No way? Is this right? So does that mean that they're 'exactly' the same?
Ok, so just how fragile are the auto transmissions?
- Thread starter snickells
- Start date
No way? Is this right? So does that mean that they're 'exactly' the same?
SiliconAngel
1 AYC Bar
It does sound that way... I wouldn't bet on it until I'd had a mechanic do a side-by-side comparison, though 
bradc
1 AYC Bar
The casing might be different to bolt up to a 6G7x engine rather than a 6A13 engine, but yes they are the same box. Probably even share some of the same ratios. The EVO 7 GTA gearbox is also a W5A51, but it has a different casing again to suit the 4G63 engine.
G
Guest
Unregistered
Bradles they assure me that its SPIII ...
bradc
1 AYC Bar
cool
Sorry to reiterate this but I'm assuming that this is a good thing yeah and the local Trans specialists in your capital city in Australia can easily rebuild a farked trans??? Cos this may happen at some stage maybe...
If so I wonder how much it will cost... In Australia I mean as I know that NZ range from $1000 - $3000...
Pretty much this is my main worry in regards to the Legnum if this is covered, I'd feel better about things... And that's what it's all about, feeling better...
G
Guest
Unregistered
Before I begin, I'm just playing devil's advocate here, I'm not saying that the info floating around about these gearboxes is wrong, BUT....
On what evidence is this information about transmission problems based? I've heard a few people mention that they were concerned about the VR-4 trans but this is all information not from first hand experience but may be the one same (possibly incorrect) piece of information or one person's opinion being recycled over and over. The reason I say this is that (from my 300ZX background) I remember about 5 years ago HPI magazine once mentioned in an article that 300ZX's are prone to oil pressure problems which can kill engines. Now, HPI have always been laughably wrong about so many things about these cars (have a heart attack and die Martin Donnon you 300ZX hating bastard of a magazine editor.... ahem) and this was one of them. In 8 years of owning Z's and being heavily involved in the 300ZX community I have never ONCE heard of a 300ZX engine dying of an oil supply related problem. Now, here's the interesting bit: after that ONE incorrect bit of info for years and years afterwards people would talk about how you had to be worried about this oil issue and how they were completely fragile engines because of it even though it was completely erroneous! This myth continues on today, whenever Australian's talk on international 300ZX forums about it everyone else in other countries replies with a general 'what the hell are you talking about?'.
So, my question based on this experience is: how do we know that these transmissions are problematic? Or, even if there have been cases of transmissions failing just how often is it? Yes maybe they are a weak point on the car, but if you have 1 failure in a thousand there may be multiple reportings of this 'weakness' when in reality it is not so bad.
Discuss....
On what evidence is this information about transmission problems based? I've heard a few people mention that they were concerned about the VR-4 trans but this is all information not from first hand experience but may be the one same (possibly incorrect) piece of information or one person's opinion being recycled over and over. The reason I say this is that (from my 300ZX background) I remember about 5 years ago HPI magazine once mentioned in an article that 300ZX's are prone to oil pressure problems which can kill engines. Now, HPI have always been laughably wrong about so many things about these cars (have a heart attack and die Martin Donnon you 300ZX hating bastard of a magazine editor.... ahem) and this was one of them. In 8 years of owning Z's and being heavily involved in the 300ZX community I have never ONCE heard of a 300ZX engine dying of an oil supply related problem. Now, here's the interesting bit: after that ONE incorrect bit of info for years and years afterwards people would talk about how you had to be worried about this oil issue and how they were completely fragile engines because of it even though it was completely erroneous! This myth continues on today, whenever Australian's talk on international 300ZX forums about it everyone else in other countries replies with a general 'what the hell are you talking about?'.
So, my question based on this experience is: how do we know that these transmissions are problematic? Or, even if there have been cases of transmissions failing just how often is it? Yes maybe they are a weak point on the car, but if you have 1 failure in a thousand there may be multiple reportings of this 'weakness' when in reality it is not so bad.
Discuss....
G
Guest
Unregistered
Most the info we get on here is based from Clubvr4 ... perhaps we should post a meesage on the forums asking who has actually had problems with their autobox ... ?
Esoteric
Leaving Skid Marks
I think a lot of it does tend to get blown out of proportion sometimes. You'll always hear about someone's Dad's Aunties Cousin Son that had a problem with X and it cost thousands to repair etc etc...
From my point of view I think things, especially with these autos on VR4's, go wrong when people don't look after them. I always allow mine a good stretch to warm up properly.
they're also not purpose built rally cars - they're only supposed to be thrashed occasionally. I think if you're chopping down gears in an auto and flinging it round traffic circles on a daily basis then it's bound not to last very long.
Careful maintenance using the correct fluids and following the schedule should see you right if you look after your car.
From my point of view I think things, especially with these autos on VR4's, go wrong when people don't look after them. I always allow mine a good stretch to warm up properly.
they're also not purpose built rally cars - they're only supposed to be thrashed occasionally. I think if you're chopping down gears in an auto and flinging it round traffic circles on a daily basis then it's bound not to last very long.
Careful maintenance using the correct fluids and following the schedule should see you right if you look after your car.
bradc
1 AYC Bar
On CVR-4 I can think of at least 10 cases straight off the top of my head.
I can't however think of a single auto box that has died if it has been well looked after, and/or fitted with a transmission cooler.
I can't however think of a single auto box that has died if it has been well looked after, and/or fitted with a transmission cooler.
G
Guest
Unregistered
I notice when a lot of people modify cars they forget about the auto box. When u boost up a manual and get high horsepower u need to replace the clutch, its just that autos tend to cost more. I feel if its treated with care, and as Brad says, put the trans oil cooler, it should be fine.
bradc
1 AYC Bar
there are about 5 guys in England that have heavily modified VR-4s (2 with NOS) that have done a huge amount of track days, 1/4 miles and trashed their cars over the years and have never had a problem.
The main thing seems to be what oil is used, how often it is changed and installing a gearbox cooler
The main thing seems to be what oil is used, how often it is changed and installing a gearbox cooler
You'd think that would indicate that it's a damn solid box!!
np; I'll reserve judgement 'till I've spent at least 50,000ks in mine.
bradc
1 AYC Bar
There are a few people that have done well over 200,000km in theirs, in fact I think there is one guy up at about 170,000 miles!
G
Guest
Unregistered
SPIII is a grade, dextron 3 is SPIII grade,
make sure they use mitsi's "Diamond Queen SPIII"
I read the specs about the W5A51 transmission somewhere but can't exactly remember where though. It was that the 5 means fivespeed and the 51 means 510Nm of torque. if this is correct, it should be difficult to destroy the transmission easily.
I personally think the transmission is capable of handling more power but the problem seems to be when the ATF overheats. This gets cooked and changes colour(from red to burnt brown) , which causes damage as it is not doing what its supposed to properly.
I personally think the transmission is capable of handling more power but the problem seems to be when the ATF overheats. This gets cooked and changes colour(from red to burnt brown) , which causes damage as it is not doing what its supposed to properly.
G
Guest
Unregistered
When we spray your car mate, maybe we'll look at enlarging that front air-dam!!! Might also be worthwhile installing a bonnet scoop and fitting a top mount intercooler if your trans cooler is going to take pride of place
G
Guest
Unregistered
Geez I love these cars ... for those deciding on whether to go for the Tiptronic or not, did u know its a 5 speed auto ? Not too many 5 speed autos around in that time that I'm aware of.
bradc
1 AYC Bar
It was the first east-west V6 in the world with a 5 speed auto, along with the magna/diamante.
