Nissan 370Z Forum

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)
-   Nissan 370Z General Discussions (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-general-discussions/)
-   -   Is the Z NOT a tuner friendly car? (http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-general-discussions/70194-z-not-tuner-friendly-car.html)

BigT 04-22-2013 10:39 AM

Is the Z NOT a tuner friendly car?
 
Sorry to bring this topic up, but i've been thinking about it a lot lately and its kind of pissing me off. I really love my car and I want it to be the best. BUT, our cars are slow. I'm not talking about stock for stock, as it is a decent contender stock (+oil cooler?), but rather as a performance car. I'm realizing more and more that the Z is more of a GT car than a sports car. Its smooth, looks sexy, and is down right the biggest attention getter on the road, this side of a supercar. But, who wants a stock car?

The manual trans for example, is smooth, but quirky and cannot be shifted fast. And, don't get me started on the clutch hydraulic system. SRM is a joy, but downshifting is only a part of the puzzle. The Auto guys seem to do well, if thats your thing. But, it will never be like a superior twin clutch trans and it will blow if you give it more than NA power.

The VVEL, oh the VVEL. This is the best and worst part of this car. GREAT, if you want to keep a stock car. Real shitty from a tuner stand point. I hope Ecutek holds true to its control. Otherwise, we will all put down less power with FI than the HR motors unless we can figure something out.

I'm just ranting at this point. There is a lot I can say, but it might not be worth it. Some can say to sell the car and get something else, but I cant. There is something about this car. Its such a joy. I fills a great void considering I can't afford a porsche or the like. HOWEVER, it is not a tuner car at all. Evo's, Sti's, and even the BRZ/FRS are leaps and beyonds ahead of the Z in that aspect. I guess, i'm just pissed because I realize that now.

Sorry for the rant.

theDreamer 04-22-2013 10:48 AM

:facepalm:

kenchan 04-22-2013 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer (Post 2278533)
:facepalm:

:iagree: :facepalm:

iggylist updated.

mike12002us 04-22-2013 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278523)
Sorry to bring this topic up, but i've been thinking about it a lot lately and its kind of pissing me off. I really love my car and I want it to be the best. BUT, our cars are slow. I'm not talking about stock for stock, as it is a decent contender stock (+oil cooler?), but rather as a performance car. I'm realizing more and more that the Z is more of a GT car than a sports car. Its smooth, looks sexy, and is down right the biggest attention getter on the road, this side of a supercar. But, who wants a stock car?

The manual trans for example, is smooth, but quirky and cannot be shifted fast. And, don't get me started on the clutch hydraulic system. SRM is a joy, but downshifting is only a part of the puzzle. The Auto guys seem to do well, if thats your thing. But, it will never be like a superior twin clutch trans and it will blow if you give it more than NA power.

The VVEL, oh the VVEL. This is the best and worst part of this car. GREAT, if you want to keep a stock car. Real shitty from a tuner stand point. I hope Ecutek holds true to its control. Otherwise, we will all put down less power with FI than the HR motors unless we can figure something out.

I'm just ranting at this point. There is a lot I can say, but it might not be worth it. Some can say to sell the car and get something else, but I cant. There is something about this car. Its such a joy. I fills a great void considering I can't afford a porsche or the like. HOWEVER, it is not a tuner car at all. Evo's, Sti's, and even the BRZ/FRS are leaps and beyonds ahead of the Z in that aspect. I guess, i'm just pissed because I realize that now.

Sorry for the rant.

Any car can be tuned, it just depends on what your looking to get out of it. If you just want to make our the z a little quicker it actually responds really well to basic bolt ons 35-55 whp gains. If your looking for a 700 hp beast then your going to have to pay, just like every other car out there. My buddy has a STI and has done all the bolt ons and its not all that fast still. If he wants to move up he has to do turbo upgrades which he priced to be $5000+. If we want a FI set up we are looking at 5000+ even though I do look for cheaper deals all the time, hence my post on ebay turbos (not worth it btw). so it really does even out. Our cars are perfect for the average person. If you want a 500 hp car off the lot the corvette would be the best option IMO.

