More thoughts on the 7AT from a future buyer...

UNKNOWN_370 · 12-22-2011, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jetguy

anyone know the shift times for our 7at? is it different in "D" than "M" ? any difference using the paddles or the stick as far as shift times go? what about up-shift times vs downshift times? just wondering how our 7at compares to a DSG

Not sure in exactly incremental seconds but the paddles. In Manual mode are definately the fastest and smoothest manual shifter between floor shifting and paddling DS mode (which is paddle-shifting in drive) floor shifter is a little slower to shift, (but still shifts quickly) and it jerks the car more in gears 2-3-4.
Regular D (drive) shift-timing,feel similar to shifting from the floor, just not as jerky. I have heard the Z auto has been clocked to shift anywhere from .03 to .07 seconds. I have heard the 500 millisecond numbers thrown around as well.
I guess it depends on mode and how the ECU is handling your driver input that day. I personally am consistantly/fairly aggressive so in my car the shifts are fast and fairly precise from paddle and floor shift. DS doesn't do anything for me as far as fun factor. But it comes in handy when you need to reactively downshift or engine brake while in D mode. So even though its the least entertaining as far as shift feel. Its an awesome overall feature.

Nismo89 · 12-22-2011, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Not sure in exactly incremental seconds but the paddles. In Manual mode are definately the fastest and smoothest manual shifter between floor shifting and paddling DS mode (which is paddle-shifting in drive) floor shifter is a little slower to shift, (but still shifts quickly) and it jerks the car more in gears 2-3-4.
Regular D (drive) shift-timing,feel similar to shifting from the floor, just not as jerky. I have heard the Z auto has been clocked to shift anywhere from .03 to .07 seconds. I have heard the 500 millisecond numbers thrown around as well.
I guess it depends on mode and how the ECU is handling your driver input that day. I personally am consistantly/fairly aggressive so in my car the shifts are fast and fairly precise from paddle and floor shift. DS doesn't do anything for me as far as fun factor. But it comes in handy when you need to reactively downshift or engine brake while in D mode. So even though its the least entertaining as far as shift feel. Its an awesome overall feature.

i agree ive heard the .03-.07 figures as well.

azn370z · 12-22-2011, 05:41 PM

Nissan claims .5 seconds for shifts. It's a pdf on nissannews website.

AlphaSnacks · 12-22-2011, 06:25 PM

Nissan will state that conservatively so as to not cut into sales of the 6MT. But the reality is that half-a-second is fairly slow and unresponsive, but to the common and uninformed person it may seem very quick. I've actually used various accelerometer tests (iPhone 3GS apps) on my old 350Z, which was a 5AT (they're virtually identical in design to the 7AT, aside from gearing) and you can see how acceleration hardly fell off with every shift throughout the entire graph.

I then compared it to a VW GTI (DCT) which showed virtually no drops in forward momentum, and then to a 2007 Lexus GS300, which showed noticeable spikes with every gear shift. Nissan really designed a superb and super fast automatic and they improved it tremendously with the 7AT, because the shift logic is actually even better and quicker.

If you watch this video towards the end you can hear the gear changes are much quicker than half-a-second.

370Z with automatic transmission Rev match explained - YouTube

azn370z · 12-23-2011, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnold K.

my old 350Z, which was a 5AT (they're virtually identiclal in design to the 7AT, aside from gearing)

Yes I've driven both transmissions for more than a few days. If you look at the picture you can clearly see the case and the mechanical parts in the inside are different.

Just because it uses the same oil pan doesn't mean the transmission are the same or very similar. The oil pan is a very simple piece of the car.

AlphaSnacks · 12-23-2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn370z

Yes I've driven both transmissions for more than a few days. If you look at the picture you can clearly see the case and the mechanical parts in the inside are different.

Just because it uses the same oil pan doesn't mean the transmission are the same or very similar. The oil pan is a very simple piece of the car.

I don't care about what a 1 inch picture looks like. You're not thinking logically about this whole situation at all. If oil pans and oil coolers are the same, that means internally and dimensionally the transmission has remained largely untouched with the exception of a ratio change, which involves a different set of cogs, and perhaps some internal component strengthening. Though nowhere in that press release did Nissan mention anything about strengthening the transmission, but they went through great lengths to talk about the changes made to the VQ37.

What you fail to understand is that the 5AT and 7AT bolt right up to the VQ35HR and the VQ37HR without any issues at all -- 2nd gen G35s debuted with the 5AT, then received the 7AT (just like the EX35), while 2nd gen G37 Coupes debuted with the 5AT and then upgraded to the 7AT. That alone shows how similar the transmissions are that Nissan was able to just swap one out for the other 1 or 2 years later, and then continue using the 7AT on the VQ37s, as well.

