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Originally Posted by Slynky
So, Matt, you're saying (not putting words in your mouth) that the auto in the Z has gotten around that and is a bit more forceful when changing gears?
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The 7AT in the Z is something I haven't experienced before. You'll need a test drive to really understand. It's got 2 different mods, regular old "D" or sports mode. When you shift with those paddles, or the shifter, it feels exactly like a manual when it shifts, only less "clunkiness" or "jerk". It's incredibly smooth, even when launching it to 80 in 3rd. In "D", it's early shifts are very smooth and unnoticed.
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Having said that, I understand all the top fuel drags use auto but they are specially-built and tiny split seconds count there moreso than our measly 0-60 street times in our production cars.
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Most of those autos are dual-clutch, like the GTR. This redefines "automatic" into a whole other category. The Z's 7AT may be a far-cry from a dual-clutch auto, but it's certainly worlds better than the automatic in an Altima. (The CVT is nice though!)
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I would be bored to death in an auto, I think. And, if I read between the lines, Matt, you are almost indecisive on which you might prefer (in the future). Maybe the tiebreaker should be the added expense of the auto... LOL
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I'll only be undecided if I move back to northern VA. The "traffic" in Augusta is non-existent. The only stop-n-go traffic is in a Wendy's drive-thru, so I get the best of driving MT and none of the worst (like I95 South at 6pm on a Friday). I enjoy feeling like I'm controlling the car with a MT, and figure if I got the 7AT Touring, I'd be lazy and never use sports mode anyways.
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BTW, where DOES that extra 18 HP come from? Just the exhaust improvement (or did the ECU get a bit of a tweak)?
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Nismo CBE and a Nismo tune. The consensus is that each gives about 9hp.
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NOW...to the NISMO (NOT the engine):
Yes, I like the style much better than the more "snubby" looking base design. A bit longer in the snout and something to look at on the rear (side) instead of a "near Bertha Butt" look. BUT, I guess there are a number of suitable aftermarket body parts that could be used... :dunno:
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Some people like the sleekness of the base Z. I love the styling of the Nismo. To each their own. Aftermarket body kits are expensive and a pain to get "perfect" without paying out the arse. Paint matching and proper installation can change a body kit to a body mess. I like the fact that my Nismo factory body kit is installed properly, painted to match, and under warranty.
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Interior improvements? Maybe I'm missing something. What's different from the base?
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You get red stitching, if that means anything to you. Nismo written on the floor mats and seats. Red/Black interior instead of solid black. Nismo written anywhere they could find the space for it, basically.
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I like the fact that the suspension has had some (hopefully) professional upgrading over the base.
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That's a good way to put it. I'm in love with the suspension when I'm driving "spirited", but get annoyed quickly when I'm on a patch of bad road.
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Mind you, I don't hate the Mustang. It has a great heritage, almost as colorful as the Corvette. It's just that (and you should know this, Matt) here in Georgia, too many rednecks think the Mustang rules. My brother-in-law has even gone so far as to say, "congress should make it illegal to produce any kind of engine except a V8". (see what I have to put up with ?!)
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Mustangs are the king of the roads here in Georgia, at least that's what their owners think. There are plenty of Cobras and Saleens around my area that will do everything in their power to make their presence known to me on the road.
Most people, after taking a ride in my Nismo, say "You sure this is only a V6?". The only thing I feel we give up with the V6 is lower gas mileage and a little more of a ceiling on bolt-on hp gains.