Not Planning to Track - Is Sports Package Worth It?

[hey32g]

Okay, if I'm not going to be doing any big track days, do I really need the sports package? Does anyone know how much performance you actually pick up for spirited back road driving?

[frost]

no, it really wouldn't be worth it for you.

[FuszNissan]

Not really, but it's worth the money.

[CrownR426]

Yeah, if your cruising like a granny, don't get a z.
j/p.
Yeah, just get your base + at.

[SigPapa226]

Its worth it just for the brakes.

[m4a1mustang]

It's definitely worth it.

[shabarivas]

brakes + better tires and wheels man... not to mention SRM if you are getting a M6... Its worth it ...

[otacon88]

I'm getting a really good deal for a base without the sports package. It will be my daily driver, and i'm not a racer/track guy. The only thing I don't like about the base package are the rims - can I upgrade my base rims to look like the sports package rims? And overall is a base package just as cool as the sports package?

[FairladyZ]

Can you upgrade the rims? You tell us.

It's your money

But yes you can upgrade them, people sell them here all the times.

You just don't get syncrho rev, limitd slip, big brakes, and rims. Don't know if i am missing anything. But i rather go with the sports personally.

Why go base then add the rims back for 1000+ dollars wheny ou could just get it with sports for another 2500-3000 from the start.

[otacon88]

Originally Posted by FairladyZ

Can you upgrade the rims? You tell us.

It's your money

But yes you can upgrade them, people sell them here all the times.

You just don't get syncrho rev, limitd slip, big brakes, and rims. Don't know if i am missing anything. But i rather go with the sports personally.

Why go base then add the rims back for 1000+ dollars wheny ou could just get it with sports for another 2500-3000 from the start.

the only sports package in my area is a manual in the color i want, and i'm having my automatic base shipped from somewhere else, which is going to add extra anyways, and to get the sports is going to add even more. Upgrading the rims was just a thought, I don't know if i'll do it.

The base rims aren't bad, and they look alright by itself. obviously the sports package rims look better side by side with the base rims. The rims are the only thing I really care about though.

[shaun66]

I'd buy it again for the looks alone.

[UNKNOWN_370]

Like others said... you can buy aftermarket or find used sport rims. Is it cool? Forget what we think is cool. Its your future car... whatever is cool for you is cool. The only person you need to imprress is yourself. Its your purchase and no one will be paying your bills but you.

If I were you i'd look into your price range for a Z vs the sport pkg and compare to eventually going aftermarket wheels. Base wheels aren't the hottest thing going but aren't hideous. I know I would eventually want to replace them if I had them.

So in other words, my best advice is do what's most affordable and logical for your situation. You can buy the sport pkg. In my opinion, its really cost effective because what you will pay in good tires and rims... will cost as the same as the complete sport pkg. BUT. What's your appearance vision for the Z? Do you think aftermarket wheels will make it feel more personal to you? Maybe in one color the sport pkg is hot and in another aftermarkets would do more justice? Functionality... does the sport pkg have more of what you need and you just don't know yet??? Some things to consider...

Sport pkg functionality.
For street driving, or even AGGRESSIVE street driving, its more than you really need.
For the track. Its good but needs some mods. Brake fluid upgrade, I personally think steel lines are great on a safety level. Stillens brake cooling kit is also a must. And for more even wear, id add rotors to the mix. So you would be looking at about $1300 to upgrade the sport pkg brakes to a full track braking system.
On base brakes for spirited driving, EBC 3GD's and yellow stuff pads will give you a highly aggressive BBK like feel for half the price... lines would be much less necessary considering that your braking would be less extreme.
Base tires are much cheaper than the 19's and give a more street compliiant ride. Replacement tires like continental DWS will increase performance greatly from the stockers and still provide a more compliant ride.
Or you can just leave all of that stock and just have fun. Just remember, on stock brakes. The Z is hard to cause fade, but will fade if you are persisently aggressive. Also, nissan has a nice wheel option for 370's for 1650. They aren't bad looking and have a light chromey polished look if that's your taste??? Go on nissanusa.com under accessories and see if you like them. I think in certain colors they are nice.

I'm giving you some extra info because its common to drive a sports car for a while and eventually want to make improvements. You may decide to take a crack at the track. The Z is one of the most fun cars out there and you may get "the fever"?

Just think it through, don't rush and most importantly. Do what makes you happy. Hope to have you in the Z family soon.

PS. If you go for an aggressive Z? Oil cooler is Necessary.

Disclaimer: this is my personal opinion based on some experience with my Z and other info has been learned through the forum and reading articles. This is a base guideline that can be used as basic advice. I do not endorse any brands mentioned. They are examples of your possibilities.

[Kenny]

The sport package is a deal, for an extra $2500 you get some much more. If you were to add those options later, it'll be way more expensive.

Do yourself a favor (whoever bumped this thread), just get the sports package.

[MacLean]

Originally Posted by Kenny

The sport package is a deal, for an extra $2500 you get some much more. If you were to add those options later, it'll be way more expensive.

Do yourself a favor (whoever bumped this thread), just get the sports package.

+1..........

[LakeShow]

Definitely worth the 3k, tracking or not.