Initial 370Z v. 350Z impressions (after 5 days of 370Z ownership)

LenZToy · 01-26-2009, 10:28 PM

Thanks for sharing. Great info. I have a 2003 Track model and really like this new car. Probably going with the graphite but the blue is beautiful!

VTalumni · 02-04-2009, 02:22 PM

Glad to hear you are okay man. I also had a very bad accident in my SRT-4. I was going about 80 and got pushed off the road by an 18 wheeler. Car rolled a few times. I ended up with a torn a/c joint which unfortunately will never get better and a concusion. How do you post pics by the way?

semtex · 02-04-2009, 02:28 PM

If you click on the 'Go Advanced' button below when you reply, it'll show a section called Manage Attachments. Your accident sounds nasty. Glad you survived! Did you get a heft settlement from the trucking company?

VetteVert · 02-04-2009, 08:33 PM

Is that a Microtech I spy underneath the Kimber? An Ultratech maybe?

VV

semtex · 02-04-2009, 08:49 PM

It's a SOG TAC Auto. I do have a Microtech tho -- a Scarab. I usually carry the Microtech while the SOG stays in the car. I also have a Benchmade Infidel, but I like the Microtech better.

darkearth · 02-04-2009, 10:29 PM

Thanks for the review!! glad you're okay!

VTalumni · 02-06-2009, 03:39 PM

Here should be some pictures of the accident. Dont know if it is going to work. But sorry to get off topic.

The review is great. I have been hearing a lot about this blind spot issue. I am currently living in Germany and havent had a chance to test drive a 370z, or even sit in one for that matter. How bad exactly is this issue? Does it really affect daily driving or can you work around it?

GatorBlue371 · 02-07-2009, 01:30 AM

Great review....

Sorry about that incident though

frost · 02-08-2009, 11:51 AM

Wow, you sucked all the luck out of the universe for the entire day being able to walk away from that.

cartracer12 · 03-16-2009, 02:26 AM

Hey!! Saying that no heel toe drivers should not drive manual is going too far! I think the feature is great. If the Z didn't have it I would learn heel toe when I got a car that didn't have terrible staggered pedals. IE clutch then forward 2 inches then brake then forward 2 inches then gas. I learned how to drive a manual when I was 8 years old, so don't be calling me unfit to drive manual. The syncro-rev match allows people a more relaxed state of mind when racing by removing one more variable from corner entry. Thus one can apply their foot to the brake only, giving them a smoother corner entry, thus holding more speed/balance into the corner, allowing for a smoother more predictable corner entry and exit, thus decreasing their lap time.

semtex · 03-16-2009, 07:54 AM

I'm entitled to my opinion, as you are to yours. If you don't like my opinion, too bad. Deal with it. Where do you get off trying to tell me that I can't say certain things? You're free to disagree with me, of course, but if you want to censor me then you've come to the wrong place; this is a discussion forum, where people come to discuss things, not to silence others.

The fact that you 'learned' how to drive a manual when you were 8 doesn't automatically mean you know how to do it well, especially if your lessons didn't include rev-matching. Is it possible to drive a manual without matching revs on downshift? Sure it is. Some people do it all their lives. But knowing how to properly match revs is what separates good MT drivers from those who are second-rate. Again, this is just my opinion, and I'm entitled to it. And for the record, the Z has very well-placed pedals for heel/toe. Also for the record, I like SRM and leave it on in my 370 most of the time. But I do think that it's important for people to know how to do their own rev-matching.

Think of mathematics, for a quick analogy. Everyone uses calculators, right? But back in school, we all had to learn how to do the calculations manually, on paper, the long way. Why? Because it's important to understand the actual fundamentals of mathematical calculations. Now, what do you call someone who can do math only if he has a calculator, but can't even tell you what 2x6 equals without one? A dumbass, that's what. What do you all a driver who can rev-match only if he drives a car with a technology that does it automatically, but couldn't do it with just his own two feet if his life depended on it? Same thing. Can he get by in life without ever acquiring that skill? Yep, you bet he can. Of course, illiterate people can get by in life just fine too, so that's not saying much.

shumby · 03-16-2009, 08:02 AM

^^^ so do you also agree ABS Power stearing and traction control are the same way. Should we all now had to muscel our way through a turn pump the brakes and somehow try to do power managment too. Do you know how your TV works? Yet you use it everyday. Do you fully understand how your cell phone works? yet you use it every day. This piece will eventually be on all MT cars. It is an advancment and as it advances it will do a better job at rev matching then a person could. Just like ABS is better than pumping the brake. People are always resistance to technology. It is those who embrace it that are empowered.

semtex · 03-16-2009, 08:35 AM

Actually, I do feel the same way about ABS and TC. I don't know how old you are, Shumby, but I started driving long before ABS and TC were commonly available on cars. I think not having those features helped me understand vehicle dynamics much better than I would have if I always had them. As for TVs and cell phones, those are false analogies. You see, there's a big difference between technologies that automate things that we can do for ourselves without too much effort, vs. those that don't. ABS is doing something that we can all do for ourselves. So is TC, and so is SRM. A TV is not automating anything that we can do for ourselves, and neither is a cell phone. It's not like the human body can receive television or cell phone signals on its own. But the human body is perfectly capable of sensing the limits of tire adhesion and modulating the throttle (TC).

