350z Mod Ideas

theDreamer · 08-21-2012, 12:42 PM

Looking at putting together an upgrade list for the girlfriend's Z. Nothing crazy, but good quality parts and clean. Would like to keep this around $5,000-$7,000.

2006 350z
Daytona Blue
Automatic
Just under 60k miles
Stock all around other than we plastidip the wheels to see how they looked black

Current ideas to upgrade (and need help on brands that are good/bad):
Exhaust - Does the 350z have the hiss when you upgrade the exhaust?
Plenum Spacer
Intake - Nothing which might cause the intake to soak up water
Wheels - This I need help on sizing & offset, will stick with 18" & probably something black
Brakes - Plan is to give her my OEM BBK, what do I need for this to convert it for the 350z?
Head unit - This I will probably go with a Kenwood as she likes mine but probably something a little cheaper

Besides this I am planning on some good maintenance, automatic check, radiator, injector, etc. inspected. Just last week ran into a major issue that one of the tires that was on the car when she bought it was falling apart. Have to love used car dealerships who put the cheapest (possible used) tires on a car.

Any other suggestions or thoughts I need to look at with this car?

HKYStormFront · 08-21-2012, 12:49 PM

somebody from Z1 would be your best bet for this kind of info, at least the performance parts.

exhaust - how loud do you want it? yes 350's have "the hiss"
intake - i forget all the different aftermarket intakes for the DE style intake but i know there are plenty of gains from changing the plenum or doing a plenum spacer in combo with a CAI
wheels - pick your pleasure, my vote is usually on a nice set of volks. there was a cheap-as-chips set of G2's for sale the other day that were gloss white. with red brake calipers on a blue car, might look pretty good imo.
brakes - what OEM kit are you talking about, the 370z aekebono's? if so Z1 sells an adapter bracket.
head unit - my preference is pioneer. the opening is double DIN so i recommend getting a double DIN.

if you plan on driving in anger at all, especially in Tx heat, you probably want to look into a trans fluid cooler at some point

theDreamer · 08-21-2012, 12:53 PM

Thanks for the suggestions, forgot about the plenum spacer (added to the list). Yep, the 370z akebono, mine are still running factory parts. Figure I will buy an upgraded BBK and she can have mine and source new pad/rotors/etc.
Is the 350z double din plug & play like the 370z? Or will I require a separate piece for fitment?

w0rM · 08-21-2012, 01:00 PM

If its an 06, you must have an MREV2. Best mod I did on my 350. It registers high on the butt dyno!

theDreamer · 08-21-2012, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w0rM

If its an 06, you must have an MREV2. Best mod I did on my 350. It registers high on the butt dyno!

Yeah, that looks to be the best manifold, will I need to add a spacer or is that not required?

alcheng · 08-21-2012, 01:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer

Looking at putting together an upgrade list for the girlfriend's Z. Nothing crazy, but good quality parts and clean. Would like to keep this around $5,000-$7,000.

2006 350z
Daytona Blue
Automatic
Just under 60k miles
Stock all around other than we plastidip the wheels to see how they looked black

Current ideas to upgrade (and need help on brands that are good/bad):
Exhaust - Does the 350z have the hiss when you upgrade the exhaust?
-OEM is pretty good sounds already, do you need to upgrade it?? I believe about $1000 you can get Invidia or ARK, I am using ARK on my 370z and it is

X 2
Plenum Spacer
Intake - Nothing which might cause the intake to soak up water
-Short Ram such as K&N, about $330
Wheels - This I need help on sizing & offset, will stick with 18" & probably something black
Brakes - Plan is to give her my OEM BBK, what do I need for this to convert it for the 350z?
Head unit - This I will probably go with a Kenwood as she likes mine but probably something a little cheaper
-Kenwood DDX-719($499) or DDX-419($349). Unless you need GPS, otherwise both are

Besides this I am planning on some good maintenance, automatic check, radiator, injector, etc. inspected. Just last week ran into a major issue that one of the tires that was on the car when she bought it was falling apart. Have to love used car dealerships who put the cheapest (possible used) tires on a car.

Any other suggestions or thoughts I need to look at with this car?

I drove a 350z, didn't mod it but I can give out my best thoughts, hope it helps

I think you have more than enough budget to complete everything..

theDreamer · 08-21-2012, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alcheng

I drove a 350z, didn't mod it but I can give out my best thoughts, hope it helps

I think you have more than enough budget to complete everything..

Yeah, I put 5k because I figured there will be some misc stuff that gets thrown in that I did not think about.
Also have to repair one of her doors, a few weeks after she got it someone decided to key it.

HKYStormFront · 08-21-2012, 01:25 PM

exhaust: Nissan 350Z 03-06 ARK DT-S Exhaust System

w0rM · 08-21-2012, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer

Yeah, that looks to be the best manifold, will I need to add a spacer or is that not required?

