Insight Needed From Boosted Owners/Builders - Need Advice

TobinH · 04-24-2019, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstatenateZ

I care about cost, power and luxurious amenities....

just an observer here but...the cars you're listing are radically different to drive. the comparisons you're making are nonsensical. the power figure is one small part of a large puzzle.

you do plan on driving these cars?

FPenvy · 04-24-2019, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstatenateZ

I care about cost, power and luxurious amenities, with a ZL1 having 580, 30k price tag used market, and just as many luxurious amenities as a GTR (i.e, alcantara dash, seats + leather, diff driving modes, heads up display, fully loaded entertainment center with nav, etc.) it seems like a much better financial decision. I'm a numbers man, if it don't make dollars, it don't make sense, right?

I'm 25, I bought my own home at 22, never had help from anyone, I have no debt minus my 2 assets (home/car) , I have a 824 credit score, multiple lines of credit that are at 0% utilization, served 4 years in AF, and learned a thing or 2 about financial stability. I was raised by a single mom, and grew up broke, not knowing if I'd eat the next day. I play things smart, plan, and work my a$$ off for all I got.

I can't justify spending 49-55k for an 09-12 GTR that makes 480 crank hp or even 545 crank hp out of the 14+ GTR for 65-80k... when there's options like hellcats for 45k with 700 crank hp, or ZL1 for 30k with 580 crank hp.

Finally, comparing a Z to GTR interior, yes I can do it.
I have 3 local friends with GTR's. 2009, 2013 and 2017 . The suede dash is much nicer than Z, but aside from that. The cheap fake looking carbon fiber around the shifter, meh. The seats in my touring/sport are just as nice as the GTR's suede/leather as mine is suede/leather too, the steering wheels are the same cheaper feel leather, but still nice, and I'd actually prefer all the leather stitched on the center console around the dash/stereo in Z, as opposed to the cheap looking plastic the GTR uses.

And to top things off that killed my spirits and I felt the pain from my friends is that most people think the Z is better/ faster than a GTR. We've been stopped at gas stations and of course real car people know GTR > Z ... but 90% of people have complimented my car over a GTR because they see 2 seater vs 4 seater, they see the curves on a Z, long hood and assume = better. I sh*t you not, some lady was complimenting my car, my friends GTR pulls up, she asked what GTR stood for, and she said that's a sporty family car you got (assuming she meant because it had a backseat) and told my friend it looked like a fatter version of her Altima coupe. And I felt the pain in my own chest.. Nissan's not really doing anything with the Z's or GTR's (i.e, have you seen the 50th edition??) Nissan is becoming very dated, quickly. And as sad as I'll be I think I'm going to have to move on to a different brand who's making moves forward. Not keeping cars the exact same for a decade.

oooooooooooook.

i'll go in order and answer/respond each section above.

to your first point any 5th gen camaro is garbage and thats before we even get into how bad they look. so if thats how you wanna blow 30-40k be my guest i could use something fun to laugh at today. also the fact you compare a CHEVY interior (especially prior to C7 vette and gen 6 camaro) to the GTR is hysterical. makes me think you may be lying about knowing what these interiors even look like.......

no one asked for your life story nor is it needed in a car comparison conversation.....

so instead of a heavy car, with good power, that can out handle, and outrun the other options you listed but it's not the best option? sounds like its not the dollars making sense but more that you only car about power. hey you could just be a muscle guy so all power to you. i'm just stating that there's some errors in your comparisons and arguments.

god dammit we're back to interior stuff. only point i'll give you is i too wish the surrounding of the shifter area was better stock but $200-ish i can get a CF piece it's more just a pain to install. also, radio area has some CF and the rest isnt bad you're just nit-picking plus you said chevy interiors are better soooo.... owning both a Z and GTR, driving both often, and having the ability to literally side-by-side compare.......the GTR interior is all above the Z. i like my Z interior so dont think i'm being negative. however, the GTR is just better materials and feel all around. yes, there's better interiors in other cars o better materials but personally i'm a fan.

your final argument says a lot. it seems you're quite interested in recognition and not driving what drives you. personally i've loved the GTR and Z since i remember ever seeing them as a kid. granted i dont like certain models of each, but i do love them overall. i could care less that most people who know not a thing about cars and barely know how to put gas in their own thinks or claims to know about these cars. their opinions are mean less than nothing. i dont care what anyone thinks really. honestly a better way to live and makes things simple.

