Nismo = cheese-mo

sensi09

I think some of your guys expectations for the Nismo models are a bit too high. I honestly think it's quite a nice package from the factory.

Looks are subjective, but along with the bodykit, you get wheels, intake, exhaust and a tune. There are other parts included, but if one were to try and build a base model Z in the same manner as the nismo, costs would far exceed the Nismo's MSRP. All in all it represents a good value IMO.

Could you build a faster Z or a better handling Z, sure, but everything done right from the factory with a warranty to boot is very nice to have. Even if you like to mod, I think the nismo would make a nice starting platform.

The Nismo may be marketed as a more "track-ready" Z, and with the improved suspension I think it is, but more "track-ready" or not, Nissan still makes a compromises for a daily driven car and the overall market.

There are many comparisons to M-models and AMG, but there is roughly a 15-20K price difference between say a moderately equipped M3 and a fully loaded 335i coupe. Could Nissan build a Z with more exclusivity and power, I'm sure they can, but really who is going to spend 50K plus on a Z. Bang for the buck is one of the main draw-points for the Z, so if you take that away, there are other options I'd consider. Some people have made comparisons to a GT3 and even a GT3RS, but again look at the price differential and eek, lack of power gain with the 3 and 3RS.

spearfish25

Nissan worked a miracle in the 370Z, offering performance and quality that I never imagined possible in the $30k price range. Heck, that's why I ended up buying one on a whim.

If Nissan could extrapolate this achievement into a higher HP variant based on a detuned GT-R motor, upgrade the suspension package, wrap some leather into the cockpit components, substitute some brushed aluminum for plastic on the interior...you'd shift the bar up yet again. This $60k, twin-turbo, 420hp "real Nismo" 370Z would then be compared to $90k 911s instead of $60k Caymans.

GMZ

I couldnt agree more! I paid less for my 370 than I did my 04 350 Enthusiast and the 2 dont even compare.

sensi09

A 420hp 370Z sounds nice, but would you spend $60+ on a Z?

To turn around the argument, you could spend 15K on a base Z and get a built TT with 400-500whp.

But yes a Nissan car aimed at the 911 would be interesting. The GT-R targets the 911 turbo and the 370Z targets the cayman....so another model could slide right in. Not sure it would sell though.

A TT sounds nice, but for a something aimed at the regular 911, I'd like a V8 370Z or perhaps and non-turbo GT-R

spearfish25

If Nissan could up the quality factor another step, I'd consider $60k on a Z. The TT V6 would be an easy step for Nissan given it's a motor in their lineup already. However, I'd happily take a V8 Z. Imagine the exhaust note on that baby! (drool)

SnakeBitten

My expectations is to have an oil cooler for a track model especially when the factory tells you you will need one on the lower models "if" you track it. For the Nismo Z not to come standard with an oil cooler for the premium Nissan charges, is a slap to its customers imho. Everything else mentioned can be up for debate of course

As for the i/e/ and tune Ill concede that Nissan is going to promote its in house Nismo products understandably so i dont expect them to use the best aftermarket [in terms of cold hard numbers] i/e and tune we know are available. But they could have at least matched the performance numbers some members are "easily" getting. The i/e/h tune numbers from guys like Semtex, RCZ put the Nismo Z's tweaks to shame and I know they didnt spend anywhere close to 10-15k premium for that.

Check the latest tests fo the Nismo Z vs the regular Z and it aint faster. Why bother paying for a dud. Harsh but until a test validates the 10-15k premium over the other Z models thats what the Nismo Z essentially is. One can spend that 10-15k premium money and make a much better track Z and still keep their warranty imho. Im not looking for unreasonable products. Im sure Nissan has comparable performing products they could have used

1. KW Variant 2-3 suspension for example

2. Dual exhaust/header/intake and tune of your choice

3. Oil cooler of your choice


Add em up and not close to 10k and you will run rings around the Nismo Z thats tested not faster than the normal Z. I still have money left for front brake upgrade or light weight seats. Imagine if I dealt with volume sales for those components like Nissan, Id save even more per item over a model line imho. Just thinking out loud.

