I am considering buying a early Z (03-04) and I am aware of the transmission problems (gear grinds) and have noticed many that had a warranty got the tranny replaced with the 009 tranny and a new clutch. Is this the magic fix to no more tranny problems or is it just bound to happen with the new transmission too? I figure if it is the magic fix, just look for a used Z with a new transmission right?

 

Not sure what you're referring to, but for whatever it's worth I have a 2006 with 6MT tranny and have never experienced a gear grind (except for letting off the clutch to early on a shift, which is my fault). Not sure which tranny is in the 2006 though.

 

Well the CD009 is the latest trans, but even people with 06's and 07's have had trans problems. Just the luck of the draw.

 

Also depends on how the car was driven by its previous owner(s).

A good test drive will tell you a lot.

 

Hi, …I read your question and the replies.

Here is my experience (I’ve swapped transmissions in two different 2003 Z’s):

• The new transmission replacement definitely repairs the synchromesh problem (grinding) reported in the earlier version.
  
• The newer transmission version shifts more smoothly and the gate locates gears faster and better than earlier version
  
• You do not need to replace the clutch or any components of the assembly. The dealer often recommends this, but it’s not necessary unless the clutch is worn and requires replacement.

Hope this is helpful.

--Spike

 

My 009 is the fifth tranny I have had in my 2004. 2 years now and no problems.

I still think that the shifting is too notchy.....but other than that, everything is fine.

 

^^ Just curious… When you say “I still think that the shifting is too notchy…” do you mean it is difficult to get into a gear (upshifting or downshifting) smoothly and quickly?

I’m asking because I don’t experience anything I would describe as “notchy” with the new Z transmission. Of course this is an opinion and might drill-down to my experience based upon comparison to other transmissions (my bias is based in driving MT’s in Porsche and Mazda).

--Spike

 

I'm on my third tranny. And my second CD009. The first CD009 replaced under warranty (@ 32,000 miles) lasted about 3,000 miles. But it had the pilot bushing go out on it, not gear grinding. My current (3rd) tranny has had 25,000 trouble free FI miles on it.

Like others have said, if you beat the hell out of your car, no OEM tranny is gonna be the "magic fix". But yes, it seems as if they have addressed the grinding issue well with the CD009 tranny.

IMO, if the deal is good enough, i wouldn't let the tranny revision be a deal breaker. IE if you have a chance to get a super low mileage 2003 for a un-beatable price, that may not have been driven hard enough, or long enough to show any tranny issues, then get it. And if the tranny starts grinding, replace it.
More then likely though, if it's a 2003 it's gonna have enough miles on it by now that it will be obvious if it has tranny issues or not. A good sign is trying to shift quickly into 3rd or 5th gear and having it grind, and or the stick kick back in your hand.

 

I don't have significant amounts of cash to blow on new transmissions and i highly doubt that Nissan will cover anything outside of warranty even gear grinds all this sounds expensive and intrusive

 

I think you are sweating it too much from the get go. Drive the car like you stole it when you test drive. If it's an '03, and has more then 50,000 miles on the clock (which it more then likely will) either it's already been replaced, it's ok (it would have shown up by then), or it's gonna grind, at which point you say "no thanks" and move on to the next one.

It's a go, no-go situation. You'll know if it's having issues when you go to test drive.

 

Or you could purchase one of those extended warrantys on transmission and motor and drive it as hard as you can till it dies and it will be replaced with an 009 tranny. Then you won't have to worry as much. There's plenty of stories of peoples extended warranty providers getting them an 009 transmission, it might take a while but they eventually get it.

 

.
You are wise.

 

Just curious (I'm going to be in the market for a Z in a few months) how much does it usually cost in parts & labor to replace a 6MT trans. thats out of warranty? Thanks.

 

Why buy an d03 when you can buy a 2007 and you wont have the issue. And if you do, it will be under warranty!! (They can be had for under 20K easily)

 

40k on my 009 and 6th grinds everytime.

 

I dont think nissan resolved the CSC issues with those cars . I want to see how much it will cost to fix this past 60000 mi.

 

03-05n had the cd008 which was prove to problems, and mostly had 3/5 grinds. the cd009 is bulletproof and shouldnt have any problems whatsoever

on a side note sound performance is running 1248rwhp on the cd008.

 

I'm on my 3rd transmission; previous 2 trannies had 5th gear grinds. My current one is CD009. All 3 trannies, especially my current one, saw literally hundreds of passes each at the drag strip. It looks like the CD009 can take the abuse.