Zythaxus 04-22-2013 10:56 AM

:wtf2:

BigT 04-22-2013 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan (Post 2278540)
:iagree: :facepalm:

iggylist updated.


Does iggylist mean ignore list? Did my post offend you?

BigT 04-22-2013 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer (Post 2278533)
:facepalm:


I take it you disagree?

BigT 04-22-2013 11:11 AM

I'm not sure why all the negativity to my post. Did I offend anyone by belittling the Z? Listen, i've owned a few tuner cars. I'm not new to the game. But, the Z sucks as a tuner car. I think my issue is with my self really. Maybe i'm just not old enough yet to respect a car like the Z.

Mitco39 04-22-2013 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278523)
Otherwise, we will all put down less power with FI than the HR motors unless we can figure something out.

uhhhhh?

Find me a HR making this on pump gas.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8...6d8eef27_b.jpg


Galeforces Build.

BigT 04-22-2013 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitco39 (Post 2278572)
uhhhhh?

Find me a HR making this on pump gas.

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8...6d8eef27_b.jpg


Galeforces Build.


And you think a dyno graph is the end to all? I didn't know this was a forum of supra owners. No offence to GaleForce. I don't know him and those are stout figures. But, the picture is in no way reference to the performance of his car. Go talk to guys like SPOHN and MIKE and you'll know what I mean.

theDreamer 04-22-2013 11:15 AM

http://media.tumblr.com/26e144870baa...Fq71qz4rgp.gif

BigT 04-22-2013 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer (Post 2278585)

More pictures and no discussion. :rolleyes: Don't you have hood dampers to install or something?

Mt Tam I am 04-22-2013 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278523)
Sorry to bring this topic up, but i've been thinking about it a lot lately and its kind of pissing me off. I really love my car and I want it to be the best. BUT, our cars are slow. I'm not talking about stock for stock, as it is a decent contender stock (+oil cooler?), but rather as a performance car. I'm realizing more and more that the Z is more of a GT car than a sports car. Its smooth, looks sexy, and is down right the biggest attention getter on the road, this side of a supercar. But, who wants a stock car?

The manual trans for example, is smooth, but quirky and cannot be shifted fast. And, don't get me started on the clutch hydraulic system. SRM is a joy, but downshifting is only a part of the puzzle. The Auto guys seem to do well, if thats your thing. But, it will never be like a superior twin clutch trans and it will blow if you give it more than NA power.

The VVEL, oh the VVEL. This is the best and worst part of this car. GREAT, if you want to keep a stock car. Real shitty from a tuner stand point. I hope Ecutek holds true to its control. Otherwise, we will all put down less power with FI than the HR motors unless we can figure something out.

I'm just ranting at this point. There is a lot I can say, but it might not be worth it. Some can say to sell the car and get something else, but I cant. There is something about this car. Its such a joy. I fills a great void considering I can't afford a porsche or the like. HOWEVER, it is not a tuner car at all. Evo's, Sti's, and even the BRZ/FRS are leaps and beyonds ahead of the Z in that aspect. I guess, i'm just pissed because I realize that now.

Sorry for the rant.

But, who wants a stock car? Clearly not you. You need a custom car, for which you will pay extra for, but can not afford. Then you rant.

Mitco39 04-22-2013 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278581)
And you think a dyno graph is the end to all? I didn't know this was a forum of supra owners. No offence to GaleForce. I don't know him and those are stout figures. But, the picture is in no way reference to the performance of his car. Go talk to guys like SPOHN and MIKE and you'll know what I mean.

What would rather see? A youtube video of his car laying smack to some other cars on roads full of traffic? Take a look at the FI build 1/4 mile times threads. If you dont want to believe dyno numbers you cannot argue with track times.

