General questions about Z33 transmission.

[simmode1]

Hey guys. Jim Wolf Technology will soon be releasing a kit making the Z33 trans adaptable to KA24, SR20, VH45 & VG30 motors.
http://www.jimwolftechnology.com/news.asp

So in 240 Gen we're discussing the merit of this. A concern has popped up about the 'bad synchro' problem from the Pre-HR 350Z's. I searched the topic on Google, but I just wanted to hear from you guys and find out exactly how bad or widespread the issue really is...

How many of you guys with early Z33's have had a bad trans and whats the solution?

[BusyBadger]

A lot of the gear grinds depends on the driver and the conditions and not the transmission itself. But there is also a difference in the transmissions from various model years. I've run up 100K on mine and I've got no grinding. My miles are 95% highway/interstate though so the lower gears don't see much use.

2003 6MT
Double cone synchronizers in 1st and 2nd
No triple cone synchronizers

2004 6MT
Double cone synchronizers in 1st, 3rd, 4th
Triple cone synchronizer in 2nd

2005 CD008
Double cone synchronizers in 1st, 3rd, 4th
Triple cone synchronizer in 2nd

2005 CD009
Double cone synchronizer in 4th
Triple cone synchronizer in 1st, 2nd, 3rd

I took these figures from the FSM's from the "Service Data & Specs" section of the MT chapter. The transmission of choice for Z drivers replacing their transmission is the CD009 and if you do a little internet shopping you can find them at most shops. Besides having more synchros for the more commonly used gears the CD009 has synchros that aren't as soft as those in other transmissions.

Might as well slip a VQ under the hood while you're putting in that transmission.

[simmode1]

So... what exactly is happening when ppl are saying their synchros are bad? Are they just bad drivers grinding gears? Did the synchronizers break and whats the repair process?

[BusyBadger]

My understanding (since I've not experienced it myself) is that the grind typically happens on the 2nd to 3rd shift in the '03 (and some '04 models). I've not heard any complaints about grinds from any models from 2005 and later.

I can't tell you "exactly what is happening", but I'll give you some educated guesses, First, is that there are buyers that got their Z and are driving it primarily in city traffic, constantly rowing through the lower gears and causing a lot of wear on those synchros on the lower end. Second, you get people buying the Z's that haven't driven an MT much, if at all, and they have bad footwork. They're not keeping the clutch all the way down when they shift or they're shifting before they've got it all the way down and are causing premature wear on the synchros. Last, there's the people that bought the car with no intention of driving it easy and are just ragging it out through launching and power shifting. My money is on the first and last being the most common causes of bad synchros.

If it's out warranty it would be the owners option as to replace the transmission or just to rebuild it. If the warranty it seems like Nissan has just replaced the faulty transmission with a CD009 model. I'm unaware of what Nissan did with faulty transmissions prior to the release of the CD009. This late in the game if you're looking at a transmission I can't imagine not just picking up a new CD009 from a shop, it's a far better option than taking a chance on a transmission that you know nothing about.

[simmode1]

I drive 240's. What the hell is a warranty? j/k

So, it seems like the issue ended when Revups hit the market instead of the HR's?

Cheapest price I could find for a CD009 was $900 used. That sound about right?

[BusyBadger]

No idea what a used one would/should sell for, but...

Normally I'd be all about getting a brand new unit, but seeing as how the prices I've seen for CD009s are twice what you are getting the used one for I'd be open to buying a used one...depending on condition, the story I got from the seller and whether I felt I could trust him or not. But then, I'm pretty skeptical about used parts.