AstatenateZ · 04-24-2019, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPenvy

oooooooooooook.

i'll go in order and answer/respond each section above.... *insert random rambling here*

I've seem to of rustled some jimmies, I do apologize. I'm just stating that (don't forget) the GTR is STILL my dream car, but they're going to have to come down in price before I consider it. 480/545 is just not enough for what you get, I had a 2013 5.0 in 2014 and had fun with it. Maybe I am a muscle car guy. I'm also in the south where v8 is everything. And ZL1's and Hellcats are like the icon locally. I also do not care what others think, simply stating the girl wasn't too far off, hinting that the GTR is dated and needs a redesign. As well as the Z. Nissan kind of upset with the whole auto show a week or so back. Didn't do much. No new Z, no new motor, nothing. Chevy at least evolves models, power, etc. Every few years to compete with Dodge and Ford.

To reiterate I am not bashing Nissan, I love my Z and GTR's I just can't justify it (right now) and am currently a little disappointed with Nissan.

TBatt · 04-24-2019, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstatenateZ

Nissan's not really doing anything with the Z's or GTR's (i.e, have you seen the 50th edition??) Nissan is becoming very dated, quickly. And as sad as I'll be I think I'm going to have to move on to a different brand who's making moves forward. Not keeping cars the exact same for a decade.

Yeah, Porsche has it all wrong too, they are still producing the 911.

bunk · 04-24-2019, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBatt

Yeah, Porsche has it all wrong too, they are still producing the 911.

And even Porsche doesnt include stickers with their updates....

AstatenateZ · 04-24-2019, 04:20 PM

If I know one thing at all, I love the owners and this forum minus the fact the 350z owners are starting to be able to afford 370's and rice them up LOL!

GTR and more so, Z will always have a forever spot in my heart. It appears the whole purpose of this thread = to boost the Z will not happen on my 10k planned budget, nor be worth it keeping the 7A trans.

I'm disappointed with Nissan as we all are like you stated FP! No arguments to be made. I accept the fact GTR just isn't what I thought it'd be now that I am finally able to plan / afford one... I guess I am a HP guy and I just want lots of power. Ive always wanted to try something diff. This is my 2nd 370, I've owned b8 s4 audi, lifted 11' GMC Sierra, 5.0 mustang 13', and multiple sport bikes. I think I'm going to try muscle car once again! There's not many ZL1's around here, nor hellcats. So when they're spotted people "Awww" over them! I'm just not seeing it being worth it. Never meant to put them down.

I still love all you guys tho!! And will be on the forum until I sale it.

Which puzzles me, how much are 2012 370z sport/touring w/ 60k miles, FBO + TUNED and lots of misc. suspension / cosmetic mods going for these days?

"Z"en · 04-24-2019, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstatenateZ

It appears the whole purpose of this thread = to boost the Z will not happen on my 10k planned budget, nor be worth it keeping the 7A trans.

You can consider going A2A SCed Z with some supported mods such as engine oil cooler, trans cooler, oil pan spacers, well ventilated front bumper (if any), larger radiator, lower temp thermostat, good oils along with periodic changing, and better flex plate. These will give you plenty of power down to the road within your budget and you will definitely enjoy driving your Z everyday

Don't go overboard and there is no need to do so to risk your Z, especially you have budget concern. Centrifugal SC is friendly to our 7ATs. You should try it first and there may be enough power for you (at least I'm satisfied with that power level)

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstatenateZ

I'm disappointed with Nissan as we all are like you stated FP! No arguments to be made. I accept the fact GTR just isn't what I thought it'd be now that I am finally able to plan / afford one... I guess I am a HP guy and I just want lots of power. Ive always wanted to try something diff. This is my 2nd 370, I've owned b8 s4 audi, lifted 11' GMC Sierra, 5.0 mustang 13', and multiple sport bikes.

Don't be disappointed. The VQ motor has been so tolerant. I am an owner of both Z and GTR. They are both fun in driving but I have to say the feeling of driving Japanese muscle cars like those are still very much different from those Eurocars no matter how you modify them. For me, I have spent all the money and given all my love to Z because I love what it feedbacks to me everytime I did some mods to it. I admit our 7ATs have certain weak spots but you will be OK unless you go overboard and don't provide enough support for it. Getting a right charger system and you are good to go.

