First lets get out of the way that I really am kinda full of $h*t... However with all respect to Duc,

For track, the sport LSD (a.k.a. OEM VLSD) does not really cut it. I drive mine pretty hard and hands down my best mod, (with oil cooler a close second) is is a real LSD (I went with a Quaife from Z1). The sport VLSD is pretty weak and makes the tail end VERY unpredictable in over-steer (power-slide) situations.

Drive an OEM VLSD then swap to a real LSD then send rep to thank me cause it is a BIG DEAL upgrade. (probably about 1500 bucks installed and worth every penny if you drive hard)

We'll put you in the < 1% category that actually uses their Z the way it was supposedly intended to be used.;)

For most of us it's a non-issue, but yeah... I haven't had an opportunity to test the limits safely yet (i.e. at a track). For "spirited" driving on public roads my only complaints are the high oil temps and massive blind spots. I haven't run into brake fade or fuel starvation (yet).:eekdance:

If you need an LSD at all, you need something better than the sport diff.

I guess maybe the VLSD is of value if you drive in the snow.

I tested both and went with the base. 2 reasons.

1) I own a Civic Si and want to murder myself every time I hit a bump since the suspension is so rough. It's not graceful or smooth at all. So the base model Z felt soooo much more comfortable than the sport package for me.

2) I plan to eventually blow up the engine and tweak every living aspect of the car just like my previous 2 POS's. So the sport packages were negligible.

Ive got so used to SRM that it felt weird the other day i turned it off lol, but then agan my daily is also a stick without SRM so that helps...
To the OP, yes is worth it for 3k you get beefier suspension, SRM, Rays wheels, bigger brakes, grippier, bigger and wider tires, a spoiler (dont know if that applies to 15+ models and up) and a front chin spolier... did i miss something?

They actually handle worse than the sport model by the reviews I've seen - skidpad and braking were both worse I think.

the akebono's are very good especially for street use. at least get the sport.

a night/day difference from the previous brembo's nissan used on the 350Z/G35C.

Nissan claims the NISMO is better on the skidpad (0.99g) but it's really splitting hairs and probably dependent on who is doing the testing.

yah, a guy can get pretty dizzy going in circles all day.... :ugh2: near the end of the test day im sure he's like f- it.

I thought about the Nismo model, but I'm not sure if the "upgrades" are worth it to me. I'm even on the fence on a Sport touring model. I have Bride seats sitting at home from the S2000 that I will eventually swap out for the OEM Nissan.

I am not planning on that many mods to car (i/h/e suspension, wheels) which will mostly be driven daily to work. So the VSD should be ok for my current needs, but if I decide to autocross or track I'd most likely upgrade to a Quaife or Kaaz diff. I think the sport model most suites my current needs/wants

nismo models are great if you like their body style. it's definitely not an ordinary looking Z in person.

but of course you can alter the appearance with a few homedepot mods at a better price.. :ugh:

Just use Photoshop and light room. Way cheaper

i am sure duc would disagree..

Yup, a $23.95 piece of aluminum is way cheaper than PhotoShop. Of course my argument breaks down if you don't have a buddy with a lathe; I understand those things are expensive.