Fuzzywuzzy said it , look at the G Coupe, The Z is more of a raw sports car, IMO. I cross shopped both, Just was better for me going with the G.

RE: If you're not intending to track the car, would the upgrade to the sport brakes be enough or should I still consider the brake cooling kit from Stillen?

I'll say no you do not. I did it exclusively for the track.

IMHO if I had to do it over again I would get the base over the touring. The price jump isnt worth it especially when it takes so much to change out the headunit.
The touring seats are nicer but its only leather on the edges of the seat. You can always get leather seat covers later on for pretty cheap. And the door panels wouldnt be bad either plus both are easy to take apart.
Save the money on the touring and invest in an exhaust.

If your not intending to track... the EBC option on a non-sport Z would work. I am a strong proponent of purchasing the sport pkg. But I won't tell you its an absolute must if you won't track and you like the base Z.
That said. I would also seriously consider a G37. You might find it more comfortable. In the case of the G, what your second mod after brakes would be a good coilover. KW, HKS and JIC are the best for the G. Just something to ponder... removing the midpipe resonator is a good temporary mod while you ponder on exhausts.

:iagree:

The seats in the touring are very nice. Custom leather is nicer. And the touring is very expensive to mod the stereo. I bought a base for this reason.

But my advice is more catered to what OP's opinions are. Not my own preferences. Some people just can't get past choosing cloth over factory leather.

I would greatly prefer the leather over factory seats. My main complaint so far is just how much money I have to dump into the car in order to get it to where I want it to be (nav, bluetooth, back up camera, etc...)

Overall based on your responses to questions along with your OP it appears that the things that are important to you are not necessarily what the Z are good at. It does not seem as if you are a sports car enthusiast. I would hold on to the Lexus until the point that you can get sport turing model such as a M5. If you went with the Z you will have too many complaints.

Let me ask a few questions.

1. Aside from the Z being a nice car. Why do you want it?

2. How much money iis in your budget for a Z or vehicle? Monthly payment or total price.

3. Is the Z a status car for you or are you an enthusiast?

I will tell yyou right now that if you like it cuz its nice and are just trying to pile up as much luxury as possible just to stay feeling at home coming from a lex??? There are better cars out there for you.
If the Z is pricey? So is insurance.

If luxury is very important? The Z will wear out on you fast. I have a base and have driven a few tourings. I don't feel much of a difference feature wise. I'm so focused on driving that the little extras mean nothing. Z quality at its base point is high. But far from luxury high.
The more comments you make, the more I have to agree that this car doesn't seem ideal. Like I said before. Look at the G, look at some used bimmers. They will give you 90% of the sporting intention of the Z with more of what you like. A base Z and a journey G from 2009 run about the same. The difference is. In a G. You will get radio from bose, leather, moonroof and possibly a nav. Z, you get a shytty stereo and a great sports pkg. But you say you have little sporting intentions. So it doesn't matter. The EBC's will run on a G as well, you will have back seats and room. And at the pace you plan on driving. You won't feel much difference between the two in terms of performance.

You can always rim up and add akebonos later while getting more of what you want. The Z has nav but won't match up. And if you can get an 08 or 09 Z with that now defunct tech package paint? Your residual value will stay high for a long time if the paint still looks new? Tech package are highly sought after do to the self healing clearcoat.

You can get a Z if you really want it. I just don't see you being happy in the long term. You have lots of good advice here. I just hope whatever you decide? You really truly think it through... good luck man. Making these kinds of changes aren't easy.

Another option is wait for the next gen Z. I'm sure luxury standards will increase while reducing some weight for better performance. :tiphat:

honestly, i dont think the road noise is that bad. i can drive around with someone in the car and have a normal conversation, with the radio on, and not having to raise my voice. IMO the road noise on a 1-10 scale is like a 3 or 4.. obviously a sedan is pretty quiet, but unless you have extremely sensitive ears, i dont see what the "road noise fuss" is about. not saying anyone in this topic is complaining on road noise, im just saying in general...

Neither do I. What's worse is people complaining about the ride being too harsh. Lmfao. Really???? Lol. I actually think for a sports car. Its pretty soft imho. For a regular car, its hard but the Z is not a regular car. :driving:

Yeah I agree ^^^