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2003-2009 Nissan 350Z

How much more hp does the 350Z need?

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Old 01-07-2006, 11:34 AM
  #61  
zland
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It all depends how what we are discussing. If we are talking about cheaply increasing the existing 350Z, hp increase will do it. If we are talking about doing a complete revision of the Z, next generation, then reducing weight seems more realistic.
Old 01-07-2006, 11:46 AM
  #62  
Ep3
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^^ nissan should contract lotus for some help
Old 01-07-2006, 11:51 AM
  #63  
LSRoadster
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I dont see why if the Z upped the hp to 350 or 400 it should bring the price of the car up, I mean as it is you can go and buy a new GTO with 400 hp for 7K less then what I spent on my 287hp roadster. Nissan should pony up, but in the 4.5L V8 and keep the price the same.
Old 01-07-2006, 11:51 AM
  #64  
Built2shredZ
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As cool as it would be to have a Monster 350z or 450z, I think you guys are dreaming, with the soon to be released Nissan (Infiniti) GTR with 450 hp, I doubt there going to pump up the Z to compete with there new sports car.

Lets say they do make a 450z (say with 400-450 hp) for say $50k, thats going to undermine the new GTR which has 450 hp but is going to sell for $70k

But a pumped up 350z is a nice dream tho
Old 01-07-2006, 11:53 AM
  #65  
Gryphin
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I think taking some of the weight off the car, and bumping up the true wheel HP will help this car alot.
Old 01-07-2006, 11:54 AM
  #66  
m0nkie
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Originally Posted by Gryphin
I think taking some of the weight off the car, and bumping up the true wheel HP will help this car alot.
AWD with that will be nice.. but it takes alot of fun out..
Old 01-07-2006, 12:23 PM
  #67  
Nismo 350z
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Originally Posted by shaun_walsh
I think the Z line needs a split like the base vette and z06 or the mustang gt and the saleen mustang. I would like more power and handling in the car. I have spent the money to get that via aftermarket, but I would really like to have the warranty/smog/carb support. if I was the product manager at Nissan, I would keep the base car at 280-300 and keep the price down to drive volume, (that keeps the platfrom important ot the firm) and then turn to Greddy/HKS or someone like that to build a perfromance model.

Shaun
Nissan doesn't need to turn to HKS or Greddy to add HP to the Z. Thats what Nismo is for. But back on topic... I think they should keep the FM platform but make the Z's that we have now (base-track) which people will still buy with 287-300HP. Then they should release a Nismo Z which should have 350-370HP NA and weigh around 2800lbs. and charge 45K for it.It should have all the Nismo parts added on the car and be backed by warranty and be smog legal. I am sure they wont lose any profits because they will still sell the normal Z's and both enthusiats and regular people will still buy them. Enthusiats like us will go for the 6spd. and old folks going through midlife crisis will get auto convertables. Then the people willing to spend the extra $ will get the Nismo Z and Nissan wont have to worry about the Z taking the market away from the upcoming GTR. There will be a market for the Nismo Z as well as the GTR. Some people will spend 45K for a RWD 350HP NA Z and others will spend 75K for a AWD 450HP TT GTR.

Last edited by Nismo 350z; 01-07-2006 at 12:29 PM.
Old 01-07-2006, 12:52 PM
  #68  
Fletch69z
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I think weight cuts would be more beneficial than more HP. Although another 100 wouldn't hurt. Maybe make it weight about 28-2900 pounds, .
Old 01-07-2006, 01:19 PM
  #69  
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Where would they take the weight from? What part don't you want? Ok, a lighter crank pully, throw out the rear wiper. That's what, 20lbs? It's already has only two seats, the engine and hood is already aluminum.

What's left? AC, electric windows, Heater core, carpets.
Old 01-07-2006, 01:19 PM
  #70  
andrew
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Found this today in C&D. Although it refers to the G35, I think it could pertain to the 350Z just as easily:

"After two years on our 10Best list, the G35 just missed the cut last year. But it wasn't because Infiniti slacked off--this remains a fine example of a stylish, powerful, agile, rear-drive coupe. It was because the competition never sleeps in the car business."

After 3 years of owning the Z, I begin to crave more...at least to maintain its position when it was new on the market. Though it is "a stylish, powerful, agile, rear-drive [sportscar]," if it remains unchanged, it may in a matter of time "just miss the cut" also. Not because Nissan didn't do a good job, but because of the competition.

For the tuners who build upon it, or new Z owners who are happy with the newfound performance, that is fine. It is without doubt a wonderful car. But time, demand, sophistication and technology has a way of quickly outdating things. Extra hp/torque is never necessary, but it attracts buyers who want more.

I still say at least 50hp with additional torque...because my eyes have already been roaming toward the vette and soon to be released M-series Z4. If I was content with what was considered a decent package for its time, I'd still be driving my '68 Cougar XR7/GT combo 390 V8 .
Old 01-07-2006, 01:24 PM
  #71  
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Sorry for the double post, but since I'm editing anyway...

How many of us would still be content with the '70 Datsun 240Z? Though a huge success in sales and the racing circuit--awesome performance for a great price-- its stock 0-60 run was over 10 seconds to my recollection.

