350Z test drive - transmission noise?

[Pierscoe1]

Hello all,

Just been to test-drive a 350Z ('56 296 variant)...

There seemed to be a lot of what I think was transmission noise in the cabin.. a whiney sort of noise, distinct from engine noise.
Is this normal, or does it point to something wrong?

Also, the bite-point of the clutch was quite high-up in the travel which felt a bit odd to me. Again, is that how they all are, of is it awaiting some big bills?

I plan to go and try another one to compare, but thought it'd be worth gathering the collective wisdom here too...

[Ephraim]

High bite point suggests that the clutch is on the way out. The wife's 350 had that when we bought it. She had it replaced with the GT clutch at a cost of about £600 (iirc). I've not noticed any transmission noise on hers either.

[terenceb]

Nothing new,most 350s have transmission noise.Its only the design of them and easily quietened down. Main thing to remember is the change from 1st to second is usually a little notchy from cold-this should clear once everything is warmed up-if it doesn't,look elsewhere for another car.Otherwise the things are bullet proof,more fun than an M3,reasonable fuel consumption etc and a great long distance cruiser.I have the 309bhp 07 version,had it for around 18 months,and it is one of the best all-round cars I've owned.