FI vs New car
 

Question for all those boosted Z's out there..... I know that sometime in the near future(2 yrs or so) I'm going to be purchasing a GTR. I'm at a crossroads as to whether it is worth it to go FI(tt) on my Z now when I'm going to be trading it in within a relatively short timeframe. I'm looking at the fact that, even with the cost effective option I'm looking at spending at least 8k, most of which I will not get back at trade in or at resale if I remove the system and sell it separately. I understand that, in any case, a TT system is not "practical" by most standards anyway, but I'd like to get some opinions from some fellow motorheads out there, especially those who are boosted. Thanks in advance guys.

Sounds like a waste of money to me, just save the money to put into buying or modding your future GTR

:iagree:
And this is the MOST sense XiP has ever made, someone somehow hacked into his account, lol

I'd say just save up for the GTR. Just make sure to do ur research on the GTR and the performance parts. If u think modding a Z is expensive then wait til you see the prices for modding a GTR.

Have fun with that GTR!
I figure I would be brave and jump in for we non-boosted n00bs :icon17:

My recommendation is to spend that money on the GTR. If not for performance, spend it on dress up so you feel that much more like a million bucks every time you get behind the wheel. :tup:

The only way I (personally) would go boosted if I was selling my Z in 2-yr time frame, is if I had a SERIOUS passion to do some boosted tuning, track racing, show-car appearances, project car for a magazine, etc.

You'd lose most of cost of the TT kit once you sell the Z. It might add 5-7k to your resale value if it's done right, but doing so would probably cost 10-12k. 2 years is a decent stretch of time though. At least to a younger guy. But just think about what you could do with that money to your future GTR!

Plus think about how long it will take you to complete a TT kit and then get it running properly. That will give you a bunch of down time. Why waste the money AND time. Drive your car and enjoy it for what it is.

If u plan it right and do ur homework downtime isn't so bad. My downtime was 2 weeks. Not from my fault, got some items later than expected. But if I could do it over I wouldn't change. I'm prolly still under 30k difference between my boosted G and a GTR.

Hmmmm... The Z with FI is going to need $5,000 in suspension upgrades to handle that turbo power gracefully, Then you want to beef up the tranny if you want the car to last. Then there's possible setbacks of modification. You will need about $25,000 to mod and $15,000 in disposable just in case money.

But then there's the satisfaction of a completely custom car vs a factory built vehicle. It really depends what you value most. And lastly. RWD vs AWD. What do you want?

You are the exception.

OP do your research through the threads here like I did when considering TT

Boost the Z! That way by the time you get in your GT-R stock power simply wont be enough :). Then we can hook you up with ETS GTX35r kit or the Alpha12 package, ahahaha.

In all honesty it comes down to if boosting the Z would prevent you from purchasing the GT-R. If not, I would personally boost it for my enjoyment over the next 2 years.

Thanks,
Alex Goodwin
AlexG@motionlabtuning.com

Sorry but you would be stupid to TT the Z if you want a GTR in two years. what if your engine went boom!! or you end up putting more then 8K in the Z because of problems keep coming up? gotta think about those things. Dont waste money. In fact you should sell the Z now get something really cheap and save for a GTR. Dude its a GTR so much TT turbo action later if you be smart now.

That 8k can go toward a SBD700 GTR Package for only $3899. You'll be at 600 to the wheels pretty much all you need

Thanks guys for the feedback. Anyone that has driven a boosted Z and a GTR that could comment on what they liked better? I'm also debating this, as I could always boost the Z and may like that better than the GTR in the end anyway . . . to be completely honest, having driven both my Z and the GTR, i'm a little hesitant to go to a paddle shift setup since it kinda feels like i'm driving an automatic (not a fan). I also am partial to the rear wheel drive as it makes for a fun driving experience. I'm sure i'm not the first person that's had this GTR vs. highly modded Z question . . . thanks again for the comments!

I've never driven a GTR. It doesn't really appeal to me. It's insanely capable, but it doesn't reach me on an emotional level, and that's a requirement for the price tag and astronomical cost of ownership. That being said, my boosted Z is exactly what I wanted. There's some downsides though. I'd expect it to cause a major drop in your resale value, especially if you trade it in. Mods generally count against you when you sell. If you're not planning on owning the car long term, don't do something so drastic as boosting the Z.

Also to be considered, if i were to get a GTR, i wouldn't have $20K extra laying around to make a 1000hp monster, so it would be a relatively mild build . . . kinda wondering if i couldn't build a more fun car with the Z . . .

Your numbers are way off. 1000 hp is going to take a lot more than $20k.

This is a tough question because the 2 cars are very different.
RWD v AWD
NA factory v TT factory
6MT/7AT v 6AT double clutch
2 seater v 2+2

Plus many more, but I can say we have had guys go from the Z to the GT-R and GT-R to the Z and be happy. If you want to mod the car and tinker with it, and not up to the budget of a GT-R level you may want to stick with the Z for the time being. Even wait for the R36 in a few years and upgrade then to a GT-R.

Yeah, I believe many of the 800HP packages are around 50k currently and up depending on the manufacturer plus install.

If you drove one - really drove it like you owned it - it would reach you emotionally. It is different of course because you obviously value pushing in a clutch pedal, but what you'll get back in return from the AWD system is a completely different high.

I say boost the Z..

