2016 Touring + mods or Sport Tech or Nismo Tech?
 

I'm trying to decide which Z to get.

I've driven the Sport Tech and the Nismo Tech (I kind of want the upgraded stereo and navigation).

The Sport Tech I didn't like so much, due to the interior being blah and the exhaust note being harsh. However, I did like that I was getting the better brakes and the LSD.

The Nismo Tech I loved. The seats are fantastic. In fact, the whole interior feels like a huge step up over the Sport Tech thanks to the colored Alcantara. I also thought the exhaust on the Nismo sounded much improved (though still not what I would call great).

Both the Sport Tech and the Nismo Tech have a couple of problems, though. One is the 19" wheels. The rims themselves look fine, but they're going to be expensive to repair if anything should happen to them. But, more importantly, it's going to make the tires a lot more expensive. Looks like a set of four Pilot Super Sports is about $760 in 18" but $1,136 in 19". That's almost $400 more.

The other issue, and it's probably even more of an issue than the tires, is the body kit. I don't want to be driving a car where I have to worry about every speed bump and steep driveway scraping the hell out of my front aero.



So, that got me thinking about getting a Touring instead. Based on looking at the pictures online, the Touring doesn't have the front lip that the Sport Tech and Nismo tech do. Also, the Touring has 18" wheels instead of 19" (although they're kind of ugly--I'd probably replace them with Enkei PF01s). And, most importantly, the Touring has the persimmon interior which looks at least as good as the Nismo Tech interior to me.

But with the Touring I'd be losing out on the better brakes, the LSD, and, compared to the Nismo, the exhaust.

Now, the base brakes I figure I can live with, since I won't be tracking the car anytime soon. I don't think that the Sport Brakes offer much benefit for street use, right? They're just more resistant to fade? (Well, and they look better, obviously.)


The LSD, though, I think I'd definitely want (I don't want to be doing one-wheel burnouts and the improved traction on wet roads seems helpful). It seems like the Quaife one is considered pretty good? If so, it seems like that'd be about $2K including installation costs?

And I think I'd also want an exhaust. Not sure which one to get here. I'm not really looking for more noise, just better noise. Any suggestions?


Also, has anybody upgraded a Touring like this before (I can't be the only one, right)? If so, were you happy with your decision?

Get the nismo, you won't regret it. Wish I had gotten one!

I went with the Touring option. I feel like when you mod it you're going to take more ownership. It's your creation, and that's always a good feeling. A lot of people go with fi, fast intentions exhausts. I have a stillen cbe and will get some long tube headers from FI and some high flow cats at some point. Again...just creating. That's what's fun!

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The Nismo
 

Ever Since the 2015 Nismo came out it became my favorite {White}. I still prefer the sport package on 2009 through 2014 models.

Speed bumps are not a big deal unless they are massive, the Z still has decent clearance stock. Steep driveways you can take your time and deal with it. The problem is dips in the road - especially ones you can't see because it's dark or something :eekdance:. Otherwise you are slowing down to take the dip easy which is a pain too. Small price to pay, imho.

Somethings to note:
Only steep drive ways will give you more issues then a non Nismo due to the front splitter sticking out over a non Nismo with out the front splitter.
For me the stock stereo or even Bose isn't worth the money, you can have a better aftermarket system installed for the same or less.
If you don't like the wheels there are plenty of people here they will pay good money for a set of nismo wheels, they are volk rays and are not cheap. You can get a new set of 18" with tires you like probably for the same price.
The better brake are worth it but they are not necessary for street driving.
The LSD is nice but it's not track worthy and after 30-50K miles it will be more like an open diff and you cannot replace the VLSD fluid which is what wears out.
The exhaust on the Nismo is where it makes most of its extra power from but there are louder and more free flowing exhausts our there and typically used Nismo exhausts go for 500.
You will want to spend another ~1,500 right away on a clear bra.

I thought that there are three different aero packages:

(1) Base/Touring - no front splitter/air deflector

(2) Sport/Sport Tech - has black plastic air deflector under front bumper that is prone to scraping.

(3) Nismo/Nismo Tech - has body-color front splitter that is prone to scraping.

if only they offered the sport + touring option still :shakes head:

After some more thought, I'm wondering if I should go with a Base 370Z instead of a Touring.

I love the persimmon interior, upgraded stereo, back-up camera, and nav on the Touring, but the Touring is, like, $9K more than a Base.

An aftermarket head unit with Nav and back-up camera would only be, like, $1K. And I could get a pair of Bride Digo seats for about $2K which would make the interior of the Base a lot cooler.

So, that would give me about $6K in savings to spend on Xpel film, exhaust, LSD, etc.

if i was going to get a z today, id get the nismo tech and swap the wheels to the dark nismo wheels from 13-14 and call it a day.

