7A Transmission...dare I commit heresy?

b1adesofcha0s · 12-07-2011, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delusional

really? mines done that quite a few times. I was riding in my friend's 2010 and his auto tranny seems flawless. might be my car

Yeah, never happened once in the 20k miles I've driven it. Maybe you should take it to the dealer and get it checked out?

wstar · 12-08-2011, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by delusional

that is pretty much the only reason why i don't like the 7AT. its VERY indecisive. and sometimes you downshift it and it wont actually downshift for another full 5 seconds!

then it starts jerking alot

Never seen this personally. The only time mine fails to downshift on command is when I click the button too early in a braking zone (RPMs aren't yet low enough to allow a downshift within the rev limit). At which point I try again a split second later and it goes.

Jordo! · 12-07-2011, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Yes, I did not like the lag between input and shift with the paddles at partial throttle. It just didn't do it for me like the manual z's I have driven.

You can tune it to shift even faster and firmer than Nissan did (i.e., no need for an altered valve body). Also has the rev match, which is bad ***.

Before you make a decision you should see if you can find someone with a tuned 7AT.

I only have two slight complaints:

1. the 7AT will automatically downshift if you are in the wrong gear as you drop revs -- thus you an never really be in the wrong gear.

You can certain manually downshift faster than the ECU will if you are entering a corner and will need to slow down, but I'd like to have the option to be in the wrong gear if I'm not paying attention

Really, it's a minor complaint. From the standpoint of being immersed in driving/racing, it's pretty handy to never be in the wrong gear if you slow down.

Of course, it won't upshift unless you command it.

2. If you want to down shift more than 1 gear it will occasionally hang just a bit, but I think that's more a matter of the VVEL logic playing catch up than the trans slowing down, tho, so it's possible that the MT does a little bogging too at times.

Otherwise, it's brilliant!

Jeffblue · 12-07-2011, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

You can tune it to shift even faster and firmer than Nissan did (i.e., no need for an altered valve body). Also has the rev match, which is bad ***.

Before you make a decision you should see if you can find someone with a tuned 7AT.

I only have two slight complaints:

1. the 7AT will automatically downshift if you are in the wrong gear as you drop revs -- thus you an never really be in the wrong gear.

You can certain manually downshift faster than the ECU will if you are entering a corner and will need to slow down, but I'd like to have the option to be in the wrong gear if I'm not paying attention

Really, it's a minor complaint. From the standpoint of being immersed in driving/racing, it's pretty handy to never be in the wrong gear if you slow down.

Of course, it won't upshift unless you command it.

2. If you want to down shift more than 1 gear it will occasionally hang just a bit, but I think that's more a matter of the VVEL logic playing catch up than the trans slowing down, tho, so it's possible that the MT does a little bogging too at times.

Otherwise, it's brilliant!

or just get a manual and call it a day since its obvious that's what you want (@importconvert) you seem like the kind of guy that would really only get an automatic if it was a built automatic for a drag car or in a DD to put around town.

Jordo! · 12-07-2011, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffblue

or just get a manual and call it a day since its obvious that's what you want (@importconvert) you seem like the kind of guy that would really only get an automatic if it was a built automatic for a drag car or in a DD to put around town.

I'm very happy with my 7AT. It's not as if the MT on this car is especially brilliant... I can always find something to nitpick about

Also, my auto is now tuned to shift even faster and firmer, so it's fantastic.

ImportConvert · 12-07-2011, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffblue

or just get a manual and call it a day since its obvious that's what you want (@importconvert) you seem like the kind of guy that would really only get an automatic if it was a built automatic for a drag car or in a DD to put around town.

I have never liked any automatic I have owned (probably my G20 has my least favorite automatic. It died once already, lol).

I figured I would give the 370Z a fair shake so I went and test drove it.

I didn't like it. Not that it was bad, I just did not like it at all. I will get the 6-speed. I was hoping I would like the 7A because it would be easier to get a loaded out 370Z in 7A because thats how most of the loaded cars are ordered in the US.

My main complaint was the lag-time between hitting the paddle and the transmission reacting when in manual mode when not going WOT. Is the delay a big deal? Probably not. It just irked me. I fully admit it is probably a personal bias against it.

wstar · 12-07-2011, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

My main complaint was the lag-time between hitting the paddle and the transmission reacting when in manual mode when not going WOT. Is the delay a big deal? Probably not. It just irked me. I fully admit it is probably a personal bias against it.

The lag reduces (a) as the AT warms up, and (b) as you use more RPMs and pedal input. If you're driving at 2-3K RPM going to the grocery store there's a lot more "lag" perception than when you're pushing the car all out.

