How has your 370Z held up?

takjak2 · 10-28-2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

We need to strap Oprah in the back to get the 50/50 weight distribution

Did you guys know the car is more front heavy than the 350.

The word from Nissan is that the intended goal was 53/47 so that the car would shift towards balance under acceleration. It was emphasized a lot in an interview with engineers on Best Touring about the Z. edit: The 350Z Shock!!! part 2 of 2 Best Motoring International - YouTube

Red__Zed · 10-28-2011, 06:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takjak2

The word from Nissan is that the intended goal was 53/47 so that the car would shift towards balance under acceleration. It was emphasized a lot in an interview with engineers on Best Touring about the Z. edit: The 350Z Shock!!! part 2 of 2 Best Motoring International - YouTube

That's an excuse from the marketing team. There's a reason people don't design cars like that on purpose.

b1adesofcha0s · 10-28-2011, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

That's an excuse from the marketing team. There's a reason people don't design cars like that on purpose.

Spotting #2

cossie1600 · 10-28-2011, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

That's an excuse from the marketing team. There's a reason people don't design cars like that on purpose.

I agree. If I recall correctly, the 370 is more 54/46

sboden · 10-29-2011, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeemaaZ

Mine makes a noise while the gear is in neutral and it's gone when the clutch pedal is pressed all the way down. I can hear the noise everytime I started the car. Other than that, love the car. 9,500 mi DD.

My 03 G35 did the same thing. It is just they way our cars are. I would guess the 350 did the same thing.

KaienZ34 · 10-29-2011, 08:10 AM

It's 53/47 as per the nissan site.

2012 Nissan 370Z Coupe, NISMO Z | Nissan USA Official Site

ImportConvert · 10-29-2011, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

That's an excuse from the marketing team. There's a reason people don't design cars like that on purpose.

However, I find it interesting that the GT-R shares the same weight distribution. I feel sure that if Nissan did not like those proportions, both the 370Z and the GT-R, with their completely different lay-outs, would not share them.

ImportConvert · 10-29-2011, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaienZ34

It's 53/47 as per the nissan site.

2012 Nissan 370Z Coupe, NISMO Z | Nissan USA Official Site

I believe the un-mentioned caveat is "with driver", though, based on some weight tests R/T has done. When I get mine, you can bet it will be weighed. Every performance vehicle I have owned, I weigh on DOT scales F/R, with/without me in it.

ImportConvert · 10-29-2011, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sboden

My 03 G35 did the same thing. It is just they way our cars are. I would guess the 350 did the same thing.

Some cars just have a noisy T/O bearing. F-bodies with the T56 were the same way.

bigsix · 10-29-2011, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cossie1600

We need to strap Oprah in the back to get the 50/50 weight distribution

Did you guys know the car is more front heavy than the 350.

Nissan claims the car's weight distribution levels out to near 50/50 under the load of acceleration. I read it in the 370z brochure.

Mentioned earlier in the thread ***

BrianMSmith · 10-29-2011, 11:42 AM

33k dd. Perfect. Not one flaw.

Red__Zed · 10-29-2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

However, I find it interesting that the GT-R shares the same weight distribution. I feel sure that if Nissan did not like those proportions, both the 370Z and the GT-R, with their completely different lay-outs, would not share them.

It is an absolutely fantastic weight distribution for an AWD car.

Red__Zed · 10-29-2011, 03:19 PM

Purchased the car in July of 2010. Installed clearbra, etc. 72 miles on the clock, already on it's second transmission due to 5th gear synchro issues.

Two months into ownership, back to dealer to repaint due to orange peel. Passenger quarter panel is completely redone, as is driver fender. Whole car needed it, but Nissan refused.

One week after getting the car back, brake master cylinder failed on the highway. Lost pedal pressure, etc. Coasted to a stop. Dropped at dealer, was replaced. NNA rep test drove my after my previous issues (they care about life-threatening problems), and complained about the trans. Got me on the list for (another) replacement. Showed him the paint issues, he got me in for a full body repaint as well, with NNA covering the new clear bra.

Dropped the car off, got everything addressed. Nissan had the clearbra installed before the paint cured, which required (another) front end repaint. Minor mistake, no biggie. While in the shop for this, clutch master failed. Replaced under warranty. Brake master was replaced (again) due to developing a "clicking" sound, similar to the last time it failed. I never saw either issue, and really hadn't driven the car, only the Nissan guys had even driven the new master cylinder.

