Description
About This Transmission
The Nissan CD009 is the 6-speed manual transmission fitted to the Nissan 350Z from mid-2004 through 2006 and has become one of the most popular swap transmissions in the global enthusiast community. It is valued for three reasons that almost no other transmission at its price point can match: it handles enormous power, it shifts with precision and quality that owners consistently describe as buttery, and used examples are widely available at prices that make the much-lauded T56 look expensive by comparison.
The CD009's strength is the subject of documented evidence. In stock form behind VQ engines, CD009 units are routinely used at 500 to 700 whp. In the LS swap community- where the CD009 competes directly with the T56 as a budget 6-speed choice- documented examples of stock CD009 units surviving 1,000+ whp drag racing runs exist in the Grassroots Motorsports and LS swap communities. G Force Performance Products and FischRacing both offer adapter plates to mate the CD009 to LS-series engines, making it a plug-in alternative to the T56 for builders who want a strong 6-speed at a lower cost.
The evolution from early Z33 6-speeds to the CD009 is the key buyer education point. The early CD000 through CD006 units (2002 to mid-2004) had soft double-cone synchronizers in 1st and 2nd gears- grind-prone, particularly in cold weather or when pushed hard. The CD008 (also mid-2004) improved 2nd gear. The CD009 (mid-2004, produced simultaneously with the CD008 for a period) added triple cone synchros in 1st, 2nd, AND 3rd, and removed the clutch line restrictor that had delayed clutch engagement on earlier units. The result was a transmission that shifts cleanly at any temperature and holds power that would destroy many transmission designs.
Signs You Need a Replacement Transmission
- Grinding when engaging 1st or 2nd gear on an earlier (pre-CD009) unit- the classic early Z33 synchro wear issue. A CD009 with proper triple cone synchros should not grind even in cold conditions.
- Difficulty selecting reverse- reverse is known as slightly notchy on the CD009 but should not grind with correct technique (pause in neutral before engaging)
- Transmission leak at the rear output seal- common on high-mileage or aged units
- Whining in specific gears that increases with vehicle speed- bearing wear
- Noisy or imprecise shift feel- shift linkage wear (the remote shifter mechanism on the Z33/Z34 uses a ball joint connection at the transmission that can develop play)
- Oil leak at input shaft seal- common on high-mileage Z33 transmissions
Known Problems With This Transmission
- Early variant synchro grinding- the dominant reason to avoid pre-CD009 units: The CD000 through CD006 used double-cone synchros in 1st and 2nd that grind under cold or aggressive shifting conditions. We confirm CD009 or later variant before every order- earlier units are disclosed as such.
- Shifter relocation requirement for swap applications: The CD009 uses a remote shifter design where the shift lever sits well behind the transmission case. In a Z33 or Z34 chassis this positions the shifter correctly. In virtually any other vehicle, the stock shifter location ends up in the rear seat or trunk. Aftermarket shifter relocation kits (tail mount or top mount) are required for any non-Z chassis swap. These run $400 to $700 from aftermarket suppliers.
- Length in swap applications: The CD009 is notably long. Buyers should measure their chassis transmission tunnel before committing to a CD009 swap- the length may require transmission tunnel modification in some vehicles.
- No integral bellhousing for non-Nissan swaps: The CD009's bellhousing is Nissan-specific. Adapter plates from G Force or American Powertrain are required for LS, SR20, or other non-VQ engine swaps. This is a straightforward bolt-on purchase but must be planned before installation.
- Fluid specification: The CD009 requires GL-4 specification MTF- not GL-5. GL-5 contains sulfur compounds that damage the soft metal synchro components over time. Nissan NS-2 or equivalent GL-4 MTF only.
Nissan Z33 6-Speed Manual Transmission Evolution
Understanding the part number series prevents the most common CD009 sourcing error:
| Part Number | Years (Approx) | Synchros | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CD000 / CD003 | 2002 to early 2003 | 1st and 2nd: double cone | Earliest. Known for 2nd gear grinding. Avoid for performance. |
| CD005 / CD006 | Early to mid-2003 | 1st, 3rd, 4th: double | 2nd: triple | Better 2nd gear. Still grinding in 1st under cold/aggressive use. |
| CD008 | Mid-2004 (simultaneous with CD009) | 1st, 3rd, 4th: double | 2nd: triple | Improved but not the target. Restrictor still in clutch line. |
| CD009 | Mid-2004 to 2006 | 1st, 2nd, 3rd: triple | 4th: double | The target. No clutch line restrictor. Best synchro package. This is the correct unit. |
| CD00A | 2006 onward (supersedes CD009) | Same as CD009 | Direct successor- same synchro package as CD009. Also acceptable. |
What Is Included- What Is Not Included
| INCLUDED | Complete CD009 transmission assembly with all internal gears, synchronizers, shift forks, and shift rails. Output flange or yoke where present. |
|---|---|
| NOT INCLUDED | Clutch disc, pressure plate, throwout bearing, flywheel, bellhousing adapter plate (for non-Z chassis swaps- available from G Force, American Powertrain, etc.), shifter assembly (shifter is a separate component from the transmission on Z33/Z34 applications). |
| FLUID | Fill with GL-4 MTF (Nissan NS-2 or equivalent) ONLY. Do NOT use GL-5. GL-5 damages CD009 synchronizer materials. |
| Core Note | No core charge. |
Vehicle Compatibility
The CD009 was factory installed in the following vehicles:
| Nissan 350Z (Z33)- 6-speed manual models | 2004 to 2006- CD009 era. Earlier 2002 to 2004 350Z used CD000 through CD008. |
|---|---|
| Nissan 370Z (Z34)- some applications | 370Z uses related but different JK40 variant with different bellhousing- confirm before ordering for Z34 applications |
| Infiniti G35 Coupe- 6-speed manual models | 2003 to 2007 |
| Swap Applications- LS swaps | Most popular budget LS swap 6-speed- G Force and American Powertrain adapter plates available |
| Swap Applications- VQ engine | Direct fit in Nissan V platforms with VQ-series engines (SR20, KA, etc. require adapters) |
The CD009 is the most popular budget 6-speed manual for LS swap applications. G Force Performance Products, American Powertrain, and FischRacing offer adapter plates to mate the CD009 to LS-series engines. The shifter relocation requirement (the stock Z33 remote shifter position ends up too far back in non-Z chassis) must be planned for- tail mount and top mount shifter kits are available from multiple suppliers at $400 to $700. Call (240) 301-0095 with your project and we will advise on adapter and shifter requirements.
