Intro- New guy
 

Greetings!

Just thought I’d introduce my self :) First off, my name is Eric / 30yrs old – winter springs (Central Florida ~15 minutes North of Orlando).

I’m currently driving a 08’ Mazdaspeed3 that I’ve had since Sept 07’ (Nearing 50k miles now). The MS3 is a great little car for what it is but front wheel drive sucks and it’s obviously not the most attractive car al though I like the “sleeper status”.

Anyways, I’ve always thought pretty highly of the Nissan 350z / 370z’s. A couple months ago I test drove a 370z for the first time and thought it was a very nice car over all with the ride quality being a lot better than expected.

The power was nice and linear but didn’t feel any quicker than my MS3 w/ Cobb Tune/ Intake/ Test pipe (MS3 actually feels more powerful). I’m fairly certain this is due to the insane high torque output at low revs pushing you back in the seat.

However, my mine concern isn’t “max power” I’m more interested in a well balanced, precise and fun to drive machine. Not that the 370z is lacking power or anything because it certainly isn’t! The weight is what? 3250lbs? That’s a damn fine power to weight ratio!

I’m also considering the following: EVO X, 11’ WRX STI, 11’Mustang GT and BMW 335i. All of these cars I’m sure will be really fun but at this point I’m leaning more towards the 370z for the following 4 reasons:

1.) I’m more confident in Nissan’s reliability. 2.) Cars with turbos can present more issues and I’m not a big fan of “turbo lag”. 3.) The 370z is the most ‘attractive car of the bunch by far. 4.) The “synchrorev match” feature is a “huge” plus.

Okay so now I have a few questions.

1. Do you find “visibility” to be a pain in the *** at times? During my test drive I didn’t really pay much attention, mostly looking straight ahead pretending to listen to the salesman talking my ear off about how cool my GF would think I’m am I’ve I drove home in a 370z (true story)

2. What kind times are people achieving in the ¼ mile? Most test reviews seem to have it anywhere from 13.3 to 13.7@ 103-107mph from what I’ve seen.

3. Certain reviews I’ve read say the engine sounds / feels very unrefined at higher RPMS. I didn’t beat on it during the test drive but did notice a certain amount of raucous as the REVS climbed. Do you generally enjoy the sound of the engine?

4. Can you give me some examples of what will fit in the back? It looked like a fairly sizeable space but it would be nice to hear some real life examples.

Okays I think that’s enough for one post! Sorry it’s so long, I tried to break it up so it will be a little more bearable.

Yo welcome! <3

Welcome!

1. Visibility took some getting used to, but my Eclipse was terrible also, so it wasnt a difficult transition, learn how to use the mirrors to your advantage and have good situational awareness and there wont be any problems.

2. Autos stock have ran 13.2's and I think some magazine even pulled off a 13.1, lightly modded autos are into the 12's and a lightly modded 6MT even broke the 12's, the Z is very mod friendly, combined with a tune, these things can make 320whp easily.

3. Its true, the engine screams, almost begging for more throttle, but its not unbearable, combine it with an aftermarket exhaust, and its friggin music to my ears. Its a sports car man, if you want quiet, get a G37. I personally love it, with my Intakes, HFC's and CBE, it freakin screams, i drive with permanent wood, sometimes gets in the way of the steering wheel.

4. AK fit two golf bags in the back, another member fit $200 in groceries in there, its way more spacious than the 350 because the stabilizer bar was pushed forward more. Hell I even think a few members have put hockey bags w/ stick in the back. I dont have any pictures, but i fit two fully loaded military duffel bags back there and a large Adidas gym back full of equipment in mine for my trip to ohio from texas.

All in all, the Z is the better of those you mentioned in my opinion, good combination of looks, power, balance and daily driveability. Keep in mind that the aftermarket for this car is booming currently with untold numbers of companies currently producing parts and many more with projects for the near future. Twin Turbo options, Supercharger options, body kit options, the possibilities are endless. And WTTC.

Thanks for the welcomes and Red370 thanks for the info as well!

