Simple performace upgrades beginners can do themselves???
07-09-2014, 08:56 AM
#41
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07-09-2014, 11:28 AM
#43
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Thread Starter
hmmmmm well If it gives my 350z a different kind of sound I don't think I would like it.. I like the original sound it gives off...Unless it gives me a similar sound from the engine and mufflers WITH a more aggressive tone to it...im picky when it comes to what my car sounds like.
07-09-2014, 11:37 AM
#45
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Thread Starter
That's true...That happened to my uncles car when he did a cold air intake.. he said his gas mileage got worst. and obviously he said that it was no big deal from the intake. Though I still wonder what else did he do to it to actually potentially lower his gas mileage.
Last edited by 350zmonster; 07-09-2014 at 11:42 AM.
07-12-2014, 11:07 PM
#47
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Driver mod is best bang for your buck
07-13-2014, 02:02 AM
#48
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At the risk of sounding boring, consider getting your car back to a baseline "stock" status before getting on to the fun stuff. What's the history of this car? If you know for certain that everything's been kept to spec over the years, then by all means, forge ahead with mods.
If the history is unknown or questionable, consider spending some time on the basics, bearing in mind that there'll be plenty of time to upgrade these things later:
1) Spark plugs. Treat your car to some proper spec, properly installed spark plugs.
2) Fluids. When I got my hands on my Z, I learned that the hack mechanics had used pretty much whatever was on the shelf. The rear diff for example.....it needs a certain type of fluid. Those clowns didn't understand this.
3) Overall health of the car. Torque specs......all the crap that folks stop bothering with over time. Get yourself a scanner so you can check and read any codes.
At least once a week someone posts up in here about the Z they got, what they added, and how it runs like *** since adding whatever it was. A lot of that can be remedied by squaring your car away, getting everything to where the Nissan engineers had it, and tweaking from there - as opposed to starting your mods where bubba left off.
If the history is unknown or questionable, consider spending some time on the basics, bearing in mind that there'll be plenty of time to upgrade these things later:
1) Spark plugs. Treat your car to some proper spec, properly installed spark plugs.
2) Fluids. When I got my hands on my Z, I learned that the hack mechanics had used pretty much whatever was on the shelf. The rear diff for example.....it needs a certain type of fluid. Those clowns didn't understand this.
3) Overall health of the car. Torque specs......all the crap that folks stop bothering with over time. Get yourself a scanner so you can check and read any codes.
At least once a week someone posts up in here about the Z they got, what they added, and how it runs like *** since adding whatever it was. A lot of that can be remedied by squaring your car away, getting everything to where the Nissan engineers had it, and tweaking from there - as opposed to starting your mods where bubba left off.
07-16-2014, 02:53 AM
#49
Registered User
JTB provides great advice. First take care of routine maintenance issues and learn your way around the car. As for mods, new wheels (provided they don't require one to modify the body) are fine. However, keep in mind that all cars are engineered in certain ways to provide the best compromise of power and economy. For example, if the Z engine could reliably handle, say a turbo, then Nissan would have offered one as a high-cost option. Vehicle manufacturers are in business to make money, but they're not going to offer over-tuned engines that must be routinely replaced under warranty as they'd lose money and reputation. Therefore, much of the speed equipment, while it might claim to improve power, handling or appearance, has downsides too. Sure there are suspension mods that will improve cornering, but does one want to make a hard-riding Z even more uncomfortable? And some mods, aside from costing money, are little more than affectations. Do louder exhausts really add that much more power? They will, however, attract cops?
Last of all, unless this car is dedicated to track use only, you'll eventually want to trade it for something else (just like the car you owned before this one). Most buyers (and I am one of them), run from modded cars, because it's (rightly) assumed that these cars have been beat. Moreover, if one does find a buyer, that person is not going to pay above blue book, so your expensive mods are literally given away in a sale.
When I was younger, I too felt that modding a car was a priority, but eventually one outgrows the urge and recognizes that most aftermarket speed stuff is overpriced and adds little to a car. If your car is intended to be a daily driver, leave it alone. Bank that money for your next car that comes from the factory with more power, better handling or whatever.
