Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370
(Post 1328339)
Well as you can read by the title. I've been driving my Z quite a bit in order to get past the frustratingly long break-in period. Here are some driving impressions.
In the first 100. I stated that the Z exhaust is way more sedate and suspaension was softer. I also thought the Z was a tad higher. Well suspension has settled some and the stance has normalized. I guess since I bought my first Z used with 4600 miles, the suspension was already settled. Exhaust note. Once I hit 750 I began short stints in accelerating engine speed to 7000rpm in hopes of getting a good seel on the rings and prepping my engine, for more aggressive track duty. I noticed cruising, the exhaust is quieter than my 09, but louder when revving into high rpm's. Not too bad. Suspension still feels softer. I preferred the more aggressive suspension of the 09.
Rings are already seated by 750 miles usually. That happens in the first few hundred or less. Crazy rpm isn't needed to do it. You're right on suspension settling. GM quoted about 1/2" and a few weeks on my Z06 while I was at the factory.
Sound deadening is noticed while driving. A minut but noticeable amount of engine courseness has subsided. I don't know if its due to the SD or some minor enhancement to engine build? Engine courseness was never a big issue to me as stated by some. Other than that things are relatively the same. The Z is a great machine. I'm not saying its better or worse than any other car. What I will say is, all the 2+2 and 2 seaters in the Z price range, all have similarites to each other in overall performance while the Z stands on its own. There's nothing to compare it and its completely enjoyable to drive.
That is what appeals to me about it as well. The CaymanS is as close as you get to a competitor in form/function.
Acceleration, it seems the pedal shows slightly less throttle delay and the Z is much quicker to get to redline in auto mode. So this is a positive improvement over the 09. Also less tire noise is transmitted but its still fairly loud and you can still here the pebbles in the wells at times. Everytime I here pebbles clanking, my first thought is, "oh no , my paint". Then I realize its the wheel well. Kind of annoying. Lol. Seating comfort and amenities are the same in base'sport. Pretty comfy for me.
Nice touches as mentioned are tonneau cover brackets, in car filters and heated mirrors. Though here in tx, I rarely need heated mirrors and treated my 09 with rainex defogger. No biggy. Nissan claims the same weight from 09 in spite of a few additions. I wonder how that worked out?
Lots of mfr's do not change specs for stuff like weight, etc. mid-model. Ford even left the mustang GT's spec for horsepower un-changed from 1987-1992, and then all of a sudden in 1993 changed it to reflect all the little changes from '87-93.
ACCESSORY review.
Added to my car at basically no cost was the rear view mirror backup camera. This feature is an excellent value. It is auto-dimming, 3 programmable garage door openers, compass and backup camera in approx a 3"screen. In spite of the size, objects and people are clearly visible and video quality is extremely good. Better than what I had expected. There is no chime or proximity warning but I don't really need it. I barely need the backup camera but it does inspire some added confidence in reverse. YOU MUST STILL CHECK YOUR SURROUNDINGS BEFORE BACKING UP. The backup camera does not replace current safety measures. Just enhances them. I like this accessory very much.
While I was waiting for my Z I test drove a few vehicles. It took so long for my dealership to make the trade, I began to consider other cars. I have to say, there isn't a bad sports car out there. They are all hot with aggressive yet stable high performace. Even the likes of genesis coupe 2.0, as weak as the engine is. It exhibits very impressive road manners in a 4 cyl package. If I had to do it over for a third time. I still would buy a Z. :)
1200 miles I will do the break in oil change and install my k&n filters, at 3500mi repeat. At 5k mi. Royal purple. Hopefully, my Z won't need an oil change till 12k. I might do a more detailed high performance write up at 5k, right before my first serious mods.. :)
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