I think a picture of a reputable tuning company is a very good tell tale sign of what the car can do.

theDreamer 04-22-2013 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278589)
More pictures and no discussion. :rolleyes: Don't you have hood dampers to install or something?

http://cdn.styleforum.net/a/a4/a4873...u-mad-tho.jpeg

1st 04-22-2013 11:29 AM

Another regret thread?

Apoc370z 04-22-2013 11:30 AM

****, i thought i bought a sports car..

Drex 04-22-2013 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278523)
HOWEVER, it is not a tuner car at all. Evo's, Sti's, and even the BRZ/FRS are leaps and beyonds ahead of the Z in that aspect.

what makes evo's, sti's and brz/frs pro-tuner and the z anti-tuner? you went on a whole rant to make this point with nothing to back it up. :ugh2:

manual trans is slow shifting? sounds like user error
auto trans can't take high power and isn't a much more expensive dct? meh
VVEL can't be programed? this is your only point?

speedfreek 04-22-2013 11:42 AM

A little research before you bought the car would have gone a long way on this front.

( Click to show/hide )
It is not a (insert exotic here) killer
( Click to show/hide )
Please see GT-R

( Click to show/hide )
It is tuner friendly

Haboob 04-22-2013 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apoc370z (Post 2278600)
****, i thought i bought a sports car..

Yeah, if you're a little old woman. :shakes head:

Nissan misled me greatly. :(






And OP, dyno numbers not proving anything? :facepalm: :gtfo2: What other kind of proof do you want? Butt-dyno results?

BigT 04-22-2013 11:59 AM

Wow, I wasn't expecting everyone to get so hurt over my thread. I do own a Z. It is modified. I enjoy modifying it, like any other car I would have owned. This thread did not go in the direction I was intending it to go. I'm sorry for hurting all of your feelings. lol wow

I think i'm going through what everyone else did when they switched to a mustang.

mike12002us 04-22-2013 12:00 PM

OP why dont you tell us exactly what your wanting out of the car?? how is it not a tuner? just trying to understand. :ugh2:

Haboob 04-22-2013 12:03 PM

Same here, I'm just confused. Specifics are needed, because last I checked this car was modifiable, tunable, etc. :confused:

Frankly, I'm upset that I had to modify it. Could have saved me some $$ if it was all done from the factory!! :icon17: :icon14: jk

Cmike2780 04-22-2013 12:04 PM

Forgive my ignorance, but what the heck does "tuner friendly" suppose mean? I mean, by most tuners definition, a silly looking Civic is considered the most tuner friendly car. I think the whole gripe here is money. The Z is expensive to mod. By the way, I've heard a few Evo owners who have come to realize that Mitsubishi isn't too forgiving when it comes to aftermarket upgrades and warranty work..

I'm honestly trying to keep an open mind, but I just don't understand this thread. Maybe I'm misreading it? The Z is on par or better with the Evo, Sti and leaps ahead of BRZ/FRS in terms of performance in stock form. Modified, it's about how much money you have in your bank account. As you pointed out with the BRZ/FRS, it's not about hp numbers. So how about track times? If you actually did some home work, you'd see that it's on Par with the Evo & Sti.....and knocks the BRZ/FRS off the track. The only limitation I see is how much you're willing to spend to make it the car you want it to be.

As a side note. You'll likely spend the same amount to get a BRZ/FRS to the same level of performance as a new Z.

LostSol 04-22-2013 12:05 PM

http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs71/f/20...tn-d5cace9.png

Mitco39 04-22-2013 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278627)
Wow, I wasn't expecting everyone to get so hurt over my thread. I do own a Z. It is modified. I enjoy modifying it, like any other car I would have owned. This thread did not go in the direction I was intending it to go. I'm sorry for hurting all of your feelings. lol wow

I think i'm going through what everyone else did when they switched to a mustang.

Fact of it is this thread is full of whats bad about the car without anything to back it up. Not tuner friendly, cant put out the power of a HR because of the VVEL. Everything you said was garbage.

What direction were you intending the thread to go?

