CD009 6-Speed Manual Transmission for Sale | OEM Nissan 350Z Gearbox

Description

Transmission Background

The Nissan CD009 is the 6-speed manual transmission fitted to the Nissan 350Z from mid-2004 through 2006, and it has become one of the most sought-after swap transmissions in the global enthusiast scene. Three things drive that demand at a price point almost nothing else can match: it handles big power, it shifts with a precision owners consistently describe as buttery, and used examples remain widely available at numbers that make the much-praised T56 look pricey by comparison.

The CD009’s strength is well-documented. In stock form behind VQ engines, units routinely live at 500 to 700 wheel horsepower. In the LS swap community, where the CD009 competes head-to-head with the T56 as a budget 6-speed choice, documented examples of stock CD009 units surviving 1,000-plus wheel horsepower drag passes exist in the Grassroots Motorsports and broader LS-swap communities. G Force Performance Products and FischRacing both offer adapter plates that mate the CD009 to LS-series engines, turning it into 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 critical buyer-education point. The early CD000 through CD006 units (2002 to mid-2004) ran soft double-cone synchros in 1st and 2nd, grind-prone particularly in cold weather or under aggressive shifting. The CD008 (also mid-2004) improved 2nd gear specifically. The CD009 (mid-2004, produced in parallel 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 is a transmission that shifts cleanly at any temperature and holds power that would destroy many other designs.

When Replacement Becomes Necessary

• Grinding when engaging 1st or 2nd gear on a pre-CD009 unit, the classic early Z33 synchro wear issue. A proper triple-cone-equipped CD009 should not grind even in cold conditions.
• Difficulty selecting reverse: reverse on the CD009 is known to be slightly notchy but should not grind with correct technique (pause in neutral before engaging)
• Oil leak at the rear output seal, common on high-mileage or aged units
• Whining in specific gears that climbs with vehicle speed, indicating bearing wear
• Noisy or imprecise shift feel, typically shift linkage wear (the Z33/Z34 remote shifter mechanism uses a ball joint at the transmission that develops play)
• Oil seepage at the input shaft seal, common on high-mileage Z33 transmissions

Known Weak Points

• Early variant synchro grinding, the dominant reason to avoid pre-CD009 units: the CD000 through CD006 ran double-cone synchros in 1st and 2nd that grind under cold or aggressive shifting. We confirm CD009 or later variant on every order. Earlier units are disclosed as such.
• Shifter relocation required for swap applications: the CD009 uses a remote shifter design with the shift lever sitting well behind the transmission case. In a Z33 or Z34 chassis that 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 typically run $400 to $700 from aftermarket suppliers.
• Length in swap applications: the CD009 is notably long. Measure your chassis transmission tunnel before committing. Some vehicles need tunnel modification to accept it.
• 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 in advance.
• Fluid specification: the CD009 takes GL-4 specification MTF, not GL-5. GL-5 contains sulfur compounds that attack 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:

What Ships and What Does Not

Direct-Fit Vehicle Applications

The CD009 was factory installed in the following vehicles:

For swap applications, the CD009 is paired with LS-series engines (via G Force or American Powertrain adapter plates), SR20DET builds, RB-series engines, and a long list of other RWD applications where a strong, accessible 6-speed manual is needed. Confirm your engine and adapter plan on the call.

Not sure if this fits? Call us. We verify fitment before every order ships.

Search Terms Buyers Use

CD009 transmission | Nissan 350Z 6-speed | CD009 LS swap | Z33 6-speed manual | CD009 for sale | 350Z transmission | Infiniti G35 manual | CD009 vs T56 | Nissan triple cone synchro | CD009 6-speed

Used OEM Versus Specialist Rebuild

For a daily-driver 350Z, a clean used CD009 with the variant verified and synchro quality assessed is the right starting point. For LS-swap builds targeting 800-plus wheel horsepower in sustained use, a specialist-rebuilt CD009 with upgraded synchros and improved shifting components is the smarter long-term path. Specialist rebuilds typically run $2,500 to $4,500. For most builders, however, a documented used CD009 covers the requirement comfortably.

Inspection Workflow

• Test stand cycling through all 6 forward gears and reverse with shift quality logged at each transition
• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear synchro engagement specifically assessed under cold and warm conditions
• Part number verified: CD009 or later (CD00A acceptable) with triple-cone synchros confirmed
• Reverse engagement quality evaluated
• External seal and gasket inspection at input shaft, output seal, and shift cover
• Shift linkage area inspected for play in the remote shifter ball joint

Pre-Purchase Buyer Notes

• Confirm variant before committing: the CD000 through CD008 part numbers use weaker synchro packages. Only the CD009 (mid-2004 to 2006) and CD00A (2006 onward) have triple-cone synchros in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd plus no clutch line restrictor. We verify the part number on every order.
• Plan adapter plate purchase for non-Z chassis: a G Force or American Powertrain adapter plate is required for LS, SR20, or RB engine pairings. Order the adapter alongside the transmission so the install moves cleanly.
• Plan shifter relocation for non-Z chassis: the stock CD009 shifter location lands well behind the transmission. For any chassis that is not a Z33 or Z34, a tail-mount or top-mount shifter relocation kit is required. Budget $400 to $700.
• Use the correct fluid: GL-4 MTF only. GL-5 attacks the synchro materials over time. Nissan NS-2 or an equivalent GL-4 manual transmission fluid is the right spec.
• Measure your tunnel: the CD009 is notably long. Confirm clearance in your chassis tunnel before committing to the swap.

Why Buy From Part Nests

• Variant verified: CD009 or CD00A confirmed with triple-cone synchros in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd documented
• Synchro engagement quality assessed specifically at the gears that matter
• All 6 forward gears and reverse cycled on the test stand before shipment
• Fluid specification flagged on every order: GL-4 only, GL-5 will damage the synchros
• No core return required
• Free freight pallet delivery to every state
• 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
• Call us to speak with someone who knows the CD000 through CD00A series, LS swap adapter options, and shifter relocation requirements

Additional Reference