Project FD RX7 Restomod: Part 18 – Choosing a Transmission Upgrade

Serialnine CD999 Technical Shifter for CD009 TransmissionThe Serialnine CD999 Technical Shifter is a bolt-in solution to shorten the CD009 for the FD RX-7.  With over 1,800 units out in the wild, this is one of the most popular shift assemblies for the Nissan CD001 through CD009 transmissions (and JK40C) for the Nissan 350Z, 370Z, G35, and G37 cars.  These shifters are manufactured and assembled in Canada and can be adjusted from 29.5” to 33.5” for any almost application.

CD009 shift linkage removedWe unbolted the factory shifter, and knocked the roll pin out of the shift linkage.

Serialnine CD999 Technical Shifter vs stock CD009 Shift LinkageThe CD999 shifter is substantially smaller, and the billet shift assembly is quite solid looking and a key part to their improved shifter feel.

Serialnine CD999 shifter vs stock CD009 shifter weightThe CD999 shifter was surprisingly lighter than stock by 0.8lbs, despite being made out of a large billet chunk of aluminum.

CD999 shift linkage for CD009After installing the roll pin into the new shifter linkage, we were ready to install the shifter.

Serialnine CD999 shift linkage for CD009 TransThe base of the CD999 shifter has a bearing that the new linkage pin slid snugly into.  This tight fit will greatly improve shifter feel and reduce slop.

7 comments

  1. All of the CD009 conversions, I’m a little bothered that the replacement bellhousing bolts to the relatively small bolts intended for that cover. Obviously it works, I can’t think of a better way that’s not a lot more work and cost, it’s done a lot, it’s not actually a problem, but it just bothers me a little.

    Nice to see the thoroughness of the upgrades – some of the other transmission options would mean the stock final drive ratios would be less than optimal, but that problem’s taken care of too.

    1. There are (11) M8 Bolts that hold on the front cover, and (now) attach the Fisch Racing Bellhousing adapter. These bolts are also close to the very outer diameter of the transmission. Fisch has numerous 1,000hp drag and drift cars that use this adapter design on various RX-7s, Supras, IS300s, LS engines and K-series engines. Based on the success of their extensive testing and customer base, there should be no reservations of this tried and true design.

      1. I know that any other solution would be a much larger casting, with a lot more post-casting machining and a lot more work to install. I know the design Fisch Racing came up with works and is well executed. I just wish there were a way to do it that fed torque loads into the case how it was originally designed; I’m really annoyed that design trends have gone away from separate bellhousings.

          1. If I were in charge of things, someone would make a front casing for the CD009/etc that had a T56/Magnum bolt face.

            I’m not though.

  2. I’ve never had the privilege to drive any of the mentioned transmissions above. Are any of them smooth like S2k or Miata 6spd? I have a 05 STi 6spd in my 00 2.5 RS and while its wonderful, I still find it awkward to shift super fast. Its not a skill issue on my part (at least in my opinion), because I was still able to do some 90s style drag shifts in a low mileage FK8 CTR.

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