Last of all, unless this car is dedicated to track use only, you'll eventually want to trade it for something else (just like the car you owned before this one). Most buyers (and I am one of them), run from modded cars, because it's (rightly) assumed that these cars have been beat. Moreover, if one does find a buyer, that person is not going to pay above blue book, so your expensive mods are literally given away in a sale.
When I was younger, I too felt that modding a car was a priority, but eventually one outgrows the urge and recognizes that most aftermarket speed stuff is overpriced and adds little to a car. If your car is intended to be a daily driver, leave it alone. Bank that money for your next car that comes from the factory with more power, better handling or whatever.
07-16-2014, 07:23 PM
#50
This is quite helpful. I was just looking at some videos about the plenum spacer and changing spark plugs...im thinking of doing these two for now as a starter. Having the engine breath better I think is a good idea. More throttle response and makes the car work less to go. I know for sure engine oil shouldn't be an issue I always put full synethic oil in my car. but your right about other fluids that I could make it better. 1 question though what do you mean by (change trans) because I do know that means transmission. What would you change in the transmission??.
Step 2: become mechanically inclined. It just makes life easier
Step 3: After reading A LOT find out who people posting really know what they are talking about. The Z came out in 2003 so you have 11 years worth of research to read up on. Jason Z-Ya has a lot of DIY and is helpful. Swapped my first clutch by myself with his DIY. 40K later still holding strong.
FYI: Suspension will help with getting the power to the ground so start with that . USE THE DIY SECTION IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR LEARNING. THEY ALL HAVE PICTURES WITH THEIR DIY'S… mind blown
P.S. bolt ons should be tuned after installing, stock is designed to save gas not burn it
Last edited by 350Z Project X; 07-16-2014 at 07:27 PM.
07-17-2014, 07:22 AM
#51
Registered User
Thread Starter
At the risk of sounding boring, consider getting your car back to a baseline "stock" status before getting on to the fun stuff. What's the history of this car? If you know for certain that everything's been kept to spec over the years, then by all means, forge ahead with mods.
If the history is unknown or questionable, consider spending some time on the basics, bearing in mind that there'll be plenty of time to upgrade these things later:
1) Spark plugs. Treat your car to some proper spec, properly installed spark plugs.
2) Fluids. When I got my hands on my Z, I learned that the hack mechanics had used pretty much whatever was on the shelf. The rear diff for example.....it needs a certain type of fluid. Those clowns didn't understand this.
3) Overall health of the car. Torque specs......all the crap that folks stop bothering with over time. Get yourself a scanner so you can check and read any codes.
At least once a week someone posts up in here about the Z they got, what they added, and how it runs like *** since adding whatever it was. A lot of that can be remedied by squaring your car away, getting everything to where the Nissan engineers had it, and tweaking from there - as opposed to starting your mods where bubba left off.
If the history is unknown or questionable, consider spending some time on the basics, bearing in mind that there'll be plenty of time to upgrade these things later:
1) Spark plugs. Treat your car to some proper spec, properly installed spark plugs.
2) Fluids. When I got my hands on my Z, I learned that the hack mechanics had used pretty much whatever was on the shelf. The rear diff for example.....it needs a certain type of fluid. Those clowns didn't understand this.
3) Overall health of the car. Torque specs......all the crap that folks stop bothering with over time. Get yourself a scanner so you can check and read any codes.
At least once a week someone posts up in here about the Z they got, what they added, and how it runs like *** since adding whatever it was. A lot of that can be remedied by squaring your car away, getting everything to where the Nissan engineers had it, and tweaking from there - as opposed to starting your mods where bubba left off.
07-17-2014, 07:28 AM
#52
Registered User
Thread Starter
JTB provides great advice. First take care of routine maintenance issues and learn your way around the car. As for mods, new wheels (provided they don't require one to modify the body) are fine. However, keep in mind that all cars are engineered in certain ways to provide the best compromise of power and economy. For example, if the Z engine could reliably handle, say a turbo, then Nissan would have offered one as a high-cost option. Vehicle manufacturers are in business to make money, but they're not going to offer over-tuned engines that must be routinely replaced under warranty as they'd lose money and reputation. Therefore, much of the speed equipment, while it might claim to improve power, handling or appearance, has downsides too. Sure there are suspension mods that will improve cornering, but does one want to make a hard-riding Z even more uncomfortable? And some mods, aside from costing money, are little more than affectations. Do louder exhausts really add that much more power? They will, however, attract cops?