That being said there are weak points to the car that have been discussed numerous times. Even if it was a bit of a repost mentioning these in your reasons may have left you with a bit more credibility on the forum.

6MT 04-22-2013 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer (Post 2278533)
:facepalm:

yes!:iagree:

BigT 04-22-2013 12:17 PM

Its tough for me to explain it seems. lol

My evo X had 370whp, bolt ons and tune only. My evo 8 had 420 whp with a small 20g turbo. My DSM also had 400whp with a 20g turbo. All built and tuned by myself. Those cars responded so well to mods, handled and drove so FUN. Also, they were great starting platforms. Go to any auto-x, road coarse, or drag strip and these cars can compete with the best of them.

Now, I wanted something new to start with. Part out and trade in my last evo, the 8, and purchased a Z. This is just slightly over a year ago. The Z is a great car. I truelly enjoy it, more than just for its performance. The motor is so smooth. The ride is surprisingly very good. (try driving an Evo or STI, the Z is a BMW compared to those) The car is fantastic. It even gets great gas mileage. I'm contemplating keeping this car for a while, a long while.

I'm getting married in September. I have an appointment with Ignition Motorsports to install a Stillen supercharger in October. But, now i'm wondering if its even worth it. A stock turbo Evo will run circles around this car. The Z performs WELL in so many ways, but it does nothing GREATLY.

I've come to this conclusion. I either need to get my priorities straight and decide what I want from this car. Or move on.

mike12002us 04-22-2013 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278660)
Its tough for me to explain it seems. lol

My evo X had 370whp, bolt ons and tune only. My evo 8 had 420 whp with a small 20g turbo. My DSM also had 400whp with a 20g turbo. All built and tuned by myself. Those cars responded so well to mods, handled and drove so FUN. Also, they were great starting platforms. Go to any auto-x, road coarse, or drag strip and these cars can compete with the best of them.

Now, I wanted something new to start with. Part out and trade in my last evo, the 8, and purchased a Z. This is just slightly over a year ago. The Z is a great car. I truelly enjoy it, more than just for its performance. The motor is so smooth. The ride is surprisingly very good. (try driving an Evo or STI, the Z is a BMW compared to those) The car is fantastic. It even gets great gas mileage. I'm contemplating keeping this car for a while, a long while.

I'm getting married in September. I have an appointment with Ignition Motorsports to install a Stillen supercharger in October. But, now i'm wondering if its even worth it. A stock turbo Evo will run circles around this car. The Z performs WELL in so many ways, but it does nothing GREATLY.

I've come to this conclusion. I either need to get my priorities straight and decide what I want from this car. Or move on.

I wouldnt say it runs cirlces around the Z.

Sports Car Comparison - 2011 Nissan 370Z vs. 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo GSR - Road & Track

BigT 04-22-2013 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780 (Post 2278637)
Forgive my ignorance, but what the heck does "tuner friendly" suppose mean? I mean, by most tuners definition, a silly looking Civic is considered the most tuner friendly car. I think the whole gripe here is money. The Z is expensive to mod. By the way, I've heard a few Evo owners who have come to realize that Mitsubishi isn't too forgiving when it comes to aftermarket upgrades and warranty work..

I'm honestly trying to keep an open mind, but I just don't understand this thread. Maybe I'm misreading it? The Z is on par or better with the Evo, Sti and leaps ahead of BRZ/FRS in terms of performance in stock form. Modified, it's about how much money you have in your bank account. As you pointed out with the BRZ/FRS, it's not about hp numbers. So how about track times? If you actually did some home work, you'd see that it's on Par with the Evo & Sti.....and knocks the BRZ/FRS off the track. The only limitation I see is how much you're willing to spend to make it the car you want it to be.

As a side note. You'll likely spend the same amount to get a BRZ/FRS to the same level of performance as a new Z.

Thank you for keeping an open mind with my posts. But, do you really think a modded Z is keeping up with modded Evo's and STI's? (honest question)

I wish I could throw in the GTR or Z06 into my conversation, but those cars are out of my league.

