so im doing a check up after an oil change and i notice this metal block attached on the side of the transmission. anybody know what it is? its next the the where the shift linkage go into the transmission.

(search brought up nothing.)

 

i think its some kind of a dampener to reduce vibration

 

I'd bet vibration reduction for sure

 

^it is. just pop it off if your badass enough. theres also one on your trunk hatch underneath the plastics

 

Mass damper...

 

looks to me like a heat sink for trans. oil...

 

Yup, one of two for the trans. The other is on the crossmember .

 

Its a small mass damper to aid in absorbing certain harmonics in the drive train. Nissan have been known to attached those in various parts of the car to quell unpleasant vibes. I recall also seeing a huge 20lb mass damper on the corner of my roadster hidden behind the front bumper.