Last of all, unless this car is dedicated to track use only, you'll eventually want to trade it for something else (just like the car you owned before this one). Most buyers (and I am one of them), run from modded cars, because it's (rightly) assumed that these cars have been beat. Moreover, if one does find a buyer, that person is not going to pay above blue book, so your expensive mods are literally given away in a sale.
When I was younger, I too felt that modding a car was a priority, but eventually one outgrows the urge and recognizes that most aftermarket speed stuff is overpriced and adds little to a car. If your car is intended to be a daily driver, leave it alone. Bank that money for your next car that comes from the factory with more power, better handling or whatever.
Last of all, unless this car is dedicated to track use only, you'll eventually want to trade it for something else (just like the car you owned before this one). Most buyers (and I am one of them), run from modded cars, because it's (rightly) assumed that these cars have been beat. Moreover, if one does find a buyer, that person is not going to pay above blue book, so your expensive mods are literally given away in a sale.
When I was younger, I too felt that modding a car was a priority, but eventually one outgrows the urge and recognizes that most aftermarket speed stuff is overpriced and adds little to a car. If your car is intended to be a daily driver, leave it alone. Bank that money for your next car that comes from the factory with more power, better handling or whatever.
07-17-2014, 07:30 AM
#53
Registered User
Thread Starter
Step 1: learn car lingo via searches. yes it takes a lot of reading and cutting through the BS.
Step 2: become mechanically inclined. It just makes life easier
Step 3: After reading A LOT find out who people posting really know what they are talking about. The Z came out in 2003 so you have 11 years worth of research to read up on. Jason Z-Ya has a lot of DIY and is helpful. Swapped my first clutch by myself with his DIY. 40K later still holding strong.
FYI: Suspension will help with getting the power to the ground so start with that . USE THE DIY SECTION IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR LEARNING. THEY ALL HAVE PICTURES WITH THEIR DIY'S… mind blown
P.S. bolt ons should be tuned after installing, stock is designed to save gas not burn it
Step 2: become mechanically inclined. It just makes life easier
Step 3: After reading A LOT find out who people posting really know what they are talking about. The Z came out in 2003 so you have 11 years worth of research to read up on. Jason Z-Ya has a lot of DIY and is helpful. Swapped my first clutch by myself with his DIY. 40K later still holding strong.
FYI: Suspension will help with getting the power to the ground so start with that . USE THE DIY SECTION IT IS VERY USEFUL FOR LEARNING. THEY ALL HAVE PICTURES WITH THEIR DIY'S… mind blown
P.S. bolt ons should be tuned after installing, stock is designed to save gas not burn it
07-18-2014, 01:56 AM
#54
and unless you get the ECU raflashed all the mods wil have no effect besides louder exhaust or intake sound by using a cone filter.
The engine management will reduce all mods back to the stock value.
So do some mods and get a reflash done
The engine management will reduce all mods back to the stock value.
So do some mods and get a reflash done
07-19-2014, 10:00 AM
#55
Most common tunes are osiris and up rev I believe. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong.
Oh one more thing I forgot to say 350zmonster, DO NOT and I say DO NOT post another thread asking what did you guys do for this or for that. Its pretty much all in the DIY section. Just remember you get what you pay for
07-19-2014, 01:03 PM
#56
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First, try to stop feeding your fat girl friend, and if it doesn't work, dump her for the skinny one.
Last edited by MonkeyMagic72; 07-19-2014 at 01:14 PM.
07-20-2014, 06:04 AM
#60
Registered User
Thread Starter
+1
Most common tunes are osiris and up rev I believe. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong.
Oh one more thing I forgot to say 350zmonster, DO NOT and I say DO NOT post another thread asking what did you guys do for this or for that. Its pretty much all in the DIY section. Just remember you get what you pay for
Most common tunes are osiris and up rev I believe. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong.
Oh one more thing I forgot to say 350zmonster, DO NOT and I say DO NOT post another thread asking what did you guys do for this or for that. Its pretty much all in the DIY section. Just remember you get what you pay for
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