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Why do we have the worst tranny?

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Old 07-27-2011, 06:01 PM
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hellman_x
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Default Why do we have the worst tranny?

I wonder why this is, is it a Nissan thing? My father's '95 beat up as fack Tacoma has a smoother tranny than the 350. I helped my cousin drive his G20 to school cross country from VA to UT and his 5th gear died on the way there. It's just odd that such a major manufacturer would make such a crappy tranny. I could imagine the engineer saying "Yea I like the shifting feel of a box of rocks." This is the first Z I've driven, were former Z's(300zx) better or worse?
Old 07-27-2011, 06:14 PM
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Nick Mystic
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I have a 2006 Grand Touring 6MT and it seems to shift fine for me. I've heard the 350Z transmission described as being "notchy" and I can understand why someone might describe it that way. However, even being "notchy" it shifts quick, smooth, and doesn't grind, so it's okay by me.
Old 07-27-2011, 06:22 PM
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winchman
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I owned a '78 280Z and an '85 300ZX, both of which had what I considered flawless MTs that never gave a hint of a problem. I think the MT is currently used in such a small percentage of vehicles produced by Nissan that they cannot afford to put their best engineering resources on them. The A-Team works on the CVT and automatics.

My experience with the CVT is limited to a few test drives, but they seemed pretty good. My own 5AT is excellent, and the 7ATs in the 370Zs I've driven are even better.

Last edited by winchman; 07-27-2011 at 06:23 PM.
Old 07-27-2011, 07:17 PM
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Emski
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Supposedly our tranny is picky when it comes to oil.
It's a never ending quest trying to find the perfect match.
Old 07-27-2011, 07:28 PM
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hellman_x
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I love the Z but my friend's Civic SI tranny puts our tranny to shame. Maybe I'm granny shiftin' and not double clutchin' like I should.
Old 07-27-2011, 07:29 PM
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davidv
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Nissan makes crummy transmissions. This is common knowledge. Those who buy a Nissan are aware of the risk, and have little reason to complain.
Old 07-27-2011, 07:37 PM
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hellman_x
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Originally Posted by davidv
Nissan makes crummy transmissions. This is common knowledge. Those who buy a Nissan are aware of the risk, and have little reason to complain.
Only crummy manual trannys, automatics never had any problems, but I could be wrong.
Old 07-27-2011, 07:39 PM
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SuperBlack350z
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you can't compare a truck to a sports car tranny. one will obviously put through more stress than the other.

their syncro p roblem is horrible though.
Old 07-27-2011, 08:04 PM
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drivessidewayz
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2nd gear synchros have sucked in both of my cd009s. The first also had 5th and 6th synchros go as well.
Old 07-27-2011, 09:03 PM
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ShadowHunter66
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The only problem I have is downshifting in second gear.. I have to wait a little before it lets me in.. I can put a little force and it goes in but it's as if there's a limiter on second.
Old 07-27-2011, 09:03 PM
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MaelstrØm
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I was pondering this just today. I have a relatively new CD009 replacement, and about half the time I can feel a clatter when I shift, especially in 1-4. It does not grind, but it feels almost like the clutch needs to be further out. Is there an adjustment to disengage the clutch earlier? I find it eternally frustrating, it is by far the crappiest feeling MT I have ever driven. And for the record, the Civic SI tranny is absolute glass. I was amazed at how smooth it is, no notching/clatter at all.


If my CD009 dies, I intend to find a built tranny and replace it myself with something smooth. Are there any aftermarket trannies for the 350z?
Old 07-28-2011, 04:57 AM
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Dr. Venture
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might be the car, might be the driver, might even be the day it was made. But i have no tranny issues with my Z, and i beat the FACK out of her. 03 performance ftw!-----and my **** is OG!


PS....i change my trans fluid every 15-20K

Last edited by Dr. Venture; 07-28-2011 at 05:09 AM.
Old 07-28-2011, 05:07 AM
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rotchcrocket04
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My trans has been notchy and difficult (especially in cold weather) for 3 years now. Doesn't seem to have ever gotten worse. I'm just used to it by now I suppose.
Old 07-28-2011, 05:14 AM
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NissanZ03
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I wonder why there's such a diffference in the quality of 5at and the 6mt. I want to sell my 5at and get a 6mt but my tranny is flawless and the 6mt problems get me nervous haha
Old 07-28-2011, 05:28 AM
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red on black
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Civic K series lol.Those trannys have problems of their own too I was in the car when my friend grenaded is second gear...Best hang over morning eva
Old 07-28-2011, 06:06 AM
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Z1 Performance
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everyone will have different experience based on how they drive, and how they maintain the component. Even then, it is a mechanical part and subject to failure under the most ideal conditions

An FG chassis Civic Si shifts nicer than a 350Z? I've had both cars, I couldn't disagree more. Not sure if you got your car new or used, that can make a difference.

My Z is an 04, purchased new, and despite there being internet posts about how the early cars were problematic, mine's always been flawless. Haven't done anything special with it, and I drive it the way a sports car should be driven. I just stay on top of fluid changes. Hot or cold, it's always worked well

Last edited by Z1 Performance; 07-28-2011 at 06:07 AM.
Old 07-28-2011, 06:21 AM
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F34RL355
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mines notchy and gets stuck going from 3rd to 6th sometime i bought it used but it only had 10k on it, a bit notchy sometiems going into 2nd aswell, thinking of taking it to the dealer
Old 07-28-2011, 06:32 AM
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Spork
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Rumor is... you can mount the RB26 6-speed trans up to the VQ with a bell housing swap.
Old 07-28-2011, 06:37 AM
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Highway Riding
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I'm not into Tranny's.....
Old 07-28-2011, 06:45 AM
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scotts300
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The Z32 300ZX (90-96' in the US) had lousy syncros as well. The transmission offered after 96' was quite a bit better though.


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