I just upgraded from an integra GSR to my Z.

Shifting is much more difficult, and for the most part slower in my Z than it was in my GSR, even after 3000 miles on my new 350Z.

I have now trained myself to more closely rev-match on up-shifts as well as down-shifts, and it makes shifting somewhat easier.

I'll call the Nissan1 line on this tomorrow. I am glad to hear I'm not the only one. I remember one video back early this year where the designer of the Z said something about it having the absolute "best" shifter out there, better than porsche, everyone. (or something like that).

The notchiness is kinda cool, but that novelty has worn off. Now that I am used to the car, I want shifts to be precise AND swift, the clunk-clunk of this tranny prevents quick shifts unless I have perfect rev matching and apply a large amount of pressure to the shifter.

 

My sense is that the tightness I feel when shifting is from engaging the syncronizers in the trans. Have driven some 911 that had some of the same feel. It doesn't bother me, and also think it may equate to longer lived synchros which is good. Generally the synchro feel for track versus street feel may be a little different. You can also see this in clutch feel. Have driven some cars where need excessive strength to push clutch pedal, again, more for track.

There is some mild tightnesss to my trans, but associate this with new, and this feels like it is appropriate. Based on comments will track and let know if appears problem.

Above complaints sound different than mine. Am interseted in fix/resolution.

 

I love the shifter in the Z! I have 1500 miles on the car, and it is very smooth and has quick engagement. At first, it was pretty tight, but it has loosened up considerably. I think some people who are complaining have actual problems with their transmissions, but I think others just aren't used to this type of transmission. The Z has a very stout transmission to deal with the torque of the Z, and this is the biggest factor the guys coming from an Integra or some other FWD car. If you drive pretty much any powerful rear wheel drive car such as a Corvette, Camaro, or Porsche, they will all feel similar.

 

That's too bad, Josh. It sounds like you do really have problems. Just stay on your dealer and if they don't get anything done for you in a reasonable amount of time, you've got to start throwing big words around, like Lawyer and Better Business Bureau(sp?). But, my offer still stands! Good luck, btw!

 

Oh, and your idea of not driving the car around is a good one. Even though they might give you a completely new transmission, they could also just replace the syncros, or find that the transmission/clutch/flywheel or something is just out of alignment. If any is the case, you wouldn't want to damage other parts, otherwise that will guarantee a trip to the dealer down the road, and if it's out of warantee by then, that$ big $$$$.