Am looking at upgrading the standard auto transmission on the z. Not interested in changing over to manual. Can anyone tell me if a can convert to a semi auto set up or some kind of performance gearbox as the standard set up is quite boring. What price am I looking at? Cheers.
There are rebuilt gearboxes that you can buy, however these simply increase the durability for high horsepower, with a valve body modification they can improve shifting times, but that's pretty much it. However if you are looking to change to semi auto, look for the SAW Kit for the 300zx, it's a computer that changes the line pressures at particular times, basically flappy paddles. The price though, can get quite expensive compared to manual upgrades, but if you require auto and want more fun while doing it, it's pretty much the only way to go, http://www.ess-racing.com/, I bought one a while back when I didn't want to convert to manual, and I was told they are in quite limited stock, so you may have to buy second hand if he doesn't have any. Found the price, it's 1500 including shipping, not including installation and any other modifications.
That set up looks great. Just read that someone set it up in like 5 hours so would work out cheaper then switching to manual, would have to also get the manual box to start with. Could those paddles work on a momo wheel or would I need to change back to original wheel?
Did you end up installing yours? Did you find that you could use more of the cars available power compared to original set up?
I did end up installing it, basically it's exactly the same as a manual shifting, it's just quicker changes between gears because you can choose when the gear change happens. The only problem is, because it's line control you cannot downshift well. Let's put it this way, you could easily get a rebuilt/good condition manual box for 1000 and get it installed for 500 to 1000, if you host a tech day you could get it done for a slab of beer. If you have a medical condition which prevents you from driving manual, or drive long long hours, I would recommend auto then. If you want to have fun while driving, and want the power that the engine can offer+control, I would suggest manual. In the end, getting that sort of stuff would end up at the same cost, I chose auto and regretted it initially.
Pm member MickW, he's done extensive research and modification to his auto. Plenty that can be done, how much money do you want to throw at it?