ImportConvert · 12-07-2011, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

The lag reduces (a) as the AT warms up, and (b) as you use more RPMs and pedal input. If you're driving at 2-3K RPM going to the grocery store there's a lot more "lag" perception than when you're pushing the car all out.

Does the transmission have a temp gauge?

Without an additional oil-cooler for the engine, will the trans, or engine-oil overheat first? (Trying to gauge just how much a cooler for the AT is needed)

Jordo! · 12-07-2011, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

IMy main complaint was the lag-time between hitting the paddle and the transmission reacting when in manual mode when not going WOT. Is the delay a big deal? Probably not. It just irked me. I fully admit it is probably a personal bias against it.

Uh... it really does shift as fast or faster than 95% of people can possibly clutch in clutch out... recorded with Osiris software. Also faster in average 1/4 mile and 0-60 times, which corroborate with that. Maybe you test drove one that isn't in good repair?

It's also influenced by trans fluid temp and throttle position, so if the fluid was cold and you didn't give it much pedal, it might feel a bit more granny shift-ish.

Also best to have VDC off.

And throttle response on both AT and MT needs to be tweaked.

Anyway, like I said, you can turn the shift speed and firmness waaaay up with Osiris.

I'd try a different one or see if someone around you has a tuned one to play with before you decide... That said, if you prefer a MT, go for it!

b1adesofcha0s · 12-07-2011, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

Uh... it really does shift as fast or faster than 95% of people can possibly clutch in clutch out... recorded with Osiris software. Also faster in average 1/4 mile and 0-60 times, which corroborate with that. Maybe you test drove one that isn't in good repair?

It's also influenced by trans fluid temp and throttle position, so if the fluid was cold and you didn't give it much pedal, it might feel a bit more granny shift-ish.

Also best to have VDC off.

And throttle response on both AT and MT needs to be tweaked.

Anyway, like I said, you can turn the shift speed and firmness waaaay up with Osiris.

I'd try a different one or see if someone around you has a tuned one to play with before you decide... That said, if you prefer a MT, go for it!

Any downsides/risks involved in making the shift speed quicker with Osiris?

ImportConvert · 12-08-2011, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

Uh... it really does shift as fast or faster than 95% of people can possibly clutch in clutch out... recorded with Osiris software. Also faster in average 1/4 mile and 0-60 times, which corroborate with that. Maybe you test drove one that isn't in good repair?

It's also influenced by trans fluid temp and throttle position, so if the fluid was cold and you didn't give it much pedal, it might feel a bit more granny shift-ish.

Also best to have VDC off.

And throttle response on both AT and MT needs to be tweaked.

Anyway, like I said, you can turn the shift speed and firmness waaaay up with Osiris.

I'd try a different one or see if someone around you has a tuned one to play with before you decide... That said, if you prefer a MT, go for it!

I drove a new 2012. It was cold out, but I could tell that wasn't the issue. At part throttle, it just takes time even in manual. I felt very disconnected. I'm going from a high ten/low eleven second car to this, so a tenth or two in the 1/4 is the least of my worries. I just want the most fun, and after driving the a7, I personally, for me, feel that m6 is the way to go for me. I'm not taking a swipe at the a7 other than to say yes it was a tad indecisive, its just not my thing, but I wanted to give it a go rather than regret it later.

Mecinoid · 12-16-2011, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordo!

Uh... it really does shift as fast or faster than 95% of people can possibly clutch in clutch out... recorded with Osiris software. Also faster in average 1/4 mile and 0-60 times, which corroborate with that. Maybe you test drove one that isn't in good repair?

It's also influenced by trans fluid temp and throttle position, so if the fluid was cold and you didn't give it much pedal, it might feel a bit more granny shift-ish.

Also best to have VDC off.

And throttle response on both AT and MT needs to be tweaked.

Anyway, like I said, you can turn the shift speed and firmness waaaay up with Osiris.

I'd try a different one or see if someone around you has a tuned one to play with before you decide... That said, if you prefer a MT, go for it!

