New Owner of a 2012 370z Touring Sport

Finster

New member as well as a new owner, hello!

I now drive a 2012 Black 370z with the Touring and Sport packages! So excited!





After looking around on the forum, it seems that I bought a Z that is actually kind of similar to some other mod set-ups that people have done to their Z's. The set-up includes the K&N Typhoon twin cold air intakes, the Borla Catback exhaust, Eibach sportline lowering springs, and Skunk2 carbon fiber intake ducts.

At first I was quite worried when searching for a 370z (350z as well) because of the gas mileage. My last car was a 2010 Honda Accord so it is a big difference, but obviously expected when buying a sports car. But with these mods, driving city, my car is telling me I'm getting 24 mpg on average which is awesome!

Overall, so far it's an amazing car. I'm really glad I own one now as I have always wanted one.

Little questions I have:
(Answering any one of these questions would be extremely appreciated!)

1. Tow Hook:
I'm debating on keeping the tow hook on the front of the car. It came on the car when I bought it, but I am probably never taking this car to a track so it's only there for the looks. Do I take it off or do I leave it on? My friends love it, my mom hates it, I'm lost...

2. Back-up Camera:
I test drove 5 different Z's, and I eventually purchased one without the navigation system and the rear-view camera. I feel really uncomfortable backing out of parking spots or even my own garage because the massive blind spots and the very dark tinted windows, so what is the most budget friendly easy to install back-up camera I could install?

3. Blind Spot Mirrors:
Talking more about the blind spots, are those convex (fish-eye) blind spot mirrors, "ugly"? I just feel like they are mandatory for me with this car. I mean, in order to change lanes, I lean all the way forward and then look out of my windows just to check the blind spot and I feel like over time I might accidently cut someone off.

4. Battery Drain:
I left my AC running in my car for 20 minutes as I was setting up the Bluetooth, then turned it off. I came out 30 minutes later for a drive and the car wouldn't start. I tried twice, then the third time I held down the button and it eventually started. Do your batteries drain that fast?

5. Rich Gas Exhaust Smell:
My Borla catback exhaust (which I personally think sounds amazing) is giving out this very rich smell of gas. If I have the windows down, maybe 10 seconds after I start the car I smell it inside the cab. I did a walk around and I can tell it's definitely coming from the back of the car. It passed emissions not too long ago, and I'm getting good gas mileage, but the smell is just annoying. Is it just because the catback system, or can I fix it? I'm a car noob, I need help!

I'm sure after searching this forum long enough, I would eventually come across some of the answers I need, but I've already tried and I've come close, but no cigar. Thanks!

-Finster

OldGuyFla

Welcome , there is plenty of great info here & you just need to have patience with your searches.

I'll give you my two cents on some of your questions.
The tow hook - that would be your choice, if you like on then leave it.

Blind spot mirrors - you will get different responses to this one. Some people say that if you adjust your mirrors correctly then you don't need the little blind spot mirrors. As for me I put those little stick on mirrors on every car I own. Gives me a little peace of mind about what is coming up on me.

Battery - Since this is a 2012 Z it would be hard to say just how long the battery has been in the car. It just might be getting old & needs replaced. Try giving it a good charge & see how it does.

As for the camera & the exhaust smell I can't help you there.

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JLarson

Are you positive your car still has catalytic converters and not test pipes/high flow cats? You'll definitely get a smell of fuel with test pipes.

JARblue

Welcome

1. Tow hook is a personal preference. Some people just like the look of an aftermarket tow hook. The car comes with one stock in the trunk. I don't see a reason to have one installed except on the track.

2. Get a Gentex mirror that has LCD screen built into it and get a reasonably priced camera (don't go too cheap). It's very easy to wire it up yourself, or you can pay someone else to do it.

3. Craftsquare mirrors are awesome. But kind of expensive. Just learn the car and pay attention to the cars around you when driving. Back out of parking spaces slowly until you get a clear view.

4. If you had the engine running while the A/C was blowing for 20 minutes, then that wouldn't affect the battery at all. If the engine wasn't running, then neither was the A/C (just the fan). Get a battery test at virtually any local auto parts store for free.

5. As the other member posted, check to see that you still have the OEM catalytic converters installed. Hi-flow cats (HFCs) or test pipes (TPs) will have much more of a fuel smell. That being said, my Fast Intentions exhaust smells a lot more than the OEM exhaust ever did. Frankly, I find it intoxicating.

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ZCanadian

Welcome and congrats!

Black car in Texas - wow, you're tough. ;-)

Re the mirrors, try adjusting them as per this article:
Car & Driver - how to adjust your mirrors

Now, when you say "blind spot", do you mean missing patches between the interior rear view mirror and side view mirrors (or outboard of what the side mirrors can see)? In that case, the article above should help. Or do you mean the fact that a lot of the view out the back hatch and rear quarter view is obstructed when you are trying to back out of a parking space? In that case, a camera with fish-eye lens option would likely help you more. Lots of different options in car parts stores and online for those. The camera integrated into the rearview mirror is the most elegant solution, although you may not want to lose the factory mirror. You could plop a screen into the cubby over the radio in this car, or better still, replace that wasted space with a double DIN head unit with display and camera input? I'm sure lots of people have done similar with this car, but I'm not one.

Anyway, enjoy your black beauty, and welcome to the forum.

Finster

@ZCanadian
I'm in general talking about both blind spots. I'll adjust my mirrors according to that article, thanks. I'll look into the backup camera options, thanks for the input!

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Finster

Alright thanks for the feedback. I'll look into the exhaust problem. Really do appreciate it!

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Finster

I'll need to look into it, thanks!

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Finster

Thanks! I'm going to adjust my mirrors and see if this works for me. The car has 80,000 miles so my battery might need replacement. I'm going to get it tested soon along with other things. Really appreciate the help!

Airwilf

Welcome from another TS owner