modding - 370z or nismo
 

hello,
I'm going to be buying a Z in a month or so, and someone on the forum suggested a normal 370 instead of the nismo if im going to be installing some aftermarket parts and doing some mods and such. anybody have suggestions regarding this? or does anyone know the reasoning behind it? thanks!

ah just got an answer on that too. any advice still much appreciated!

Base Sport Z, reason its much much cheaper than a Nismo and practically same interior, money you save pays for the mods.

yep, only reason to get a Nismo is if you really like the body kit.

If you really like the Nismo body kit and think it is worth the extra money then go for it. Do not buy it for "collector value" or exclusivity. If you plan on modding it I suggest a normal 370z but GET THE SPORTS PACKAGE! To date I believe that the $3000 dealer option sports pack is one of the best bang for the buck upgrades I've ever seen especially for the manual transmission.

Yea, that's a very good point. I guess i could always sell some of the nismo parts if i decided to swap out (first thing would probably be intake/exhaust), but it's still a bit of a hassle. I'm going to be buying slightly used (it's a principle of mine, so much cheaper even with just a few thousand miles), so if i go with the base i'll definitely try and find one with the sport package.

The sports package IMO is a must. You get better brakes, lsd, bigger and better wheels and tires, spoiler and for manual cars the syncrorev transmission which can always be turned off when you want to heel toe on your own. Buying a car is a big purchase that stays with you for awhile, get the SP.

I dont have a NISMO but behind the cosmetics, I must say I love the suspension... very stiff but very comfortable. I was jealous of it at first but I have Tanabe Springs and Hotchkis swaybars so I feel better now that I have a stiffy!

Another reason to get the sport/touring is that you can't get the NAV in the Nismo!

But what is your goal with the mods? Cosmetic? Performance?

I agree with what most have said. If you are definitely going to modd out the parts, including suspension, then the only reason to buy a nismo is for the body kit/rims/interior, which are all cosmetic. I like the nismo because I am most likely not going to ever touch the suspension, i liked the looks and I like the exclusivity of having a limited number run per year...

Depends on the mod too cuz if you are going turbo as your main mod. A Nismo will do fine.

mainly gonna do exhaust/intake/headers, possibly springs or coilovers. maybe bags. probably end up buying wheels for the summer and leave the stock ones on in the winter. not really thinking about turbo or anything at the moment, and probably won't for a long time (if ever). besides, i can always sell the nismo exhaust. i see people buying them for their base 370s all the time.

i might actually leave the suspension alone; i live near the city so there's lots of potholes/bumps/generally shitty roads. i had springs on my last car, but it didn't sit as nicely stock as the 370 does. i definitely like the nismo body and interior though.

If you take a Nismo over a Base model, you'll spend about 10k more.

For that same 10k if you buy a base model, you can invest that into modding, and come out with a higher performing car, with the same kit purchased aftermarket, for less than buying a Nismo outright.

Okay if you do love the exclusive Nismo look, then you should get a Nismo. And I am sure the Nismo exhaust, wheels will be a hot sale here if you are not planning to put them back on later. But you probably should take your time now search on the net to find a good deal. Coz there aren't many out there.

That statement might be right for buying a new one. But he said he is looking for a slightly used one. So there won't be $10k difference(far less than that). Plus, if he really likes the Nismo kit, there is NOTHING better then the factory bodykit out of the box. EVERY aftermarket kit will have flaws here and there if you've been there before. And some of them will make you really frustrating and end up spending more money and time.

If you plan on modding the exterior get a regular Z, some idiot on here is selling his Nismo body kit...don't be that guy!