What are your 7AT experiences?...

Greg · 01-11-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

let's keep the thread on topic. Instead of M6 vs AT discussions, let's discuss the features of the new 7AT transmission and maybe get some actual input from 370Z 7AT members "how they like the transmission/shifting etc".

+100

Don't care about the who's who of stick shift gods...

370ZINMO · 01-10-2009, 09:58 PM

I drove both the 6MT and 7 speed auto today. I fully expected to buy this car as a stick, but after the two test drives I have decided I like the auto better. The shifts were fast using the paddle shifters, and having 7 gears is sweet. Also, for some reason the auto is a more quite car with much less road noise coming from the rear end. If I buy this car it will definitely be the auto.

Crash · 01-11-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 370ZINMO

I drove both the 6MT and 7 speed auto today. I fully expected to buy this car as a stick, but after the two test drives I have decided I like the auto better. The shifts were fast using the paddle shifters, and having 7 gears is sweet. Also, for some reason the auto is a more quite car with much less road noise coming from the rear end. If I buy this car it will definitely be the auto.

Likely the road noise is coming from a higher final gear size in the manual. Because the auto and manuals have completely different gear ratios, the final gear will usually be specific to the last gear in the transmission. That way the RPMs are nearly identical for both transmissions at cruising speeds... It's a good chance that the final gear in the AT is smaller (thus less noise) to make up for the larger last gear in the transmission, while the MT will have a smaller 6th gear which would require the diff to be larger.

3SeventyZ · 01-11-2009, 07:35 AM

I test drove both the 7AT and 6MT and came to the conclusion I will continue to buy MT cars.

Educ8r · 01-11-2009, 02:21 PM

I probably will never buy another M/T after buying the 370Z A/T.

john370z · 01-11-2009, 08:34 PM

Is there are sport setting in the AT? In the BMW, if you move the shifter to the manual gate (to the left), it ghanged the shift points and holds gears to improve performance in spirited driving. Does the Z do the same?

Crash · 01-11-2009, 09:12 PM

^^ Yes.

Lug · 01-11-2009, 11:06 PM

For me the performance gap between the two is important. In some cars, there is a tremendous performance hit. It seems like that may not be the case here due to quicker shifts and a very small weight difference (compared to AT's of the past). Another consideration is the amount of power each can handle. In the 350Z, the auto is pretty weak, requiring significant mods to be able to boost power of any significance, while the standard could handle significant power inceases as stock. I think the new AT is the same as in the FX50. If this is true, it can handle well over 390HP. This is a huge leap over the previous transmission and an important consideration when choosing between the two. I have an AT in my 350 and vowed never to get another one, but this tranny just may change my mind.

shumby · 01-11-2009, 11:57 PM

To be on topic I will compare the 5AT to the 7at in the 08 and 09 G37 respectively.

BOth the 7at and 5AT shift with the same speed and both down shifted and rev matched great. The only advantage I have found so far is the 7AT seems faster off the line. But it is just my feel I have no numbers to back this up so I could be full of it too. The DS mode is awesome when you either let the car do the shifting for you or you take control using the paddles or the stick. I personally use both during spirited driving. It just depends on what I am doing wth the wheel which one I choose to shift from. The one big advantage I see in the 7At over the 5AT is the fuel eco. You are puling far fewer revs at cruising speed in the 7AT for obvious reasons. That being said I really did not buy this car for its MPG lol.

PS just to reminde you the 5AT in the 08 G37 is not the same as the 5AT in the 350Z.

sbkim · 01-12-2009, 01:59 PM

No experience with 370 but drove the new FX50 with 7AT. It definitely shifted "fast" and crisp, and downshifts were predictable. Nonetheless, I was simply amazed by how well dual clutch tranny in Mistu Evo MR shifted. So, as expected, 7AT is great auto but no where near dual clutch in terms of shifting speed.

nonsensez9 · 01-16-2009, 01:34 AM

An interesting comment in MotorTrend from Didier Theys - a former IndyCar racer and winner at 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring - comparing the ZR-1 with other supercars: "this car would easily be 2 seconds a lap quicker if it had paddle shifters". Obviously he has a stouter transmission in mind than what the 370Z 7at has to offer. Regardless, an interesting comment from a seasoned professional racer.

