Former Z Owner's Rant about the 370z

KillerBee370 · 04-17-2012, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

I think it's unrealistic to expect big bolt-on gains out of an N/A 3.7L V6. IMO, going from ~270whp stock to over 315 whp with bolt-ons is pretty strong from a motor this size.

If you really expect anything significantly beyond that you're just kidding yourself and should be getting a pushrod V8 (read: LS series) instead.

This. I think it's enrealistic for any N/A car for that matter. I too sold my Z with every bolt on and putting down 315 rwhp seemed pretty good for what it was. In fact it was a big improvement especially with a tune and improved throttle response. (of course having coilovers spec'd up nice n tight made it feel much snappier)

I'm in an M3 now and it's the same story. I'm not going to get much more than about the same gains (as the Z) with bolt on's. It is starting from a much stronger point but the overall gain at the end of the day is probably equal (+50 hp) with full bolt ons. I won't lie... it's a different car alright but you know, that comes at a co$t.

I miss my Z for what it was and would absolutely recommend one to anybody. It's still the most bang for the buck although it's getting some pretty stiff competition coming out.

m4a1mustang · 04-18-2012, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillerBee370

This. I think it's unrealistic for any N/A car for that matter. I too sold my Z with every bolt on and putting down 315 rwhp seemed pretty good for what it was. In fact it was a big improvement especially with a tune and improved throttle response. (of course having coilovers spec'd up nice n tight made it feel much snappier)

I'm in an M3 now and it's the same story. I'm not going to get much more than about the same gains (as the Z) with bolt on's. It is starting from a much stronger point but the overall gain at the end of the day is probably equal (+50 hp) with full bolt ons. I won't lie... it's a different car alright but you know, that comes at a co$t.

I miss my Z for what it was and would absolutely recommend one to anybody. It's still the most bang for the buck although it's getting some pretty stiff competition coming out.

Even with the 5.0s. We can get to 440whp or so with intake, tune, and full exhaust. Beyond that you need FI. Unless you are OK with shelling out several thousand bucks for cams (510whp), but FI is the best bang for the buck without a doubt. I think that's true for all cars. If you want cost-effective power, go FI. Otherwise realize that bolt-on gains will be limited.

KillerBee370 · 04-18-2012, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Even with the 5.0s. We can get to 440whp or so with intake, tune, and full exhaust. Beyond that you need FI. Unless you are OK with shelling out several thousand bucks for cams (510whp), but FI is the best bang for the buck without a doubt. I think that's true for all cars. If you want cost-effective power, go FI. Otherwise realize that bolt-on gains will be limited.

Yeah the upper limit of my car seems to be around 400 whp with everything short of FI from what I've seen. (this coming from a 4.0 V8)

Of course I could always get one of THESE to the tune of $26k

kenchan · 04-17-2012, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYBladeZ

I know this forum is visited by many prospective owners that can't help but continuously wonder what are the pros and cons of buying a 370z. I sold my Z this evening and before the sadness and longing are washed away by the fact that "its just a car" I want to share my 3 year experience. Before anyone goes ahead and flames me understand this, I modded the Z to the peak of its N/A power potential. I built the one and possibly only complete carbon fiber Z and I enjoyed the reaction is brought about. So here is my rant.

The Z is a great car but the tuning potential for N/A is underwhelming. Barring a crazy gain by the JUN Camshafts, you will not get 350whp from the Z with all bolt-ons and a tune, you might not even get 340whp. Now that doesn't mean that the car isn't fast, the balance considerable lightweight design help a lot. However, with that said, the Z will not catch an M3, a tuned Cayman S, a tune 135i/1M etc. etc. etc. Those wanting to be Street King, go forced induction but be ready to pony up $$$$.

Today is probably the first time in almost 2.5 years I drove a completely stock Z. Honestly, it felt like it wasn't mine anymore. A stock Z...its too soft. The exhaust tone is not as good as the 350z or Infiniti G and the torque, well its not neck snapping.

The Z is a nice sports car. It is meant for the more hardcore sports car fanatics, if you want luxury get a BMW or Infiniti. It will outperform the 135i in every aspect except a straight line. The best compliment I can pay a 370z is that it reminded me of Nissan's version of the e46 M3.

All in all, I will miss my Z but I will not get another one. It is a great car and had I kept it I surely would have spent a lot more $$$$ into forced induction especially a GTM twin S/C or TT setup. I will still be on the forum and still consider myself a Z expert, even if I am regulated to a Camry for the foreseeable future.

well, good thing the car wasn't made just for you.

370Z in stock form is fine. it is quiet so an exhaust swap is probably a good idea for some folks. i really dont think the car was really made for youngsters looking for power. it's a coupe for the adult crowd who's kinda done with superchargers, turbos, ecu tuning, etc and just want a nice weekend fun car that runs well in stock/near stock form.

NYBladeZ · 04-17-2012, 10:01 AM

Its a beautiful day in NY, I miss the Fairlady

rebe945 · 04-17-2012, 01:16 PM

is my weekend and cruising car. Its looks, now that I have new wheels and tires, maKE IT MORE ENJOYABLE. I might add more in the future but now am very satisfied especially since its not my daily driver. Thats the key for me. I really enjoy taking her out. The feel ,looks everything.

UNKNOWN_370 · 04-17-2012, 10:29 AM

I respect the opinions here BUT...

