A few questions for a new Nismo

[israel7]

I just recently purchased my first car and couldn't be happier getting a nismo. now that i am about to reach break-in mileage, i had a few questions:

1. i've read in other post to get the first oil change right after the 1200 mile break-in. would everyone advise me too?

2. so far i have slowly inched the rpms to 5500, just so the engine won't freak out when i finally hit 1200 miles and redline. question is, would you all recommend redlining once in awhile, being that max hp is at 7400 rpm and to keep the engine in form?

3. pulling to 5500 rpm, my shifter vibrates violently, is this normal for our Nismos, or do i have a problem? and will 7500 feel even crazier?

maybe these questions are obvious, but being the first car i purchase, im very cautious.

thanks for all your help guys. i appreciate it.

[AK370Z]

1. Ans: Many members here did their oil change after the break in (at 1200 miles). i did mine about 2000ish miles. Nissan want you to do it at 3750 miles. All three intervals are acceptable.

2. There's no need to hit the redline now. Once you have passed 1200 miles, you can redline all day. I remember the moment I hit 1100 miles, I redlined all the way to 7500 RPM (yes, I know. I couldn't wait till 1200 miles. I only did 1100 miles break in )

3. 100% normal. We all have it in all our Z models.

Of course few may not agree with the oil change or break in post, but this is my input.

[Matt]

In the first 1500 miles, anything past 5k RPM is gonna feel like your car is about to explode. The shifter vibration, the raw feeling of the engine through the accelerator and the sound of your engine screaming at you as you approach higher RPMS.

All that is normal and will definitely smooth out.

[fullmonty]

I waited to break 5500 RPM till after my first oil change which was at 1200 miles.

[roplusbee]

I drove my NISMO under 5k RPMs until after the first scheduled oil change (3750). I try to get on it as much as possible now without exceeding the speed limit, as red Zs (especially NISMOs) attract a lot of unwanted attention.

BTW, the dealership told me that there was no need to break in the new Zs. He told me to drive it like I would normally drive it so that it would learn my driving habits and react predictibly in the long run. Not sure how much truth there is to that, but the gentlemen I spoke with were "certified" Z technicians and mechanics respectively (Bates Nissan only has one of each).

[fuct]

i dont think its a great idea to break it in like they say then ALL OF THE SUDDEN smash on the gas and redline through each gears. even though i passed the break in mileage mark i still inched up the rpm range until getting to red line. to each there own but im doing what "feels" right to me.

the vibration..... yea its normal


one last thing. i would take the instructions and advice of the engineers who built the car over the technicians at the dealership. its true the car will learn your driving habits but that can be reset. also my nismo is my dailey driver. as much as id luv to fly to work doing 130 redlining each gear 24/7, that just isnt practical.

[roplusbee]

Originally Posted by fuct

i dont think its a great idea to break it in like they say then ALL OF THE SUDDEN smash on the gas and redline through each gears. even though i passed the break in mileage mark i still inched up the rpm range until getting to red line. to each there own but im doing what "feels" right to me.

the vibration..... yea its normal


one last thing. i would take the instructions and advice of the engineers who built the car over the technicians at the dealership. its true the car will learn your driving habits but that can be reset. also my nismo is my dailey driver. as much as id luv to fly to work doing 130 redlining each gear 24/7, that just isnt practical.

True. It's not like it's an on/off switch. I guess I should have been more specific and used a more elaborate explanation when typing my post.

[vividracing]

test shows you can drive it like a baby or you can drive it like you stole it, either way it'll properly seat your piston rings. Enjoy you new nismo and welcome to the forum!

[fuct]

Originally Posted by vividracing

test shows you can drive it like a baby or you can drive it like you stole it, either way it'll properly seat your piston rings. Enjoy you new nismo and welcome to the forum!

not to directly question you, but what test? any links to them? be interesting to see.

[Zuppy51]

I for one never listen to a sales person for any technical advice. As there as so many models and technicalities they tend to use generic broad strokes to communicate things to the owner.

