New 09 370z owner, asking for recomendations!

[arnoldas]

Welcome everybody i just got an 09 370z base/sport model with 30 thousand miles. I need to change the air filter, oil filer and oil and would like to know what would you guys recommend to use? I also need new tires and to change the front brakes, what are the best options that work well on the Z?

[kellyefields]

I would change the brake fluid, the rear diff fluid and if you have a automatic that fluid as well.

[binary0x01]

Check the gear oil and change it since you have a manual.

You would need transmission fluid for AT

[arnoldas]

any recommendations of what kind of fluid i should use for brakes, gear fluid etc.?

[wilsonp]

I would definitely put in the K&N air filter drop-ins.

I prefer the Nissan Ester oil - it has some special properties to help the VVEL, but isn't required.

An advanced brake fluid is nice if you plan to track since the Z has poor brake ventilation, I plan to upgrade mine even for street DD.

[arnoldas]

Alright thank you for the advice! Anything else that I should improve or are there any issues with the car if i plan to drive it hard on the street?

[LakeShow]

Get some Michelin Pilot Sports tires.

[arnoldas]

are the continental all season tires any good?

[VinceThe1]

From years of experience, I would recommend Redline Synthetic Oil. Every engine I have put it in has gotten quieter and smoother. Noisy 3rd gear grinds while cold and a noisy valvetrain were issues with my 06 Acura TL but since I put Redline in both engine and transmission, these problems have basically disappeared. I've used Mobil 1 and Castrol before but I am much happier with Redline, it makes a noticeable difference from the others.

For the filters I would also recommend the K&N drop-ins. Just make sure you clean them every other oil change.

For the engine oil I would recommend Redline 5W-30 and a OEM Nissan Oil Filter. This to me would be very important since Redline is one of the most high performance motor oils in the world which means it survives well in hot and cold. I've done a freezer test, put Mobil 1 fully synthetic in your freezer and put Redline. Mobil 1 becomes like honey, Redline stays very close to what it is at room temperature. Imagine when you are in freezing climates and you start your engine with thick honey, you are not going to have any lubrication until a couple minutes pass so the oil can warm up. Redline is a group 5 synthetic oil, and not a blend either (group 5 is the highest group of all synthetic oils, for comparison, US market Mobil 1 is group 3, Royal Purple is group 4 but has paraffin additives which is what makes oil solid in extreme cold).

Red Line Synthetic Oil - Motor Oil - 5W30 Motor Oil

For the transmission I would recommend Redline MT-85 75W85 GL-4 Gear Oil (recommended for 370Z)

Red Line Synthetic Oil - Gear Oil for Manual Transmissions - MT-85 75W85 GL-4 Gear Oil

I would change the diff fluid as well, since you are changing the transmission fluid.

[arnoldas]

thank you for the advice! would i be able to change the diff oil and transmission oil myself or do i need to bring it to a shop? And i got the car still within the bumper to bumper warranty, what does that do for me if i bring it to a nissan dealership? do they do any service for free?

[snea]

Check your service manual and see if the previous owner had his service done by Nissan and if they actually stamped it. If so you may consider continuing doing the same simply so there can never be any question whether or not the vehicle was properly maintained. They will charge and it will be more expensive than doing it yourself, but it may be worth it, especially if you have an extended warranty.

If previous service hasn't been logged you might as well do it your self. It's pretty simple, will be less expensive, and I believe there are DIY guides for engine, trans, and diff oil changes.

As for the choice in oil, I can't get the Red line stuff in my area unless I mail order so I went with Pennzoil Ultra. Both oils contain esters and should be good alternatives to the Nissan stuff.