About this time, the headliner rattle was enough that they couldn't stand it, so they pulled the car/dash apart looking for it and the other rattles. Never got it fixed.

Also got them to look at the underside of the car, had quite a few parts replaced.

Spent a lot of time talking to the NNA rep, who basically told me to get rid of the car. NNA policy allowed for 1.4999QTs/ 2k miles with no replacement option (I did not have oil consumption). The policy on the synchro issue was to deny. The policy on the whine in 1-4 was to deny. The policy for the "marbles" was to deny. Policy on orange peel was to deny. He told me that the underbody rust was a known issue, but the parts were good for the warranty period, so they didn't really care This was honestly one of my biggest concerns...the suspension components that hold the car together are incredibly prone to rust. I had my new parts delivered to me before install, where I coated them myself to ensure no problems for me.

Went ahead and bought the subaru to have a reliable car in case the Z went out again (Nissan would not provide me with a rental since I was not 25). Put the Z away, and put it up for sale...obviously had difficulty moving it. Carmax offered me 22k on a 39k MSRP vehicle I had bought 3 months before, explaining that the known transmission issues with the car had tanked it's resale value.

After not driving it for most of the winter, I decided to give the car another go. I bolted on some more parts, and was relatively happy with the car. The headliner rattle was the only things that was really killing it for me, but next to my s2k's rattles I didn't even care. Started getting the trans issues again, with 5th gear locking out and refusing to go in. Decided to tough it out and keep going. Dealt with (another) brake failure, this time almost hitting the car in front of me. Put the car up for sale again, again no bites.

Moved down to alabama, and thought things would be pretty solid since the trans acted better in warm weather. Left the subie in va, and brought the Z down to bama. On the cruise down, I was pretty settled that I would keep the Z, drop in a real diff and some brakes, and enjoy the car....unfortunately, Nissan had other things in mind. Orange peel cropped up on the only part of the car the apparently hadn't repainted (the hood). Nissan refused to cover the repaint and blamed it on the dealer in VA, even though they hadn't painted it. Sent in trans and diff samples to blackstone, who basically confirmed my suspicion that the diff was overheating in daily driving and would likely grenade itself before long. Showed the issue to NNA-- rep agreed the temps were a problem, Nissan changed the diff fluid.

No dice.

Changed the diff fluid again. No help.

NNA provided me with a pumpkin from an SP car, which, aside from showing off what garbage the VLSD is, did not help.

Nissan finally offered to extend my warranty on the diff out to 100k, which I accepted and moved on. The problem was noted as a "known potential issue", but since only a small percentage of driver had experienced failure, there was no need to issue a fix. I had previously confirmed the broadness of the problem by checking diff temps when we ran the dragon....not a single person had a diff within an acceptable range at the end of a run... and I don't mean 5C out of acceptable.

When my brake master started clicking again, I decided to get rid of the car, because that's a terrifying issue once. It's a lot less fun again.

I know my experience was not typical, but it is still what I dealt with. I experienced the car as an absolute POS from a reliability standpoint, and from a construction standpoint. Throughout this, I think the CPS was replaced twice, and I experienced the throttle tip-in issues despite getting reflashed quite a few times.

cossie1600 · 10-29-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigsix

Nissan claims the car's weight distribution levels out to near 50/50 under the load of acceleration. I read it in the 370z brochure.

Mentioned earlier in the thread ***

Keep buying into their marketing ploy. I am sure all the weight in the front is beneficial for braking and turn in.

ImportConvert · 10-29-2011, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red__Zed

Purchased the car in July of 2010. Installed clearbra, etc. 72 miles on the clock, already on it's second transmission due to 5th gear synchro issues.

Two months into ownership, back to dealer to repaint due to orange peel. Passenger quarter panel is completely redone, as is driver fender. Whole car needed it, but Nissan refused.

One week after getting the car back, brake master cylinder failed on the highway. Lost pedal pressure, etc. Coasted to a stop. Dropped at dealer, was replaced. NNA rep test drove my after my previous issues (they care about life-threatening problems), and complained about the trans. Got me on the list for (another) replacement. Showed him the paint issues, he got me in for a full body repaint as well, with NNA covering the new clear bra.

