Base and mods or nismo?
 

Trying to figure out what to do here. I can get a newer nismo otd from auction for $32k or I could get a 13+ base for under $20k. I could use that $12k to mod the base z. I would want to do wheels, tires, spoiler, exhaust and something to get a solid boost in HP and torque. I've never done any performance mods besides exhaust to my vehicles but I'd like to get in the ball game. I'd still like to have a reliable z that could last a long time. I do really like all the accents that comes with the new nismo and I like the head unit but you don't get much extra power.

Would I be able to hook up a base Z to perform way better than the nismo for $12k? This will be a leisure vehicle and one I'd like to learn how to drive on a track.

I went the base and mods route. $12k is a pretty good bit to do what you want to unless you're wanting to go FI. If you're planning to stay NA and just want some more power out of a DD, I'd suggest the cheaper car and put the money towards the mods you want.

Without going FI route, how much hp could I get out of the 370? I could always up my mod budget to go FI. With FI I would want to get over 400hp but keep it reliable. Is this possible?

For NA, 360s whp on 91 and 375 whp on E85 or something is the record. Most people with all the basic bolt-ons + a tune run between 310-330whp from what I've read, depending on exact mods, location, weather, etc.

I can't speak to FI, I don't know enough about that.


http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivet...vhr-build.html

Personally, I'd do base because it leaves you with more options and $. For example, I would do FI as there are plenty of posts on here about it and users running it , amuse front and rear bumper, Fly1 fenders, and a non-stock spoiler because I like the look more but that's my opinion as you said you like the nismo trim. Plenty of people have replaced the base trim with nismo on here and on YouTube and it's about 2k iirc without paint. The base model will leave you more wiggle room $ wise and less expensive parts to resell/not use off the nismo.

340whp is about the max you'll realistically see out of it. With a good tune, it'll maintain reliability, though the vast majority of reliability is maintenance and your right foot.

Stillen Gen 3($550) or the Admin Tuning($640) intake, test pipes($225 from Z1) or high flow cats(Berks run about $650) (depending on sound tolerance), a quality catback exhaust system(~$1,300) and a solid tune($650) should get you there, or pretty close.

The HFC won't net you the same gains as the test pipes, but a lot of people seem to think they're a good balance of volume and power.

When you say base, you do mean base+sport, right? If you skip the sport package you end up burning up a good chunk of your mod budget just buying stuff that would have been included with the sport.

Get the Base+Sport and do the basic boltons Test pipes (or HFC), Catback, long tube intakes, tune. Those mods will cost you in the neighbordhood of $2500 if you buy new quality stuff (though if you are willing to shop used or buy some cheaper chinese parts you can save quite a bit). Then you can spend the other $9-10k on suspension, aero, and wheels and have a really sweet ride.

If you wanted to go the FI route and feel good about reliability too, $12k probably is not enough unless you are skilled enough to do all the work yourself and even then it's pushing it a little. It can be done, though (I did).

Agreed, but there's also another $5-10k that you need to have access to for an "Oh Sh*t" fund. These motors are solid, and a good tune does wonders - but you're boosting a car that came from the factory NA.

OP, you mentioned not doing anything but exhausts in the past. Jumping from there to aftermarket FI might be too much of a step. You need to be able to handle some moderate to advanced wrenching even if you have a shop do the install. Everything gets more complicated and annoying when you've put that much aftermarket stuff on the car.

Honestly, do basic bolt ons, a tune and gears. That'll be a plenty quick car and you'll have a lot of leftover cash for suspension and cosmetics.

Yea I was looking at the base. What would I be missing out on on the base + sport?

LSD, big brakes, appropriately sized wheels, SRM, spoiler. Sure, you can get better options aftermarket, but it'll take a good chunk out of your mod budget. The sport package was a ~$3k option new, so I can't imagine it being much more than that on a used car. Big picture, it's probably cheaper to spend more on buying one with the sport package.

I agree with this completely. I may need to do basic mods first and then slowly peep my way into learning the whole FI biz. This will be my weekend car that I want to take to a track. Crawl then walk eh?

Pretty much. But keep in mind that almost all of the NA mods you buy will be wasted money if you decide to go with boost down the line.

depends how much effort you want to put into stuff

Even on a nismo you'll be swapping stuff out, so starting with a base isn't a bad idea

there are some items where I think the Nismo is more cost effective: nismo aero kit, and the 2015+ recaros

engine is the same
brakes are the same
suspension is getting thrown out
wheels - Nismos are useable as track wheels, the lesser wheels maybe too narrow

Don't bother with a base model. As others pointed out, the base+sport option is where you want to be. The sport package essentially gets you all the important upgrades (brakes, vLSD, and SRM) of the Nismo but at a noticeable lower price. The only real difference between the base+sport and the Nismo that you most likely won't be upgrading is the body kit and the recaro seats if you get a 2015+ Nismo.