BigT 04-22-2013 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike12002us (Post 2278666)

You're more bi-polar than I am. We are talking modified cars here.

Evo's make great drag cars, auto-x cars, and road coarse car. I don't see any shop actively trying to compete with a Z in any of those categories outside of Doran Racing.


I think some of you are just posting in this thread to derail my point instead of understanding what i'm trying to say.

ZMan8 04-22-2013 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278523)
Sorry to bring this topic up, but i've been thinking about it a lot lately and its kind of pissing me off. I really love my car and I want it to be the best. BUT, our cars are slow. I'm not talking about stock for stock, as it is a decent contender stock (+oil cooler?), but rather as a performance car. I'm realizing more and more that the Z is more of a GT car than a sports car. Its smooth, looks sexy, and is down right the biggest attention getter on the road, this side of a supercar. But, who wants a stock car?Please explain how you came to that conclusion. What is your definition of a sports car exactly? what is your definition of slow? Compared to a GTR, sure it's slow. But compared to its closest competitors it holds its own, modded or unmodded. Last I checked its a very capable car that requires little work (suspension, brake/oil cooling) to be an excellent race car. Just looked at the teams that race 370z and still have the 3.7 NA motor. If you're comparing it to Evo's pushing 1000 WHP that owners spent 50K on, your point is lost. Those are NOT tuner cars because realistically they are pointless on the street. Those type of cars are professionally built cars for purpose of racing.

The manual trans for example, is smooth, but quirky and cannot be shifted fast.That's driver dependent, not the car And, don't get me started on the clutch hydraulic system. SRM is a joy, but downshifting is only a part of the puzzle. The Auto guys seem to do well, if thats your thing. But, it will never be like a superior twin clutch trans and it will blow if you give it more than NA power.it's a 30K affordable sports car, not a 90k porsche

The VVEL, oh the VVEL. This is the best and worst part of this car. GREAT, if you want to keep a stock car. Real shitty from a tuner stand point. I hope Ecutek holds true to its control. Otherwise, we will all put down less power with FI than the HR motors unless we can figure something out. I assume you're aware Nissan was forced to make the Z more fuel efficient. VVEL is fine for a "street" car with a stock motor. If you build the motor, swap vvel out.

I'm just ranting at this point. There is a lot I can say, but it might not be worth it. Some can say to sell the car and get something else, but I cant. There is something about this car. Its such a joy. I fills a great void considering I can't afford a porsche or the like. HOWEVER, it is not a tuner car at all. Evo's, Sti's, and even the BRZ/FRS are leaps and beyonds ahead of the Z in that aspect. I guess, i'm just pissed because I realize that now. Still do not get why you believe a brz is more of a "tuner" car. Sti/evo is mute point because turbo cars respond completely different to bolt on mods.

Sorry for the rant.

See in red above :tiphat:

Cmike2780 04-22-2013 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278660)
Its tough for me to explain it seems. lol

My evo X had 370whp, bolt ons and tune only. My evo 8 had 420 whp with a small 20g turbo. My DSM also had 400whp with a 20g turbo. All built and tuned by myself. Those cars responded so well to mods, handled and drove so FUN. Also, they were great starting platforms. Go to any auto-x, road coarse, or drag strip and these cars can compete with the best of them.

Now, I wanted something new to start with. Part out and trade in my last evo, the 8, and purchased a Z. This is just slightly over a year ago. The Z is a great car. I truelly enjoy it, more than just for its performance. The motor is so smooth. The ride is surprisingly very good. (try driving an Evo or STI, the Z is a BMW compared to those) The car is fantastic. It even gets great gas mileage. I'm contemplating keeping this car for a while, a long while.

I'm getting married in September. I have an appointment with Ignition Motorsports to install a Stillen supercharger in October. But, now i'm wondering if its even worth it. A stock turbo Evo will run circles around this car. The Z performs WELL in so many ways, but it does nothing GREATLY.