TopgunZ · 04-24-2019, 07:31 PM

@AstatenateZ. You really need to call sebs at specialty Z. He has proven to hold 450wtq for years on this platforms tranny.

550whp with 400+ wtq on this light car is one hell of a ride!

And yes, you can do it for under 10k.

TBatt · 04-25-2019, 08:37 AM

I love my Z but it is lacking room for GT traveling. My wife and I avoid the interstate on trips and travel the back roads. We have fun finding the twisties and truly enjoying the drive. The trip is as much as the destination and sometimes more!

With that said, my plan is to sell my Z when I retire in 2020 and purchase a GTR. The GTR is a true Grand Touring car to me. It has plenty of room and a trunk. It also has the performance of a super car without giving up comfort and room. Performance wise it compares to the new NSX but it is way more practical for touring. Call it old age but I want speed and comfort and some room to carry luggage.

Also, a lot of people only talk about the GTR for it's acceleration. It is much more than that! It handles superbly while still having a reasonably comfortable ride and it has room to carry enough for a week long get away.

When I get ready to sale my Z I will post it here on the forum first.

FPenvy · 04-25-2019, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBatt

I love my Z but it is lacking room for GT traveling. My wife and I avoid the interstate on trips and travel the back roads. We have fun finding the twisties and truly enjoying the drive. The trip is as much as the destination and sometimes more!

With that said, my plan is to sell my Z when I retire in 2020 and purchase a GTR. The GTR is a true Grand Touring car to me. It has plenty of room and a trunk. It also has the performance of a super car without giving up comfort and room. Performance wise it compares to the new NSX but it is way more practical for touring. Call it old age but I want speed and comfort and some room to carry luggage.

Also, a lot of people only talk about the GTR for it's acceleration. It is much more than that! It handles superbly while still having a reasonably comfortable ride and it has room to carry enough for a week long get away.

When I get ready to sale my Z I will post it here on the forum first.

the trip to ZdayZ was much easier with the GTR vs the Z based on cargo space lol when packing the Z just forget you have a rear view mirror since topically it was packed to the roof.

GTR with back seats and a trunk was great. trunk is really deep so i got 90% of my stuff in there had like one little bag in the back seat.

also, fitting 2 golf bags is a touch easier than the Z but the Z will still handle 2 full size bags if you know how to put them in correctly.

AstatenateZ · 04-25-2019, 03:01 PM

FPenvy, just saying a ZL1 has a trunk and backseat too

FPenvy · 04-25-2019, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstatenateZ

FPenvy, just saying a ZL1 has a trunk and backseat too

yea difference is........the ZL1 is much slower.

AstatenateZ · 04-26-2019, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FPenvy

yea difference is........the ZL1 is much slower.

Maybe from a dig. But roll racing. Nah. Lol stronger bottom end too. ZL1 with intake, headers, pulley swap and tune. Are making 650+ WHEEL hp 725+ with e85. Can safely handle 800-850whp before major upgrades are needed. The GTR comes with well GTR tax and only making high 500’s with FBO + e85. So I can make more power , safer. For less $ . Sounds like a win win. & well... win. Lol and lastly ZL1 has manual option... another key selling point for me.

I’ll make sure to get some runs in with my 3 GTR buddies and shoot some videos over to you

FPenvy · 04-26-2019, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstatenateZ

Maybe from a dig. But roll racing. Nah. Lol stronger bottom end too. ZL1 with intake, headers, pulley swap and tune. Are making 650+ WHEEL hp 725+ with e85. Can safely handle 800-850whp before major upgrades are needed. The GTR comes with well GTR tax and only making high 500’s with FBO + e85. So I can make more power , safer. For less $ . Sounds like a win win. & well... win. Lol and lastly ZL1 has manual option... another key selling point for me.