Dropped the car off, got everything addressed. Nissan had the clearbra installed before the paint cured, which required (another) front end repaint. Minor mistake, no biggie. While in the shop for this, clutch master failed. Replaced under warranty. Brake master was replaced (again) due to developing a "clicking" sound, similar to the last time it failed. I never saw either issue, and really hadn't driven the car, only the Nissan guys had even driven the new master cylinder.

About this time, the headliner rattle was enough that they couldn't stand it, so they pulled the car/dash apart looking for it and the other rattles. Never got it fixed.

Also got them to look at the underside of the car, had quite a few parts replaced.

Spent a lot of time talking to the NNA rep, who basically told me to get rid of the car. NNA policy allowed for 1.4999QTs/ 2k miles with no replacement option (I did not have oil consumption). The policy on the synchro issue was to deny. The policy on the whine in 1-4 was to deny. The policy for the "marbles" was to deny. Policy on orange peel was to deny. He told me that the underbody rust was a known issue, but the parts were good for the warranty period, so they didn't really care This was honestly one of my biggest concerns...the suspension components that hold the car together are incredibly prone to rust. I had my new parts delivered to me before install, where I coated them myself to ensure no problems for me.

Went ahead and bought the subaru to have a reliable car in case the Z went out again (Nissan would not provide me with a rental since I was not 25). Put the Z away, and put it up for sale...obviously had difficulty moving it. Carmax offered me 22k on a 39k MSRP vehicle I had bought 3 months before, explaining that the known transmission issues with the car had tanked it's resale value.

After not driving it for most of the winter, I decided to give the car another go. I bolted on some more parts, and was relatively happy with the car. The headliner rattle was the only things that was really killing it for me, but next to my s2k's rattles I didn't even care. Started getting the trans issues again, with 5th gear locking out and refusing to go in. Decided to tough it out and keep going. Dealt with (another) brake failure, this time almost hitting the car in front of me. Put the car up for sale again, again no bites.

Moved down to alabama, and thought things would be pretty solid since the trans acted better in warm weather. Left the subie in va, and brought the Z down to bama. On the cruise down, I was pretty settled that I would keep the Z, drop in a real diff and some brakes, and enjoy the car....unfortunately, Nissan had other things in mind. Orange peel cropped up on the only part of the car the apparently hadn't repainted (the hood). Nissan refused to cover the repaint and blamed it on the dealer in VA, even though they hadn't painted it. Sent in trans and diff samples to blackstone, who basically confirmed my suspicion that the diff was overheating in daily driving and would likely grenade itself before long. Showed the issue to NNA-- rep agreed the temps were a problem, Nissan changed the diff fluid.

No dice.

Changed the diff fluid again. No help.

NNA provided me with a pumpkin from an SP car, which, aside from showing off what garbage the VLSD is, did not help.

Nissan finally offered to extend my warranty on the diff out to 100k, which I accepted and moved on. The problem was noted as a "known potential issue", but since only a small percentage of driver had experienced failure, there was no need to issue a fix. I had previously confirmed the broadness of the problem by checking diff temps when we ran the dragon....not a single person had a diff within an acceptable range at the end of a run... and I don't mean 5C out of acceptable.

When my brake master started clicking again, I decided to get rid of the car, because that's a terrifying issue once. It's a lot less fun again.

I know my experience was not typical, but it is still what I dealt with. I experienced the car as an absolute POS from a reliability standpoint, and from a construction standpoint. Throughout this, I think the CPS was replaced twice, and I experienced the throttle tip-in issues despite getting reflashed quite a few times.

Wow!

Anyone else look under their car to see if the components mentioned are rusting crazily? Also, when you say "suspension components", I thought the 370Z had forged aluminum suspension components? Could this be corrosion/salt exposure (VA)?

While what you mention is scary, rust is often self-limiting and there are MANY old mustangs from the 60's with a rusted rear axle that are doing just fine. Can you further elaborate on what rusts?

Your car had serious issues, but I cannot believe you got anything but a lemon. If that were a typical experience...wow.

10-29-2011, 08:10 AM	#81 (permalink)
KaienZ34 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: LA. not L.a. Posts: 21,652 Drives: Z34 Tour/Sport Rep Power: 178	It's 53/47 as per the nissan site. 2012 Nissan 370Z Coupe, NISMO Z \| Nissan USA Official Site __________________ *"These Violent Delights Have Violent Ends"* http://www.the370z.com/members/kaienz34-albums-z34.html

10-29-2011, 11:42 AM	#86 (permalink)
BrianMSmith Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: secret Posts: 267 Drives: 370Z, Ducati 748S Rep Power: 16	33k dd. Perfect. Not one flaw.

