trackratZ
Well-Known Member
Great inputs, tough days with the AT! This is the environment I will use it on, so the Manual still gives the nod. Clutches, pressure plates etc. are up to how drivers use it. Certainly a heavy duty setup including lightened flywheel probably adds to the robustness on track.If its anything like the Z34s 7AT in terms of reliability, track rats and canyon carvers are going to be in for a rude awakening.
I owned a 2012 7AT 370Z, torque converter seized after a year and a half of street driving and canyon runs. Whole transmission was replaced under warranty.
Replaced trans, did 1.5 track days and the torque converter and flex plate died a viking death at Auto Club Speedway, Fontana.
Replaced trans again, mounted transmission cooler and ran between 7 and 10 track events with Nissan Challenge and then I started getting misfires at Fontana again. Flex plate was the first thing to go this time.
Entire trans was replaced yet again, ran one more track event with it. Searched for a 6 speed MT in red, bought it, swapped all my parts over, sold the 7AT and never looked back.
The 7AT is meant to feel fun, fast and crisp in the most ideal conditions and for the typical driver on the street it holds up fine. I expect this will be true for the 9AT in the RZ34 as well, but my hopes aren't very high for anyone who is ballsy enough to track it on a road course regularly and in warm conditions.
I enjoyed the 7AT when it worked but when it didn't it was catastrophic, costly and absolutely heart breaking when you're making payments on a car that spends several months at a dealer for repairs for the same thing every 1.5 years or so.