350Z is slow!
Originally posted by bamyi
after drving the Chrysler 300C with the hemi egine, the 350Z dont feel the same anymore. Saving up for TT.
after drving the Chrysler 300C with the hemi egine, the 350Z dont feel the same anymore. Saving up for TT.
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From: Cincinnati
I used to work at Infiniti and drove G35 sedans daily. That was more than enough pin-to-the-seat to satisfy my tastes. I have to assume that the Z feels faster than that, and that this will not be an issue for me at all when I get mine.
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From: Canada
Originally posted by jeffie7
Anyone who feels theres a lack of speed in the 350Z should do what I do.
Drive a POS 86 Toyota Pick up when ever it gets crappy out as soon as you get in the Z and floor it..... trust me it feels good =)
same thing for my bike I forget just how fast my bike is after taking a break from riding it if I get back on it gives me that #*@$)$(*@_)#$( thats fast feel.
Anyone who feels theres a lack of speed in the 350Z should do what I do.
Drive a POS 86 Toyota Pick up when ever it gets crappy out as soon as you get in the Z and floor it..... trust me it feels good =)
same thing for my bike I forget just how fast my bike is after taking a break from riding it if I get back on it gives me that #*@$)$(*@_)#$( thats fast feel.
I drive a 93 Pontiac Transport to work when the roads are bad. It feels heavy and sluggish, yet I appreciate it's suspension and comfort.
When I get in the Z, I feel the get-up-and-go. I don't need PSI yet!
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From: Bay Area
Originally posted by drift350
not to be a jerk, but i feel the need to correct a misrepresentation about superchargers...
they are NOT "instant boost" unless you're downshifting into a lower gear.
they are engine RPM dependant... if you're only doing 2000rpm and the charger is designed to make 8psi PEAK boost, 2000rpm is going to net you only 1/4 of the boost if your peak is at 8000rpm, or 2psi, or approximately 20hp over stock.
some SC's are designed to pump more boost than actually used and incorporate a bypass valve to prevent overboosting beyond the desired boost level, but there are none that function to that effect in a boxed set for the 350Z. these are usually found with the centrifugal type SC's more so than the roots/Eaton based blowers/folders.
therefore, a supercharger's output will tend to show up as a smooth, progressive curve throughout the powerband. a turbocharged vehicle will tend to have a significant climb as peak boost will be reached as soon as the turbine reaches full speed as based on the engine's exhaust gas flow... usually at a lower RPM than an SC if properly sized and tuned. but it will be a dramatic increase, giving more of a "kick in the pants" feel, especially when boost rate and output significantly surpass the power output of the motor itself (if you've never ridden in a stock WRX, i welcome you to... you'll see that below 3000rpm, it's a slug, then when the turbine reaches full boost QUICKLY, pushing you into your seat).
as said by you and others about the 350Z, combined with it's phased cam timing, the torque curve remains linear, unlike that of forced induction vehicles, so it tends to give a more laxed feeling beyond the initial acceleration buildup of torque under 4000rpm... but the torque is definitely there in large quantities, as proven when lifting then depressing the accelerator.
not to be a jerk, but i feel the need to correct a misrepresentation about superchargers...
they are NOT "instant boost" unless you're downshifting into a lower gear.
they are engine RPM dependant... if you're only doing 2000rpm and the charger is designed to make 8psi PEAK boost, 2000rpm is going to net you only 1/4 of the boost if your peak is at 8000rpm, or 2psi, or approximately 20hp over stock.
some SC's are designed to pump more boost than actually used and incorporate a bypass valve to prevent overboosting beyond the desired boost level, but there are none that function to that effect in a boxed set for the 350Z. these are usually found with the centrifugal type SC's more so than the roots/Eaton based blowers/folders.
therefore, a supercharger's output will tend to show up as a smooth, progressive curve throughout the powerband. a turbocharged vehicle will tend to have a significant climb as peak boost will be reached as soon as the turbine reaches full speed as based on the engine's exhaust gas flow... usually at a lower RPM than an SC if properly sized and tuned. but it will be a dramatic increase, giving more of a "kick in the pants" feel, especially when boost rate and output significantly surpass the power output of the motor itself (if you've never ridden in a stock WRX, i welcome you to... you'll see that below 3000rpm, it's a slug, then when the turbine reaches full boost QUICKLY, pushing you into your seat).
as said by you and others about the 350Z, combined with it's phased cam timing, the torque curve remains linear, unlike that of forced induction vehicles, so it tends to give a more laxed feeling beyond the initial acceleration buildup of torque under 4000rpm... but the torque is definitely there in large quantities, as proven when lifting then depressing the accelerator.
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From: DC 2 AZ 2 DFW
I say it's time for auto-x or race course. Take it to it's limits. Spin out if you have to truely experience and appreciate speed.
Or trade it up to STi.
The previous "sports cars" that I've owned or driven regularly (thanks to my family) were, '93 Ford Mustang 5.0 (new), '93 RX-7 TT (used), '02 Honda S2000 (new), '04 RX-8 (new), '05 STi (new).
Of all these cars that I've owned/driven, I had the most fun with RX-7 TT and the S2000. The RX-8 was fun too. STi is a beast. S2000 and the RX-8 didn't have the torque (everyone knows this) but were extremely fun to toss around. There's something about that 9k rpm. It felt like I was always on the edge.
