Why is the Z slower than comparable cars?

FairladyZ40th · 08-20-2015, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ped

My MPG averages moved up by 2 MPG in both city and highway after my breathing mods and UpRev tune.

Could you post a link? If it's a purchasable upgrade online?

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Felix 808 · 08-20-2015, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hotrodz

Lol mine has gone down significantly since my mods.

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Probably because you can't keep your foot out of it

Hotrodz · 08-20-2015, 06:15 PM

Boooost.....

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RonZwanson · 08-24-2015, 04:11 PM

Over the weekend I went to my first track day. I feel that qualifies me as an expert to give my opinion...

My car is, for all intents and purposes, stock. Really no mods that affect power (uh, AAM short tails...for weight savings!.. and some drop-in filters). Other than that, I've got the necessities for our car - a Stillen oil cooler, high temp brake fluid, stainless lines, and some more aggressive pads.

Anyway, point is, at the end of the day, my experience with the Z on a track in a pretty mixed field of cars ended up being about what I thought it would. Actually, I was a bit pleasantly surprised.

I was on a tight, technical track (Shenandoah Circuit at Summit Point) and as far as who was running faster than who, I was probably in the top third of the drivers in my group. I know a lot of that depends on who's driving, but I was passed by cars that should pass me. (A Hemi Challenger, few Vettes, Porsche Panamera Turbo, and an '03ish WRX with an aftermarket turbo and a whole bunch of other mods). Sure we were on a tight track, but regardless of cornering, cars with 100+ more hp should be passing me.

On the flip side of the coin, I was impressed with who I was keeping up with and passing. I skipped by a bunch of Miatas (duh) and an FR-S, but also ran down a lot of newer German sport sedans. I was up a CLA45's tailpipes on the turns, and right with him on straights (douche wouldn't give me a point-by though). I lost an M3 (maybe 2 years old...) in the turns by enough to keep him behind me on straights. I pretty easily passed a current gen WRX. I ran with a new M235i for a while. He was all over me in the corners, but I actually pulled away a little on straights. I let him by to be a gentleman. It was also fun blowing by all the old guys in their C4 Vettes.

My takeaway here is that no, the Z isn't the BEST at any one particular task, but it's really good at a lot of things. That's what makes it hard to compare to other cars. It's funny, I actually had this conversation with my driving instructor who rode shotgun. He really liked the car (his first time in a 370Z). He liked the linear power and the handling. I told him when I was shopping, Ford had just released the 5.0 Mustang, and it was between those two. He was happy I made the choice I did, as am I.

For me, the Z is fast enough in a straight line to be fun, and it handles pretty durn well too. And it's not going to break the bank to own like a Porsche. (My bank being of the small piggy variety.)

GZ3 · 08-24-2015, 04:59 PM

You were passed by a challenger on a tight road course...? I eat those and spit them out at hpde... Sounds like you did ok, maybe there is allot of limits you havebt pushed yet on the Z but you should not be getting passed by any challengers. The panamera turbo is also questionalble. Assuming this is a tight course. You should be right on par with all verisons of vettes c6 and below assuming they are stock. Anthing above a c6 is too much for a Stock Z on a tight course. Vettes also run pretty hot just like the vhr. I guarantee with a few more events under your belt youll be killing challengers

RonZwanson · 08-24-2015, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GZ3

You were passed by a challenger on a tight road course...? I eat those and spit them out at hpde... Sounds like you did ok, maybe there is allot of limits you havebt pushed yet on the Z but you should not be getting passed by any challengers. The panamera turbo is also questionalble. Assuming this is a tight course. You should be right on par with all verisons of vettes c6 and below assuming they are stock. Anthing above a c6 is too much for a Stock Z on a tight course. Vettes also run pretty hot just like the vhr. I guarantee with a few more events under your belt youll be killing challengers

Yeah, I definitely wasn't pushing the car as hard as I could, since I do have to drive it to and from work every day. Only ran it up to about 7k, no redlining. I also don't have very aggressive tires on it (Michelin Pilot A/S 3 - which actually did okay). I don't know if the guy in the Challenger had any suspension work done, because he was cornering pretty well, but he pitted out right behind me from the start, and I couldn't create enough space before the first straight, where his 485 hp did its job. The Panamera...no way we're keeping up with that. Those things corner surprisingly well, and it has 520 hp. When I gave him a point-by, my copilot said to just keep my foot down. I did, and he went by me like I was parked. Haha.

