Preparing to get into a 2012 370z Nismo...
 

All -

I just recently sold my 2012 GT-R Black Edition (she'll be missed) and I will be getting a Nismo 370z. I'm sure you're wondering why I'm downgrading from a GT-R, but let's just say that I prefer to do all of the 'driving' myself. Nuff said.

Before I buy it, I'm basically putting together a list of possible mods I want to do as soon as I get it and I need some input. See my questions/list below:

Exterior Mods:
1. I've found the OEM black Nissan emblems and the 370z emblem, but where do I get the OEM black Nismo emblem?
2. What is the paint code to get the door handles painted?

Wheels/Suspension:
1. Since the Nismo Z uses different springs and struts from the stock Z, which lowering springs should I use to lower the car? I've found the Eibach and Tein springs but I was wondering if Nismo has some OEM lowering springs? Which are the best?
2. What are the widest front and rear tires that can be put on the stock OEM wheels?

Exhaust/Intake:
1. What is the best intake/most popular intake system for the Nismo Z? I see that Injen has a Nismo Edition intake but I don't see one from Stillen.
2. I don't plan on replacing the stock exhaust, however, I do want to replace the mid-pipe so I can achieve a louder sound over stock. What is the best mid-pipe replacement for the stock Nismo exhaust?

Thanks in advance!

In terms of springs I'd look at getting a pair of springs + dampers that were designed to be used together (in terms of spring rate and dampening force) otherwise you may end up with a less than ideal ride. Also I'm not too sure how beefy the OEM Nismo struts are, but if you lower it too much you will prematurely wear out the struts.

Finding a decent set of coilovers that don't offer to harsh of a ride may be the best way to go. In terms of 370Z parts, I'm no expert as I'm new to the Z myself coming from an S-chassis world. I ran Eibach prokit springs on my S14 and was pleased with them, although if you're looking to slam your car to the ground you'd have to go with a different spring. But really, be nice to her and don't slam her into anything :)

Paint code should be able to be found in the door. Many people like the Stillen Gen 3 intake and I believe it can be used on the Nismo (correct me if I'm wrong anyone).

On the Z Store website, there is a Nismo spring and strut kit available but I'm not sure if it is different from the stock Nismo kit (I believe it is the same). Anyone Nismo owners here lowered their car with aftermarket springs? If so, what springs/struts are you using?

As far as painting the door handles, I plan on getting the Pearl White paint but I want to paint my handles the black color everyone has been using. Where can I find that paint code?

Thanks!

For springs, read the threads on here for "swift spec r". They are great! Perfect drop and excellent performance. They work on nismos also.

Intake: Stillen gen3 or Injen, gains between the two are almost identical. Injen has better placement. Some of us just did drop in air filters and Z1 post-MAF tubes which net similar gains as the intakes for half the price.

Exhaust note is subjectable, but best gains come from F.I. (fast intentions), Ark, or HKS. F.I is one of the favored exhausts on this site. I can vouch that the gains are there and the sound is unbeatable!

Should have kept the GTR and added a Z to the stable.

:iagree: 'nuff said!

+2........ :iagree:

Nah! I actually don't miss the GT-R. I've been wanting to downgrade for a while now for various reasons. Anyway, thanks for the responses so far. I still need info about paint code for door handles and the best midpipe for stock exhaust.

By the way, I'm going to get a 2013 Nismo Z instead of the 2012.

If you know you are going to be changing the exhaust and springs you are losing alot of extra you pay for the Nismo edition. Why are you set on the Nismo as apposed to a Sport pkg.?

I wanna know for Wht reasons u down graded?!


- The One -

seconded.

Likely because he wanted a proper manual again... but when your car is as fast as a GTR that reason seems to lose weight.

I don't need to pry. People trade vehicles all the time.

OP, you may want to wait for the 2013, though. There are some subtle changes. I believe the stereo is better and the wheels have a different color. May want to check that out if you haven't.

From what I understand, the Injen and Stillen CAI's both work out for Nismo. I have the Injen, but most on this site go for the Stillen.

Reason for selling GT-R: Get back to a proper manual and I didn't have the time to truly experience the GT-R's limits (i.e, take it to the track). I only had 2500 miles on the car and I bought it in Feb of this year. The Nismo Z is way more practical on the public roads and I will have way more fun tuning the car over time.

Now, back to the business at hand. The reason why I want to put on aftermarket springs on the Nismo Z is for a lower ride height. The fender wheel gap is too wide and I want a cleaner look.

So, do I have to get new struts if I go with aftermarket springs or can I get by with just a spring replacement?

Oh, one more thing, what's the best oil cooler for the Nismo Z? I've seen several brands but not sure which one is best.

Thanks!

Most of them are pretty good. I have the 25-row Z1 cooler. Although, I think 2012's come stock with an oil cooler.

Really?! I was told that Nissan is never going to put an oil cooler in this generation of Z's.

Oh, cool. This will likely save me $700-1000 that I can put towards other mods.

I do not think you can track the car with this oil cooler but it will take you further certainally.

I nearly bought a GTR as well, then nearly a Nismo. The GTR only came in automatic and Nismo did not preform well enough for its ride and sacrifice. Except when the GTR's scream past me at the track, I am very satisfied.

Good luck

I love my NISMO but I wouldn't even consider lowering it -- it's my DD and with all the speed bumps, frost heaves, and potholes here in MA, I already scrape my splitter probably at least once a week, even when I'm trying to be careful. Shouldn't be as bad in NC I guess...

Since you're happy to mod, and you're already planning to replace some of the NISMO upgrades, I'm inclined to agree with others who suggested that you might be better off to skip buying the NISMO. It's basically a base model with perf upgrades, and you can probably save $10k by buying a base and upgrading the bits separately. Unless you're really tied to the NISMO aerodynamics and wheels -- personally I think they make the look of the car, and didn't want to deal with replacing them with after market stuff, so I stuck with the NISMO.

I would look into the Swift Spec R springs and Fast intentions CBE w/12" resonators. Keep the cats on if you dont want it too loud!

Here is a video of my car with these installed:
http://www.the370z.com/1713266-post127.html

I run a 305 with the sport wheels, the nismo's are .5" wider so, a 315 maybe a 325, not sure about the fronts.

I not actually looking to replace the NISMO stock parts; I just want to close the fender gap some with springs. Like you, I'm in love with the NISMO aerodynamics, wheels, and additional power and I don't think I would want the Z any other way. Maybe it's trivial, but coming from a GT-R I feel I have to have something somewhat exclusive/limited.

How large is the fender gap on the NISMO? 2 inches?

You bought the NISMO aero kit aftermarket and had it painted to match or did you paint your NISMO blue?

I believe he painted the aero kit. I know there is a guy who actually bought the aftermarket Nismo areo kit & had it painted, but I'm not sure if this is the guy (maybe). There are a lot of photos he took.

Welcome to the former GT-R owner, now 370z's owners club.. :)

Thanks for all of the replies thus far.