Is sport package a must?

ImportConvert

Does it not work that well and you still do 1-wheel-peels, or what? Even if it doesn't work the best with corners, it would be worth it for the stop-light if it locks it up well enough.

jaedub

Noob question! whats LSD?

Mt Tam I am

If the sports package saved me six inch's braking 70-0 down hill, then this alone completely paid for itself. My panic stop was SRM on, and it helped without question. A hard brake, down shifting into second, and revving 7,000 RPM's so smoothly, no rear wheel lock up, nose dipping down, wife sucking air to avoid screaming.

The SRM makes heel and toe obsolete, yet I tend to heel toe anyway.

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Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

Eric

Limited Slip Differential.

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PSN ID: GTP_EricW

gaveup

Interesting. That's exactly what I did before I signed the papers on my base.

For myself, I just didn't care to spend 3k on sports. I didn't like the 19's (I know, probably the only person here to think that, but I think they look pretty horrible.), I liked the wingless look (well kinda) and I didn't care much for the brakes. I'm sure the brakes are much better, but I've never run into any sort of issue where my current brakes weren't sufficient. When I was on my test drive I turned SRM off half way through, so obviously that wasn't something I cared for.

Depending on who you ask about the sports package you'll hear a different opinion. To me, it wasn't worth the extra 3k solely because of how much I dislike the wheels. I'd rather take that money and put it towards wheels and coilovers personally.

Eric

That's as good of a reason as any to get or not get the sport package. It's all personal preference.

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PSN ID: GTP_EricW

SeattleLion

People on here have such diverse requirements. Clearly there are advantages in the sport package, particularly if you don't plan to do major modifications (I don't). I don't think the wheels are that cool looking, but I have never made a decision to buy or not buy based on how the wheels look. After all, I am inside the car. Other people see the outside so it's their problem.

From a practical perspective, the $3,000 is a reasonable price for larger tires, bigger wheels, better brakes, and LSD. All of those things make the car more nimble and safer. The touring was a no brainer for me. That affects the inside of the car! That's where I sit. I like the Bose sound system, love the navi. It is really advanced (in the 2010, at least). The voice recognition is decent, even with all the road noise.

As for bolt-ons. Since I will never race (watching the laps on Top Gear is scary enough for me), the only mods that make sense to me involve safety and roadworthy driveabilty. For safety, I changed the brake lines to stainless steel and the brake fluid to DOT 5.1. Also for safety I added a backup camera (hooks right into the nav). I also changed the tires (big expense!) to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus, stock size, to improve cold weather performance. I don't plan to drive in anything but light snow. Here in the Seattle area we don't get much snow. On days it is snowy my wife can drive me to work in her 4X4 Tacoma.

People here seem divided on the need for an oil cooler for non-track Z's. It is concerning that the engine oil could go to 260 and above. Of course, synthetics don't lose the ability to lubricate at 300 degrees, but it would be a royal pain to find myself limited to 45 mph while on a 10% grade. As far as I can tell, adding the Nissan Sports oil cooler ($795) will set me back about $1,100 bucks with labor. So I am taking a wait-and-see position.

The reason I included all this extra information is that in my case, at least, I always regret not buying some option when I get a car. As a result, I get true peace of mind if I order everything. Yes, it added about $5,000 to the base touring, but it saved me the $45,000 of getting a new Z next year cause I can't stand not having (fill in the blank...sports package...navi, etc.). I have seen more than one thread on here where others have turned around and replaced a 2009 with a 2010 because of buyer's remorse over unpurchased options.

The bottom line, in my opinion, is that if you can't afford the payment for a well-equipped Z, you might have a hard time with the more expensive care and feeding it requires. Then again, it's all a matter of personal preference.

If you do elect not to buy the sport package, be sure you won't find yourself back at the dealer next year for one that includes it.

Bleek

are you male?

SeattleLion

Yes.

Bleek

Cmike2780

I agree, it all comes down to what you want, but that doesn't mean you should load up on every option just because your afraid you might regret it later. Thats a neverending cycle if you think of cars that way in general and why a lot of people buy a new car every four years or so. I guarantee most people with a base Z are just as happy with their cars as those with loaded Z's. Do you regret not buying the vert', 40th or Nismo for example.

As far as performance and safety advantages of the Sports package, that has yet to be proven to show significant improvement. The sport brakes may not fade as easily, but they are not meant to be dedicated racing brakes either. On the street, the differences are moot aside from aesthetics.

To the OP, I say just take the car out for a test drive. If you like it, take it home. Simple as that.

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[09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R]

AutoX Z

I got the sports package to do that VVVVVV never would have had a chance without it.

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2013 SCCA Solo National Champion
VVV For Sale VVV

hdskull

Yes to the sports package, the 2000something dollars is well worth it. I regret not getting it.

NiZZZmo370

Nothing is a must, its all personal preference. Just choose wisely and make sure you dont regret it after the purchase.

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Daily Driver: 2010 Magnetic Black Nismo 370Z #400 (Nismo carbon fiber shift knob, Parrot bluetooth system):
Track Car: 2010 Nissan GT-R Premium Black Obsidian (546whp 568wtq)

TongMan

The people who didn't get the sports package are just finding excuses to cover up their mistake so they can fake being happy with their decision to buy a non-sports package.