Well as most know I went on the cruise through Numinbah Valley CruiZe on Sunday 28th June and almost back to Tweed Heads when the transmission decided that it had had enough and we were stuck at a set of lights with no drive. Managed to get to the side of the road and called RACQ now that is another story for a later date. The mechanic finally arrived and decided that it was a blocked filter caused by driving it with the overdrive engaged in the city limits, he could have it fixed the next day, just a couple hours of work. Worst thing to tell the RACQ . So on to the phone to Rob ( K-Zed ) for a reputable transmission workshop on the coast. Following day I had the vehicle transported to Trade Transmissions at Unit 6 / 19 Ashton Street, Labrador and met the owner David Brookes. He had a look at the car and a listen to the noise which it was now making as it had had a chance to cool down. The gear box would need stripping down to gauge the damage done. So we left the car with David and started the trek back to the Sunshine coast. David contacted myself within a couple of days with the bad news, a total rebuild and at the same time indicated that he would modify the valve body and fit an external oil cooler along with a couple of mods that he had found a benefit when dealing with 300ZX?s particularly one that generated a little more power than normal. When we went to pick up the car David discussed the changes that were made, so with the bill paid we headed off for a coffee with Rob ( K-Zed) before heading back home. The gearbox has not been working properly for a while judging by the way it ran coming home, changes are crisp, all the power goes to the road, no slippage, it just feels so positive. We have done about a 1000km by now and what a change. Oil coolers are very important as the cooler in the radiator was totally blocked I found that dealing with David was a pleasure, information was forth coming, David would phone to keep me up to date, other issues were found and dealt with while the gearbox was out, Rear main seal leaking, flex plate teeth damaged so plate was replaced but only after talking with me. So if you have an automatic and it needs some work or just plain servicing, have a talk with David Brookes Trade Transmissions 6 / 19 Ashton street Labrador (07) 5537 7377 He may be a kiwi but don?t hold that against him, he certainly knows his way around a Z gearbox and I would certainly recommend him. Harbour Town is not far away so make a day of it, it would be worth it. I will make the 400 km round trip to have it serviced next.
Good to hear a happy customer story Dave's experience comes from servicing 100's of Zed's, in NZ over many years, and was recommended to me by Gavin Wood.
Great news Neil. It's always good to hear a story about good service. I feel your pain. The same happened to me years ago. It's a good reminder to anyone with an AT that the most important thing you can do is fit an external cooler. I'm told they are far less likely to block. Once the cooler blocks, you have very little time till the box is completely destroyed. Isn't it great to have a 'tight' box. Perhaps you should get onto the SAW GB. Still time. PM me sometime. I feel a BBQ coming on. Garry
Nothing better than a ... I'll get Dave to o/haul mine soon as I get Pacific Huntress off-slip and up to Airlie. Have isolated tranny fault to a sticky TCC solenoid; not a big problem, but may as well make the box bullet proof. :zlove:
I had a new auto box installed a few weeks ago at Labrador Transmissions, Brisbane road about 2 weeks back. Have taken both Z's there and they do a great job as well. Have to agree about a new transmission its like a brand new car. :zlove: My auto started to play up on the exact same roads we drove on during that cruise lol so your not alone. Mine just died as i rolled into my drive way tho.
I had the same feeling !!! By the way, they have started on the house, the slab goes down today Neil & Sharyn