No you don't need one but I'd highly recommend one. The 5/16 along with the MREV2 will give you a huge increase in torque and HP.

w0rM · 08-21-2012, 09:42 PM

Oh, and BTW, don't waste your money on the K&N short ram intake. It's way overpriced and not as nice as the JWT Popcharger. You can pick one of those up at Import Parts Pro for $109. You can probably pick up a used one for around $70 to $80.

mdxj · 08-22-2012, 03:21 AM

That car didn't happen to come from OK and have an XM antenna on the roof, just behind the back glass did it?

I had the exact same car, same miles even when I sold it. Looked into the plenum spacer from Motordyne. That and exhaust will make a pretty big felt difference. Rode in a few friends cars that had that done and it was night and day.

theDreamer · 08-22-2012, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdxj

That car didn't happen to come from OK and have an XM antenna on the roof, just behind the back glass did it?

I had the exact same car, same miles even when I sold it. Looked into the plenum spacer from Motordyne. That and exhaust will make a pretty big felt difference. Rode in a few friends cars that had that done and it was night and day.

Not sure, will have to look.
What color interior was it?

theDreamer · 08-22-2012, 07:03 AM

This is what I have so far:

Intake - Stillen (highest HP)
Exhaust - Tanabe Medalion Touring (Reason for this is sound)
Head unit - Kenwod DNX6190HD (Need something which can connect to her Android phone)
Manifold & Spacer - MREV 2 Manifold TM & 5/16" Copper ISO Thermal Plenum Spacer
Brakes - We have a couple options, this will probably be one of the later upgrades
Wheels - Does anyone know what offsets I need to look at? Going to stick to 18x9 & 18x10

Also, besides putting tires on the wheels, the only other thing I am unsure of is the manifold & spacer. What is the DIY level for that?

Robert_K · 08-22-2012, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theDreamer

This is what I have so far:

Intake - Stillen (highest HP)
Exhaust - Tanabe Medalion Touring (Reason for this is sound)
Head unit - Kenwod DNX6190HD (Need something which can connect to her Android phone)
Manifold & Spacer - MREV 2 Manifold TM & 5/16" Copper ISO Thermal Plenum Spacer
Brakes - We have a couple options, this will probably be one of the later upgrades
Wheels - Does anyone know what offsets I need to look at? Going to stick to 18x9 & 18x10

Also, besides putting tires on the wheels, the only other thing I am unsure of is the manifold & spacer. What is the DIY level for that?

Matt,

This is my recommendation;

Intake: JWT PopCharger. No need to spend the extra money on piping as they all get the same gains.
Exhaust: I agree with the Tanabe. That was my #1 chioce for a bolt-on app.
~~ FYI: any high-flow cats/resonated cat-deletes/test pipes will add the bumble bee rasp.
Headunit: Don't have the knowledge base.
Manifold/Spacer: Can't go wrong with MotorDyne's stuff. I had the spacer, went to the Cosworth and going back to the OEM with spacer set-up.
Brakes: I think this is a good idea!
Wheels: What size tires you considering? A 18x9.0 +25 245/40 & 18x10 +25 275/40 Should look good. You can play with the wheel/tire calculator and OEM specs (18x8.0 +30 225/45 & 18x8.5 +33 245/45)

EDIT: I'd seriously consider an UpRev tune!

Isamu · 08-22-2012, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_K

Matt,

This is my recommendation;

Intake: JWT PopCharger. No need to spend the extra money on piping as they all get the same gains.
Exhaust: I agree with the Tanabe. That was my #1 chioce for a bolt-on app.
~~ FYI: any high-flow cats/resonated cat-deletes/test pipes will add the bumble bee rasp.
Headunit: Don't have the knowledge base.
Manifold/Spacer: Can't go wrong with MotorDyne's stuff. I had the spacer, went to the Cosworth and going back to the OEM with spacer set-up.
Brakes: I think this is a good idea!
Wheels: What size tires you considering? A 18x9.0 +25 245/40 & 18x10 +25 275/40 Should look good. You can play with the wheel/tire calculator and OEM specs (18x8.0 +30 225/45 & 18x8.5 +33 245/45)

EDIT: I'd seriously consider an UpRev tune!