Crash · 01-16-2009, 05:30 AM

If the shifts from a sequential shifting manumatic (like my word-ology there?) transmission was as fast as Ferrari's F1 transmissions, paddle shifting would be the 100% best way to go. Ferrari's transmissions shift gears in just a hair over 10ms. These, however, are not clutch-pack style autos with a manual valve body. They're basically standards with a triple-disc actuator-controlled clutch. The shifting is performed by servos and the clutch is controlled by a computer. Paddle shifting is the only human interaction. Although those transmissions are the most efficient and strongest transmissions, they're unfortunately $20,000+!

So in that aspect, I agree. However, some stuff can be done to an automatic to make it work similar to these transmissions, although shifting will NEVER be as fast as these monster racing transmissions.

Upgrading the springs, planets (and planet carrier) and upgrading the clutch packs would be a good start to strengthening your transmission. Once you've done that, you can increase the line pressure on the valve body. (This would actually be quite healthy for the transmission's clutch packs) and that would increase the speed and firmness of the shift. There are kits you can buy for around $30-40 that are basically solenoids that will increase and decrease line pressure on a switch (allowing you to go from stock shifting speed/firmness to faster/firmer shifts). Although I don't recommend doing that until you strengthen the transmission.

If you REALLY want to go crazy, you can rebuild the transmission with a bigger sun gear, more planes, and TIGHT springs. Doing so would allow you to handle LOTS more power. Although, it won't be necessary to do that until you break the 500BHP mark.

Lug · 01-16-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crash

If the shifts from a sequential shifting manumatic (like my word-ology there?) transmission was as fast as Ferrari's F1 transmissions, paddle shifting would be the 100% best way to go. Ferrari's transmissions shift gears in just a hair over 10ms. These, however, are not clutch-pack style autos with a manual valve body. They're basically standards with a triple-disc actuator-controlled clutch. The shifting is performed by servos and the clutch is controlled by a computer. Paddle shifting is the only human interaction. Although those transmissions are the most efficient and strongest transmissions, they're unfortunately $20,000+!

So in that aspect, I agree. However, some stuff can be done to an automatic to make it work similar to these transmissions, although shifting will NEVER be as fast as these monster racing transmissions.

Upgrading the springs, planets (and planet carrier) and upgrading the clutch packs would be a good start to strengthening your transmission. Once you've done that, you can increase the line pressure on the valve body. (This would actually be quite healthy for the transmission's clutch packs) and that would increase the speed and firmness of the shift. There are kits you can buy for around $30-40 that are basically solenoids that will increase and decrease line pressure on a switch (allowing you to go from stock shifting speed/firmness to faster/firmer shifts). Although I don't recommend doing that until you strengthen the transmission.

If you REALLY want to go crazy, you can rebuild the transmission with a bigger sun gear, more planes, and TIGHT springs. Doing so would allow you to handle LOTS more power. Although, it won't be necessary to do that until you break the 500BHP mark.

Yep!
The older 350Z AT would start to skip gears at about 400 to 420 RWHP while the manual was good up to almost 500. The new 7 speed is also in the FX50 that has 390hp stock so obviously it can handle much more than the 350's could.

Robert_Nash · 01-16-2009, 03:33 PM

Hello folks.

My '04 350Z Touring Coupe was a AT.

My '07 350Z Grand Touring Coupe was a MT

My '08 350Z Grand Touring Roadster was an AT.

and I just (this past Wednesday) took delivery of my '09 370Z Touring Coupe 7AT with the sport package.

I would agree with those who believe a manual transmission is a few ticks faster overall than an automatic and is probably the choice for the most performance minded.

