Japanese Culture and the Z

fastsach · 12-22-2010, 09:54 AM

phelan - I have been to Japan 27 times for various work assignments. The first and only time was 8 weeks on the western island of Kyushu. I stayed in Kanda which was near the Kyushu plant. It was built cpmpletely on reclaimed land and was wet all of the time. Then a 6 weeker in Yokohama commuting to Opama and then various places but mainly in Hon Atsugi where I could go to out tech center each day. About 6 months total in country.

endgame - You might think about starting your kids earlier than 6 or 8.

sds · 12-23-2010, 12:39 PM

Fastsach--just some clarifications:
The EX is not a dressed up Rogue. The Rogue is based on the Nissan C platform shared with the sentra, and the EX is a gen 2 FM (like the G37).

Additionally, the GTR is built alongside the V36 cars (Skyline/G37, whatever you prefer).

tnortonZ · 12-24-2010, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastsach

Some interest was shown by the guys that responded to my post under newbie in the roadster section and the more I think about it the more I believe that some of my experiences with Nissan in Japan would be of interest.
As I mentioned I was with Nissan over 27 years in various capacities from tool maintenance to Purchasing and have been to Nihon (they don't call their country Japan) 27 times.

First and foremeost is that the Z is not made by Nissan per se. They have another name (can't remember) and are considered a contractor. There are three different distinct manufacturing arms of Nissan in Japan. Passenger cars/light trucks (Infiniti and Nissan), heavy trucks and sports cars. The sports cars section only makes the Z and GTR (I think) in a seperate city I have never been to. All of the arms are allowed to use the other's assets to test and ask questions. The Z is seperated so that the bureaucracy and scrutiny of the larger machine does not interfere with their art. The hierarchy of management and decision making is not readily understandable to the western mind and that is another subject but believe me this structure is needed and can change any April (Japan's universal fiscal year start).
The Z folks are the elite and that's where everybody wants to go but few do. What goes on there is kind of private and the rest of the world, including Nissan people, only see the end result of their efforts.
The Z is a piece of technological art and represents what the human species is capable of producing right now (in their opinion). As soon as it's launched and in production the team sets out to raise the bar for the next model and starts anew.
I can go on and on, believe me.

I have to admit I have never even ridden in a Z post the 300ZX but will get my roadster as a lease from Nissan in February. Damn the time is going slow..................

Sach

The car is perfect - aside from a few important "tweaks"

Needs more torque overall, i'd increase it to somewhere between 300 and 350
Needs more HP, id make 350 the standard model, and somewhere near 400 the nismo so its actually worth buying the upgrade.
Correct the blind spot issue by making the universal transcever reirview mirror standard on all trims (plain rear view mirror is sorely outdated and any car 30k plus should have a universal transciever from base up
Better base sound system
Further refine the VQ engine and make the sound quality of the engine/exhaust more on par with the mustang GT. (doesnt have to sound LIKE the GT, but the quality of the Specific VQ37 VHR sound
Fix the Oil temp problem - its a serious issue borderline warranty/recall liabilty for nissan

Once these things get fixed, it will propell the Z into the sports car elite.

kenchan · 12-24-2010, 08:18 AM

I've not had oil temp issues. You newbs are reading too much bs and not enough truth.

Rui Z · 12-24-2010, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

I've not had oil temp issues. You newbs are reading too much bs and not enough truth.

Endgame · 12-24-2010, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

I've not had oil temp issues. You newbs are reading too much bs and not enough truth.

Also, why does the Z need more HP and torque to move into the elite status? The Cayman S has been called the best sports car on the planet and it has less power and torque than the Z.

HP and torque is not what is need; weight loss is. If the Z dropped another 100 pounds and refine the engine a tad more (or give it better breathing mods from the factory as all those issues disappear after that - but then that takes away the fun of modding), then it would be very close to elite to me.

How my car is set up now, it is outstanding/smashing/da bomb/awwhh yeah/word to your mother/thumbs up, and any other

phrase you can think of. Well, I lie some, I need sways and stickier tires...

ProfessorDave · 12-24-2010, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endgame

If the Z dropped another 100 pounds and refine the engine a tad more (or give it better breathing mods from the factory as all those issues disappear after that - but then that takes away the fun of modding), then it would be very close to elite to me. ..

Endgame just called me FAT!

Where is your holiday spirit?!

Endgame · 12-24-2010, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ProfessorDave

Endgame just called me FAT!

Where is your holiday spirit?!