Congrats on the new purchase! Check your springs for shipping spacers and check the air pressure in your tires....

For future reference, your owners manual spells out break in quite clearly. If you have any sort of large scale mechanical failure, they can diagnose your driving habits through you're ecu and can void your warranty. If they found out you abused the break in, and had a problem it can be costly.
Ask me how I know.... I did this to my S2000, I blew something in the head over revving it with 1800 miles on it, at a track day. Needless to say it cost me plenty.

Owners Manual:
Page 5-22:
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and economy
of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in shortened engine
life and reduced engine performance.
. Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possible.

[israel7]

thanks to everyone who responded, it helped a bunch. im about .6 miles left till my first k miles, i'll be keeping her under 5k, then slowly progress. i agree with listening to the manual, my nissan tech (a 370z "expert") said after 300 miles to give it full throttle. id rather not, cuz should a major issue develop, i'm sure that guy's memory would lapse in a heartbeat.

again, thanks to everyone for their help.

[israel7]

Originally Posted by Zuppy51

I for one never listen to a sales person for any technical advice. As there as so many models and technicalities they tend to use generic broad strokes to communicate things to the owner.

Congrats on the new purchase! Check your springs for shipping spacers and check the air pressure in your tires....

For future reference, your owners manual spells out break in quite clearly. If you have any sort of large scale mechanical failure, they can diagnose your driving habits through you're ecu and can void your warranty. If they found out you abused the break in, and had a problem it can be costly.
Ask me how I know.... I did this to my S2000, I blew something in the head over revving it with 1800 miles on it, at a track day. Needless to say it cost me plenty.

Owners Manual:
Page 5-22:
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km),
follow these recommendations to obtain
maximum engine performance and
ensure the future reliability and economy
of your new vehicle.
Failure to follow these recommendations
may result in shortened engine
life and reduced engine performance.
. Avoid driving for long periods at constant
speed, either fast or slow. Do not run the
engine over 4,000 rpm.
. Do not accelerate at full throttle in any gear.
. Avoid quick starts.
. Avoid hard braking as much as possible.

how was the ride and feel of the S2000 compared to that of the nismo? in your honest opinion, which would you rather have? for years my original goal was to purchase an S2000, until they got discontinued. if still manufactured, i'd still go with the nismo though, a lot more for the money, plus im not into convertibles.

a friend of the family has/had an S2000, the last year they made them 9k rpm screamers, guy's a doctor, and has no idea about the details of the S2000 or any car for that matter. one time he was mentioning upgrading it, the usually, exhaust and some rims, at the time the Vortech supercharger had just come out, so i mentioned why not buy it, he can afford it anyways. guy told me his S2000 already came with it, said it says it on the side of the car. confused for a minute i realized what he meant...Vtech. needless to say i didnt correct him, didnt want to waste my time, which i had already done long enough. guy has a base corvette now, and on the verge of purchasing a Ferarri. i guess some of us are into looks and others performance

[israel7]

Originally Posted by vividracing

test shows you can drive it like a baby or you can drive it like you stole it, either way it'll properly seat your piston rings. Enjoy you new nismo and welcome to the forum!

thanks, feels good to finally be home!

[cerruto]

Originally Posted by israel7

how was the ride and feel of the S2000 compared to that of the nismo?

I had an S2000 before my nismo. The ride as I felt it was softer yet still crisp very sharp (2006 AP2). It was a twitchy fun car to drive, but you had to beat it to move. I almost felt bad that you had to stay high in the revs to get power. Once you were up in VT the car would scream and if you werent paying attention you would hit off the limiter feeling like you hit a curb. Some times I miss that car but the Nismo is way beyond it.

[Robert_Nash]

With regards to oil changes, while many here will probably say it's unnecessary, when ever I have a new vehicle, I change my oil at about the 500 mile mark to ensure that anything floating around after the initial miles aren't there for long; after that I change every 3,000 or so.

Changing the oil that often is a bit expensive but I consider it cheep insurance.