370Z Winter Driving

Red__Zed · 03-10-2011, 08:46 PM

The Z is certainly driveable in the snow, but it's not really something I would recommend. Besides the weight distribution and RWD nature of the cars, it's also not terribly rust-resistant.

The car will handle it, but you have to be careful, and it's up to you whether it's worth it.

spearfish25 · 03-10-2011, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

...it's also not terribly rust-resistant.

Is your Z rusting? Mine has been through two winters and it's not rusting at all. Which parts are you concerned about?

I'm not trying to be an

, but comments like that are very 'Fox News' fear provoking with little factual basis.

ProfessorDave · 03-10-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

Yeah Dave, I have the sport package with LSD. I'm sensing the sport LSD is crappy anyway, but it probably helps somewhat.

I run the LM-60s on 18" cheap aftermarket wheels (still look pretty good though). I went with a 225/50/R18 square setup so I can swap them front to rear as the rears wear faster. The LM-60s are directional though, so no left-to-right swapping allowed.

And yes, Kenchan, I can't get the Blizzaks off soon enough! I'm thinking of doing an early swap this Sunday and then crossing my fingers that the snow is behind us. A bold move by a bold man.

My experience with Blizzaks (not on a Z) was very positive. Best snows I ever owned. However, they flex like crazy, making cornering feel like a bus with all the passengers sitting on one side. My second choice would be Dunlap Winter Sports, which combine grip with performance.

I am very close to buying an aftermarket LSD. For snow driving only, of course

Wait on removing those Blizzaks. Always remember, March comes in like a lion, and out like a different lion.

Red__Zed · 03-10-2011, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

Is your Z rusting? Mine has been through two winters and it's not rusting at all. Which parts are you concerned about?

I'm not trying to be an

, but comments like that are very 'Fox News' fear provoking with little factual basis.

Nope, but I also don't drive mine in snow.

There's quite a few threads where rust can be observed on the underbody of the car. It was a complaint on the 350z, and Nissan actually spent less effort inhibiting rust on our cars.

Even just bring up the first thread on exhaust shows rust underneath the car....

DIY: Stock Catback Exhaust Removal

They also have a tendency to rust around the differential, and some of the underbody braces...

cossie1600 · 03-10-2011, 11:20 PM

I never had the chance to peak under the car, but I remember my 350 had surface rust spots all underneath the car after its first winter. I assume the 370 is similar?

spearfish25 · 03-11-2011, 07:07 AM

That's routine for all cars. The usual owners worrying about everything.

cossie1600 · 03-11-2011, 09:29 AM

no way, my volvo xc70 was spotless after 10 years compare to my 350 in 2 months.

gbrettin · 03-11-2011, 11:04 AM

I live in Michigan and have no issues. Getting a set of Blizzak tires for winter is a must. Don't mat the peddle when it is snowing and you will be fine.

As for rust concerns, I have an unlimited package to the carwash. I bought the car to enjoy... not to sit.

spearfish25 · 03-11-2011, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbrettin

I bought the car to enjoy... not to sit.

For those who are truly concerned about surface rust, the vast majority of the parts mentioned are quite easily replaceable should it ever come to that.

Highway · 03-11-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbrettin

I bought the car to enjoy... not to sit.

x2

I already wasted 2 years on a garage queen. I think I only put 1000 miles on it in that time.

I'm not putting the Z on a pedestal...it's going to be seeing a lot of road.

m4a1mustang · 03-11-2011, 12:07 PM

Snow driving is fun with the right setup. But I'm ready to get these damn Dunlop Wintersports off my car.

JB1 · 03-11-2011, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbrettin

I bought the car to enjoy... not to sit.

x3

Jeffblue · 03-11-2011, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Snow driving is fun with the right setup. But I'm ready to get these damn Dunlop Wintersports off my car.

just took mine off 2 nights ago

i drove my Z in the snow this winter with dunlop sp wintersport M3's on stock 18's in 245/45/18 all around. Great setup. Car handled great and i'm lowered on coilovers too.

Sizzle · 03-12-2011, 12:06 AM

I'm across the river from you (OP) and I had no issues this winter. The rear end likes to swing out if you give it a little too much gas but if you lift off right away, it straightens right out again. Make sure you're ready for the cost of the snow tires though, I paid $1200 for mine at Belletire...it was a good investment for sure though.

OldGuy · 03-12-2011, 08:37 AM

In PA, the winter salt and cinders are so destructive on sports cars like the Z. Also, I don't want to expose my Z to the winter driving hazard of other less careful drivers sliding into it on these icy winter roads. It happens all the time here. Consider buying an affordable, older second car for the 3 or 4 winter months and keep your beautiful Z safe to enjoy during the other 8 or 9 months.

03-11-2011, 07:07 AM	#21 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	That's routine for all cars. The usual owners worrying about everything. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

03-11-2011, 11:04 AM	#23 (permalink)
gbrettin A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Portage, MI Posts: 2,288 Drives: Tricycle Rep Power: 589151	I live in Michigan and have no issues. Getting a set of Blizzak tires for winter is a must. Don't mat the peddle when it is snowing and you will be fine. As for rust concerns, I have an unlimited package to the carwash. I bought the car to enjoy... not to sit. Last edited by gbrettin; 03-11-2011 at 11:09 AM.

03-11-2011, 12:07 PM	#26 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6963	Snow driving is fun with the right setup. But I'm ready to get these damn Dunlop Wintersports off my car. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

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03-10-2011, 08:46 PM	#16 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 120	The Z is certainly driveable in the snow, but it's not really something I would recommend. Besides the weight distribution and RWD nature of the cars, it's also not terribly rust-resistant. The car will handle it, but you have to be careful, and it's up to you whether it's worth it.

03-10-2011, 11:20 PM	#20 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	I never had the chance to peak under the car, but I remember my 350 had surface rust spots all underneath the car after its first winter. I assume the 370 is similar?

03-11-2011, 09:29 AM	#22 (permalink)
cossie1600 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: californee way Posts: 5,380 Drives: 370, Leaf Rep Power: 30	no way, my volvo xc70 was spotless after 10 years compare to my 350 in 2 months.

03-12-2011, 12:06 AM	#29 (permalink)
Sizzle Base Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 45 Drives: 2010 Black Roadster Rep Power: 15	I'm across the river from you (OP) and I had no issues this winter. The rear end likes to swing out if you give it a little too much gas but if you lift off right away, it straightens right out again. Make sure you're ready for the cost of the snow tires though, I paid $1200 for mine at Belletire...it was a good investment for sure though.

03-12-2011, 08:37 AM	#30 (permalink)
OldGuy Base Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Greensburg PA Posts: 899 Drives: '09370Z Red Base A7 Rep Power: 17	In PA, the winter salt and cinders are so destructive on sports cars like the Z. Also, I don't want to expose my Z to the winter driving hazard of other less careful drivers sliding into it on these icy winter roads. It happens all the time here. Consider buying an affordable, older second car for the 3 or 4 winter months and keep your beautiful Z safe to enjoy during the other 8 or 9 months.