Driving a Z question

yaheard · 10-11-2011, 09:23 PM

I have read snippits about it here and there but couldnt find it all in one place. I have only had my Z about a month or so and I also apologize if this is a really stupid question.

If you drive your Z for fun on the weekends and around town letting it go alittle bit but for the most part nothing too extreme, will it start to reflect your habits and be a little sluggish compared to a person that say tracks there Z and pushes it 24/7? Are you draining some of the Zs potential if you dont always drive it to the limit? If so, is there a way while cruising to keep it responsive and ready to go? (Cruising in 3rd around town instead of 6)

I was reading stuff about "limp mode" and havent been around long enough to catch what that really means?

So if you are getting the jist of what Im saying could you fill me in on this topic please? Thanks

m4a1mustang · 10-11-2011, 09:25 PM

No. It's going to be the same either way.

yaheard · 10-11-2011, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

No. It's going to be the same either way.

Thanks man!

I was reading stuff about limp mode, and I didnt know what exactly that meant and was wondering if maybe it was not really driving it hard and the CPU gets used to that.

m4a1mustang · 10-11-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaheard

Thanks man!

I was reading stuff about limp mode, and I didnt know what exactly that meant and was wondering if maybe it was not really driving it hard and the CPU gets used to that.

If you drive it hard enough to get the oil temps above 280*F you will hit the first stage of limp mode, which limits your RPMs to around 5xxx. At around 300*F the ECU limits the revs to 2.5-3k at max to keep you from destroying the engine.

scottIN · 10-11-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaheard

Thanks man!

I was reading stuff about limp mode, and I didnt know what exactly that meant and was wondering if maybe it was not really driving it hard and the CPU gets used to that.

Limp mode is a protective measure when the CPU senses something wrong - it's not based on your driving habits. It basically says 'Uh-oh, something is wrong and I'm not going to let the guy behind the wheel drive me too hard until we figure it out.' Think of it like a proactive check engine light.

Cyberium · 10-12-2011, 12:18 AM

I know what he is saying in reference to the car adjusting to driving habits. That really only happens in automatic cars where the computer adjust's the shifting patterns to the way you drive. It will feel like a different car between someone who hammers it all the time and grandma. Also, when you disconnect the battery, it erases all the programming and your transmission might even feel like it's slipping because it's readjusting again.

So long story short, with a 6MT it doesn't matter if you crawl or fly all day. Limp mode isn't something you need to worry about... and once you start using synthetic oil, your oil temps will drop quite a bit. When I drove the car hard and on highways doing about 80-90 MPH for extended period of times in the summer, I never saw temps go over 225.

RunNgun · 10-12-2011, 02:12 AM

The only other potential "old wives tale" might have to due with failing to stress the components of the engine during break-in so they mold with proper load bearing capacity. I'm not a car guy, but I think it's recommended that you redline it at least once in 6th gear after a few thousand miles just to let those parts set in before they sort of conform to weaker driving conditions. Like stretching out a rubber band. Basically if you take 2 identical Z's, one used for racing and the other used for driving to work at 45mph every day, the Z who's seen some track time will outperform the cruiser who's never hit 150mph.

I dunno if any of this is true or not, so feel free to chime in.

ImportConvert · 10-12-2011, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yaheard

I have read snippits about it here and there but couldnt find it all in one place. I have only had my Z about a month or so and I also apologize if this is a really stupid question.

If you drive your Z for fun on the weekends and around town letting it go alittle bit but for the most part nothing too extreme, will it start to reflect your habits and be a little sluggish compared to a person that say tracks there Z and pushes it 24/7? Are you draining some of the Zs potential if you dont always drive it to the limit? If so, is there a way while cruising to keep it responsive and ready to go? (Cruising in 3rd around town instead of 6)

I was reading stuff about "limp mode" and havent been around long enough to catch what that really means?

So if you are getting the jist of what Im saying could you fill me in on this topic please? Thanks

No, that's a load of crap.

What WILL happen is you can get more carbon build-up if you never open it up. On older cars, you would also wear a ridge in the cylinder walls as the rods were never stretched by high rpm. Cylinder walls now have liners and are in aluminum blocks for the most part and it's a non-issue. It was mainly cheap iron blocks from yester-year that did this.

ImportConvert · 10-12-2011, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunNgun

The only other potential "old wives tale" might have to due with failing to stress the components of the engine during break-in so they mold with proper load bearing capacity. I'm not a car guy, but I think it's recommended that you redline it at least once in 6th gear after a few thousand miles just to let those parts set in before they sort of conform to weaker driving conditions. Like stretching out a rubber band. Basically if you take 2 identical Z's, one used for racing and the other used for driving to work at 45mph every day, the Z who's seen some track time will outperform the cruiser who's never hit 150mph.

I dunno if any of this is true or not, so feel free to chime in.

You break a car in like ANY OTHER piece of equipment with moving parts that interface. Gradually and with constantly varying loads/speeds until you reach maximum rpm/load over the course of 500-1000 miles.

As to needing to drive your car 157mph to get the most out of it, I call BS.

