Questions Before Purchase.

robbie82lv

Hello All,

My names Robert I live in Las Vegas I'm 28 years old and finally decided to make the switch from luxury cars to a nice sports car. After considering all my options and hearing opinions on the 370z from others I've decided when I do make the switch I'll be purchasing a 2009-2010 370z. I've worked on cars my entire life including performance and racing mods for friends but never actually learned to drive a manual transmission as I never had the need. I can ride a motorcycle so between that and my knowledge of cars I don't see learning to be an issue. My question is will the 370z be a fairly forgiving platform to learn on??? Also as far as mods go I plan on cold air intakes, NISMO Catback Exhaust, headers, and possibly brakes and light suspension upgrades. Is there any particular makes/models that have worked for any of you on this forum and anything else you might suggest??? Thanks in advance to those who read this long post and for your time and responses.

chops

have you EVER driven a manual? ive driven manual quite a bit before, but never daily or even frequently so it was almost like i learned how to drive manual on my z. it was a pain in the beginning, but after about a week or two i got the hang of it. i definitely believe there are easier cars to learn on though (vw/audi/honda/toyota come to mind). otherwise just start with any trim + sport package and you'll be set! dont bother with the nismo exhaust (paltry gains per dollar vs any of the other exhausts), intake (just get some drop-in filters). go for the long tube headers and you'll be golden!

m4a1mustang

The Z has a quirky clutch/transmission but you will pick it up quickly. It might take some time to perfect smooth shifts every time, but it shouldn't take you more than a few minutes in a parking lot to get the jist of it.

__________________
- Steve

Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!)
LIKE us on Facebook!

fullmonty

Welcome! I don't think you'll have an issue picking up the stick. I don't know what your price range is but a Touring/Sport would work out well for you I think. The touring will let you keep some creature comforts you have gotten used to driving the Infiniti and the sport package will give you all the sport goddies, bigger brakes, wheels, spoiler.

I wouldn't limit your self to the Nismo exhaust, some one correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think it give huge gains and is rather expensive. I personally have the ARK Type 2 and love it, but some others that are popular are the HKS which AK has, Berk, and Fast Intentions. If you go with the sport package I wouldn't worry about a big brake kit unless you plan to track the car in which case an oil cooler should be on your list.

__________________

m4a1mustang

Gains with the NISMO system are around half of what you get out of a more free-flowing exhaust, but it's also OEM tuned so you can count on no drone and comfortable volume. Louder than stock but definitely not too loud. So if that's the kind of sound you're going for then it's a good choice.

__________________
- Steve

Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!)
LIKE us on Facebook!

ProfessorDave

I'd put the learning curve of learning to drive stick on the Z at about average. There are much easier clutches to master (any consumer grade econobox, for example), and many that are harder. I've got to believe that your motorcycle experience will help you, as you already have the concept mastered.

Ditto on the exhaust selection. Spend some time in the Intake/Exhaust section of the forum to explore other options. Your head will spin a bit, but you'll find tons of good reviews, sound clips, video, etc.

__________________

Rain, snow, sleet, hail: 2009 Mazda 3 sGT HB
Everything else: 2009 370z, PW Touring 6MT

robbie82lv

Yeah after doing some better research I found a Stillen High Flow Exhaust system that looks to be much better. I have driven a couple sticks. One of my friends has a Hyundai Tiburon with a Stage 4 racing clutch. I was able to switch between gears without grinding and didn't stall or bunny hop it once. I did however chirp the tires 90% of the time. He said it was more than likely because the stage 4 is so grabby and if I were to take a couple hours in a stock 370z clutch I'd pick it up real quick. I was actually looking at the Touring/Sport Packages. Seems to be the perfect combo for me. I'm going to the dealership next week to start test driving. The only negative review I've seen is the tire noise. Any one have any luck with reducing cabin noise with anything particular????

Blue370tt

I find it interesting how so many add negative comments on the Nismo cat back and HAVE NEVER HAD IT! I have had it and it is good. It does add to the top end some and sounds good. As far as tire/road noise, I think its NOT an issue. I came from a 2006 vette to the 370z and the road noisse is no more or less than the vette. I suspect those complaining came from some really quiet luxury car and cant really relate to the difference between the 2 types of cars. Good luck and have fun when you buy it!

mick

don't worry even a blind man who had never driven a manual transmission car before could drive a mt 370z

Top Gear Episode 370Z BLIND MAN DRIFT!!

Liquid_G

^^ that show sucks..

But OP, I learned to drive stick in this car.. Should be a piece of cake.. and Syncro Rev-Match on downshifting really helps the learning curve.

__________________

LMBmikeZ

haha I agree the syncro rev-matching makes down shifting so easy! No double clutching nothing extra! It just sucks when the S-Mode turns it's self off after electrical work and other stuff, then do some downshifting!!! WOW that woke me up quick, I drove around for a while without it on and had some fun with it for old times sake..... but I think I will be leaving it on from now on, it is just so much easier downshifting. I mean you don't even need to think it does it all for you...... just clutch and change!!! I love it!