What are your 7AT experiences?...

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

Endgame · 01-16-2009, 04:43 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!

Just as the 7AT G37 is quicker than the MT G37, I think the 7AT Z will be quicker than the MT.

Just curious, why do you like the AT for AutoX??

01-16-2009, 05:30 AM	#1 (permalink)
Crash A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,853 Drives: 02 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 591	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

01-16-2009, 03:33 PM	#3 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 19	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 -