VR30 Transmission Upgrade: Nissan 370z & Infiniti G37

The automatic transmission that is found in the 2009 to 2022 Nissan 370z and in the 2009 to early 2016 Infiniti G37 is a great transmission until the common failure points arise and they are not. 😔

In this blog post we will discuss a very common upgrade that we are doing more and more nowadays due to the failures and limitation of parts that we are seeing in these transmissions.

The 7AT transmission that came in these vehicles are now starting to have a lot of failures, some of which we once saw in the older model 350z/ G35s of which coolant will find its way in the transmission fluid and thus cause a failure.

The automatic transmission cooler Is built into the radiator on these vehicles and once the radiator has a failure coolant will find its way into the transmission fluid and thus wreak havoc inside the transmission leading ultimately to a slipping transmission or failure.

With the transmission now being over 10 years old, being able to find a lower mileage transmission is becoming more difficult and we are now running into the risk that the vehicle this transmission came out of may have also been contaminated with coolant.

The second reason for this upgrade is when clients are adding boost on the VHR transmission, around 425 ft-lbs of torque, the transmission will start to have a failure.

We have been able to reduce the likelihood of this failure happening with an upgraded flex plate from Z1 or Fast Intentions, however the failure is still imminent.

The third reason for this upgrade is that P0720 (output speed sensor circuit) fault codes are now starting to arise, which we are now finding the torque converters failing inside the transmission.

This leads us into the transmission upgrade that we are now doing more and more of which is going to be the transmission that is in the later model 2016 Infiniti Q50 & Q60 VR30DDTT models, also known as the VR transmission.

Why upgrade to this transmission?

Several reasons of which include the following:

• This transmission can hold more power than the VHR transmission (around 425 ft-lbs of torque compared to 600 ft-lbs of torque)
• Newer technology and easier access to replacement parts
• Firmer shifts (once calibrated)

When performing this transmission upgrade, we will also incorporate an external transmission cooler to eliminate any possible way of coolant entering the transmission system as this is still a possibility regardless of performing this upgrade.

The bellhousing does need to be modified, and we will also install a brand-new VHR TCM and reuse the VR valve body as this is the best combination for naturally aspirated and boosted application.

If you are planning on upgrading this transmission in the following chassis, you will need the following upgrades of which we offer.

• Nissan 370z (SOHO Motorsports VR transmission Brace, SOHO Motorsports Driveshaft)

Product Link: SOHO VR Transmission Mount & Driveshaft Option - SOHO Motorsports

• Infiniti G37 Coupe (SOHO Motorsports VR Transmission Brace, SOHO Motorsports Driveshaft)

Product Link: SOHO VR Transmission Mount & Driveshaft Option - SOHO Motorsports

• Infiniti G37 Sedan RWD (SOHO Motorsports VR Transmission Brace, SOHO Motorsports Driveshaft)

Product Link: SOHO VR Transmission Mount & Driveshaft Option - SOHO Motorsports

• Infiniti G37 Sedan AWD (SOHO Motorsports VR Transmission Brace, SOHO Motorsports Spacer)

Product Link: SOHO VR Transmission Mount & Driveshaft Option - SOHO Motorsports

Once all these items are installed after performing the upgrade, an EcuTek calibration is required due to the different TCM and valve body.

Ecutek Calibration Link: EcuTek Remote Tuning Services - VQ37VHR - SOHO Motorsports

 All the components and services can be found on our website, of which you can order today and ensure that you do not come across these failures in the future and enjoy your vehicle for years to come!