370z needs better side mirrors

iff2mastamatt

First post! (new to the forum)

I'm considering purchasing a Z, but I'm a little hesitant because of the visibility. I have an 07 Altima and the nissans I've driven don't have as good visibility on the left side as the Hondas I own. The issue isn't really the mirror, but rather the headrest that is in the way when I turn my head to the left. The mirrors do provide a very accurate portrayal of my altima's surroundings, but in NJ, someone's always in the lane where you want to go. I always peer to the left cautiously as a "doublecheck" before I move to another spot. I'm not sure if anyone else has an altima or an accord, but I'd appreciate comparison from anyone else's experiences.

SoCal 370Z

Too subjective. Simply take the 370Z out for a test drive. Welcome to the forum.

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nuTinmuch

This was my biggest concern about buying this car. Every review I read had something like "terrifying blindspot" or something similar printed in it. I sat in the car and adjusted the mirrors properly and my fears completely went away.

Why?

The thing is, most people think they know how to adjust their mirrors but they really don't. I drive on NJ roads (and highways) all the time. Hell, my first 60 miles in the car were from a dealership in PA all the way home on the turnpike. I didn't even "have a feel" for the car yet and I still felt completely safe.

How To Eliminate The Dreaded "Blind Spot"

This is a pretty good guide that illustrates what you should be doing. The only "blind spot" that this won't prevent will be the case where your mirrors block your side view -- but this is easily fixed by craning your next forward which you probably do naturally when you are driving anyway.

Also I drove a G5 (Cobalt) before this and that had extremely good visibility -- trust me, it isn't any more challenging. You'll be fine.

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Spartan 1771

That's a great guide. I followed it sometime ago and it really helped. I purchased the stick-on convex mirrors as a precaution.

PS: I'm originally from NJ, so i know what you mean. Maryland isn't much better.

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~Rob

-DD Air Guide, Stillen G3 CAIs, 63mm Throttle Bodies, Motordyne M370, Berk HFCs, FI TDX CBE (non-res, CF), Sprint booster v3, Ecutek Dyno Tuned, and the list goes on...

Spartan 1771

A little over a week ago I adjusted the side mirrors all the way out so you can’t see the car at all, I also installed a small convex mirror on the passenger side. For an added measure of safety I adjusted the passenger seat slightly forward so the headrest doesn’t block the small rear window on the passenger side. All of these things really seemed to pretty much eliminate the blind spot issue for me. Having the side mirrors pushed all the way out took some getting used to, but it is the key to fixing this problem.

I also purchased a second convex mirror for the driver’s side, but I don’t think I’m going to install it. There doesn’t seem to be a need for it.

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~Rob

-DD Air Guide, Stillen G3 CAIs, 63mm Throttle Bodies, Motordyne M370, Berk HFCs, FI TDX CBE (non-res, CF), Sprint booster v3, Ecutek Dyno Tuned, and the list goes on...

j.arnaldo

Mike's right on the nose with the technique he described. It works wonders on the blind spot. I first heard about it about a year and a ½ ago; and, yes, it takes a while to get used to it.

IDZRVIT

I've been using this method for several years. It takes a few miles to build your confidence but it does make sense to have them adjusted according to the guide.

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JACKPAC

Mirrors adjusted out takes care of all blind spots for me. The only problem I see is if you are on a 6 lane highway (or greater) and you change lanes while someone else behind you, 3 lanes over changes at the same time. It's hard to look over and see them through the little side quarter window.

abakja1

the only thing about pushing the mirrors out all the way past the fenders are that I like to see a little of the rear fenders in my mirror. That way when I am backing up to park or manuver, I can see the yellow lines for the parking stalls or how close I am to the curb with my rear tires...

Im liking the APS mirrors more and more, but would like to see if anyone has this yet...$500 is a lot for them and this includes having to mod your own bracket and you lose your power adjustability. Overlay is the best option...

Has anyone found a local business that can do this? Hawaii is a no go that I could find...

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Spartan 1771

I'm only interested in the overlay. I don't want to lost the look of the stock mirrors or the functionality.

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~Rob

-DD Air Guide, Stillen G3 CAIs, 63mm Throttle Bodies, Motordyne M370, Berk HFCs, FI TDX CBE (non-res, CF), Sprint booster v3, Ecutek Dyno Tuned, and the list goes on...

JB-370z

Ok where did you get these bad boys at homie???

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ltp

You can those at AutoZone.
AutoZone.com | 2 1/4 x 1 1/4 in. Slim Blind Spot Mirror | 2 1/4 x 1 1/4 in. Slim Blind Spot Mirror

JB-370z

Thanks dude it says my local store has them in stock so I will pick it up this comming weekend. The blind spot is driving me crazy, literaly

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GTM Stage 2 Twin Turboed 370z (First in Texas, Thanks To Baker Tuning)

Spartan 1771

I installed the same thing. It works well. I also suggest you follow the guide posted in this thread on how to properly adjust your mirrors. As an added measure, move the passenger side seat forward just enough so you can see out of the rear side window. The three of these things combined will really help to eliminate the blind spot.

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~Rob

-DD Air Guide, Stillen G3 CAIs, 63mm Throttle Bodies, Motordyne M370, Berk HFCs, FI TDX CBE (non-res, CF), Sprint booster v3, Ecutek Dyno Tuned, and the list goes on...

JB-370z

Thanks this is an issue that I must address asap. Saftey is the most important thing.

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ll Baker Tuning ll GTM ll Powerhouse Amuse ll HKS ll Up-Rev ll iForged ll AP Racing ll Pioneer ll SPL ll Bride ll Top Secret ll OS Giken ll
GTM Stage 2 Twin Turboed 370z (First in Texas, Thanks To Baker Tuning)