08-21-2012, 12:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	350z Mod Ideas Looking at putting together an upgrade list for the girlfriend's Z. Nothing crazy, but good quality parts and clean. Would like to keep this around $5,000-$7,000. 2006 350z Daytona Blue Automatic Just under 60k miles Stock all around other than we plastidip the wheels to see how they looked black Current ideas to upgrade (and need help on brands that are good/bad): Exhaust - Does the 350z have the hiss when you upgrade the exhaust? Plenum Spacer Intake - Nothing which might cause the intake to soak up water Wheels - This I need help on sizing & offset, will stick with 18" & probably something black Brakes - Plan is to give her my OEM BBK, what do I need for this to convert it for the 350z? Head unit - This I will probably go with a Kenwood as she likes mine but probably something a little cheaper Besides this I am planning on some good maintenance, automatic check, radiator, injector, etc. inspected. Just last week ran into a major issue that one of the tires that was on the car when she bought it was falling apart. Have to love used car dealerships who put the cheapest (possible used) tires on a car. Any other suggestions or thoughts I need to look at with this car? __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram Last edited by theDreamer; 08-21-2012 at 12:53 PM.

08-21-2012, 12:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
HKYStormFront A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Greer, SC Posts: 14,954 Drives: 06 Frontier SE 6spd Rep Power: 52	somebody from Z1 would be your best bet for this kind of info, at least the performance parts. exhaust - how loud do you want it? yes 350's have "the hiss" intake - i forget all the different aftermarket intakes for the DE style intake but i know there are plenty of gains from changing the plenum or doing a plenum spacer in combo with a CAI wheels - pick your pleasure, my vote is usually on a nice set of volks. there was a cheap-as-chips set of G2's for sale the other day that were gloss white. with red brake calipers on a blue car, might look pretty good imo. brakes - what OEM kit are you talking about, the 370z aekebono's? if so Z1 sells an adapter bracket. head unit - my preference is pioneer. the opening is double DIN so i recommend getting a double DIN. if you plan on driving in anger at all, especially in Tx heat, you probably want to look into a trans fluid cooler at some point __________________ Patrick // 06 Frontier 6spd Nismosis // Mods: Uprev Tuned @ Z1 Motorsports: 257whp & 292 ft lbs 09 Pontiac G8 GXP // M6 // Sunroof // Tint... For now

08-21-2012, 12:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	Thanks for the suggestions, forgot about the plenum spacer (added to the list). Yep, the 370z akebono, mine are still running factory parts. Figure I will buy an upgraded BBK and she can have mine and source new pad/rotors/etc. Is the 350z double din plug & play like the 370z? Or will I require a separate piece for fitment? __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

08-21-2012, 01:00 PM	#4 (permalink)
w0rM A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,198 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 36	If its an 06, you must have an MREV2. Best mod I did on my 350. It registers high on the butt dyno! __________________ \| SOLD September 14th, 2013 \| My Build Journal

08-21-2012, 01:25 PM	#8 (permalink)
HKYStormFront A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Greer, SC Posts: 14,954 Drives: 06 Frontier SE 6spd Rep Power: 52	exhaust: Nissan 350Z 03-06 ARK DT-S Exhaust System __________________ Patrick // 06 Frontier 6spd Nismosis // Mods: Uprev Tuned @ Z1 Motorsports: 257whp & 292 ft lbs 09 Pontiac G8 GXP // M6 // Sunroof // Tint... For now

08-21-2012, 09:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
w0rM A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,198 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 36	Oh, and BTW, don't waste your money on the K&N short ram intake. It's way overpriced and not as nice as the JWT Popcharger. You can pick one of those up at Import Parts Pro for $109. You can probably pick up a used one for around $70 to $80. __________________ \| SOLD September 14th, 2013 \| My Build Journal

08-22-2012, 03:21 AM	#11 (permalink)
mdxj Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: OKC Posts: 290 Drives: 09 Nismo, 98 Jeep XJ Rep Power: 13	That car didn't happen to come from OK and have an XM antenna on the roof, just behind the back glass did it? I had the exact same car, same miles even when I sold it. Looked into the plenum spacer from Motordyne. That and exhaust will make a pretty big felt difference. Rode in a few friends cars that had that done and it was night and day. __________________ '09 370 base - RIP '09 370 Nismo - New track car

08-22-2012, 07:03 AM	#13 (permalink)
theDreamer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 30,879 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 4210	This is what I have so far: Intake - Stillen (highest HP) Exhaust - Tanabe Medalion Touring (Reason for this is sound) Head unit - Kenwod DNX6190HD (Need something which can connect to her Android phone) Manifold & Spacer - MREV 2 Manifold TM & 5/16" Copper ISO Thermal Plenum Spacer Brakes - We have a couple options, this will probably be one of the later upgrades Wheels - Does anyone know what offsets I need to look at? Going to stick to 18x9 & 18x10 Also, besides putting tires on the wheels, the only other thing I am unsure of is the manifold & spacer. What is the DIY level for that? __________________ theDreamer's Z // Fast Intentions // Uprev // GTM // HKS // TEIN theDreamer's Silvia // URAS // GREDDY Houston Zs // Facebook // Twitter // Instagram

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