Do you think an AUTOMATIC 350z is worth modding?
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: SinCity, NV
From all the "car just spun for no reason" wrecked stories you see, a good majority of drivers shouldnt be anywhere near a MT. 
New Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 648
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From: SoCal
im have an 04.5 auto and im modding it...only power modes no body kits whatsoever...the manual shifting in the auto is just awesome...and my buddy has a modded 04 auto and is beating the hell outta M3's tuned up audi TT's all the time 
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: California
My buddy has an HR automatic. And I would say its worth modding.
Depending on what year your car is it would be a DE or HR motor.
If you have the DE it would be best to just swap your transmission.
Duke's auto 03 DE craps on HR's all day long. Sooooooooo not so sure the guy swapping a tranny would be much of an investing mod. If that were the case just make it a stick.
besides the Z's computers learn your driving habits. So if you drive like grandmama after modding yeah it'll seem quick but not as quick as it can be.
besides the Z's computers learn your driving habits. So if you drive like grandmama after modding yeah it'll seem quick but not as quick as it can be.
Last edited by Dr. Venture; Nov 6, 2010 at 02:21 PM.
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Joined: Sep 2011
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From: Land O Lakes, Florida 34639
Yes, Mod. and enjoy the added HP. I enjoy the M/T, and A/T. I have an auto in my 2007 HR 350Z and have a blast driving it. One good thing about the A/T is I don't have to be concerned about missing/grinding a gear which will most likely one day happen in power shifting a M/T and having both hands on the steering wheel. The stick Manual option is fun to use when I want to hold the trans in a choosen gear like in curves. Enjoy!
Last edited by rpdrives; Feb 14, 2012 at 05:37 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 63
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From: Keller, Texas
i think you should. We all know 90% of the time manuals make more power but doesnt neccesarily mean they are faster. If you are just messing with it because you want to and not because you are trying to create a monster, i see why not? Autos are better on the 1/8 mile track most of the time anyway lol and they do shift perfect every time 
i love my manual , wouldnt give it up for anything, its just more entertaining to drive. :P but autos are universal, anyone can drive it.
i love my manual , wouldnt give it up for anything, its just more entertaining to drive. :P but autos are universal, anyone can drive it.
Last edited by 350_captain; Nov 13, 2011 at 01:52 AM.
I learned to drive a car with M/T but ended up getting the A/T. My Z is pretty much modded from cams, tranny, regular I/H/E, body kit to suspension and I'm loving it.
Sometimes I miss using the clutch but I found other ways to enjoy the Z - like taking her to motorsports events (Circuit / AutoX).
Besides many other performance cars from BMW's, VW's, Porsches, Lambo's are automatic. Different designs / technologies, but same chit anyways - automatic, and they're being modded as well.
Sometimes I miss using the clutch but I found other ways to enjoy the Z - like taking her to motorsports events (Circuit / AutoX).
Besides many other performance cars from BMW's, VW's, Porsches, Lambo's are automatic. Different designs / technologies, but same chit anyways - automatic, and they're being modded as well.
Last edited by 350Zdj; Nov 13, 2011 at 03:18 AM.
modding an auto is worth it if you have the money for it, i for one love my car being an auto since I've been in a mt car all my life, its good for a change. With the right mods, auto cars has a consistent boost until you step off the gas and from what i know o,0 auto shifting is A LOT faster than manual, just cause its....auto..
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 15
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From: SoCaL
A boosted auto is pretty fun lol. However, power is limited with the auto. Just swap it to a 6 speed if you want ;P
I think the new questions is: Is the Z worth modding with bolt on's? I think the answer is no. Save your money and go FI!
I think the new questions is: Is the Z worth modding with bolt on's? I think the answer is no. Save your money and go FI!
I had a twin turbo 5AT with a valve body upgrade. Was putting down about 400 wheel. It was a beast. It is a very different feeling to never lose boost. The shifts were hard but quick. You just really have to pay attention to the tranny heat. If you ever do upgrade, I would suggest running a temp gauge to make sure you don't bake your tranny. Heat is its enemy.
Another thing that shocked me with the 5AT was how quickly I pegged it. I was chasing a car on the highway, was reeling him in quickly and then all of a sudden I couldn't get any closer. I looked down and noticed I was at redline in 5th at 155. I could not get anymore speed. I am sure with the 6 speed I could get higher.
Everyone who rode in it was really impressed even though it was an auto. As you can see, I swapped to a 6 speed because it is more fun and I wanted to get more power. But, if you want to spend money modding your car, do it. Who cares what it is? People will always hate no matter what you do. Just do what you like.
P.S. If you need an auto tranny with a valvebody already installed, let me me know :P
Another thing that shocked me with the 5AT was how quickly I pegged it. I was chasing a car on the highway, was reeling him in quickly and then all of a sudden I couldn't get any closer. I looked down and noticed I was at redline in 5th at 155. I could not get anymore speed. I am sure with the 6 speed I could get higher.
Everyone who rode in it was really impressed even though it was an auto. As you can see, I swapped to a 6 speed because it is more fun and I wanted to get more power. But, if you want to spend money modding your car, do it. Who cares what it is? People will always hate no matter what you do. Just do what you like.
P.S. If you need an auto tranny with a valvebody already installed, let me me know :P
VTR stage 1 motor, twins, 503WHP. AT. Tranny cooler/ with gauge. Paddle shifters. Shift light. When U shift the car stays IN BOOST. From 2 to 3 even at half gas rear tires spins out.