I like the Nismo Tech a lot, but the body kit really kills the deal for me. I want something a bit easier to drive around without worrying about scraping.

from my understanding the sport package aero deflector is more difficult to navigate than the new 15' nismo...

seen a black white and grey nismo in person. white is by far the nicest looking one IMHO.

oh i've also seen the red trim on some of the infiniti q50 the other day... looked... interesting

That's a valid point... I bought the base with Sport package only (aka tech package?) back in 09. Dealer installed the illuminated sills and splash guards, gave it to me at no charge. I'm really happy with my choice.

the f- im posting? i meant..

dats a valid point... i bought the base with sport package only (aka tech package?) back in 09. dealer installed the illuminated sills and splash guards, gave it to me at no charge. im really happy with my choice.

need to use proper writing style.

The NISMO is a great package. The exterior (especially those DRL) are great and the interior is incredible. I am very happy with the NISMO Tech, even if I think it should all be standard equipment at regular NISMO price point. Scraping isn't nearly as bad as I initially feared once I got used to it. You do have to watch the severe dips though.

Agreed.

IMO, this is the best combo. I personally like it better than the NISMO without the big rear spoiler.

Can you clarify about the VLSD? Does it go bad after 30-50k miles and need replacement?

I read that NISMO makes most of the extra hp from the tune rather than the exhaust...

Are you getting auto or manual trans?

If manual, get the sport so you get Synchro Rev Matching. You also mention that you will not track "any time soon." If you ever intend to track the car, get the sport. The performance additions are not minor.

I did the same thing the base with sport package that came with the wheel locks, floor mats, and splash guards. I installed the illuminated sills myself and got them from a dealer in Calf. for 175.00

But I thought that a lot of folks who end up tracking their cars replace the LSD from the Sport Pack, upgrade the brakes, and reduce their wheels down a size to save on tire cost? :confused:

I have a different perspective. The lack of the synchro rev match (SRM) was a show stopper for me in the base model. I have a problem with my right ankle that limits my ability to flex it in the direction needed for heel/toe downshifts. SRM rocks.

Also, while the cost of the 19" tires is more, the performance of the lower profile tire is also more. The bigger, wider tires (1 inch wider on all four corners) results in higher cornering forces. However you do get a couple more pounds of unsprung weight with the bigger wheels and tires.

I am running in SCCA Solo (autocross) Street class. So while the VLSD will wear, the rules will not permit me to swap it and remain in the Street class. I will have to replace it when it wears or jump up a class (and significant mod cost). If I were to do that I would replace the VLSD with a Wavetrac. So, if you started autocross with a base model I don't think the rules would permit an upgrade to LSD without a class jump.

All that said, the money generally is not a problem for me, except as noted for racing in a higher class. I am old (59) and well established. If you are young and still making your way to being well established then sure, the base is an excellent start. The only thing it would be hard to get in an upgrade is SRM. If you go auto it is a moot point. The auto has SRM down shift for the base and sport.

Don't let the MT wieners tell you that men ONLY use manual transmissions. The auto trans shifts faster than you can with a manual. If you want to be fast get the auto. If you want to row your own gears get the manual. It is as simple as that. I wanted to row my own gears ... um ... and be fast :( Oh well eh?

Nissan really needs to go to dual clutch setup to render the whole trans issue moot.

:iagree:

God, no! Please keep the manual!

I would have probably chosen Manual (to save some money if anything) but slushbox is a no go and paddle shifters + dual clutch would be bomb diggity

Oh good lord, please don't let this thread turn into the MT vs. AT discussion. Course, I kinda :stirthepot:.

I was just sayin' SRM rocks ... it's all I meant ... honest. FP can smell these threads a mile a way.

However, I shoulda known by the OP name. :shakes head:

i laugh when i see base rims... or when i see base brake kit with aftermarket rims...

or automatics :stirthepot:

The Zs engine size and lack of low end torque require a manual transmission

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I would say get the nismo... if not then the sport tech.. yeah the touring seats are nice but you can change them if you get the sport tech. I really like the lsd and the aero kit and with the stereo just upgrade... the bose upgrade is not much better from just base. I have a 14 sport touring nav.. i wish i could have waited for the new nismo

Unfortunately, I *don't* like the aero kit due to scraping concerns.

only the front aero deflector but that's on mildly steep inclines or if you're not careful:owned:

I would recommend the HKS Hi-Power catback without reservation. I'm using it with the stock cats and it sounds awesome; subdued when you're not in it halfway or more but wakes up nicely when you do. Plus absolutely no drone thanks to the Helmholtz resonators. It's pricey but so worth it. This is absolutely what the Z should have come with stock.

Yeah, I've been looking at a lot of videos of that one. Seems to be *exactly* what I want.