but I just hope it ain't anything major.