It depends on what you want to settle on.

Last edited by andrew; 01-07-2006 at 01:36 PM.
Old 01-07-2006, 01:29 PM
  #72  
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Originally Posted by andrew
Found this today in C&D. Although it refers to the G35, I think it could pertain to the 350Z just as easily:

"After two years on our 10Best list, the G35 just missed the cut last year. But it wasn't because Infiniti slacked off--this remains a fine example of a stylish, powerful, agile, rear-drive coupe. It was because the competition never sleeps in the car business."

After 3 years of owning the Z, I begin to crave more...at least to maintain its position when it was new on the market. Though it is "a stylish, powerful, agile, rear-drive [sportscar]," if it remains unchanged, it may in a matter of time "just miss the cut" also. Not because Nissan didn't do a good job, but because of the competition.

For the tuners who build upon it, or new Z owners who are happy with the newfound performance, that is fine. It is without doubt a wonderful car. But time, demand, sophistication and technology has a way of quickly outdating things. Extra hp/torque is never necessary, but it attracts buyers who want more.

I still say at least 50hp with additional torque...because my eyes have already been roaming toward the vette and soon to be released M-series Z4. If I was content with what was considered a decent package for its time, I'd still be driving my '68 Cougar XR7/GT combo 390 V8 .
And your reply is the exact point of this thread. This is exactly my point, Nissan has got to attract new buyers in 2007+ and the competition is improving their products thus the 350Z has to improve as well.
Old 01-07-2006, 01:47 PM
  #73  
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I'm not asking Nissan to put the Z on a serious crash diet, that would cost them a ridiculous amount.

The base 2003-2004 Z's are around 3,185 pounds. That's not too bad considering Vettes and Porsches can sit in that neighborhood.
The 06's can hover close to 200lbs more than that, weighing as much as its G sibling!

Nissan can very much keep all that extra weight off for a more "TRACK" oriented model. We're not asking much, just to keep it in the same territory as an early model base, and maybe compromise with a few quality components to keep it competitive. Tack a few more bucks on it, and serious enthusiasts will pick those up. Maybe twenty or thirty horses just to appease the magazine racers. Theres no sense in the HP if they keep making this car heavier.

I can add HP but god help me delete another 200lbs of factory induced (upgrades) out of my car.

Last edited by 35oZephyR; 01-07-2006 at 01:51 PM.
Old 01-07-2006, 01:53 PM
  #74  
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Lets hope the 350Z isn't like the homecoming queen. She looked great back then but glad you were not with her at the 10 year reunion.
Old 01-07-2006, 01:57 PM
  #75  
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Like what everyone has been saying, its the frame/chasis that is very heavy on the 350Z. Because nissan did not make a specific frame/chasis for the 350Z, but reused the FM chasis. We were just all wishing that nissan used a specific frame/chasis that was lighter for the 350Z.

Originally Posted by ken350z
Where would they take the weight from? What part don't you want? Ok, a lighter crank pully, throw out the rear wiper. That's what, 20lbs? It's already has only two seats, the engine and hood is already aluminum.

What's left? AC, electric windows, Heater core, carpets.
Old 01-07-2006, 02:11 PM
  #76  
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350z... 350hp... that just sounds nice doesn't it?
Old 01-07-2006, 02:56 PM
  #77  
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Originally Posted by mc350z
the 350z needs about 30 more hp

the next gen should have 350+ with maybe a model with 380-400
+1
Old 01-07-2006, 03:56 PM
  #78  
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Originally Posted by UBERMENSCH
In my mind the Z is fine as well. It would be nice though to have the Z with these #'s.

Touring model 287/300 (keep it the way it is)

Track model 375 (manual only)

Enthusiast 320/335


this would be nice but it would also drive up the price, but you know that these #'s are coming and before long as far as Chevrolet is concerned the base vette will have 500 hp and the Z06 will have 600. It's coming dont' you worry.
Personally I like this suggestion, I would make the following changes

Touring>>>up the HP to 400hp (midlife crisis segment likes to roll large)

Track >>>>up to 400+hp

Enthisiast>>350hp

This allows exceptional offerings and can be differentiated by price point if they wish

I would like to see Nissan make a statement if and when they increase the HP. After adding F/I to my Z, I think the 400hp level is where it should have started stock. I am extremely pleased with what I have at the 400+ level.....there is NOTHING I would trade my car for.

My personal "roving eye quotient" does not kick in till the 500hp level, and this is where I would like to see the GTR.......don't mess around, bring it out at least 500hp.....

I would love to see Nissan set the standard.......

Last edited by JoneZZZ; 01-07-2006 at 04:27 PM.
Old 01-07-2006, 07:19 PM
  #79  
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less weight and more hp...great combo!
Old 01-07-2006, 08:08 PM
  #80  
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Originally Posted by zpak
I'm actually happy with the 300hp.

Just wish it had more torque. Maybe another 40-50 lb/ft.

And if it lost another 300 lbs...we'd be in Cayman territory.
Mabey a Turbo Diesel ???


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