Does anyone have anything good to say about automatic gearbox ?

Jason McIvor

Club Member
controversial folks

But really want honest views from the people who know ...
- are they any good ?
- whats the driving experience like ?
- why does everyone get rid of them ?
- does anyone use auto even though they could change it ?
And anything else you can talk about :)
 

SeanDezart

Well-Known Forum User
They're resistant and reliable.
When fitted to a car, you can be reassured of an engine that hasn't been thrashed.
Comes with a 3.54 ratio R180diff and not the stock US 3.36.
I can't remember if they come with a bigger radiator to cool the hydraulic fluid - I know after-market rads do.

1st and 2nd ratios are ok especially if you change them manually but 3rd is long....but honestly, I found driving one ultimately frustrating.
They're heavier that Zs with manual boxes.
The hydraluic fluid reservoirs are wide so fitting after-market exhausts is very complicated.

To sum up, I'd rather have a 4spd than an auto box !
 

MCBladeRun

Club Member
I mean, that is the direction they're headed for cars because of the emissions, why let a human decide to over rev their car when you can limit it and also have something like 13 gears?

But if you mean the 3 speed automatic, I guess it's ok if you don't want to have a say what gear you're in etc.

Part of the dynamic in these cars is taming the beast or being the master of that engine. It dulls the senses like giving the car a lobotomy?
 

toopy

Club Member
Leave the auto's for the moderns, where most now excel in day to day driving, especially in traffic. I'm quite happy driving an auto as the daily (DSG 6 speed) but manual all day in the Datsun and any other older skool vehicles to be honest.
 

Jason McIvor

Club Member
Nope
One leg
Anchors

All very good responses

Has anyone tried, or know of any way, to get more out of a stock 3 speed auto ? Shift speed ? B&M auto shifter kit ?
 

uk66fastback

Club Member
My 2000 Dodge Dakota had an auto box and thank god it did as it was great. Just fire into D and leave it there. Would not have wanted a manual in it.
 

AliK

Vehicle Dating Officer
Staff member
Club Member
My 2000 Dodge Dakota had an auto box and thank god it did as it was great. Just fire into D and leave it there. Would not have wanted a manual in it.

I’m guessing Magnum V8 and enough torque to pull a house just off idle!? :p

Is the auto bell housing the same as the manual? I’m guessing not given the lack of a clutch but worth the dumb question!
 

uk66fastback

Club Member
I’d love to say it was the Magnum V8 but it was the wheezy 3.7 or 3.9 V6 (I can’t remember)! I tell myself that one day I’ll treat myself to a 5.9 R/T (with the attached fuel bills!)
 

Rob Gaskin

Treasurer
Staff member
Site Administrator
I have an auto Volvo. My previous car was an auto Xtrail, before that an auto 370Z. I've also had an auto Audi 100 2.2.

As an everyday driver autos are great especially in towns and motorway queues.

In a modified S30 I want a manual to complete the classic sports car experience. On track an auto wouldn't provide the throttle control so enjoyed.

Win Percy had a need for an Auto.
 

Jason McIvor

Club Member
I actually have a Stage 4 2009 Nissan GTR so I know what a performance auto transmission can do

But I guess I will have to get a 5 speed into the 280z as soon as I can afford the cash/time
I want that old-skool classic car feeling too :hurray:
 

johnymd

Club Member
I had an early 260z in auto and actually didn't mind it at all. It did rev a little high so used a bit more fuel than normal but drove great as a cruiser. Not everyone want to thrash around the street and annoy the locals.
 
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