I'm a new owner of an '03 Z, and falling more for it everyday. I've only added a K&N element, and a spacer. Noticed a difference right away with the spacer, but noticed after much driving, that the car begins to grind in 1st and second gear around 1500 - 4000rpms. However, if I only make 1 errand, it is completley fine. Anybody ever notice this? Any imput would be great.

 

scratching my head?

 

Yeah me too. It feels like a grinding or something going on, but there is no engine light coming on. It can't be good though. I've head two suggestions so far as to what it might be. 1 that when I start the vehicle, the air is colder and therefore the engine is responding better. 2 the ECU needs time to adjust to more air flow. I've had the spacer for about three weeks and no change. Not sure what to do...

 

i had the exact same problem, took it to nissan, the syncros are shot. getting a new transmisson under warranty this week

 

Welcome and CongratZ Cali. Relevant details might be how many miles it's done.

 

I appreciate the advice. The car has a little over 70k miles.
So, when the car heats up from more repeated driving during the day is when there is a lot more friction on the syncros, causing it to grind and whir (for lack of a better word/sound) in 1rst and 2nd gear? How much did it cost you to get it fixed?

 

still dont understand how a plenum or spacer has anything to do w/ tranny grind?????????????????????????????

 

it doesnt, but i had the same exact problems he is describing and that is what my problem was. its just a coincidence that it that it is happening after a plenum install.

i just got my car back today. it was replaced under warranty for FREE but the paperwork for the dealer showed about 2300 bucks.

 

Just curious, did you ever get a check engine light on?

 

Also, were they specific on what exactly had to be fixed/replaced besides the syncros?

 

no check engine light, all they said was "syncros are shot"

 

i install my new spoiler today and all the sudden my airbag light started blinking. can anyone help me out?

 

If you only have 1 errand, maybe you drive slower than if you have a whole bunch to do.

Welcome and good luck. Factory warranty is probably over so I hope it isn't too big a deal.