That's great that it's so mod friendly, I wasn't aware :)

Welcome aboard! You'll find just about all your questions answered on this forum in posts already made. Personally, I find the visibility fine. It just takes an adjustment to the mirrors to cover the blind spots and you are good to go. I haven't had my Z at the track so can't comment on the 1/4 mile questions. Revs good to me no worries. I've fit two travel bags for airline travel (small ones) and a couple of bags of stuff at the same time. There is a thread for that as well on here. The search feature is your friend! Again, welcome aboard and good luck with whatever you decide to purchase.

1. This will take some getting used to.

2. That's about right from what I've read. With bolt-ons, people are dipping in the high to mid 12's.

3. Personally, I do think the engine sounds terrible in stock form. But a few mods will take care of that. There were also noticeable vibrations at high RPM's when I first got it, but after 5k miles, it is much smoother.

4. I've never put anything back there except groceries. There is a lot of surface area, but the lid really limits the height space.

Good luck!

Welcome!

1. Visibility is horrendous, and whoever designed the side view mirrors should lose their job. At least in my 350z the mirrors could be angled out to cover the blind spot. With correct seating posture for me (5'10, normal proportions) there is a huge blind spot. I got flamed on this forum for calling it out... I even took pictures demonstrating. I parked next to a truck... the truck was completely invisible... you turn your head and/or lean, you see nothing, with the mirrors angled as far out as they go..... nada. I had to install those ugly *** cheap convex mirrors from autozone to correct this oversight. They are a lifesaver.

2. Mine wouldn't even break into the 13's. (granted, the DA was around 3,000 ft) My lightened & slighted modded($400 worth) '04 350z was running 13.6@104 with the same terrible DA... it's definitely not as fast as I thought it would be, but the greater low end torque is nice. Then again, I had my engine replaced already at 17k miles due to massive oil consumption, so who knows how well my engine was performing at the time.

3. Love the sound of the engine screaming... could live without the feeling that it's going to grenade at higher RPM. The vq35de was similiar, but not as bad.

4... don't know... I think you can rig a trailer hitch.... to lug around all the engine parts you'll need.

As my car sits in the shop for the 4th or 5th time (I'm losing track) due to engine problems.... (talk about an expensive PAPERWEIGHT) and as I remember how much more fun I had in my 350.... I'm starting to regret making the so called "upgrade".

Have fun... GOOD LUCK. :tup:

1. Visibility of the car is pretty good (in my opinion). The only problem is rear visibility (as you're backing up). But that problem was solved when I installed the rear BACK up camera. :tup:

2. 13.2-13.8 would be normal 1/4 miles. You have to understand these are NOT drag cars. Cars like these (E92 m3, 370Z, S2000 etc) shine on road course and autox. Though with a few bolt ons and tune, people are breaking 12s

3. Engine DOES get a little noisy but it shouldn't bother you. If you change the exhaust or put a CAI in, it sounds a lot better. Recently I have been only revving upto 7000 RPM (that's where the peak is) even though I can go upto 7.5K.

4. Check out this thread: http://www.the370z.com/exterior-inte...-full-win.html

You can fit a lot more than you think.

http://i576.photobucket.com/albums/s...m/DSC03395.jpg

http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...ceries_717.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/images/japan%...golf%20bag.jpg


Good luck with your new car hunt. :tup:

I had a mechanic tell me that the Subi engines burn up pretty quick with those turbos. I guess the aluminum heads were warping or something.. hopefully they've found a solution for it will the 2011's. I like them. Neat little cars.

AK,
I had a salesman tell me that the trunk fit two golf bags, and that it was "essential to sell this car". I lol'd. Great pics though!

Welcome to the forums. I was shopping some of those cars myself, but the Z stole home. Blind spot mirrors are a must, trunk space is good enough for a sports car ( I woudlnt expect more ). I agree that the stock power isnt what I was looking for, but nothing a few mods cant change. Not to mention the Z is way better looking than all of those cars, and IMO one of the best looking on the road today.

Hello all! Names Nicole and I'm from a small town called Rockhampton in Queensland Australia.
Happy to get acquainted with you!Thanks!