What Are You Driving ?

[supersharp]

They're interchangeable in my Z.

The GT-R start button looks like a start button. The stock piece in the Z looks like an elevator button.

The map light lenses in the Z have an embarrassingly outdated frosted finish, but the GT-R set has a finish that actually let's light pass.

How do u like your Z? 370? Been contemplating test driving one. Just afraid if I do, I might like it. My Civic is getting a bit tired lately. Lol.

 

[Ventruck]

How do u like your Z? 370? Been contemplating test driving one. Just afraid if I do, I might like it. My Civic is getting a bit tired lately. Lol.

It's basically outdated apart from appearance. Hardly changed since the debut in 2009, and when I say that I mean even the nav system is still from back then. DVD and all. The "premium" stereo package isn't anything to write home about. There's like no sound insulation.

Nissan pretty much never did anything about the prone-to-fail slave cylinder. Even after that the Clutch slip window is very slim, and stock it's vague feeling imo. I changed to a lighter single mass flywheel and heavier clutch, and the stock tune comes with lackluster throttle response. Even now, I'm literally a smoother driver when driving hard. The auto does fare much better in everyday life, but it's no dual-clutch setup. "It's a Japnese car tho!" doesn't do much for practical living. You pretty much don't want to take it to the same places you wouldn't take a GT-R.

But in all that is still a stereotypical sports car experience of the past — and that's the sole charm of it. I kinda revel in telling people "yeah I can only fit one with me" and "enjoy the s***ty ride (as a passenger)". The firm suspension is felt vs. with some newer sports cars that probably hide it better now. Handling is tight and brakes are responsive. Steering is heavy, shifting is firm. It's a nice driving position as long as you can fit with the lack of telescoping wheel. First time I test drove a 370Z, I pretty much knew I was getting one. Wrote off all my other test drive prospects in the middle of exploring other listings.

The Japanese car aspect of it is that really, nothing has broken down on me. Only exceptions are the slave cylinder I mentioned before, and Nissan never added an oil cooler. Those are major necessities imo. But I mean when I hear about Porsche and M3 problems, and the cost, it's like nothing and gladly not recurring. Those replacements and services I mentioned only came out to like $3k, and that's including the aftermarket flywheel and clutch when I replaced the slave cylinder.

 

[supersharp]

It's basically outdated apart from appearance. Hardly changed since the debut in 2009, and when I say that I mean even the nav system is still from back then. DVD and all. The "premium" stereo package isn't anything to write home about. There's like no sound insulation.

Nissan pretty much never did anything about the prone-to-fail slave cylinder. Even after that the Clutch slip window is very slim, and stock it's vague feeling imo. I changed to a lighter single mass flywheel and heavier clutch, and the stock tune comes with lackluster throttle response. Even now, I'm literally a smoother driver when driving hard. The auto does fare much better in everyday life, but it's no dual-clutch setup. "It's a Japnese car tho!" doesn't do much for practical living. You pretty much don't want to take it to the same places you wouldn't take a GT-R.

But in all that is still a stereotypical sports car experience of the past — and that's the sole charm of it. I kinda revel in telling people "yeah I can only fit one with me" and "enjoy the s***ty ride (as a passenger)". The firm suspension is felt vs. with some newer sports cars that probably hide it better now. Handling is tight and brakes are responsive. Steering is heavy, shifting is firm. It's a nice driving position as long as you can fit with the lack of telescoping wheel. First time I test drove a 370Z, I pretty much knew I was getting one. Wrote off all my other test drive prospects in the middle of exploring other listings.

The Japanese car aspect of it is that really, nothing has broken down on me. Only exceptions are the slave cylinder I mentioned before, and Nissan never added an oil cooler. Those are major necessities imo. But I mean when I hear about Porsche and M3 problems, and the cost, it's like nothing and gladly not recurring. Those replacements and services I mentioned only came out to like $3k, and that's including the aftermarket flywheel and clutch when I replaced the slave cylinder.

Great review. Thanks.

 

[supersharp]

Love that new 488, but don’t love the price. Lol.

This Dino is even more expensive than the 488. And the Dino does not even bear the Signature Ferrari prancing horse. Manufactured by Ferrari under the Dino name as to not take away from the Ferrari status, it was originally sold as a more affordable option.

 

[Ventruck]

The Dino has been a case of forced appreciation. Seemingly just out of the blue every (ex) owner has wanted to ramp up their selling price when it was originally not all that desirable.I actually like it aesthetically, and the whole "lol V6" gave the car its own identity. Had a scale model of the 246GT. The 206 before it with the cleaner lines was more proper, though.

But that's just collecting. Less numbers with time does command higher prices, but end of the day, prospective buyers can dictate how much higher those prices get.

Speaking of Ferrari, @Hux78 called out the 512BB peering in the background of my post in the sneaker thread. I did find another pic of it when I made the visit, but this other....dumb red car was in the way.

 

[Wicked]

This junk!

 

[supersharp]

but this other....dumb red car was in the way.
View attachment 454372

I believe that dumb car would be a Miura. That 512 is sweet, but I’ll take the dumb ole Miura. Lol.

 

[Jestered]

Quite a few pages back I forgot who I was discussing Z/G intakes with, but hell froze over and well...

There's a never-ending argument on gains at the Z/G forums, or maybe in general. I've been on the side that thinks the OEM setup had to have been optimized for the most part, and I just opted for better filters and smooth profile post MAF tubes. It's technically true that it's already drawing in cold air. It's still straightforward to service.

But tax returns, itching for the scrap gains, and engine bling...I'm gonna have to indulge in "but the toob profiles are larger and the airflow is probably more laminar!" argument. Dynos suggest about 6-10hp depending on day. That's not going to change many outcomes, but probably the only CARB legal measure I could take before a Stillen SC, which I can't justify doing at cost. Time to get a faster car at that point.

I believe that was me you were chatting with about it (#2561). Back then I had done basically the same to my G as you did to your Z. Since then it's crossed my mind to go the tube route, but I just can't justify it. If I did I would have to go long tube and not shorties. I'm not sure about the Z, but the G requires cutting up the front end of the car to get it installed. I did enough "dress up" stuff under the hood and am satisfied with that.

How did it change the exhaust note?

 

[BigRabbit]

This junk!
View attachment 454420

What are you doing in Cali, I thought you're an east coast guy

 

[Wicked]

What are you doing in Cali, I thought you're an east coast guy

I get around