Hey everyone!

I am in the market for a 350z as I have sold my WRX and moving to something different. Always loved 350s and have nearly bought a few of them in the past.

However, after researching around, talking to some people and asking some questions, I decided I want to get a DE engine as I plan to turbo it later, and it is apparently a much better base than an HR as there is more aftermarket parts, cheaper and easier to build.

However, I am set on getting a 350z with the CD009 transmission.

As far as I am aware, half of 2005 model year is the only year which had both a standard DE and CD009? I know that half of the 2005 vehicles are Rev-Up which I am avoiding like the plague.

However, am I limiting myself for no reason ? Is it worth looking at 2004 or 2004 models?

Am I being too harsh on Rev-Up models?

Are HRs actually worthwhile if I get a good deal?

I am really stuck here. Ontop of this, does the NON REV UP 2005 350z actually come with a CD009 or a CD008? I can't seem to find a definitive answer?

Then there are 5 trim levels ontop of this!

A perfect one would be a 2005 DE track edition with a CD009 but it is extremely hard to find!

If anyone has any advice on best model years etc to go for I'd appreciate any advice .

I plan on getting a decently low km one (around 80,000 miles) and enjoying it N/A for a bit and then looking to do a turbocharger and supporting mod upgrade.

 

If you're already willing to spend the money to to turbo it and assumably not skimp out, the extra $2K for a brand new CD009 from Nissan won't be the end of the world if you kill a prior version.

 

I think youve got a small misunderstanding…

all 350z came with the CD 00(something) transmission. I have a 2003 touring model and yes, it rolled off the factory floor with a CD001 (assuming it’s a CD001) and Nissan issued a technical bulletin to have the syncros replaced in any first generation CD transmissions and now I have a CD009 transmission. Same transmission case but with updated internals.

I can’t speak to the New Zealand Market but I would assume that they fell under the same TB.

So you will want to do your homework and find a good chassis that has had the replacement work done (assuming Nissan did this technical bulletin in NZ).

With that being said Nissan did make some very small improvements in the 2004.5 model year, most notably wideband o2 sensors which will be very help in turbo’ing.

I would tell you to continue to look for a 2005 model year to ensure you get the CD009 transmission and the chassis upgrades.

I wouldnt get an HR and I wouldnt get a RevUp.

The transmission is $2k but freight / shipping would be in the $10k range for something the size and weight of a trans to NZ.

 

Oh yes that makes sense ! Does the 2005 early model (non rev-up) come with a CD009 though? I have had a few people tell me that the Rev up was the only one that got a CD009 and that the early 2005s with the Standard DE engine don't have CD009?

 

Only issue is getting the transmission shipped to NZ is pricey, and our dollar is weak atm so a new transmission would run me 4k just for trans, plus shipping and then install costs.

 

Tbh, I dont exactly know when Nissan started rolling out CD009s from the factory. You’ll want to look a the transmission’s stampings and/or the sticker that Nissan put on the trans.

I quoted out a g35 carbon fiber hatch and it was between $3500 and $4500 just for shipping from the states.

 

Z1 has the attached quick reference guide on their website. Whether it's 100% accurate or not, I have no idea. Maybe?

 

Its not horrible, it’s a good starting point.

CZP has a page where you can pay $5? And they’ll look it up by VIN

 

Semi-officially, 2004.5 was when the 33 got the 009 and revised suspension amongst other "improvements". AKA "fixes".

At least in the USDM. Not sure about internationally.

 

Just looking at the chart the only one I'd avoid is the CD000 and CD003, all others should be fine.