2009 Nissan 370Z Long-Term Test - Edmunds.com

Endgame

Again, I must ask.... Is the Z's engine really that bad???

VTalumni

I would like to second this question. The biggest feedback I hear about this car is the engine noise. I would really like to know if this is really as bad as they say it is?

2bits

No. I've been listending for that sub-standard sound all these reviewers mention. Believe me when I say I have no qualms running it up and down the tach on a regular basis, and I don't know where they're coming from. One thing in common among all the test cars I've read about: they all have 6MT. I have a 7AT, so maybe that smooths out whatever rasp they think they are hearing?

I'm tempted to think the engine simply doesn't sound like the engine in [insert reviewer's favorite sportscar here, usually a Porsche].

Endgame

Well.. to your point, MT did say that if you are bothered by the course engine sound, get the 7AT as the noise and vibration are non existent there.

2bits

Interesting what I find a month later. I don't have a subscription to MT, so their observation is news to me. It certainly explains why I'm unfamiliar with the noise peeps are complaining about.

Mecinoid

That explains it ... I didn't understand what everyone was talking about. Mine revs so smoothly and fast without the dreaded roughness some mention.
I'm really begining to like this A7 transmission on a daily basis.
I really didn't think I was going to like the auto this much over my manual transmission cars. It's really nice not to have to shift in traffic and I really didn't think that it would be able to shift up and down so fast. My concern was downshifts. The computer with downshift rev control takes care of all of that. It is just a split second slower than I can shift with a manual but, I just make up for it by shifting a little earlier. It's exciting !!!!

The downside is that you can't downshift bring the revs up between shifts and dump the clutch doing smokey powerslides. However, that will save me on tranny/clutch costs in the future. For me this is a daily driver... I'm fortune to have other cars that I can do that in. ;-)

Mt Tam I am

I love my Z. I wish it had more power, but that is what happens when you spend $40k or less. If I want great handling andn 500+ HP I need to spend more.

I fixed my noise problem with a Stillen exhaust and Michellin Pilot Sports. Forget about Dynamat, it weighs too much anyway. Oil cooler solved overheating. With all my mods and tires, I am still just below $40k excluding tax. I have even had the pleasure of defeating cars* costing 2-4 times this.

Infinion Raceway auto cross.

Best bang for the buck car ever.

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Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

Mecinoid

That's exactly the mod list I was thinking about .... Thanks for the info.
See you at Infineon !!! Plus a procharger would take care of the HP woes if you need to.
Yes, about $10K ... But, $10K + $35K = $45K ... It would beat ZO6 @ $75K However, used 2004 Z06 $25K with adams S/C $8500 = $33.5K and Kills ZR1's... (next toy)

ImportConvert

...and it would be an un-balanced warranty-less creation. Pass. If you want to beat a Z06, buy a ZR1. There is no free lunch.