I've come to this conclusion. I either need to get my priorities straight and decide what I want from this car. Or move on.

Proof?

If you're gunning for big gains, the Stillen won't cut it. You need to go with a twin turbo setup. You're also comparing a car design to be NA to a car designed with turbos from the factory. From someone with your experience, it shouldn't be that difficult to understand how the Evo is more receptive to breather mods. Also, by your account, I thought whp numbers and dynos didn't matter?

BigT 04-22-2013 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780 (Post 2278679)
Proof?

If you're gunning for big gains, the Stillen won't cut it. You need to go with a twin turbo setup. You're also comparing a car design to be NA to a car designed with turbos from the factory. From someone with your experience, it shouldn't be that difficult to understand how the Evo is more receptive to breather mods. Also, by your account, I thought whp numbers and dynos didn't matter?

Touche! But, I owned those cars and actively had fun with them on racetracks. I didn't come in this thread to post their dyno graphs. I can compare the real life because i've experienced both cars.

Drex 04-22-2013 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278660)
Its tough for me to explain it seems. lol

My evo X had 370whp, bolt ons and tune only. My evo 8 had 420 whp with a small 20g turbo. My DSM also had 400whp with a 20g turbo. All built and tuned by myself. Those cars responded so well to mods, handled and drove so FUN. Also, they were great starting platforms. Go to any auto-x, road coarse, or drag strip and these cars can compete with the best of them.

Now, I wanted something new to start with. Part out and trade in my last evo, the 8, and purchased a Z. This is just slightly over a year ago. The Z is a great car. I truelly enjoy it, more than just for its performance. The motor is so smooth. The ride is surprisingly very good. (try driving an Evo or STI, the Z is a BMW compared to those) The car is fantastic. It even gets great gas mileage. I'm contemplating keeping this car for a while, a long while.

I'm getting married in September. I have an appointment with Ignition Motorsports to install a Stillen supercharger in October. But, now i'm wondering if its even worth it. A stock turbo Evo will run circles around this car. The Z performs WELL in so many ways, but it does nothing GREATLY.

I've come to this conclusion. I either need to get my priorities straight and decide what I want from this car. Or move on.

so the problem is factory FI vs NA and the ease of power gains with FI vs NA?

mike12002us 04-22-2013 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278660)
A stock turbo Evo will run circles around this car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigT (Post 2278675)
You're more bi-polar than I am. We are talking modified cars here.

Evo's make great drag cars, auto-x cars, and road coarse car. I don't see any shop actively trying to compete with a Z in any of those categories outside of Doran Racing.


I think some of you are just posting in this thread to derail my point instead of understanding what i'm trying to say.

You brought up the stock part, I responded. :wtf2:

diddy535 04-22-2013 12:34 PM

Ibtl

BigT 04-22-2013 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZMan8 (Post 2278677)
See in red above :tiphat:


Good points! Some cars are just better platforms than others. Like I said before, my issue seems to be with my priorities.

Haboob 04-22-2013 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780 (Post 2278679)
Proof?

No dyno sheets, those don't mean anything. :ugh2:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cmike2780 (Post 2278679)
If you're gunning for big gains, the Stillen won't cut it. You need to go with a twin turbo setup. You're also comparing a car design to be NA to a car designed with turbos from the factory. From someone with your experience, it shouldn't be that difficult to understand how the Evo is more receptive to breather mods. Also, by your account, I thought whp numbers and dynos didn't matter?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drex (Post 2278686)
so the problem is factory FI vs NA and the ease of power gains with FI vs NA?

/thread

That's what it sounds like. :tup:

As Zman (and others above) have said, FI responds so much more to bolt-ons than NA.

It's almost comparing apples to oranges.

BigT 04-22-2013 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drex (Post 2278686)
so the problem is factory FI vs NA and the ease of power gains with FI vs NA?

If the Z was factory FI, that would be SWEET! Tell them to ditch the VVEL too.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:49 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2