Backround information:

My Z was delivered in November 2003, with a Vin under 4,000. It was great for a while, but at about 12-13k miles I noticed a 3rd gear grind after shifting 4,000rpms. So I finally took it in for a new tranny this week, and got it back today.

Review:

My orginal clutch was very stiff. I loved that, as weird as it sounds. The engaging point (not sure if thats the right term) of where you release half the clutch, and gas, the car would begin to move. On this new tranny, the clutch is soft as butter.. Not liking it too much, but thats personal taste.

The engaging point now to have the car move is much higher. In that I mean I have to release the clutch completely, rather than only half way to have to car move from a dead stop. This sucks for dead stops, but is awesome when shifting, because now I only have to tap the clutch.

The shifting feels different..can't really pinpoint whats different. The 5th gear feels a little harder to get into. I also hear a very small click after I change gears..which my old transmission didn't do.

Also, something VERY odd happened on the way home. After about 30minutes of driving it, I was on the free way in 6th gear doing about 60 in the rain. I pressed the gas to accerlate a bit more, but the car wouldn't acclerate! Then the car shook VERY bad, as if it was about to stall out. I lowered the gear to 3rd, and it seemed a little better, but at random times it would just jerk back and forth again, as if it was stalling at 40mph. Not sure what caused this, so I'm having the dealer check it out on Monday..make sure everything is fine.

All in all.. it's a change. The 3rd gear grind is gone, but I'm not diggin the new clutch and the fact it was jerking so hard and not acclerating worries me a bit.


Now I have a few questions for you guys..

1) I'm debating on putting Redline Shockproof Ultra light tranny fluid in. How much does it cost to get done? I called a few places and they said they had to judge on car to car basis, so I'm just wondering what to expect.

2) Is there any "transmission break in" period? And if so, what are the suggested requirements for it? I forgot to ask the dealer and they are closed till Monday, so I'd like to know if I'm not suppose to go past 4k rpms or such till then.

Thanks guys.

 

1. Stay with Nissan fluids. Going to anything else can void your tranny warranty. Not good
2. I didnt break mine in

 

Yeah thats what Nissan told me, it would void my warrenty.. But in worst case senario, I could flush the tranny fluid, and buy the cheap Nissan fluid and re-fill it, then take it back.

I know many people who have the orginal (under 5,000vin) and put Redline fluid in, and didn't get a grind. I find that slightly odd.. where as many people who kept OEM fluid did get a grind.

I was also told the fluid really makes shifting smoother, and the shockproof helps prevents grinds infact. I was told this by VandyZ (Adam) who got his information from Doug@Crawford.

Anyone else have any input?

 

Having the redline in there and getting a grind vice versa has nothing to do with each other. You either have a $hit transmission or you dont

 

try adjusting the clutch. I moved my engagement point more toward the floor, and the car feels much better.

 

Don't use the Shockproof, use MTL. I think Shockproof is Gl-5 which would corrode the synchros.

 

Ricky,

First, what digit are you looking at the VIN to tell the car might have a problem (is it the last 5 digits). My is an '04', but my 3rd gear is not smooth as the other gears.

I noticed that If I shift from 2 gear to 3 gear straight, I sometimes feal a rough contact. But if I shift from 2gear and wait a split second in neutral than it would be fine most of the time.

Now I am so hesitate (paranoid too), I also think that if I shift to 3 gear (more to the 5th gear direction), it would be fine.

I have only 2000 miles and noticed it from the beginning.

Thanks,
Tony

 

i was actually getting a grinding in 3rd also and they replaced my tranny and clutch assembly. the tech said its most likely the tranny that they are gonna put in the 05's because its completely different. bigger synchros and what not. anyways i was gonna ask. how long should i "Take it easy" on it before i start getting on it? basically whats a good break end period time? its hard to drive a Z and not get on it.

 

The main reason to use the shockproof is to save the synchros. Race proven. But any high grade fluid is better than the nissan stuff.

I have vin 153 put shockproof in @ 500 miles. No troubles . . .currently at 32000 miles.

 

Hey Ricky, I swear man our Z's are long lost brothers or somthing (and I think you meant your Z was delivered in Nov. '02). I mean our VIN #'s are very very close, and I have had the same problems around the same time that you have. I have a '03 Redline VIN 4,2xx. Build date of Sept. 02. For the record I love the car and it's been a dream, little problems here and there but still loven' the Z everyday!!

We are both still workin on the paint cracking and spot problem. Which was wierd at the time when we figured out our cars were close in build dates and VIN with very similiar paint defects.

Now my tranny is going in for replacement tomorrow also. I developed my third gear grind at 14,500 miles. Now it's terrible.

My dealer is also replacing my tranny and clutch peddle assembly, and to tell you the truth I'm nervous. I love the catch point of my clutch right now. Just about half way from the floor, and I am worried about getting it replaced. I really hope it doesn't change, I don't think I would like having the new setup cathcing as high as you are saying yours does.

Anyway the point of the post is that my work is getting done tomorrow (5/10). I will keep you posted on the results so you can have a comparo since the work had been done within a week of one and other.

 

Hey Ricky, picked up my Z today and had a good chance to drive it after they did the transmission. To be more exact they did the following:

Diagnosis: worn syncro in thrid gear

Parts:
Transmission: 32010-CD008
Disc Assy-Clutch: 30100-CD019
Pedal Assy Clutch: 46503-CD010
Rod Assy Push: 306310CD000

My old clutch like Ricky's always caught right in the middle, which I too loved. The new setup doesn't feel all that far off. The new clutch does feel as though it catch's a bit higher. You know how when you push on the clutch it feel like it has two stages. First it will move about 2 inches, then it'll move the rest of the way. The catch point is about an inch or two below that in between point. As far as the grinding, the tranny feels great and and no signs of grinding...let's keep the fingers and toes crossed.

Other things replaced include window regulater and seat bottom fabric. The Z is a good as new.