At any rate, I'm already researching dedicated wheels and tires, and keeping my eye on the classifieds for a Stillen Gen 3 intake...

Spooler · 08-24-2015, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonZwanson

Yeah, I definitely wasn't pushing the car as hard as I could, since I do have to drive it to and from work every day. Only ran it up to about 7k, no redlining. I also don't have very aggressive tires on it (Michelin Pilot A/S 3 - which actually did okay). I don't know if the guy in the Challenger had any suspension work done, because he was cornering pretty well, but he pitted out right behind me from the start, and I couldn't create enough space before the first straight, where his 485 hp did its job. The Panamera...no way we're keeping up with that. Those things corner surprisingly well, and it has 520 hp. When I gave him a point-by, my copilot said to just keep my foot down. I did, and he went by me like I was parked. Haha.

At any rate, I'm already researching dedicated wheels and tires, and keeping my eye on the classifieds for a Stillen Gen 3 intake...

Hang out in the Track forum and get some more seat time. Your best beat is on a set of tires, RE11's. When you get ever ounce out of the car, then go from there. I need some more seat time myself. I am rusty.

jchammond · 08-25-2015, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wicked Daddy

So my first post here (other than the intro) is sure to spark a debate but I feel it's a legit question.

I have been doing a lot of research on the Nismo Z, as I'm 90% sure it will be my next car. But I can't understand why it's 0-60 performance is slower than other cars that have less power and/or lower HP to weight ratios.

The various magazines like the handling and that is a good thing. But most will complain that it's under-powered while also complimenting the VQ as one of the best V6's ever built (I agree). Years ago the Z was described as a beast. Now it doesn't even make the list of top sports cars. What happened?

Personally, I love the looks of the Nismo and I can always increase the performance. But I also wonder what happened to the once, almost legendary reputation of this car. I still want one.

Yeah; you probably ruffled a few feathers/ I'm a die hard Chevy man & got my ~Z~ on a mulligan. @6'6"285lbs & car has a curb weight of 3350; not exactly sure what you're implying,as a stock mustang,camaro ss,challenger all bite the dust vs. mine. (All stock except for K&N drop in air filters) I love my ~Z~ & have more leg room than other cars mentioned- even a Vette....here's a couple sample videos.https://vimeo.com/137220516 https://vimeo.com/137220576
Note: factory 3.359:1 open rear axle,7sp.Auto

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jchammond · 08-25-2015, 02:11 AM

Can't alway's go by what you read in books,magazine's etc....mine put up a 13.1@105 with my big azz in it,,,Surely would break into the 12's with a lighter driver.
You couldn't trade me any of thos other cars listed....and when i start adding some bolt on's...LOOK-OUT, cause i ain't scared to push it.
That's about all i have to say about that.
Have A Wonderful Tuesday!

Jordo! · 08-25-2015, 03:37 AM

Unless the OP is talking about heavily modified boosted cars, with the possible exception of the latest iteration of V8 Mustangs/Camaros (and I believe for more money and coming with a lot more torque) the Z is still around the head of the pack on N/A performance, especially for the money.

On that note, the latest V6 Mustang has a 3.7 that makes less power and about the same torque as the Z and is NOT faster in a straight line, stock vs. stock.