I want to be clear though. I'm not anti SRM , or ABS, or TC or whatever. I think all of these technologies are great. Indeed, even though they're doing what humans could do for themselves, they do it with a lot more precision and speed than virtually any human could muster. The only point I'm trying to make is that it'd be a shame if people use these technologies as an excuse to not bother learning these skill-sets manually. This all contributes to the 'dumbing down' of our society. Classic example -- that new technology that Lexus has where some of their cars can parallel park themselves. Okay, cool gadget. But are people going to use it to excuse themselves from ever learning how to parallel park a car? Because you know that some people will, right? Especially if that technology becomes standard on all cars one day. GPS is another example. GPS is a great tool, no doubt. But we have kids growing up right now who have no clue as to how to use a paper map.

Now, in your view, are these good things? Is that empowering progress that should be embraced? Because in my view, anything that makes successive generations less intelligent isn't something that I want to embrace. Accept it? Sure. Use it? Ditto. But I'm not going to be naive and turn a blind eye to the negatives; I'm not going to pretend that it's all pros and no cons. Every technological advancement has a dark side, and it's intellectually dishonest to pretend otherwise. And you know what? If you're really so pro technological advancement, why not advocate the elimination of MT altogether. The 'M' does stand for "manual" after all. There are those who would argue that automatic transmissions are an advancement from manuals, and those of us who insist on buying cars with manuals are just being resistant to technology. Embrace the AT, they might say, it'll empower you.

shumby · 03-16-2009, 11:13 AM

ok tell me how you can pump a brake as fast and as controled as ABS. also tell me how you can adjust the braking force applied to each wheel. Face the facts that as tech advances it will do a better job at this then we can. SO unless you can tell me you rev match purfectly everytiime SRM is the way of the future of MT trannies.

semtex · 03-16-2009, 11:29 AM

You can't (pump a brake as fast as ABS), and I don't (rev match perfectly every time). Did you even read my post all the way through before jumping down my throat? This is a direct quote from the second paragraph: "I want to be clear though. I'm not anti SRM, or ABS, or TC or whatever. I think all of these technologies are great. Indeed, even though they're doing what humans could do for themselves, they do it with a lot more precision and speed than virtually any human could muster." So what are you getting all up in arms over?

And what exactly is it that you're arguing, anyway? That SRM is the way of the future for MTs? Okay, so? Did I ever argue otherwise? Did I ever say that it isn't? Sheesh! All I've said is that I have mixed feelings about this latest technological advancement because as cool as it is, some people inevitably won't bother developing the skill to rev-match without a technological aid, and I think that's a shame. Why is this so offensive/controversial to you? Am I missing something here?

02-04-2009, 02:28 PM	#48 (permalink)
semtex A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind enemy lines Age: 54 Posts: 5,995 Drives: People to drink Rep Power: 32	If you click on the 'Go Advanced' button below when you reply, it'll show a section called Manage Attachments. Your accident sounds nasty. Glad you survived! Did you get a heft settlement from the trucking company? __________________ "There are no small accidents on this circuit." -- Ayrton Senna 316.8whp & 248 ft/lbs (Dyno Dynamics) \| 319whp & 256 ft/lbs (DynoJet) (04/23/10) Stillen G3 CAI, CBE, Pulley / F.I. LTH / GTSpec Ladder Brace / Setrab Oil Cooler / UpRev-tuned by Forged Perf.

02-04-2009, 08:49 PM	#50 (permalink)
semtex A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind enemy lines Age: 54 Posts: 5,995 Drives: People to drink Rep Power: 32	It's a SOG TAC Auto. I do have a Microtech tho -- a Scarab. I usually carry the Microtech while the SOG stays in the car. I also have a Benchmade Infidel, but I like the Microtech better. __________________ "There are no small accidents on this circuit." -- Ayrton Senna 316.8whp & 248 ft/lbs (Dyno Dynamics) \| 319whp & 256 ft/lbs (DynoJet) (04/23/10) Stillen G3 CAI, CBE, Pulley / F.I. LTH / GTSpec Ladder Brace / Setrab Oil Cooler / UpRev-tuned by Forged Perf.