However, I'm very pleased, so far with this 7AT and the paddle shifters...I suspect the paddle shifters will take some getting used to (I've already found out that it's easy to grab something else than that shifters if you aren't careful

) but I'm pleased with my choice.

I autocrossed my '04 and "07 and frankly, I like the AT better for autocrossing...I'm eager to see how this 7AT and the paddle shifters do on the course....I'll let everyone know!

370z · 01-16-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

Hello folks.

My '04 350Z Touring Coupe was a AT.

My '07 350Z Grand Touring Coupe was a MT

My '08 350Z Grand Touring Roadster was an AT.

and I just (this past Wednesday) took delivery of my '09 370Z Touring Coupe 7AT with the sport package.

I would agree with those who believe a manual transmission is a few ticks faster overall than an automatic and is probably the choice for the most performance minded.

However, I'm very pleased, so far with this 7AT and the paddle shifters...I suspect the paddle shifters will take some getting used to (I've already found out that it's easy to grab something else than that shifters if you aren't careful

) but I'm pleased with my choice.

I autocrossed my '04 and "07 and frankly, I like the AT better for autocrossing...I'm eager to see how this 7AT and the paddle shifters do on the course....I'll let everyone know!

Wow...you must really love the Fair Lady Z

01-11-2009, 07:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
3SeventyZ Track Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: MD/DE Posts: 626 Drives: 350Z, 370Z, SRT8 Rep Power: 476	I test drove both the 7AT and 6MT and came to the conclusion I will continue to buy MT cars. __________________ 2009 Magnetic Black 370Z Sport 6MT

01-11-2009, 02:21 PM	#5 (permalink)
Educ8r Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston Posts: 397 Drives: a car Rep Power: 17	I probably will never buy another M/T after buying the 370Z A/T. __________________ imagination + creativity = endless possibilities

01-11-2009, 09:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
Crash A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,853 Drives: 02 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 590	^^ Yes. __________________ 2002 Corvette Z06 - Totaled 2003 Corvette Z06 50th Anniversary

01-11-2009, 11:57 PM	#9 (permalink)
shumby Captin Canuck Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: with your mom Age: 45 Posts: 6,288 Drives: your sister Rep Power: 237	To be on topic I will compare the 5AT to the 7at in the 08 and 09 G37 respectively. BOth the 7at and 5AT shift with the same speed and both down shifted and rev matched great. The only advantage I have found so far is the 7AT seems faster off the line. But it is just my feel I have no numbers to back this up so I could be full of it too. The DS mode is awesome when you either let the car do the shifting for you or you take control using the paddles or the stick. I personally use both during spirited driving. It just depends on what I am doing wth the wheel which one I choose to shift from. The one big advantage I see in the 7At over the 5AT is the fuel eco. You are puling far fewer revs at cruising speed in the 7AT for obvious reasons. That being said I really did not buy this car for its MPG lol. PS just to reminde you the 5AT in the 08 G37 is not the same as the 5AT in the 350Z. __________________ Originally Posted by SAM@GTM Engine detonation is not normal and it should never never happen, and whoever told that need to do something else for living . Sam

01-16-2009, 05:30 AM	#12 (permalink)
Crash A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,853 Drives: 02 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 590	If the shifts from a sequential shifting manumatic (like my word-ology there?) transmission was as fast as Ferrari's F1 transmissions, paddle shifting would be the 100% best way to go. Ferrari's transmissions shift gears in just a hair over 10ms. These, however, are not clutch-pack style autos with a manual valve body. They're basically standards with a triple-disc actuator-controlled clutch. The shifting is performed by servos and the clutch is controlled by a computer. Paddle shifting is the only human interaction. Although those transmissions are the most efficient and strongest transmissions, they're unfortunately $20,000+! So in that aspect, I agree. However, some stuff can be done to an automatic to make it work similar to these transmissions, although shifting will NEVER be as fast as these monster racing transmissions. Upgrading the springs, planets (and planet carrier) and upgrading the clutch packs would be a good start to strengthening your transmission. Once you've done that, you can increase the line pressure on the valve body. (This would actually be quite healthy for the transmission's clutch packs) and that would increase the speed and firmness of the shift. There are kits you can buy for around $30-40 that are basically solenoids that will increase and decrease line pressure on a switch (allowing you to go from stock shifting speed/firmness to faster/firmer shifts). Although I don't recommend doing that until you strengthen the transmission. If you REALLY want to go crazy, you can rebuild the transmission with a bigger sun gear, more planes, and TIGHT springs. Doing so would allow you to handle LOTS more power. Although, it won't be necessary to do that until you break the 500BHP mark. __________________ 2002 Corvette Z06 - Totaled 2003 Corvette Z06 50th Anniversary