Also, compare the Mustang Ecoboost (more powerful than their V6) to the Z
http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/n..._ecoboost.html

vs. the much more powerful Mustang GT, which also has a better power to weight ratio
http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/n...ance_pack.html

It's about even with the 2015 WRX STi -- the slight advantage for the WRX likely being due to the AWD.
http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/n...5_wrx_sti.html

ban25 · 08-25-2015, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonZwanson

Yeah, I definitely wasn't pushing the car as hard as I could, since I do have to drive it to and from work every day. Only ran it up to about 7k, no redlining. I also don't have very aggressive tires on it (Michelin Pilot A/S 3 - which actually did okay). I don't know if the guy in the Challenger had any suspension work done, because he was cornering pretty well, but he pitted out right behind me from the start, and I couldn't create enough space before the first straight, where his 485 hp did its job. The Panamera...no way we're keeping up with that. Those things corner surprisingly well, and it has 520 hp. When I gave him a point-by, my copilot said to just keep my foot down. I did, and he went by me like I was parked. Haha.

At any rate, I'm already researching dedicated wheels and tires, and keeping my eye on the classifieds for a Stillen Gen 3 intake...

Take a look at the Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R, it succeeds the RE-11/RE-11A and has excellent grip. I took a set to Buttonwillow this weekend and had no sliding, even through the long right-hand sweepers. Track pads are also key -- 100-40 is fun and, most importantly, reliable with my Carbotech XP10s.

I have had a lot of problems with clutch pressure (fluid boils after 2-3 laps) and oil temperature (always pushing 260+ after the first lap), but I have a 34-row Setrab core going in along with new clutch, flywheel, cylinders, and hoses in a few weeks. Baffled oil pan will go in after that. This should greatly improve the track-worthiness of the car. At this point, I'll be down to fuel-cut on right-handers -- considering a CJM pump to fix that.

ped · 09-29-2015, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FairladyZ40th

Could you post a link? If it's a purchasable upgrade online?

https://uprev.com/secure/

Some people on this forum will tune by email - they send you a base/safe tune, you drive around collecting data and send it to them, they tweak the tune and send back for you to flash and test and so on. Supposedly can get close to optimal tune, but the best way is to take it to a tuning shop that has a dyno where they do before, during and after dyno runs to tune it right.

08-20-2015, 06:15 PM	#93 (permalink)
Hotrodz A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NW, AZ Posts: 9,330 Drives: 10 Nissan 370z Nismo Rep Power: 2684386	Boooost..... Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk __________________ *Fast Intentions TT Installed and Tuned by Seb at SpecialtyZ 610whp 560tq:\|Fast Intentions 3" TT-TDX*\|SpecialtyZ/Fast Intentions 72 Row Oil Cooler\|SZ 6 Puck Clutch & Flywheel\|3GsCustoms\|Z1\|Wavetrac\|Hotchkis\|Whiteline \|Blitz\|Fortune Auto 500\|Fujimura\|SPL\|H&R\|TK\|TWM\|RPM Rollbar\|Sparco\|Next Level Performance\|TrackSpec\|AeroFlow Dynamics\|Pioneer\|