VCuomo · 12-23-2011, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arnold K.

I don't care about what a 1 inch picture looks like. You're not thinking logically about this whole situation at all. If oil pans and oil coolers are the same, that means internally and dimensionally the transmission has remained largely untouched with the exception of a ratio change, which involves a different set of cogs, and perhaps some internal component strengthening. Though nowhere in that press release did Nissan mention anything about strengthening the transmission, but they went through great lengths to talk about the changes made to the VQ37.

What you fail to understand is that the 5AT and 7AT bolt right up to the VQ35HR without any issues at all. That alone shows how similar the transmissions are that Nissan was able to just swap one out for the other 1 or 2 years later, and then continue using the 7AT on the VQ37s, as well.

You think that just because the 5AT and 7AT bolt up to both the VQ35 and VQ37 that they are the same transmissions internally?

Mike S. · 12-22-2011, 06:45 PM

Hey guys thanks for all the replys. Glad to hear the 7AT in the Z seems like it's tuned a good bit better than in the Infiniti's! There are so many posts on the G boards it's laughable. One thread has nearly 65,000 views. It can't just be picky owners b/c everyone loves the 5AT that was in the 07-08G's, but lots of complaints 09+.

Does the Z have a DS mode like my G? It seems like it's only D or Manual mode.

azn370z · 12-22-2011, 07:10 PM

The 5 speed and 7 speed are two very different transmissions. Nissan didn't just add two more gears. Read the pdf and check out how they're different.

AlphaSnacks · 12-22-2011, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn370z

The 5 speed and 7 speed are two very different transmissions. Nissan didn't just add two more gears. Read the pdf and check out how they're different.

I didn't say Nissan just added two new gears.

Quote:

The 370Z’s new 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode with a target time of 0.5 seconds between shifts. Drivers can use the standard paddle shifters or the shift lever. With new torque converter lock-up logic, the new 7-speed automatic feels more direct, like a manual transmission. The new 7-speed’s wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency, while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver’s driving style.

Most of these things were offered in the 5AT, such as the rev-matching and adaptive shift control after 2006. The only difference was the torque-converter lockup was different in the 5AT. In fact, even their model numbers are almost the same:

Jatco JR507E and Jatco JR710E.

Point being, the 7AT has different gearing ratios to make up for the two new cogs - but much of it remains the same, and was mostly carried over from the previous transmission.

azn370z · 12-22-2011, 09:51 PM

The 350z and 370z have similar names and similar features such as vdc and traction control but the cars are very different with a different engine, platform, automatic transmission, and vdc.

I don't think the 7 speed is the same 5 speed transmission with two more gears and a new torque converter just because they both have down shift rev match and asc. Also, the 7 speed doesn't require fluid change and weighs a bit more than the 5 speed. I think transmissions get completely redesigned to have better performance, durability, and efficiency, just as cars do.

The 5 speed was very slow to shift and the shift time wasn't consistent. I'm guessing this was because the 5 speed wasn't designed from the beginning to shift quickly.

The pictures shows two different transmissions.

AlphaSnacks · 12-23-2011, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azn370z

The 350z and 370z have similar names and similar features such as vdc and traction control but the cars are very different with a different engine, platform, automatic transmission, and vdc.

I don't think the 7 speed is the same 5 speed transmission with two more gears and a new torque converter just because they both have down shift rev match and asc. Also, the 7 speed doesn't require fluid change and weighs a bit more than the 5 speed. I think transmissions get completely redesigned to have better performance, durability, and efficiency, just as cars do.

The 5 speed was very slow to shift and the shift time wasn't consistent. I'm guessing this was because the 5 speed wasn't designed from the beginning to shift quickly.

The pictures shows two different transmissions.

What are you talking about? First of all, nowhere does it say that the torque converters are different between the two transmissions. You should learn how to read, it says the logic (programming) is different. Whether or not the TCs are different would require a product search to validate - I'm sure there are differences, but I highly doubt they are dramatic. And once again, I didn't say the transmissions are the same with two extra gears in the 7AT. But there is no question that the basis for the 7AT is largely based on the original 5AT. In fact, if you look at Nissan's parts catalog, you will notice critical components like the transmission oil pan have the exact same part number for the 370Z and 2006+ 350Z automatics, as do the oil coolers. Unfortunately, I can't find the part number for the 370Z or G37's TC.

