I just bought a '03 350Z Touring edition. I love it!!! Is it normal for this cars to have a grinding noise when the clutch is not engaged? It becomes louder when you turn off the car. My Z has 21000 miles. Do I need a new transmission? What do I need to look out for since this is the first year 350Zs came out?

350Z 6-Speed Trannys come in 2 types for some reason:

Lemons that wear out right away and get replaced under warranty and as long as you dont get a lemon they are super stout ( and support 400+hp).

Since your car is older you dont have a lemon tranny as by now any problems would ahve come up.

There have been somecompliants about noisiness of our manuals trannies and for the most part these describe normal noises.

The350Z has less noise insulation than for example the g35 Coupe in order to save weight as a purer sports car.

You do not need a new transmission, unless you have addtional symptoms.

Fred..

PS: As for looking out for 03's, main issue is so called tire feathering much discussed in earlier threads here:Please read this thread in its entirety not just the first link a pretty complete discussion of tire feathering as experinced by <some> 03's.zerothread?id=116328

I just did a drain + fill with some redline synthetic and I am noticing a big difference in smoothness.

I have also noticed an improvement in shift quality with a drain and refill, even when mine only had 11k miles on it.

Fred..

PS: GL-4 specs fluids for manual tranny <only>

Thank you. I"ll try to do a Drain n Refill first. If it does not improve. I'll bring it in. What kind of fluid is it again? Who did it for you guys?

So far, I'm enjoying this car. This is my 3rd Z! I LOVE THESE CARS!!!

One more question. If I install a Short shifter, will it void any warranty?

Previous cars:90 300ZX 2 Seater93 300ZX Convertible97 Infiniti J30

Short shifter will not void warranty to car.

Keep in mind if you have tons of aftermarket ever and something happens that they technically should cover it, may give them a figleaf, to use it against warranty, but usually only if its tons or mods and especially if you made them cover major items before.

Short shifter :Shop around carefully for the right brand the nismoshort shifter is said to be a good unit.I went with B&M: zerothread?id=118815

As for tranny drain at dealer you can be sure they use the right spec.many fluids in auto parts stores are the wrong spec.If you want to DIY look for GL4 spec ( hard to find am personally a bit leery of those bottels that say GL5 and GL4 compatible) look for one thats only GL4 is my recommendation.

Fred..

I am starting to have some trouble with my 1st to 2nd gear shifts. When shifting at redline or close to it into 2nd it grinds or won't go in. Under normal driving there is no probles at all. I am planning a visit to the dealership soon to have them check it out and will keep everyone posted on the outcome.

Yea I seem to be having that issue as well. At first I chalked it up to learning the car, but I swear I'm not doing anything wrong.