Hello everyone,

I recently bought a 2004 350z in good condition. However, I've noticed when shifting (Not Every time) but especially going from 1st to 2nd gear I get a notchy feeling. No grinding sounds but just doesn't feel smooth at all like grind but no noisy sounds. Sometimes I get such a smooth shift into 2nd so I'm just not sure if there's something wrong or if it's the way I'm shifting with this car. FYI I'm use to Honda transmissions. I'm trying not to power shift but still get it in second. I've read that there are issues with this transmission especially with 2003, but mine is a 2004 with (70,000 miles) so I thought this issue was addressed. I recently changed the transmission fluid 4 quarts of (Redline 75W-85 oil) it was one previous owner (older gentlemen) not sure when he last changed it.

Now I read somewhere: Many owners suggest using Redline fluid, but the do not offer the exact oil weight so this requires a mix if using Redline fluid (2 quarts each): Redline MTL: 70W-80 & Redline MT-90: 75W-90
Now I followed the Nissan manual and didn't mix but I read some people say when they mixed the nothy feeling went away or was far less obvious. I'm just wondering because I didn't use Nissan's OEM fluid and put 4 quarts of Redline 75W-85 oil without mixing matters?

Would this be the reason or is it more of a serious issue with my synchromesh? I notice it with 3rd gear as well but not as much and less in 4th and 5th and once in a blue moon a little tricky to get it into 6th but usually not an issues.

I've read that most people say if you have to change your synchro you might as well just replace your tranny with a New OEM CD009 6M Transmission because the issue may just come back. However I'm in Canada and the cost once you factor in the exchange rate, shipping and installation is probable somewhere around 4-5k. Please help I just want to know what I'm dealing with!

Best,
Peter.

 

Last I checked....Z1 sells a new 009 trans for $1700.

doubt that helps considering shipping and exchange rate just making sure you know to try them.

gl

 

Welcome- you might want to check on whatever product you used to change your tranny fluid with. Redline does not make a 75W-85 tranny oil. It does make a product called MT85 which is the correct viscosity for our trannys. No mixing of MTL and MT90 is required any longer.

Our six-speed trannys do not take four quarts of oil for a change. Maybe 2 1/2 before it starts to overflow. Did you do this change yourself?

 

dkmura Nissan did the change and I brought them the Oil. They didn't use all 4 quarts maybe 3.5 or something. This is what I bought on Amazon:





Red Line (50504) MT-85 75W-85 GL-4 Manual Transmission and Transaxle Lubricant - 1 Quart

Less slippery low sulfur formula compatible with brass synchronizers
Stable at high temperatures in performance applications
Also available as lighter viscosity MTL and heavier MT-90
Satisfies gear oil viscosity requirements of 75W; 80W; 85W; SAE 30 5W30 motor oil
Popular in Nissan; Mitsubishi; Hyundai and Kia

 

I was driving around today. It's really mainly 2nd gear that does this consistently. Not every time but every other shift. Also I noticed I can hear a low humming sound when my car is sitting in neutral, but then when I engage my clutch it stops. Is this normal? just trying to see if one thing has to do with the other. To notice this windows have to be down and surrounding quiet.

 

OK- you're using the right stuff, you just didn't label it correctly in your opening post. As for the first to second shift, you are probably rushing it a bit and not being accurate in your shifts. Give it some time before you start planning on changing the tranny. It's not a Honda transaxle, but learning how to drive a true RWD car is worth the effort. Learn a bit more about heel/toe shifting and how to rev match properly. Your tranny will thank you...

 

Thanks dkmura. I've tried to take it slow and not rush my shift. I've tried both. In your opinion based on what I said I'm guessing you don't think there is a problem with my Synchromesh? I mean if I can get half the shifts into second smoothly, then why couldn't every shift be like that right? That's why I was thinking it could be me and the transmission is just not as forgiving as a honda civic and maybe if I take your advise I can get every shift perfect.

 

I don't plan to change my transmission just yet but I would like to hear some opinions from others in this group.