DOAH!!! MY BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ProfessorDave · 12-24-2010, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endgame

DOAH!!! MY BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, I agree with you - the Z could lose some weight. Tough to do with all the safety equipment required these days.

caodan2010 · 12-27-2010, 04:44 PM

I dont think alot of ppl drive Z in japan, theyd rather drive cheaper and more fittable cars, since the parking lot is so crowded already..

jakoye · 12-27-2010, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caodan2010

I dont think alot of ppl drive Z in japan, theyd rather drive cheaper and more fittable cars, since the parking lot is so crowded already..

I would be interested to know how many Zs are sold in Japan. We know from Dad that sales figures in the US average about 10,000 cars per year for the Z. Curious whether the figures are similar in Japan (accounting for population difference).

fastsach · 12-28-2010, 10:25 AM

I will see if I can find out how many Zs are sold in Japan but very seldom see one there. It's size is about average so I don't think that is qa big factor. Price and insurance probably makes it out of reach for most people.
There is a very decided middle class and then the upper class in Japan it appears. Not much in between.
VP and director level people seem to live the same lifestyle as their managers. True wealth is usually born in there.

Boris · 12-28-2010, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastsach

I will see if I can find out how many Zs are sold in Japan but very seldom see one there. It's size is about average so I don't think that is qa big factor. Price and insurance probably makes it out of reach for most people.
There is a very decided middle class and then the upper class in Japan it appears. Not much in between.
VP and director level people seem to live the same lifestyle as their managers. True wealth is usually born in there.

First post from a possible future Z owner

For information, I live in Japan, and I see Zs every day. Everything from the old 240s (rare these days) to 370s. 350s and 370s are quite common.
It's my wife that really wants a Z, I drive an STI, although I won't complain if she wants to get one

Nikkolai · 12-28-2010, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boris

First post from a possible future Z owner

For information, I live in Japan, and I see Zs every day. Everything from the old 240s (rare these days) to 370s. 350s and 370s are quite common.
It's my wife that really wants a Z, I drive an STI, although I won't complain if she wants to get one

I am sure that she will like it and you will too. I wish I could have had both but I did give up my STi for a Nismo 370Z. I do not regret my decision. How often do you see Skylines (not Infinity branded ones)? I am sure they are cheaper over there with the exception of the R35. Also, what about American cars?

Boris · 12-29-2010, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikkolai

I am sure that she will like it and you will too. I wish I could have had both but I did give up my STi for a Nismo 370Z. I do not regret my decision. How often do you see Skylines (not Infinity branded ones)? I am sure they are cheaper over there with the exception of the R35. Also, what about American cars?

Yes I know I'll like it

I used to drive V6 and V8 cars years ago.
Skyline GTRs are also common, R32s and R33s very much so. Strangely, I see more R35s than I do R34s. Good used (mint) R34s can be almost as expensive as used R35s.
I do see American cars sometimes, Jeeps, the occasional Hummer, late model Mustangs, GM300s. Not really common where I live, but they are here.

To upset the purists, we are interested in the prospect of a hybrid 370Z

haha

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12-22-2010, 09:54 AM	#31 (permalink)
fastsach Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 20 Drives: Honda CBR1100XX Rep Power: 15	phelan - I have been to Japan 27 times for various work assignments. The first and only time was 8 weeks on the western island of Kyushu. I stayed in Kanda which was near the Kyushu plant. It was built cpmpletely on reclaimed land and was wet all of the time. Then a 6 weeker in Yokohama commuting to Opama and then various places but mainly in Hon Atsugi where I could go to out tech center each day. About 6 months total in country. endgame - You might think about starting your kids earlier than 6 or 8.

12-23-2010, 12:39 PM	#32 (permalink)
sds Base Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: DE Posts: 2 Drives: 05 G35 Sedan 5AT Rep Power: 16	Fastsach--just some clarifications: The EX is not a dressed up Rogue. The Rogue is based on the Nissan C platform shared with the sentra, and the EX is a gen 2 FM (like the G37). Additionally, the GTR is built alongside the V36 cars (Skyline/G37, whatever you prefer).

12-24-2010, 08:18 AM	#34 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	I've not had oil temp issues. You newbs are reading too much bs and not enough truth.

12-27-2010, 04:44 PM	#40 (permalink)
caodan2010 Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: california Posts: 25 Drives: nisson g37s gray Rep Power: 15	I dont think alot of ppl drive Z in japan, theyd rather drive cheaper and more fittable cars, since the parking lot is so crowded already..

12-28-2010, 10:25 AM	#42 (permalink)
fastsach Base Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 20 Drives: Honda CBR1100XX Rep Power: 15	I will see if I can find out how many Zs are sold in Japan but very seldom see one there. It's size is about average so I don't think that is qa big factor. Price and insurance probably makes it out of reach for most people. There is a very decided middle class and then the upper class in Japan it appears. Not much in between. VP and director level people seem to live the same lifestyle as their managers. True wealth is usually born in there.