Engine or transmission: VQ35DE or VQ35HR V6- factory 350Z pairing | In swap applications: compatible with LS1, LS3, and other LS-series V8 engines using G Force or American Powertrain adapter plates.
Not sure if this fits? Call (240) 301-0095. We verify fitment before every order ships.
Common Names and Search Terms
| CD009 | Most common buyer search code |
|---|---|
| 350Z transmission | Application buyer |
| Nissan CD009 | Full designation |
| 350Z 6-speed | Feature designation buyer |
| CD009 6-speed manual | Full description buyer |
| G35 transmission | Application buyer |
| 370Z transmission | Related application buyer |
| CD009 LS swap | Swap community buyer |
| Nissan 6-speed transmission | Broader designation buyer |
| CD009 vs T56 | Comparison buyer- budget decision |
Used OEM vs Rebuilt- Which Is Right for You?
Used OEM is the right choice for a 350Z replacement and the most cost-effective starting point for any swap application. The CD009's documented strength at high power levels means a well-maintained used unit provides exceptional swap value. Our units are gear-tested with synchro generation confirmed.
A rebuilt CD009 with fresh synchro rings, bearings, and seals makes sense for builds targeting sustained high power. Z33/Z34 transmission specialists can rebuild CD009 units to new tolerances. For builds above 700 whp with regular track use, a rebuilt unit is the more conservative choice.
Condition and Inspection Process
- All 6 forward gears and reverse tested- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear engagement quality specifically assessed for triple cone synchro function
- Part number suffix confirmed- CD009 or CD00A triple cone generation documented. Earlier CD000 through CD008 disclosed if present.
- Fluid condition inspected- GL-4 MTF appearance and metallic debris check
- Output seal area inspected for leakage
- Input shaft seal area inspected
- Shift rail and fork condition assessed where accessible
Mileage and operating hours vary by unit. Where available from the donor vehicle or equipment, we provide this information. Where it cannot be confirmed, we disclose this before your order is placed.
Buyer Tips- What to Know Before You Order
- Confirm CD009 or CD00A- avoid early variants for performance: For any swap or performance application, confirm the unit is a CD009 (mid-2004 to 2006) or CD00A (2006 onward). The earlier CD000 through CD008 have inferior synchro packages that grind under performance use. We confirm the generation before every order.
- GL-4 MTF is mandatory: Never use GL-5 gear oil in the CD009. GL-5 sulfur compounds damage the bronze synchronizer materials over time. Nissan NS-2 or an equivalent GL-4 specification MTF.
- Shifter relocation for any non-Z33 swap: The stock CD009 remote shifter positions the shift lever too far back for any non-Z33 chassis. Budget $400 to $700 for an aftermarket tail mount or top mount shifter relocation kit from suppliers like Z1 Motorsports, ISR Performance, or similar.
- Adapter plate for non-VQ swaps: For LS or other non-Nissan engine swaps, a specific adapter plate is required. G Force Performance Products and American Powertrain offer bolt-on solutions. Plan this before purchasing the transmission.
- Measure your transmission tunnel: The CD009 is notably long. Measure your vehicle's transmission tunnel depth before committing to a CD009 swap. In some builds, transmission tunnel modification is required.
Why Buy From Vaz Auto Solutions
- CD009 generation confirmed- triple cone synchros in 1-2-3 verified before you pay- most critical quality filter
- All 6 gears tested- 1st, 2nd, and 3rd synchro engagement specifically assessed
- GL-4 MTF fluid requirement flagged on every order
- No core charge- keep your old transmission
- Free freight pallet delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- Call (240) 301-0095- speak with someone who understands the CD009 evolution, synchro generations, and swap adapter requirements
Jason Miller (verified owner) –
Got my hands on the CD009 Manual Transmission from Vaz Auto Solutions and it’s fantastic. The shifts are precise and smooth, and it feels built to last. Shipping was quick, and the transmission was well-packaged. Highly recommend for any project.
Kyle Anderson (verified owner) –
CD009 transmission works great in my car. The build quality is solid, and it shifts seamlessly. There was a slight delay with delivery, but the product itself is top-notch. Definitely a good buy for those looking to upgrade their transmission.
Ryan K., Dallas TX –
Sourced a CD009 for an LS3 swap into a Mazda RX-7. Vaz confirmed it was a post-2004 CD009 triple cone version — the critical quality filter. All 6 gears tested smooth. G Force adapter plate mated it perfectly. Had to modify the tunnel slightly and run an ISR tail mount shifter — expected for this build. Transmission has held 620 rwhp without complaint.
Mike T., Phoenix AZ –
Replaced the 6-speed in my 350Z after a synchro failure. Vaz confirmed the CD009 generation before shipping — I specifically asked for the triple cone version. All 6 gears tested smooth. Good unit and good communication. Filled with Nissan NS-2 at installation as recommended.