Nissan 370Z Forum  

Former Z Owner's Rant about the 370z

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

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z General Area > Nissan 370Z General Discussions


Like Tree13Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-16-2012, 09:27 PM   #1 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
NYBladeZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 2,158
Drives: Lotus Exige S
Rep Power: 19
NYBladeZ has a spectacular aura aboutNYBladeZ has a spectacular aura about
Default Former Z Owner's Rant about the 370z

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.
shika805 likes this.
__________________
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
NYBladeZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2012, 09:59 PM   #2 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 162
Drives: 2012 Sprt 6MT 370z
Rep Power: 13
juicypinkkk is a jewel in the roughjuicypinkkk is a jewel in the roughjuicypinkkk is a jewel in the roughjuicypinkkk is a jewel in the rough
Default

TBH, I suped up my past cars. This car is mainly my weekend cruising car. Not so much making my car a fart can tbh
UNKNOWN_370 likes this.
juicypinkkk is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2012, 10:04 PM   #3 (permalink)
Track Member
 
nepali's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Dallas, TX
Posts: 597
Drives: like a maniac!
Rep Power: 14
nepali will become famous soon enoughnepali will become famous soon enough
Default

To each their own! I am perfectly happy with the amount of power the Z offers. I am not into modding but if I ever go that route, the most I will probably do are just the bolt-ons. I have no need for TT or SC. As a DD, my stock Z is already enough, power-wise.
Felix 808 and axmea? like this.
__________________
'11 SR/6MT/T/S
nepali is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2012, 10:08 PM   #4 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
shadoquad's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: .
Posts: 42,608
Drives: .
Rep Power: 3885
shadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond reputeshadoquad has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by nepali View Post
To each their own! I am perfectly happy with the amount of power the Z offers. I am not into modding but if I ever go that route, the most I will probably do are just the bolt-ons. I have no need for TT or SC. As a DD, my stock Z is already enough, power-wise.
I couldn't agree with this post more, although I have intakes and may get a tune soon.

But I find the power offered by the Z is enough to enjoy on public roads, while offering tracking potential. But I know people who wish it had more power without needing FI.

NY, I'm glad you're sticking around.
axmea? likes this.
shadoquad is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2012, 10:19 PM   #5 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
MacLean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,589
Drives: '12 GM Nismo # 0445
Rep Power: 15
MacLean has a spectacular aura aboutMacLean has a spectacular aura aboutMacLean has a spectacular aura about
Default

WOW...... I'm guessing you dropped some serious money to have an all out CF Z. So what exactly made you want to sale the Z? I know you can put the Z back to stock & sell it & sell the parts for a fraction of the price, but at least your making something off of it. In your honest opinion was it actually worth spending all that money modding the car & eventually selling it?

I am a little sad & hurt by hearing that " will not catch an M3, a tuned Cayman S, a tune 135i/1M etc. etc. etc." Psch..... Cayman S is weak, we need to talk about is the Cayman R....jk. I was hoping for a good run, but not racing of course......that is completely bad. I'm just bs here. Those cars are in a different league completely & only a fool would try something & even if there stock good luck with that (1M, M3......).

For me I am happy with my Nismo. Yeah I am going to put a full exhaust system that I am waiting to arrive middle of next month & will eventually put a CAI in. That will be it for me....HOPEFULLY & pretty sure about it. Yeah it is nice to see cars all fixed up (better them than me), but at what cost. If you get your ride totaled you are going to be stuck like chuck. You can try telling your insurance company that I have this much in the car & see if they will adjust the value & if so you will be paying more of a premium.
MacLean is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2012, 10:29 PM   #6 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
NYBladeZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 2,158
Drives: Lotus Exige S
Rep Power: 19
NYBladeZ has a spectacular aura aboutNYBladeZ has a spectacular aura about
Default

It was a lot of fun while it lasted I loved the total CF look, it wasn't for everyone but it was always a highlight of many of the NY Import Meets. My rant isn't about not getting $ back for the parts. Frankly, I made a good return but the sound of the Fast Intentions Long Tube Headers + GTHaus Meisterschaft exhaust was priceless.

It seems there are two classes of Z owners. The daily drivers who are happy with the well balance all around solid car and the tuners who always want more. I was in the later class.
__________________
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
NYBladeZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-16-2012, 10:36 PM   #7 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
MacLean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Houston
Posts: 1,589
Drives: '12 GM Nismo # 0445
Rep Power: 15
MacLean has a spectacular aura aboutMacLean has a spectacular aura aboutMacLean has a spectacular aura about
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by NYBladeZ View Post
It was a lot of fun while it lasted I loved the total CF look, it wasn't for everyone but it was always a highlight of many of the NY Import Meets. My rant isn't about not getting $ back for the parts. Frankly, I made a good return but the sound of the Fast Intentions Long Tube Headers + GTHaus Meisterschaft exhaust was priceless.