03-16-2009, 07:54 AM	#56 (permalink)
semtex A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind enemy lines Age: 54 Posts: 5,995 Drives: People to drink Rep Power: 32	I'm entitled to my opinion, as you are to yours. If you don't like my opinion, too bad. Deal with it. Where do you get off trying to tell me that I can't say certain things? You're free to disagree with me, of course, but if you want to censor me then you've come to the wrong place; this is a discussion forum, where people come to discuss things, not to silence others. The fact that you 'learned' how to drive a manual when you were 8 doesn't automatically mean you know how to do it well, especially if your lessons didn't include rev-matching. Is it possible to drive a manual without matching revs on downshift? Sure it is. Some people do it all their lives. But knowing how to properly match revs is what separates good MT drivers from those who are second-rate. Again, this is just my opinion, and I'm entitled to it. And for the record, the Z has very well-placed pedals for heel/toe. Also for the record, I like SRM and leave it on in my 370 most of the time. But I do think that it's important for people to know how to do their own rev-matching. Think of mathematics, for a quick analogy. Everyone uses calculators, right? But back in school, we all had to learn how to do the calculations manually, on paper, the long way. Why? Because it's important to understand the actual fundamentals of mathematical calculations. Now, what do you call someone who can do math only if he has a calculator, but can't even tell you what 2x6 equals without one? A dumbass, that's what. What do you all a driver who can rev-match only if he drives a car with a technology that does it automatically, but couldn't do it with just his own two feet if his life depended on it? Same thing. Can he get by in life without ever acquiring that skill? Yep, you bet he can. Of course, illiterate people can get by in life just fine too, so that's not saying much. __________________ "There are no small accidents on this circuit." -- Ayrton Senna 316.8whp & 248 ft/lbs (Dyno Dynamics) \| 319whp & 256 ft/lbs (DynoJet) (04/23/10) Stillen G3 CAI, CBE, Pulley / F.I. LTH / GTSpec Ladder Brace / Setrab Oil Cooler / UpRev-tuned by Forged Perf. Last edited by semtex; 03-16-2009 at 07:57 AM.

03-16-2009, 08:02 AM	#57 (permalink)
shumby Captin Canuck Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: with your mom Age: 44 Posts: 6,288 Drives: your sister Rep Power: 236	^^^ so do you also agree ABS Power stearing and traction control are the same way. Should we all now had to muscel our way through a turn pump the brakes and somehow try to do power managment too. Do you know how your TV works? Yet you use it everyday. Do you fully understand how your cell phone works? yet you use it every day. This piece will eventually be on all MT cars. It is an advancment and as it advances it will do a better job at rev matching then a person could. Just like ABS is better than pumping the brake. People are always resistance to technology. It is those who embrace it that are empowered. __________________ Originally Posted by SAM@GTM Engine detonation is not normal and it should never never happen, and whoever told that need to do something else for living . Sam

03-16-2009, 08:35 AM	#58 (permalink)
semtex A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind enemy lines Age: 54 Posts: 5,995 Drives: People to drink Rep Power: 32	Actually, I do feel the same way about ABS and TC. I don't know how old you are, Shumby, but I started driving long before ABS and TC were commonly available on cars. I think not having those features helped me understand vehicle dynamics much better than I would have if I always had them. As for TVs and cell phones, those are false analogies. You see, there's a big difference between technologies that automate things that we can do for ourselves without too much effort, vs. those that don't. ABS is doing something that we can all do for ourselves. So is TC, and so is SRM. A TV is not automating anything that we can do for ourselves, and neither is a cell phone. It's not like the human body can receive television or cell phone signals on its own. But the human body is perfectly capable of sensing the limits of tire adhesion and modulating the throttle (TC). I want to be clear though. I'm not anti SRM , or ABS, or TC or whatever. I think all of these technologies are great. Indeed, even though they're doing what humans could do for themselves, they do it with a lot more precision and speed than virtually any human could muster. The only point I'm trying to make is that it'd be a shame if people use these technologies as an excuse to not bother learning these skill-sets manually. This all contributes to the 'dumbing down' of our society. Classic example -- that new technology that Lexus has where some of their cars can parallel park themselves. Okay, cool gadget. But are people going to use it to excuse themselves from ever learning how to parallel park a car? Because you know that some people will, right? Especially if that technology becomes standard on all cars one day. GPS is another example. GPS is a great tool, no doubt. But we have kids growing up right now who have no clue as to how to use a paper map. Now, in your view, are these good things? Is that empowering progress that should be embraced? Because in my view, anything that makes successive generations less intelligent isn't something that I want to embrace. Accept it? Sure. Use it? Ditto. But I'm not going to be naive and turn a blind eye to the negatives; I'm not going to pretend that it's all pros and no cons. Every technological advancement has a dark side, and it's intellectually dishonest to pretend otherwise. And you know what? If you're really so pro technological advancement, why not advocate the elimination of MT altogether. The 'M' does stand for "manual" after all. There are those who would argue that automatic transmissions are an advancement from manuals, and those of us who insist on buying cars with manuals are just being resistant to technology. Embrace the AT, they might say, it'll empower you. __________________ "There are no small accidents on this circuit." -- Ayrton Senna 316.8whp & 248 ft/lbs (Dyno Dynamics) \| 319whp & 256 ft/lbs (DynoJet) (04/23/10) Stillen G3 CAI, CBE, Pulley / F.I. LTH / GTSpec Ladder Brace / Setrab Oil Cooler / UpRev-tuned by Forged Perf.

