Hi all, I've done a good amount of reading here and a lot of searching. the first track day / faq thread was a great place for info on what to expect/how to be prepared. I am pretty eager to learn more about driving it and getting into some auto cross events in the future. Didn't see a lot of info for new AT drivers though, and couldn't find what I was looking for.

My question is in regards to the AT and heat. I have gone on some spirited twisty runs around my area (back roads, mountain roads), pushing my car fairly hard. I notice after about 5 minutes, the trans case is very warm. after ten minutes of driving / staying in the powerband, I took a break and let it cool down, it smelled pretty ripe from the outside. The smell could have very well came from my new exhaust, I only had about 75 miles on it when I last did some spirited longer duration driving, but it smelled like something else to me and has me concerned.

Should I invest in a transmission cooler prior to attending a driving school? from what I've read here you don't *need* to add anything aftermarket to have a successful track / school day, but the heat and the smell have me worried about transmission health, I sure would be pushing the car a lot longer then 10 minutes. being my DD, I want to keep the trans in good working order. I recently changed out the transmission fluid to be safe, at 48k miles.

your thoughts/opinions are appreciated. thanks in advance.

 

I don't have an AT, but I'd suggest you look into a tranny cooler. You don't want your track day interrupted with heat buildup that will lock your Z in one gear. Don't worry- it's a failsafe procedure that will get you off the track until it cools down.

 

Speaking as someone that does track a 5AT (04.5 just like yours)....here's what I would recommend. Go over to Nissan and pick up enough of the Matic S AT fluid to do a flush and then take the car over to a trusted mechanic. Have them flush the fluid....but have a look at it as it drains. I don't have a transmission cooler on my car and when I flushed my AT fluid (it was most likely the original stuff from the factory), it didn't really look like it needed to be replaced.

Yes, you're going to generate a bit more heat out on track in the transmission. However, I don't think you need to have the cooler. I would do a fluid flush though.

That said....I did 5 events this year (including one at CMP in the middle of summer, we probably saw 120+ track temps) and never had any overheating issues with the transmission.

Down the road as you get more into it and get faster, it might be a wise investment though.

 

Autocross or the track?

For autocross you might run 4 back-to-back heats. Each last about 60 seconds. Generally the motor and transmission are cool. You may notice some brake deterioration in heats #3 and #4.

Track. Most of the time track means HPDE. Usually 4 sessions – 20 minutes each. 2 morning – 2 afternoon. The Z handles the track well. Again brake deterioration may be noticeable in sessions #2 and #4.

I recommend HPDE and autocross with the Z as is. Then see what you may need.

 

Perhaps I should have added to my original reply. Having taught in several track days here in Colorado, I've seen ZR drivers have to sit out a session or two because of tranny overheating issues. I think the OP is intending to run a driver's school and is looking for advice. DS at a road racing track can be pretty intense, for both car and driver. That's why I think he'd be wise now to look at how to install a tranny cooler.

I'd also agree that a brake upgrade is an excellent idea, but that's another topic...