It seems there are two classes of Z owners. The daily drivers who are happy with the well balance all around solid car and the tuners who always want more. I was in the later class.
Nice......very nice to hear that you made a good return. The exhaust that I am waiting for is the GTHaus Meisterschaft exhaust. I decided to go with all three sections. So if you had to-do it all over again would you do it again, & if so what would you do differenly?
MacLean is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2012, 09:07 AM   #8 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 63
Drives: '11 Nissan 370Z M6
Rep Power: 13
Chteelers is on a distinguished road
Default

I would argue that the reason there is little tuning potential is that Nissan did proper engineering to wring out every ounce of performance possible from the platform.
If a car has lots of HP that is easily accessible, that just means it wasn't designed as well as it could have been from the beginning.
Chteelers is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2012, 09:38 AM   #9 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Cmike2780's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Long Island
Posts: 5,059
Drives: slowwww
Rep Power: 28
Cmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I think the gripe is the amount of money you need to throw in for mods to see huge gains. I totally see your point, $1200 or more for an exhaust and seeing only 10hp-18hp can be a bit disappointing. I look at it this way though, the guys in the M3, Cayman, etc are probably shelling out a ton more $$$$ for mods. It's just the nature of most N/A cars that have been pretty much pushed near the limits out of the box. To be fair, the guys in the M3, Cayman etc, already 'paid' for the 'Street King' title when they bought the car. Cost wise, a TT 370z probably still comes out less expensive than an M3 or Cayman and will probably be faster. IMO the only way a N/A 370 is going to get over the 350hp mark(@ the wheels) is if they go with direct injection or crack the VVEL. Niether of which is happening anytime soon. You have it right though, and it really depends on how much money you want to spend and what you really use or want the car to be.
axmea? likes this.
__________________
[09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R]

Cmike2780 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2012, 09:38 AM   #10 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
NYBladeZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 2,158
Drives: Lotus Exige S
Rep Power: 19
NYBladeZ has a spectacular aura aboutNYBladeZ has a spectacular aura about
Default

Tell the Mustang and Vette guys that they get huge bang for the buck on bolt ons. I think VVEL both maximizes gains and limits potential future gains. Fact of the matter is if you buy the Z and you are going into the purchase happy with the power then that's great. If you buy the Z and want to tune it and get more, well expect to pay big bucks. In comparison the Evo's, STi's, and n54 BMW's need far less and get far more because of their turbo setup. I still wouldn't take any of those cars though.

The only thing I would do differently is pick a very very very reliable installer for my headers. I don't want to say who I used as they have a reputation as a well to do shop but upon uninstall we found prolific amounts of liquid gasket which was a huge pain in the @$$ for my mechanic to remove.
__________________
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

Last edited by NYBladeZ; 04-17-2012 at 09:41 AM.
NYBladeZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2012, 09:41 AM   #11 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Cmike2780's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Long Island
Posts: 5,059
Drives: slowwww
Rep Power: 28
Cmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Chteelers View Post
I would argue that the reason there is little tuning potential is that Nissan did proper engineering to wring out every ounce of performance possible from the platform.
If a car has lots of HP that is easily accessible, that just means it wasn't designed as well as it could have been from the beginning.
Totally agree. Hypothetically, if I saw a 50whp gain by swapping out a few intake tubes, I would probably be going
__________________
[09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R]

Cmike2780 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2012, 09:54 AM   #12 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Cmike2780's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Long Island
Posts: 5,059
Drives: slowwww
Rep Power: 28
Cmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond reputeCmike2780 has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by NYBladeZ View Post
Tell the Mustang and Vette guys that they get huge bang for the buck on bolt ons. I think VVEL both maximizes gains and limits potential future gains. Fact of the matter is if you buy the Z and you are going into the purchase happy with the power then that's great. If you buy the Z and want to tune it and get more, well expect to pay big bucks. In comparison the Evo's, STi's, and n54 BMW's need far less and get far more because of their turbo setup. I still wouldn't take any of those cars though.
Those two N/A engines have a lot of advatages from the get go. V8, larger displacement, larger aftermarket supplier sources, etc. If it comes down to cost, you either pay for it up front or during the build. You're already spending big bucks if you buy a vette for example. I think we can all agree an unlimited bank account would probably solve all our problems.
__________________
[09][MB][6-Spd MT][Touring][Stillen Gen III][K&N][Borla CBE][Evo-R]

Cmike2780 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2012, 09:57 AM   #13 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
m4a1mustang's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 55,385
Drives: on two wheels
Rep Power: 6962
m4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond reputem4a1mustang has a reputation beyond repute
Default

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.
UNKNOWN_370 and 370Zsteve like this.
__________________
- Steve
MAZOC Meet Thread
Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!)
LIKE us on Facebook!
m4a1mustang is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2012, 10:00 AM   #14 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: N/A
Posts: 76,801
Drives: N/A
Rep Power: 141520
kenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond reputekenchan has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by NYBladeZ View Post
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.
370Zsteve likes this.
kenchan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-17-2012, 10:01 AM   #15 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
NYBladeZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: New York
Posts: 2,158
Drives: Lotus Exige S
Rep Power: 19
NYBladeZ has a spectacular aura aboutNYBladeZ has a spectacular aura about
Default

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
NYBladeZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
[FOR SALE] FREE - 2010 370Z Owner's Manuals /w case PluckyPurcell Parts for sale (Private Classifieds) 6 08-21-2011 10:40 PM
2010 Nissan Navigation System Owner's Manual (Maxima & 370Z) syntax1269 Nissan 370Z Owners Manual / Service Manuals 3 10-23-2010 02:45 PM
370Z Coupe Owner's Manual ZSPEED Nissan 370Z General Discussions 10 03-10-2010 07:59 AM
Mid-Atlantic 370Z Owner's Club - TRACK DAYS!!! m4a1mustang Mid-Atlantic Region 11 01-31-2010 07:34 PM
2009 Nissan 370Z Navigation System Owner's Manual (PDF, 7.5MB) AK370Z Nissan 370Z Owners Manual / Service Manuals 0 02-12-2009 10:22 PM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:47 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2