RoshDawg · 10-12-2011, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunNgun

The only other potential "old wives tale" might have to due with failing to stress the components of the engine during break-in so they mold with proper load bearing capacity. I'm not a car guy, but I think it's recommended that you redline it at least once in 6th gear after a few thousand miles just to let those parts set in before they sort of conform to weaker driving conditions. Like stretching out a rubber band. Basically if you take 2 identical Z's, one used for racing and the other used for driving to work at 45mph every day, the Z who's seen some track time will outperform the cruiser who's never hit 150mph.

I dunno if any of this is true or not, so feel free to chime in.

Lol idk if I would take that recommendation. I don't see myself hitting 155 anywhere, not at laguna seca (the only track I go to) let alone the streets with cops. Even if this is true, redlining it in 4th or 5th will do just the same as 6th as they run nearly just as lean as each other

yaheard · 10-12-2011, 07:37 AM

Thanks for all the help. That clears it up then!

kenchan · 10-12-2011, 08:06 AM

Oh so its 280 to hit first stage limp.... I will never hit that then with my drives. I barely go near 240 on the hottest summer day driving spritedly.

poorazn · 10-12-2011, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunNgun

I'm not a car guy, but I think it's recommended that you redline it at least once in 6th gear after a few thousand miles just to let those parts set in before they sort of conform to weaker driving conditions.

Sooooo.... No governor?

m4a1mustang · 10-12-2011, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunNgun

The only other potential "old wives tale" might have to due with failing to stress the components of the engine during break-in so they mold with proper load bearing capacity. I'm not a car guy, but I think it's recommended that you redline it at least once in 6th gear after a few thousand miles just to let those parts set in before they sort of conform to weaker driving conditions. Like stretching out a rubber band. Basically if you take 2 identical Z's, one used for racing and the other used for driving to work at 45mph every day, the Z who's seen some track time will outperform the cruiser who's never hit 150mph.

I dunno if any of this is true or not, so feel free to chime in.

I'm going to say it's not true.

I'm not even sure if the Z can even redline in 6th gear.

Mt Tam I am · 10-12-2011, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I'm going to say it's not true.

I'm not even sure if the Z can even redline in 6th gear.

Redline in 6th. Wow. I've red lined third and been close in fourth but this Z will never be broken in if this were the case.

10-11-2011, 09:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
yaheard Base Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: VA Posts: 148 Drives: 6MT Monterrey Blue Z Rep Power: 15	Driving a Z question I have read snippits about it here and there but couldnt find it all in one place. I have only had my Z about a month or so and I also apologize if this is a really stupid question. If you drive your Z for fun on the weekends and around town letting it go alittle bit but for the most part nothing too extreme, will it start to reflect your habits and be a little sluggish compared to a person that say tracks there Z and pushes it 24/7? Are you draining some of the Zs potential if you dont always drive it to the limit? If so, is there a way while cruising to keep it responsive and ready to go? (Cruising in 3rd around town instead of 6) I was reading stuff about "limp mode" and havent been around long enough to catch what that really means? So if you are getting the jist of what Im saying could you fill me in on this topic please? Thanks

10-11-2011, 09:25 PM	#2 (permalink)
m4a1mustang A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern VA Posts: 55,385 Drives: on two wheels Rep Power: 6962	No. It's going to be the same either way. __________________ - Steve Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!) LIKE us on Facebook!

10-12-2011, 12:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
Cyberium Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vermont Posts: 379 Drives: 370z Touring \| Sport Rep Power: 16	I know what he is saying in reference to the car adjusting to driving habits. That really only happens in automatic cars where the computer adjust's the shifting patterns to the way you drive. It will feel like a different car between someone who hammers it all the time and grandma. Also, when you disconnect the battery, it erases all the programming and your transmission might even feel like it's slipping because it's readjusting again. So long story short, with a 6MT it doesn't matter if you crawl or fly all day. Limp mode isn't something you need to worry about... and once you start using synthetic oil, your oil temps will drop quite a bit. When I drove the car hard and on highways doing about 80-90 MPH for extended period of times in the summer, I never saw temps go over 225. __________________ Stillen G3 Intakes \| F. I TDX

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10-12-2011, 02:12 AM	#7 (permalink)
RunNgun Base Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA Posts: 80 Drives: 2011 370z black AT Rep Power: 14	The only other potential "old wives tale" might have to due with failing to stress the components of the engine during break-in so they mold with proper load bearing capacity. I'm not a car guy, but I think it's recommended that you redline it at least once in 6th gear after a few thousand miles just to let those parts set in before they sort of conform to weaker driving conditions. Like stretching out a rubber band. Basically if you take 2 identical Z's, one used for racing and the other used for driving to work at 45mph every day, the Z who's seen some track time will outperform the cruiser who's never hit 150mph. I dunno if any of this is true or not, so feel free to chime in.

10-12-2011, 07:37 AM	#11 (permalink)
yaheard Base Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: VA Posts: 148 Drives: 6MT Monterrey Blue Z Rep Power: 15	Thanks for all the help. That clears it up then!

10-12-2011, 08:06 AM	#12 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	Oh so its 280 to hit first stage limp.... I will never hit that then with my drives. I barely go near 240 on the hottest summer day driving spritedly.