01-10-2009, 09:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
370ZINMO Base Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: ST. Louis, MO Posts: 41 Drives: Suzuki Boulevard C50 Rep Power: 288	I drove both the 6MT and 7 speed auto today. I fully expected to buy this car as a stick, but after the two test drives I have decided I like the auto better. The shifts were fast using the paddle shifters, and having 7 gears is sweet. Also, for some reason the auto is a more quite car with much less road noise coming from the rear end. If I buy this car it will definitely be the auto.

01-11-2009, 08:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
john370z Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: new mexico Posts: 141 Drives: 2007 335i coupe Rep Power: 284	Is there are sport setting in the AT? In the BMW, if you move the shifter to the manual gate (to the left), it ghanged the shift points and holds gears to improve performance in spirited driving. Does the Z do the same?

01-11-2009, 11:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
Lug A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,926 Drives: 2006 350Z Rep Power: 20	For me the performance gap between the two is important. In some cars, there is a tremendous performance hit. It seems like that may not be the case here due to quicker shifts and a very small weight difference (compared to AT's of the past). Another consideration is the amount of power each can handle. In the 350Z, the auto is pretty weak, requiring significant mods to be able to boost power of any significance, while the standard could handle significant power inceases as stock. I think the new AT is the same as in the FX50. If this is true, it can handle well over 390HP. This is a huge leap over the previous transmission and an important consideration when choosing between the two. I have an AT in my 350 and vowed never to get another one, but this tranny just may change my mind.

01-12-2009, 01:59 PM	#10 (permalink)
sbkim Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: nj Posts: 177 Drives: RRSC Rep Power: 17	No experience with 370 but drove the new FX50 with 7AT. It definitely shifted "fast" and crisp, and downshifts were predictable. Nonetheless, I was simply amazed by how well dual clutch tranny in Mistu Evo MR shifted. So, as expected, 7AT is great auto but no where near dual clutch in terms of shifting speed.

01-16-2009, 01:34 AM	#11 (permalink)
nonsensez9 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BC Posts: 8 Drives: junker Rep Power: 17	An interesting comment in MotorTrend from Didier Theys - a former IndyCar racer and winner at 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring - comparing the ZR-1 with other supercars: "this car would easily be 2 seconds a lap quicker if it had paddle shifters". Obviously he has a stouter transmission in mind than what the 370Z 7at has to offer. Regardless, an interesting comment from a seasoned professional racer.

01-16-2009, 03:33 PM	#14 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 18	Hello folks. My '04 350Z Touring Coupe was a AT. My '07 350Z Grand Touring Coupe was a MT My '08 350Z Grand Touring Roadster was an AT. and I just (this past Wednesday) took delivery of my '09 370Z Touring Coupe 7AT with the sport package. I would agree with those who believe a manual transmission is a few ticks faster overall than an automatic and is probably the choice for the most performance minded. However, I'm very pleased, so far with this 7AT and the paddle shifters...I suspect the paddle shifters will take some getting used to (I've already found out that it's easy to grab something else than that shifters if you aren't careful ) but I'm pleased with my choice. I autocrossed my '04 and "07 and frankly, I like the AT better for autocrossing...I'm eager to see how this 7AT and the paddle shifters do on the course....I'll let everyone know! __________________ Robert -My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama -