modifying 7AT need some advice on mods
 

hi,

I have a stock base 370Z 7AT that is my DD. I'd am modifying it so it can also handle the track safely. The engine will be NA + all breather mods and a tune. I'm wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of what mods need to be done to keep the tranny safe. I'd like to be able to drive the car hard and still keep it as a DD.

Is a tranny cooler in order? I prob wont get a valvebody but am what else needs to be done that'll help the 7AT handle the extra power and aggressive driving.

I try not to use WOT in the upper gears 5,6,7. I don't launch at red lights. I do like to occasionally drift + power slide. Any advice driving to increase the longetitivity of the 7AT.

And could anyone point me in the direction of a reputable tuner. I live 120miles north of Sacramento, CA on the I-5.

I have raced mine down the 1/4 miles at least 100 times and i have no isuues.
See Sam at GTM.
you will need and tranney cooler and a oil cooler.

Z

What type of tranny cooler should I buy?

I'm going to install both the engine oil cooler and tranny cooler at once and be done with it. I've seen a cheap Mishimoto tranny cooler kit for 80 bucks; I figure that should be enough. If I need a 300 hundred dollar skit with a Setrab core then let me know.

If you have no mods yet, a lot of people start with air intakes (Gen 3 from Stillen) and an exhaust. The exhaust helps the engine breathe, which is essential when modding a car. Seems lots of poeple here like the HKS, Stillen, or Fast Intentions exhausts.

https://specialtyz.com/shop/fast-int...50z-03-10.html

https://specialtyz.com/shop/370z-g37...ntake-kit.html

Just from exhaust and test pipes I gained 22whp.







DAN

When you mod, the first thing you need to do is either research or exploit your cars weaknesses to figure out what needs to be strengthened. Exploiting your car puts you at risk and is only necessary when there is no information out there. Now, in the Z's 4th model year. There is enough info out there to know the good and bad on the Z.

The auto transmission cooler is an excellent mod. But not a great first choice mod considering that the auto is very efficient and won't feel much stress or strain with basic bolt ons.
What we do know is the Z has a oil cooling issue and the 34 row oil cooler is probably your best first mod. I would say your second mod would be getting a custom brake cooler kit to get cool air to the brakes.
The third mod would be some high quality heat dissipating brake rotors like stop-tech or DBA to further keep optimum saftety on your brakes. A pad of choice would do well too. I find NISMO S-TUNE pads work really great for aggressive street. For track, there's plenty to go around so take your pick. An optional but great feeling mod to follow up would be stop-tech goodridge or Z1 brake lines. They give a much better feel and keep the lines from flexing ensuring safety in crisis braking...

Once you have accomplished these modifications, I would say you have cured your Z of all detrimental weaknesses. Now its time for power and handling mods... somewhere in this group the tranny cooler comes in. The tranny cooler is a MUST if you get forced induction. If not? I would get it only as a mod to promote efficiency, but not absolutely necessary. I personally would just get the tranny mod after bolt ons or before a turbo.:tiphat:

Mishimoto parts are good and have one of the best warranties in the biz.

Can NYONE RECCOMEND TRNNY COOLER KIT ?

I am looking at this for a cooler. I can run PS and Trns off this cooler. Its small and has a fan. I can us a temp switch so it runs when needed. Pulls 600CFM.

Derale Cooling Products Fluid Coolers with Fan 15220 | eBay

If you don't use a fan, I would go with a 19 row oil cooler with AN-6 fittings, the trans side I believe is 5/16 hard line. So slides over and seals using hose clamps. Which I find very strange. I think WSTAR had some good info in his journal. Also this thread covers AT Cooling issues. http://www.the370z.com/forced-induct...c-rebuild.html