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sensi09

Well the oil cooler is a whole different issue. I'd expect every 370Z to be equipped with one or at least be able to handle some hot laps without issue.

I think the nismo represents a good value, but no doubt you can get more gains through aftermarket parts. I've said in my previous post in this thread that you can get more performance through aftermarket parts. I don't think that was ever a question. And when the "15-20K" was brought up, that is in regards to M and AMG models compared to the regular variants. The Nismo does 15K more than a base model. A Z with touring/sports and nav will cost more than a nismo.

I've seen the edmunds test, but that is just one test. I've commented on those threads. After all is said and done, I'd expect the Nismo to be a little faster or maybe the engine parts just don't make much more power. Or the parts make all their power at or near redline which could prove favorable on the track.

SnakeBitten

Agreed on the Edmunds test being only one test but I believe someone else tested both and came to the same conclusion if Im not mistaken. But yeah we should wait before we stamp it a dud. I agree it should be faster around a circuit track given the totality of the mods involved.

Also a Z with sport package and touring can be had for 36-38k when I was initially looking. Obviously out the door would be a bit more. But the Nismo Z starts at 39k. Out the door it will be 40k+ easily especially with the markups. Id get the SP, minus the nav package, so I can get the rev match and lsd. I can get such a car for around 34k when I was initially looking. 34k plus these mods below would make for a car around the Nismo Z's price with much better performance imho. Correct me if my numbers are not current.

Stillen Exhaust - $1500

Stillen Intake - $549

Stillen Oil Cooler - $426

Berk High Flow Cats - $549

KW Variant 3 - $2000

Hotchkis Sway bar upgrade $375

Dyno Tune - $500-1000 maybe more.

Total = 6399 without shipping. Price will climb with that added of course but I dont have a ball park for it as it varies.

The above is just enough products to beatdown the Nismo Z with ease. I didnt include wheels or bodykit as they didnt help the Nismo Z at all against a sport packaged 370z and the body kit is useless at the track dispite Nissans claim of downforce. Downforce too minimal to affect the overall numbers vs the normal SP Z.

Still have a bit of money left in that 10k Nismo premium for light track wheels, front big brake kit if the person choses. This wont get you a limited Nismo version but it will get you a Z that will embarrass the Nismo branded version on any track imho..BTW all the mods I listed wont void your waranty I believe as this is not a GTR lol.

These threads are fun but purely wishfull thinking

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NIZMOZ

Remember, you can do all this, but you won't have the downforce of the factory body kit that helps plant the tires to the ground when needed. That is one of the most important parts on a road course, is that downforce.

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SOLD: 2007 NISMO 350Z #0044 Silver Alloy
New DD: 2010 Titan Pro4X CC

SnakeBitten

I hear what you are saying but the down force produced by the bodykit is minimal. Hardly enough to offset the beatdown it would get from a Z with the mods I layed out sans bodykit. Its not like the kit produces anywhere near even half the ACR levels of down force. One of the major mags said the same thing about the Nismo 350z. Downforce is minimal as its more a bodykit than any aid in handling on track imho.

A Z equipped like I posted before would kill the Nismo Z with ease on track. Yes its about parts working in harmony but the Nismo Z package is hardly untouchable for less money than the premium it commands. All Nissan did was add standard stuff enthusiasts add but with less performance as evidenced by some of the numbers guys are getting with similar mods imho.

BTW thanks for the correction on the body welds. I assumed the 370z Nismo had the body welds as well.

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NIZMOZ

150lb at 70~ mph is A LOT! I can feel it on my Z when I am on the road course. It gets more traction and wants to grip the faster I go which is like the opposite of what it would normally do.

Sadly you are one that has never been on a track with a NISMO Z. There are many videos out there that already show how well the NISMO does with race slicks. No aftermarket Z has yet to handle as smooth and good.

But then again, the 370z has no body welds which is a huge difference in handling, so that might be enough for someone to blow off the NISMO this year.

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SOLD: 2007 NISMO 350Z #0044 Silver Alloy
New DD: 2010 Titan Pro4X CC

juan05

+1