10-29-2011, 03:19 PM	#88 (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	Purchased the car in July of 2010. Installed clearbra, etc. 72 miles on the clock, already on it's second transmission due to 5th gear synchro issues. Two months into ownership, back to dealer to repaint due to orange peel. Passenger quarter panel is completely redone, as is driver fender. Whole car needed it, but Nissan refused. One week after getting the car back, brake master cylinder failed on the highway. Lost pedal pressure, etc. Coasted to a stop. Dropped at dealer, was replaced. NNA rep test drove my after my previous issues (they care about life-threatening problems), and complained about the trans. Got me on the list for (another) replacement. Showed him the paint issues, he got me in for a full body repaint as well, with NNA covering the new clear bra. Dropped the car off, got everything addressed. Nissan had the clearbra installed before the paint cured, which required (another) front end repaint. Minor mistake, no biggie. While in the shop for this, clutch master failed. Replaced under warranty. Brake master was replaced (again) due to developing a "clicking" sound, similar to the last time it failed. I never saw either issue, and really hadn't driven the car, only the Nissan guys had even driven the new master cylinder. About this time, the headliner rattle was enough that they couldn't stand it, so they pulled the car/dash apart looking for it and the other rattles. Never got it fixed. Also got them to look at the underside of the car, had quite a few parts replaced. Spent a lot of time talking to the NNA rep, who basically told me to get rid of the car. NNA policy allowed for 1.4999QTs/ 2k miles with no replacement option (I did not have oil consumption). The policy on the synchro issue was to deny. The policy on the whine in 1-4 was to deny. The policy for the "marbles" was to deny. Policy on orange peel was to deny. He told me that the underbody rust was a known issue, but the parts were good for the warranty period, so they didn't really care This was honestly one of my biggest concerns...the suspension components that hold the car together are incredibly prone to rust. I had my new parts delivered to me before install, where I coated them myself to ensure no problems for me. Went ahead and bought the subaru to have a reliable car in case the Z went out again (Nissan would not provide me with a rental since I was not 25). Put the Z away, and put it up for sale...obviously had difficulty moving it. Carmax offered me 22k on a 39k MSRP vehicle I had bought 3 months before, explaining that the known transmission issues with the car had tanked it's resale value. After not driving it for most of the winter, I decided to give the car another go. I bolted on some more parts, and was relatively happy with the car. The headliner rattle was the only things that was really killing it for me, but next to my s2k's rattles I didn't even care. Started getting the trans issues again, with 5th gear locking out and refusing to go in. Decided to tough it out and keep going. Dealt with (another) brake failure, this time almost hitting the car in front of me. Put the car up for sale again, again no bites. Moved down to alabama, and thought things would be pretty solid since the trans acted better in warm weather. Left the subie in va, and brought the Z down to bama. On the cruise down, I was pretty settled that I would keep the Z, drop in a real diff and some brakes, and enjoy the car....unfortunately, Nissan had other things in mind. Orange peel cropped up on the only part of the car the apparently hadn't repainted (the hood). Nissan refused to cover the repaint and blamed it on the dealer in VA, even though they hadn't painted it. Sent in trans and diff samples to blackstone, who basically confirmed my suspicion that the diff was overheating in daily driving and would likely grenade itself before long. Showed the issue to NNA-- rep agreed the temps were a problem, Nissan changed the diff fluid. No dice. Changed the diff fluid again. No help. NNA provided me with a pumpkin from an SP car, which, aside from showing off what garbage the VLSD is, did not help. Nissan finally offered to extend my warranty on the diff out to 100k, which I accepted and moved on. The problem was noted as a "known potential issue", but since only a small percentage of driver had experienced failure, there was no need to issue a fix. I had previously confirmed the broadness of the problem by checking diff temps when we ran the dragon....not a single person had a diff within an acceptable range at the end of a run... and I don't mean 5C out of acceptable. When my brake master started clicking again, I decided to get rid of the car, because that's a terrifying issue once. It's a lot less fun again. I know my experience was not typical, but it is still what I dealt with. I experienced the car as an absolute POS from a reliability standpoint, and from a construction standpoint. Throughout this, I think the CPS was replaced twice, and I experienced the throttle tip-in issues despite getting reflashed quite a few times.