And you're also very wrong about the shift times of the 5AT. It was every bit as fast to shift as the current 7AT. How exactly is the shifting below very slow:

350z 0-90 - YouTube

Have you ever even owned or driven a 5AT 350Z for more than a few days? Because I owned one. And I've driven 7AT 370Zs tons of times, as well.

UNKNOWN_370 · 12-22-2011, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S.

Hey guys thanks for all the replys. Glad to hear the 7AT in the Z seems like it's tuned a good bit better than in the Infiniti's! There are so many posts on the G boards it's laughable. One thread has nearly 65,000 views. It can't just be picky owners b/c everyone loves the 5AT that was in the 07-08G's, but lots of complaints 09+.

Does the Z have a DS mode like my G? It seems like it's only D or Manual mode.

Did you read my whole post? DS mode is in the car. DS is when you shift while in D. You won't see a little DS sign light up but its there.

Mike S. · 12-22-2011, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Did you read my whole post? DS mode is in the car. DS is when you shift while in D. You won't see a little DS sign light up but its there.

That doesn't really sound like a "DS" mode then. The G has 3 Modes. Normal "D", "DS" which will more aggressively upshift and downshift when the gyro sensor is activated and a manual mode.

If you click the paddles in the Z while in normal drive, the D will turn to a number (at least thats what I remember from my test drive). However, that just seems like manual mode....I can't imagine the auto then up and downshifting with no other inputs...it should just revert to D.

azn370z · 12-22-2011, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike S.

That doesn't really sound like a "DS" mode then. The G has 3 Modes. Normal "D", "DS" which will more aggressively upshift and downshift when the gyro sensor is activated and a manual mode.

If you click the paddles in the Z while in normal drive, the D will turn to a number (at least thats what I remember from my test drive). However, that just seems like manual mode....I can't imagine the auto then up and downshifting with no other inputs...it should just revert to D.

The z doesn't have the mode your asking about.

12-22-2011, 05:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 490	Nissan claims .5 seconds for shifts. It's a pdf on nissannews website. __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

12-22-2011, 07:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 490	The 5 speed and 7 speed are two very different transmissions. Nissan didn't just add two more gears. Read the pdf and check out how they're different. __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

12-22-2011, 09:51 PM	#11 (permalink)
azn370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 1,722 Drives: z34 - R1 Rep Power: 490	The 350z and 370z have similar names and similar features such as vdc and traction control but the cars are very different with a different engine, platform, automatic transmission, and vdc. I don't think the 7 speed is the same 5 speed transmission with two more gears and a new torque converter just because they both have down shift rev match and asc. Also, the 7 speed doesn't require fluid change and weighs a bit more than the 5 speed. I think transmissions get completely redesigned to have better performance, durability, and efficiency, just as cars do. The 5 speed was very slow to shift and the shift time wasn't consistent. I'm guessing this was because the 5 speed wasn't designed from the beginning to shift quickly. The pictures shows two different transmissions. __________________ 2010 k23 H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts Last edited by azn370z; 12-22-2011 at 10:01 PM.

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AlphaSnacks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Windermere, FL Posts: 1,618 Drives: '13 XKR-S, '10 370Z Rep Power: 19	Nissan will state that conservatively so as to not cut into sales of the 6MT. But the reality is that half-a-second is fairly slow and unresponsive, but to the common and uninformed person it may seem very quick. I've actually used various accelerometer tests (iPhone 3GS apps) on my old 350Z, which was a 5AT (they're virtually identical in design to the 7AT, aside from gearing) and you can see how acceleration hardly fell off with every shift throughout the entire graph. I then compared it to a VW GTI (DCT) which showed virtually no drops in forward momentum, and then to a 2007 Lexus GS300, which showed noticeable spikes with every gear shift. Nissan really designed a superb and super fast automatic and they improved it tremendously with the 7AT, because the shift logic is actually even better and quicker. If you watch this video towards the end you can hear the gear changes are much quicker than half-a-second. 370Z with automatic transmission Rev match explained - YouTube

12-22-2011, 06:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mike S. Base Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Buffalo Posts: 19 Drives: 09 G37xS Rep Power: 15	Hey guys thanks for all the replys. Glad to hear the 7AT in the Z seems like it's tuned a good bit better than in the Infiniti's! There are so many posts on the G boards it's laughable. One thread has nearly 65,000 views. It can't just be picky owners b/c everyone loves the 5AT that was in the 07-08G's, but lots of complaints 09+. Does the Z have a DS mode like my G? It seems like it's only D or Manual mode.