08-24-2015, 04:11 PM	#94 (permalink)
RonZwanson Base Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 130 Drives: 2009 Black MT Sport Rep Power: 14	Over the weekend I went to my first track day. I feel that qualifies me as an expert to give my opinion... My car is, for all intents and purposes, stock. Really no mods that affect power (uh, AAM short tails...for weight savings!.. and some drop-in filters). Other than that, I've got the necessities for our car - a Stillen oil cooler, high temp brake fluid, stainless lines, and some more aggressive pads. Anyway, point is, at the end of the day, my experience with the Z on a track in a pretty mixed field of cars ended up being about what I thought it would. Actually, I was a bit pleasantly surprised. I was on a tight, technical track (Shenandoah Circuit at Summit Point) and as far as who was running faster than who, I was probably in the top third of the drivers in my group. I know a lot of that depends on who's driving, but I was passed by cars that should pass me. (A Hemi Challenger, few Vettes, Porsche Panamera Turbo, and an '03ish WRX with an aftermarket turbo and a whole bunch of other mods). Sure we were on a tight track, but regardless of cornering, cars with 100+ more hp should be passing me. On the flip side of the coin, I was impressed with who I was keeping up with and passing. I skipped by a bunch of Miatas (duh) and an FR-S, but also ran down a lot of newer German sport sedans. I was up a CLA45's tailpipes on the turns, and right with him on straights (douche wouldn't give me a point-by though). I lost an M3 (maybe 2 years old...) in the turns by enough to keep him behind me on straights. I pretty easily passed a current gen WRX. I ran with a new M235i for a while. He was all over me in the corners, but I actually pulled away a little on straights. I let him by to be a gentleman. It was also fun blowing by all the old guys in their C4 Vettes. My takeaway here is that no, the Z isn't the BEST at any one particular task, but it's really good at a lot of things. That's what makes it hard to compare to other cars. It's funny, I actually had this conversation with my driving instructor who rode shotgun. He really liked the car (his first time in a 370Z). He liked the linear power and the handling. I told him when I was shopping, Ford had just released the 5.0 Mustang, and it was between those two. He was happy I made the choice I did, as am I. For me, the Z is fast enough in a straight line to be fun, and it handles pretty durn well too. And it's not going to break the bank to own like a Porsche. (My bank being of the small piggy variety.) Eagle, dotcomee, Exhaust and 1 others like this. __________________ It's a racing hen!

08-24-2015, 04:59 PM	#95 (permalink)
GZ3 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: SATX Posts: 3,296 Drives: Z Rep Power: 22	You were passed by a challenger on a tight road course...? I eat those and spit them out at hpde... Sounds like you did ok, maybe there is allot of limits you havebt pushed yet on the Z but you should not be getting passed by any challengers. The panamera turbo is also questionalble. Assuming this is a tight course. You should be right on par with all verisons of vettes c6 and below assuming they are stock. Anthing above a c6 is too much for a Stock Z on a tight course. Vettes also run pretty hot just like the vhr. I guarantee with a few more events under your belt youll be killing challengers TerribleONE and RonZwanson like this. __________________ 09 GT-R 12' 370Z 7AT HANDED DOWN 12'+13' 5.0 SOLD

08-25-2015, 02:11 AM	#99 (permalink)
jchammond A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Carolina Age: 58 Posts: 15,204 Drives: 13’ 370Z TS 7A/T Rep Power: 2684395	Can't alway's go by what you read in books,magazine's etc....mine put up a 13.1@105 with my big azz in it,,,Surely would break into the 12's with a lighter driver. You couldn't trade me any of thos other cars listed....and when i start adding some bolt on's...LOOK-OUT, cause i ain't scared to push it. That's about all i have to say about that. Have A Wonderful Tuesday! GZ3 likes this. __________________ MazWorx built long block \| FI-TT-100 Stage 2.75 \| IPT built 7A/T http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...s-musings.html

08-25-2015, 03:37 AM	#100 (permalink)
Jordo! A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: nirvana Posts: 6,394 Drives: 2023 NATM Rep Power: 419	Unless the OP is talking about heavily modified boosted cars, with the possible exception of the latest iteration of V8 Mustangs/Camaros (and I believe for more money and coming with a lot more torque) the Z is still around the head of the pack on N/A performance, especially for the money. On that note, the latest V6 Mustang has a 3.7 that makes less power and about the same torque as the Z and is NOT faster in a straight line, stock vs. stock. Also, compare the Mustang Ecoboost (more powerful than their V6) to the Z http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/n..._ecoboost.html vs. the much more powerful Mustang GT, which also has a better power to weight ratio http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/n...ance_pack.html It's about even with the 2015 WRX STi -- the slight advantage for the WRX likely being due to the AWD. http://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/n...5_wrx_sti.html __________________ Enjoy it. Destroy it. Last edited by Jordo!; 08-25-2015 at 03:53 AM.

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