"Drive a pickup..." I like that comment. I drive a big slow SUV during the winter and know exactly what you mean. It bring a new appreciation for the sports cars.
G
Or trade it up to STi.
The previous "sports cars" that I've owned or driven regularly (thanks to my family) were, '93 Ford Mustang 5.0 (new), '93 RX-7 TT (used), '02 Honda S2000 (new), '04 RX-8 (new), '05 STi (new).
Of all these cars that I've owned/driven, I had the most fun with RX-7 TT and the S2000. The RX-8 was fun too. STi is a beast. S2000 and the RX-8 didn't have the torque (everyone knows this) but were extremely fun to toss around. There's something about that 9k rpm. It felt like I was always on the edge.
"Drive a pickup..." I like that comment. I drive a big slow SUV during the winter and know exactly what you mean. It bring a new appreciation for the sports cars.
G
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From: albany, ny
before my Z, i had a 99 lightning with a kennebell blower and every other mod other than internals, 474whp 582tq. it was silly fast. the Z obviously wouldnt beat it a drag race, but the balance and the handling of the car makes it totally worth it. you have to take it for what it is.
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From: Stockholm, Sweden
Hi, new here but couldnt resist this topic. The thing as i understand it with flat Torquecurves is that it makes for a very driveable car but as been pointed out earlier it tends to hide acceleration.
Im driving a 2002 AlfaRomeo Spider wich has a three litre V6 not totally unlike the 350 v6 (apart from beeing a bit weaker) and if you look at that torque curve it seems as if the italians have taken this "problem" into consideration. This means that the engine is quite highrevving for a V6 with a constant pickup in torque and power all the way to the redline at 7200 with a hint of a turbobump around 4000 giri. My guess is that this is engineered this way to make the car feel more powerful than it actually is.
My conclusion beeing that really competent cars like the 350z maybe deliver more real performance than "the appearance of performance" and on a track day i would prefer even powerdelivery through the corners rather than a spectacular turbokick.
Im driving a 2002 AlfaRomeo Spider wich has a three litre V6 not totally unlike the 350 v6 (apart from beeing a bit weaker) and if you look at that torque curve it seems as if the italians have taken this "problem" into consideration. This means that the engine is quite highrevving for a V6 with a constant pickup in torque and power all the way to the redline at 7200 with a hint of a turbobump around 4000 giri. My guess is that this is engineered this way to make the car feel more powerful than it actually is.
My conclusion beeing that really competent cars like the 350z maybe deliver more real performance than "the appearance of performance" and on a track day i would prefer even powerdelivery through the corners rather than a spectacular turbokick.
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From: Nashville, TN
At track days I have passed plenty of Evo's, Sti's, 911s, M3s and even a C5 Z06 (and I have been passed by VW GTIs and Mazda Miatas driven by better drivers than myself).
The car is only as fast as the driver. If you think the Z is slow -- I would argue its the fault of the driver. The Z is a very competent and well balanced car.
The car is only as fast as the driver. If you think the Z is slow -- I would argue its the fault of the driver. The Z is a very competent and well balanced car.
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From: dallas, texas
Originally posted by Skrill
At track days I have passed plenty of Evo's, Sti's, 911s, M3s and even a C5 Z06 (and I have been passed by VW GTIs and Mazda Miatas driven by better drivers than myself).
The car is only as fast as the driver. If you think the Z is slow -- I would argue its the fault of the driver. The Z is a very competent and well balanced car.
At track days I have passed plenty of Evo's, Sti's, 911s, M3s and even a C5 Z06 (and I have been passed by VW GTIs and Mazda Miatas driven by better drivers than myself).
The car is only as fast as the driver. If you think the Z is slow -- I would argue its the fault of the driver. The Z is a very competent and well balanced car.
I know the Z isn't slow, I just want some more kick from time to time.
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From: NYC Area
The Z is not the fastest car on the road but one of the sexiest looking car. Also it feels tight on corners. If you were driving a Viper, you would want more power. How could you say the Z is slow? Everytime I drive it seems the world slows down. Well when I compare it to my g20.
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From: Canada
Originally posted by zmotion
Let me clarify since we're already jumping all over what I said:
Of course the car isn't "slow". What I mean is that over time the "rush" of speed keeps gradually receding. I'm sure this is just me getting used to the car, but I am thinking of moving up in power. I don't like Vettes, but possibly the new Boxter S or SLK.
On the other hand, I love the way my Z looks and the power is right for the money.
Oh, and this is a forum, just posting my opinion folks!
Let me clarify since we're already jumping all over what I said:
Of course the car isn't "slow". What I mean is that over time the "rush" of speed keeps gradually receding. I'm sure this is just me getting used to the car, but I am thinking of moving up in power. I don't like Vettes, but possibly the new Boxter S or SLK.
On the other hand, I love the way my Z looks and the power is right for the money.
Oh, and this is a forum, just posting my opinion folks!
As other have mentioned, and we all agree, the Z is faster than it feels. It is also not the best car out of the box, it requires a few good mods to drivetrain and engine to turn it sweet.
Side note: Your overweight 19" wheels certainly do not help performance.
Last edited by Tex Willer; Jan 30, 2005 at 03:31 PM.
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