Save on the side for a GTR and then who knows, maybe you will put that off a bit once you realize how much fun a boosted Z is :)

Also, downtime is not bad at all. Your talking anywhere from a week to a month if there are minor setbacks. Also, just run conservatively, have fun and avoid additional headaches.

Will surely keep you smiling for the next 2 years when behind the wheel.

I've done the AWD thing before, and that's not my knock on it. The transmission I could learn to love too. It just does nothing for me aesthetically. Something that costs that much should have me going out to the garage at night to stare at it. It's shallow, but for $100k it should give me wood.

I was in your shoes about 2-3 weeks ago. I was pretty much set on selling the Z at the end of the summer and saving for a down on a 2015 GTR. Then I went to ZDayZ and saw the Fast Intentions TT running at the airstrip event. IIRC, the car was putting down ~490whp at 7.5psi on pump gas (91). It was consistently running with a modded GTR (mid-pipe and tune) up to 140mph. The FI team was confident the car would've pulled on it at higher boost.

At $10k plus labor and supporting mods, it's a better move for me financially at this point. Plus, I just think my Z is too damn sexy to get rid of. :tup:

Here's the video of it hanging at 140mph with the GTR..

Another angle and 6:30...

From a roll I can take lightly modded gtr's. From a dig I'd get handled easily.

Comes down to whatever OP wants. A GTR is a GTR. The king of the import world almost. But it also comes at a heavy price tag and maintenance ain't cheap and neither is modding.

A Z is much more affordable and factoring in cost to boost the Z and maintaining it your wallet will thank you. You could take the GTR from a roll but never from a dig. Now if the GTR had any performance package upgrades then from a roll or a dig you would have no chance with the Z.

All really comes down to how much ur willing to spend.

If you run it from a roll. If the GT-R isn't modded. If you stick to straight lines with the first 2 being true.. Then, you might hang with one.. :)

If you compromise enough and narrow the parameters to something completely meaningless, then you should boost the Z and call it a day.

Then take a look at a 350Z up against this same FI 370z. Makes it look stock.



Edit: It wont take time stamps in our posts it is 12:14 for anyone who wants to find it. Here is a link to the time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...QSToOGk#t=734s

Man . . . .decisions decisions . . . i'm really kinda leaning towards building the Z . . . I think it may be a more budget friendly decision . . . not to mention I really like wrenching on my own car and doing a TT install sounds like a lot of fun! I'm glad this is a topic that sparked some interest!

DIYing a tt install is not for the faint of heart, unless you have no problem dropping the motor. It's not required, but it makes it a lot easier.

That 350 must be fun. Built motor n lotta boost!

With BP's kit you dont need to do any of this. If you can change your Cats you can install this kit.

Yes sir, it happens to be one of Sasha's (BP's) kit. One day I hope to be able to but my kit to the test like this.

IF you KNOW you're going GTR, forget boosting the Z. Put that cash in the godzilla till. look at the used Z classified ads here and see how much is lost (and most guys don't list the install/tune cost as well as time off work). Get a nice (used) exhaust, CAI and/or wheels and mark the GTR day on your calendar

This response really struck a chord with me . . . Although the GTR is a ridiculously nice car, i'm not a huge fan of the lines and, other than my previous knowledge of its supercar capability, it doesn't have that "WOW" factor when i look at it. I really enjoy the lines of my Z and I like the idea of building up a car to the way i want it. So, in summary, i think i'm going to boost the Z and make it into what i want, and we'll see what the future holds for my next car. Maybe i'll get a GTR down the road or maybe the new NSX if it ever comes out. Either way, i think i'll be happy with a crazy fast Z. Thanks again guys for the feedback.

:tup:

I've barked up this tree for the last 2 years. I've learned two
things, both are money pits if you plan to mod them.

But the Z is dirt cheap in comparison.

In the end, **** happens, and if it does you'll be much happier in a Z, heres how I've done my math.

Blow your trans in your Z? $1500 form a wreckers, $7k for a built one, $12k for a quafi sequential dogbox.

Blow you trans in a GTR? $12k for a rebuild, $25k for a replacement if you blow the housing. Junkyard ones are hard to come by.

Blow your VQ37VHR? $2500 from a wreckers, $10k for a built 4.5.

Blow your VR38DETT? $15k from a wreckers, and built ones you won't really need unless you're joining the 1k hp club.

Same applies to suspension and brakes.

Unless you need AWD, the Z is lighter and cheaper in the long term.

I'm in a good position to answer this. Between me and the rest of my household, our stable includes my Z, a GT-R, a 911, a Mustang, and a Camaro. I have driven all of them for extended periods on the street only, so if you want tracking advice look elsewhere.

I could go into the pros and cons of each vehicle when it comes to involvement, bang for the buck, reliability, street legality, etcetera, but the bottom line is that your car should have one objective: to put a goofy grin on your face every time you drive it. The Z and GT-R, while in different classes, still maintain some of the best driving characteristics in today's street cars. They both make the pony cars feel like oversized boats on the road.

I would have a difficult time placing the 911 among the two Nissans. The most involving and visceral car is the Z, certainly. The most livable and elegantly sporty car, the Porsche. Godzilla, though? Your head will come unscrewed before you reach the limits of that car. Point is this: the 911 isn't necessarily better or worse than the Z or GT-R. Just like you and me, every car has a personality that comes with the good and the bad. If you love driving the Z, keep it. Once you get used to the face-melting acceleration of Godzilla, the drive is somewhat less exciting. Just press the gas and point the car.

I will be boosting my Z. ;)