Oh yeah, I had VDC off day before yesterdayand tried this: Shifted to manual mode @ 50 Car went into 5th. Double pulled the -shift paddle punched the gas. Lit up the tires for about 10ft in 3rd while thrusting the car forward with great attority. I didn't expect that. I was truly impressed. It's all about learning what and how to accomplish what you want out of the S7.

b1adesofcha0s · 12-07-2011, 01:20 PM

Is the shift tuning you're talking about done with UpRev?

b1adesofcha0s · 12-07-2011, 01:24 PM

Having just learned how to drive manual recently, I sometimes wish my Z was a 6MT. Then I sit in traffic for like 90 mins and am glad I got the 7AT.

wstar · 12-07-2011, 01:36 PM

In particular, aside from (beginner-mode, imho) tracking my 7AT, I also come from a background of driving a stick (6-speed LS1, in a '99 Trans Am actually) for about a decade before I switched to the 7AT. My shifting necessity/habits haven't changed at all: I drive my 7AT in M-mode always, so I'm always picking my gear like I was used to doing driving manual.

To me, the main downside of crappy/traditional autos is just not being able to tell the car what gear you want to be in. The car *cannot know* what the appropriate gear is. A traditional auto only really has 3 inputs to its gear selection algorithm: RPM, Accel Pedal Position, and Current Speed. None of those account for all of the other factors that go into a manual gearing decision, most of which have to do with seeing/knowing what's on the road in front of you and knowing what you plan to do about it.

With an AT like our 7AT though, that factor's gone. You get to control the gearing all the time. And in that rare sacrilegious moment when you decide you just have to eat a burger in the car while driving somewhere, or let some chick drive your drunk *** home, you can flip it to D and act like a grandma.

All in all, I love the 7AT. As jnaut said: get a cooler on it before doing anything serious. Also, ignore the fact that the Service Manual says the fluid doesn't need to be replaced for life. I'd replace it every 20K miles or so on the street, or more often tracking.

It's not perfect, it's not a DSG/PDK -type thing, but for the price range it's a damn fine compromise and performs well IMHO.

12-07-2011, 01:20 PM	#13 (permalink)
b1adesofcha0s A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: MD Posts: 40,963 Drives: HypeTrain Choo Choo! Rep Power: 142	Is the shift tuning you're talking about done with UpRev? __________________ Project: b1adeZmobile (2009 370Z) \| Uprev Tune by AAM Competition \| Berk Exhaust Project: b1adeZmobile 2.0 (2014 C7 Z51) \| Corsa Xtreme Exhaust

12-07-2011, 01:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
b1adesofcha0s A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: MD Posts: 40,963 Drives: HypeTrain Choo Choo! Rep Power: 142	Having just learned how to drive manual recently, I sometimes wish my Z was a 6MT. Then I sit in traffic for like 90 mins and am glad I got the 7AT. __________________ Project: b1adeZmobile (2009 370Z) \| Uprev Tune by AAM Competition \| Berk Exhaust Project: b1adeZmobile 2.0 (2014 C7 Z51) \| Corsa Xtreme Exhaust

12-07-2011, 01:36 PM	#15 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3595	In particular, aside from (beginner-mode, imho) tracking my 7AT, I also come from a background of driving a stick (6-speed LS1, in a '99 Trans Am actually) for about a decade before I switched to the 7AT. My shifting necessity/habits haven't changed at all: I drive my 7AT in M-mode always, so I'm always picking my gear like I was used to doing driving manual. To me, the main downside of crappy/traditional autos is just not being able to tell the car what gear you want to be in. The car cannot know what the appropriate gear is. A traditional auto only really has 3 inputs to its gear selection algorithm: RPM, Accel Pedal Position, and Current Speed. None of those account for all of the other factors that go into a manual gearing decision, most of which have to do with seeing/knowing what's on the road in front of you and knowing what you plan to do about it. With an AT like our 7AT though, that factor's gone. You get to control the gearing all the time. And in that rare sacrilegious moment when you decide you just have to eat a burger in the car while driving somewhere, or let some chick drive your drunk *** home, you can flip it to D and act like a grandma. All in all, I love the 7AT. As jnaut said: get a cooler on it before doing anything serious. Also, ignore the fact that the Service Manual says the fluid doesn't need to be replaced for life. I'd replace it every 20K miles or so on the street, or more often tracking. It's not perfect, it's not a DSG/PDK -type thing, but for the price range it's a damn fine compromise and performs well IMHO. __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Transmission problem (?) after a transmission fluid change	EWarren	Engine & Drivetrain	7	07-28-2014 11:44 AM
Commit, Dammit!	LunaZ	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	10	03-06-2011 09:06 PM
Rip off Artist - how to commit internet suicide 101	370zdub	The Lounge (Off Topic)	6	02-03-2011 03:43 PM
I seriously dare you to find someone better	blue660r01	Sports	9	07-29-2010 11:52 PM
Another transmission.	Solus	Engine & Drivetrain	28	10-27-2009 05:14 PM