My thing is this... when you buy a Z, you know you are buying a NATURALLY-ASPIRATED V6. What do you really expect from bolt ons? Torque underwhelming??? Ok, if you have 332hp and 270lbs of torque. You are not going to get neck snapping torque easily with a 62hp deficit on tthe torque.
Any serious tuner that has been around v8's and v6's knows turbo is the only way to go with an NA v6 if 1/4miles and top speeds are your main goals.
If I had a gripe it would only be the cost of modding a Z. Every aftermarket part comes with an azzrape surcharge.
Also, we sometimes don't know a cars full potential, not because of a limited budget, but because we will chose mods according to taste or apprearance and not functionality in some cases.
Its no porsche because nissan spent the price on the whole Z in the chassis alone. Its no M3 cuz its not a turbo 6 or V8 depending on your year.
That's just me... maybe I'm too rational and less emotional about my expectations from the Z. At 40k we can't have our cake and eat it too. If there was a turbo model for our Z's? It would start @ 44k for the base model you know today. 55k would be an optioned Z. that price range attracts more american and german sports car buyers than japanese ones. That's why we didn't get it.
Maybe R&D will give us a nicely equipped turbo Z with 400hp @ sub 40k? But I heavily doubt it for $40k. If it was that easy? Camaros and mustangs would be FI at the Z price range too.

That's just me though... good luck blades and you definately had a hot Z.

kenchan · 04-17-2012, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

I respect the opinions here BUT...

My thing is this... when you buy a Z, you know you are buying a NON-ASPIRATED V6.

damn... you are a slow learner... this is like the 2nd or 3rd time.

m4a1mustang · 04-17-2012, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

damn... you are a slow learner... this is like the 2nd or 3rd time.

speedfreek · 04-17-2012, 11:09 AM

Wait a minute....the Z is NON-ASPIRATED that explains everything

UNKNOWN_370 · 04-17-2012, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedfreek

Wait a minute....the Z is NON-ASPIRATED that explains everything

Its so easy to dissect a word and feel like a G in writing. Ok the second half of that is V6. V6 usually will either give you average torque and high HP. Or it will give you average hp and good torque.
When the Z33 first came out. It was balanced with 287 hp and 280lbs of torque, but nissan decided to play HP wars, now the engine as it was very balanced and pulling a lot of power with the original tune, but over time each new tune either added better quarter times or better 0-60. It was hard to get both because the VQ was maxed out from the onset.
You can use bolt ons for different applications and pull pretty high numbers. But its hard to get that necksnapping power out of such a small powerplant.
This is why BMW opted for the 3.0 with the turbo. Its a better balance of hp/tq and with fgoing FI you can keep the torque/hp ratio.
The only way to get both hp and high torque on a non asp motor is to go v8 or FI.

Bucketlist2012 · 04-17-2012, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedfreek

Wait a minute....the Z is NON-ASPIRATED that explains everything

Check the air filters....You may have a bird stuck in the inlets...

UNKNOWN_370 · 04-17-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

Ur a real champion G.

kenchan · 04-17-2012, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Ur a real champion G.

btw, we're just kidding.

m4a1mustang · 04-17-2012, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Ur a real champion G.

Lighten up...

04-17-2012, 10:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 21	Its a beautiful day in NY, I miss the Fairlady __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

04-17-2012, 01:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
rebe945 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: middleburg hts, ohio Posts: 491 Drives: 2009 370Z black 7at Rep Power: 16	To Me My Z is my weekend and cruising car. Its looks, now that I have new wheels and tires, maKE IT MORE ENJOYABLE. I might add more in the future but now am very satisfied especially since its not my daily driver. Thats the key for me. I really enjoy taking her out. The feel ,looks everything.

04-17-2012, 10:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
UNKNOWN_370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: ny'r livn in tx Posts: 8,687 Drives: well over 130m.p.h. Rep Power: 14859	I respect the opinions here BUT... My thing is this... when you buy a Z, you know you are buying a NATURALLY-ASPIRATED V6. What do you really expect from bolt ons? Torque underwhelming??? Ok, if you have 332hp and 270lbs of torque. You are not going to get neck snapping torque easily with a 62hp deficit on tthe torque. Any serious tuner that has been around v8's and v6's knows turbo is the only way to go with an NA v6 if 1/4miles and top speeds are your main goals. If I had a gripe it would only be the cost of modding a Z. Every aftermarket part comes with an azzrape surcharge. Also, we sometimes don't know a cars full potential, not because of a limited budget, but because we will chose mods according to taste or apprearance and not functionality in some cases. Its no porsche because nissan spent the price on the whole Z in the chassis alone. Its no M3 cuz its not a turbo 6 or V8 depending on your year. That's just me... maybe I'm too rational and less emotional about my expectations from the Z. At 40k we can't have our cake and eat it too. If there was a turbo model for our Z's? It would start @ 44k for the base model you know today. 55k would be an optioned Z. that price range attracts more american and german sports car buyers than japanese ones. That's why we didn't get it. Maybe R&D will give us a nicely equipped turbo Z with 400hp @ sub 40k? But I heavily doubt it for $40k. If it was that easy? Camaros and mustangs would be FI at the Z price range too. That's just me though... good luck blades and you definately had a hot Z. 370Zsteve likes this. Last edited by UNKNOWN_370; 04-23-2013 at 12:27 PM.

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04-17-2012, 11:09 AM	#10 (permalink)
speedfreek A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Huntsville,AL Posts: 1,724 Drives: '12 370Z PW 6sp Rep Power: 19	Wait a minute....the Z is NON-ASPIRATED that explains everything