How to Install your CD009 Starter

When you are building a 2JZ monster like our Nissan 240SX Budget Beast build, you will need a transmission that can handle the abuse you are about to throw at it. The Nissan 350Z CD001-CD009 transmission is a six speed transmission that’s been proven to handle copious amounts of horsepower and torque. Today we’ll be showing you what you need to install your CD009 starter and complete your project by getting it started.

The transmission we are working on today is the CD009 transmission from our 2JZ Budget Beast, although this transmission works for just about any engine. We are using a Collins Adapter for our 2JZ engine swap, and there are several other transmission adapter plates available from Collins that can fill your transmission needs.

Because of this wide range it’s almost killed off the 2JZ Getrag transmission or even the Tremec T56 transmission as viable options. After all both of those transmissions cost well over $3000 dollars, where the 350Z transmission is available for less than $1,800.

This makes this transmission highly flexible given the robust power handling capabilities it has. The problem occurs when you are trying to install

What you need to install your CD009 starter

There are several bolts you will need when installing your CD009 transmission. If you need a guide on how to prep your CD009 transmission or install your CD009 shifter, check our guides. One of the most common questions is what bolts do I need to install my CD009, and the answers are below.

If you are using a 2003-2006 Nissan 350Z CD009 transmission with an external slave cylinder, you will need the following bolts :

• x5 M12 x 1.75 – 55 mm long hex head cap bolts
• x3 M10 x 1.5 – 35mm long hex head cap bolts

If you are opting for the 2006+ Nissan 350Z transmission found in the 350Z HR as well as the 370Z, this transmission is known as the JK40C-JK40B with the internal slave cylinder, you need the following bolts.

• x4 M12 x 1.75 – 55mm long hex head cap bolts
• x2 M10 x 1.5 – 35mm long hex head cap bolts

What starter do I need for my CD009?

This will really depend on what you are installing it into. If you are installing a Collins adapter, you must use the starter from your original engine or the engine you are adapting to. Because this is the next chapter of our Budget Beast, and this is a Nissan 240SX 2JZ engine swap we are using the non turbo 2JZGE starter to get the job done.

This is an offset gear reduction style of starter, and there’s some slight modification that’s required for your starter teeth to meet your flywheel or Collins flywheel gear teeth. If you take a look at this starter, you’ll notice it’s an open faced unit. This helps to get your CD009 starter installed because there’s no material to remove to make it clear, unlike the 350Z starter.

Before you install your starter,  make sure you have some Red Loctite 242 handy so that you can properly prep each one of your CD009 bolts.

How to modify your CD009 starter

1. Using a 11/32” drill bit, you must drill out the threaded portion of your starter where the threaded holes on your Collins adapter plate match up. Once you are done with this, you can still use the starter studs that come with your Collins adapter plate to mount your starter.
2. Now that you can install the starter and remove it with the transmission on the engine, you can screw in the studs supplied to you.
3. Before you mount your transmission to your engine swap of choice, make sure you check the CD009 pivot ball to make sure you have the right shift fork and pivot ball.
4. Slide the starter into position and use the hardware bolts specified above to install your CD009 starter correctly. Make sure to apply Loctite on all of the threaded bolts and hex head bolts of your install.

Congratulations! You now know how to properly install a your 350Z starter for your 2JZGE or 2JZGTE engine swap. If you have any questions please feel free to leave them for us below!