01-26-2009, 10:28 PM	#46 (permalink)
LenZToy Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Mechanicsville, Va. Posts: 143 Drives: 2013 370Z Black 6SP Rep Power: 268	Thanks for sharing. Great info. I have a 2003 Track model and really like this new car. Probably going with the graphite but the blue is beautiful!

02-04-2009, 02:22 PM	#47 (permalink)
VTalumni Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Germany Posts: 31 Drives: 370z soon to come Rep Power: 16	Glad to hear you are okay man. I also had a very bad accident in my SRT-4. I was going about 80 and got pushed off the road by an 18 wheeler. Car rolled a few times. I ended up with a torn a/c joint which unfortunately will never get better and a concusion. How do you post pics by the way?

02-04-2009, 08:33 PM	#49 (permalink)
VetteVert Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: NC Posts: 3 Drives: Nada Rep Power: 16	Is that a Microtech I spy underneath the Kimber? An Ultratech maybe? VV

02-04-2009, 10:29 PM	#51 (permalink)
darkearth Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Cow-gary Posts: 10 Drives: '12 Fairlady Z Rep Power: 16	Thanks for the review!! glad you're okay!

02-07-2009, 01:30 AM	#53 (permalink)
GatorBlue371 Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 1 Drives: 350z Rep Power: 16	Great review.... Sorry about that incident though

03-16-2009, 02:26 AM	#55 (permalink)
cartracer12 Base Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Kelowna Posts: 12 Drives: 94 Nissan 240sx BL M Rep Power: 16	Hey!! Saying that no heel toe drivers should not drive manual is going too far! I think the feature is great. If the Z didn't have it I would learn heel toe when I got a car that didn't have terrible staggered pedals. IE clutch then forward 2 inches then brake then forward 2 inches then gas. I learned how to drive a manual when I was 8 years old, so don't be calling me unfit to drive manual. The syncro-rev match allows people a more relaxed state of mind when racing by removing one more variable from corner entry. Thus one can apply their foot to the brake only, giving them a smoother corner entry, thus holding more speed/balance into the corner, allowing for a smoother more predictable corner entry and exit, thus decreasing their lap time.

03-16-2009, 11:13 AM	#59 (permalink)
shumby Captin Canuck Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: with your mom Age: 44 Posts: 6,288 Drives: your sister Rep Power: 236	ok tell me how you can pump a brake as fast and as controled as ABS. also tell me how you can adjust the braking force applied to each wheel. Face the facts that as tech advances it will do a better job at this then we can. SO unless you can tell me you rev match purfectly everytiime SRM is the way of the future of MT trannies. __________________ Originally Posted by SAM@GTM Engine detonation is not normal and it should never never happen, and whoever told that need to do something else for living . Sam

03-16-2009, 11:29 AM	#60 (permalink)
semtex A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Behind enemy lines Age: 54 Posts: 5,995 Drives: People to drink Rep Power: 32	You can't (pump a brake as fast as ABS), and I don't (rev match perfectly every time). Did you even read my post all the way through before jumping down my throat? This is a direct quote from the second paragraph: "I want to be clear though. I'm not anti SRM, or ABS, or TC or whatever. I think all of these technologies are great. Indeed, even though they're doing what humans could do for themselves, they do it with a lot more precision and speed than virtually any human could muster." So what are you getting all up in arms over? And what exactly is it that you're arguing, anyway? That SRM is the way of the future for MTs? Okay, so? Did I ever argue otherwise? Did I ever say that it isn't? Sheesh! All I've said is that I have mixed feelings about this latest technological advancement because as cool as it is, some people inevitably won't bother developing the skill to rev-match without a technological aid, and I think that's a shame. Why is this so offensive/controversial to you? Am I missing something here? __________________ "There are no small accidents on this circuit." -- Ayrton Senna 316.8whp & 248 ft/lbs (Dyno Dynamics) \| 319whp & 256 ft/lbs (DynoJet) (04/23/10) Stillen G3 CAI, CBE, Pulley / F.I. LTH / GTSpec Ladder Brace / Setrab Oil Cooler / UpRev-tuned by Forged Perf. Last edited by semtex; 03-16-2009 at 11:36 AM. Reason: Toned it down a little.

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