I’ll make sure to get some runs in with my 3 GTR buddies and shoot some videos over to you

but.....the gen 5 ZL1 is still just an atrocity.

also, comparing it to a GTR is pointless they're 2 different leagues and it needs all those parts you listed just to take on/down a stock GTR.

while reading your posts i'm strongly questioning your car knowledge.

a GTR with FBO and E85 will put down 650whp+ and be capped through the tune to not bend rods and slip/blow the tranny.

solidus · 01-08-2020, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AstatenateZ

Maybe from a dig. But roll racing. Nah. Lol stronger bottom end too. ZL1 with intake, headers, pulley swap and tune. Are making 650+ WHEEL hp 725+ with e85. Can safely handle 800-850whp before major upgrades are needed. The GTR comes with well GTR tax and only making high 500’s with FBO + e85. So I can make more power , safer. For less $ . Sounds like a win win. & well... win. Lol and lastly ZL1 has manual option... another key selling point for me.

I’ll make sure to get some runs in with my 3 GTR buddies and shoot some videos over to you

I wiped stank on a couple ZL1s at Wannagofast and I left on traction control and couldn't use high boost. I expected more from them. Not saying a properly tuned , headers ,cam an e85 ZL1 can't be a beast , but on that day........nah.

04-24-2019, 04:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
AstatenateZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: LR, Arkansas Posts: 428 Drives: 2012 370Z Rep Power: 12	If I know one thing at all, I love the owners and this forum minus the fact the 350z owners are starting to be able to afford 370's and rice them up LOL! GTR and more so, Z will always have a forever spot in my heart. It appears the whole purpose of this thread = to boost the Z will not happen on my 10k planned budget, nor be worth it keeping the 7A trans. I'm disappointed with Nissan as we all are like you stated FP! No arguments to be made. I accept the fact GTR just isn't what I thought it'd be now that I am finally able to plan / afford one... I guess I am a HP guy and I just want lots of power. Ive always wanted to try something diff. This is my 2nd 370, I've owned b8 s4 audi, lifted 11' GMC Sierra, 5.0 mustang 13', and multiple sport bikes. I think I'm going to try muscle car once again! There's not many ZL1's around here, nor hellcats. So when they're spotted people "Awww" over them! I'm just not seeing it being worth it. Never meant to put them down. I still love all you guys tho!! And will be on the forum until I sale it. Which puzzles me, how much are 2012 370z sport/touring w/ 60k miles, FBO + TUNED and lots of misc. suspension / cosmetic mods going for these days? __________________

04-24-2019, 07:31 PM	#8 (permalink)
TopgunZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 2,651 Drives: 06 350Z , 09 370Z MT Rep Power: 6835	@AstatenateZ. You really need to call sebs at specialty Z. He has proven to hold 450wtq for years on this platforms tranny. 550whp with 400+ wtq on this light car is one hell of a ride! And yes, you can do it for under 10k. blueranger, madwi, TBatt and 5 others like this. __________________ ROTREX SUPERCHARGER TUNER KITS - $6799/ CUSTOM STILLEN AIR TO AIR KITS -$2100/ 700+ WHP!! WWW.TOPGUNSPEEDWORKS.COM

04-25-2019, 08:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
TBatt Track Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 832 Drives: 2019 GT-R Rep Power: 20170	I love my Z but it is lacking room for GT traveling. My wife and I avoid the interstate on trips and travel the back roads. We have fun finding the twisties and truly enjoying the drive. The trip is as much as the destination and sometimes more! With that said, my plan is to sell my Z when I retire in 2020 and purchase a GTR. The GTR is a true Grand Touring car to me. It has plenty of room and a trunk. It also has the performance of a super car without giving up comfort and room. Performance wise it compares to the new NSX but it is way more practical for touring. Call it old age but I want speed and comfort and some room to carry luggage. Also, a lot of people only talk about the GTR for it's acceleration. It is much more than that! It handles superbly while still having a reasonably comfortable ride and it has room to carry enough for a week long get away. When I get ready to sale my Z I will post it here on the forum first. Hotrodz, wideglideleon and redondoaveb like this. __________________ RJM pedal, Hotchkis Sway Bars, FI TDX, FOG Light, Z1 Slotted Drilled rotors, Stillen SC, Quaife ATB, Z1 Oil cooler, AEM Gauge Set, Galeforce gauge mount, Avant Garde M590 Hypersilver w/RE-11, TopgunZ A2A kit., ECUtek tuned by Seb: ROLL TIDE!

04-25-2019, 03:01 PM	#11 (permalink)
AstatenateZ Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: LR, Arkansas Posts: 428 Drives: 2012 370Z Rep Power: 12	FPenvy, just saying a ZL1 has a trunk and backseat too __________________

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