I just got a 2004 Performance 350Z (60k miles) and I noticed some differences with a friend's 2005 Performance 350Z (50k miles)...

Do these 2 years have the same transmission and gearing? He states he does not have an Anniversary edition and that his car is stock. The only modification the 2005 has is a Fujita intake, and my 2004 only has a Nismo exhaust. How do you verify a car is the Anniversary edition? His car appears much stronger, and I figured it might be a gearing difference.

Also, he has to press down, to go into reverse ...when I never have to do that. Another thing that is very apparent, is that my my 4 to 5 shift can get lost in the notch, which is the far right neutral path that leads to the reverse shift. His 2005 has that notch blocked off, unless you press down on the shifter. Is there something wrong with my 2004, and does this indicate other things that may be wrong?

The overall shifting feels much easier for his 2005 car. I'm used to shorter clutch pedal travel and my Z appears to grab high (compared to my other cars). I'll play with the suggested clutch adjustment to see if that helps. Does anyone have a good way of determining clutch life?

 

There is no gearing difference in the anniversary and yours. If you dont have to press down to go to reverse, I think you have problem.

 

Welcome to the forum. You'll get answers more quickly to tech questions if you post in the applicable subforum, ie Drivetrain.

 

Same transmission.
Same final gear.

 

+1