Finally. Someone older than me.

 

My only suggestion is to keep the windows rolled up.

I made the mistake of winding it out to 140 with the windows down while going across Tampa Bay.

 

+1.
When the car was stocker, I hit 140mph on a long stretch of frwy out in the country. Only bad thing was that it was really windy that day. A couple of air pockets hit under the car and began to lift on it. I had to let off real quick. Since then I've lowered the car with S-Tech springs, added 4piston BBK and wide rubber all the way around(10.5/rear & 8.5/front). The diference is like night and day. Hitting 120mph is like driving 55mph. The control is phenomenal.

 

I've gone 130 a couple of times and it didn't seem to handle any different than at 75-90 range. It was very stable, even with a stock motor, suspension, and tires. Only difference was that everything passing by me was one big blurr!

 

The car feels beautiful at 150 but it's still scary !

 

We on several runs have hit 135+, my wife loves it and age don't mean anything. I had a 911 before and the 350Z is just as much fun and we enjoy it better, feels good as any vehicle I've driven. And speed is fun, long as it's safe and not wreckless. +2 on somebody finally older than me, but than age means nothing. I've had the 260Z, 280Z 3duce webers, 68 Camaro 327, 911 Porche, and now the 350Z. Loved them all and this sweet car is up there with all of them. Soon as I get the F/I work done (Aug) then we'll really have fun. No we don't race anybody on purpose, we have two empty roads to go on for fun. And a small group of us do it one at a time for safety, using the GT2 PASSPORT TIMER for info on the runs.

 

I've had my Z over 150 several times on the freeway. I can't say that I'm as cautious as you are, even though I probably should be but I love the speed. Anyway the car is easy to handle at 150, it doesn't shake at all and I can still manuver it just fine. However it does take a while to slow down, and even though I slammed on the brakes before at that speed and didn't have much of a problem I don't recommend it. I don't have the brembo kit though.

 

Glad to see the positive reports on over 130; I thought it was probably fine but not being real experienced at high speeds just wanted some data points.

I understand on leaving lots of room to bring it back down. I was used to bikes & you can bring a bike down quickly. First time I had the z up to 120 I was quickly reminded of how much longer it takes to bring 3000 lbs under control than 500 lbs! LOL!

Appreciate the input folks.

 

I only have my Z now for 2 weeks and already got it up to 150. I didn't really mean to. I was joining the highway shifting close to redline in the first 4 gears. As soon as I shifted from 5th to 6th I noticed I was was going pretty fast. I estimated 120 or so. However it was already 150! And it still felt really stable and no vibrating feeling in the steering wheel at all.

So if you find a decent piece of highway (nice and quiet), I would say go for it. Just keep your eyes on the road and don't start to change radio station or so!

 

I live in south korea and koreans are crazy about top speed... Whenever I drive with car club guys I hold 160mph for like 30minutes while driving on the newly built highway. Those darn E55AMGs are monsters when it comes to top speed.... Anyway... Z handles like a dream... I zig zag doing 160mph and no problem.... you got nothing to worry about. Only thing you have to be careful is a bad road. As you know Z suspension bounces... That could be dangerous... Make sure the road is smooth without any potholes and bumps... and focus on what's coming at you... b/c things are coming at you pretty quick...

 

Where is this road? It sounds like a great stretch of road. Or are you keeping it a secret?

And, as I'm sure you've figured out by now, you have an awesome wife. Look at the green beans!

 

Hi dat,

It is north of Sacto., so long way from you. But if your up this way PM me.

Another post here made reference to a road in Salinas that might be worth a try.

Thanks on the wife; she is a kick. I'll look at the beans when I get under 100!!

 

I've had the car up to 157-159mph (slight decline so I hit 159) and while it was definitely scary, the Z felt pretty stable at those speeds.

I don't believe anyone answered the OP's question about where 5th gear redlines at. It's actually surprisingly high if I remember correctly. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it was 142mph?

 

O.K., sonny boy. I'm 66. I saw 131 on the digital read out on a very late night stretch of toll road, no cars in sight. The car felt excellent but don't think I'll go there anymore. I satisfied my curiosity and, boy, can things happen fast at that speed or what? What WOULD you do if a tire blew or something in the engine or........? My policy towards my wife is: Don't ask, don't tell. About the last thing she would do is ride in this car at over 75mph. I wish you lots of luck. We both will need it.

 

LOL!

Congrats, Travis; your one of the few on here older than I!

I don't know how much over 130 I'm going to do. Never thought I'd get it up that high.............but love the rush.

But at night? That takes big cahones (SP?)!!

 

My general rule with all my friends: If you want to see MY car hit high speeds: either park ahead of me and watch for cops, or try to keep up behind me...

I got her up to 130 just a couple of days ago for the first time, there are some decent stretches of highway out here. I don't doubt I will do it again, but I am glad i ran across this thread, definitely something worth the read that made me think a little.

To all who venture above normal ranges: Know your car, do your checks, know the road, and don't get too eager... If you get kinda nervous, don't keep pushing it, you can always try the run again some other time.

Take care, drive safe and enjoy.

*edit* dang, i just noticed it's 5am... I have a 9am tee time at the course tomorrow... i have a feeling my dad might beat me this round, haha

 

My checklist for getting it on:

ME:
-Well rested
-Not upset, angry, & focused.
-Relaxed (as guy above says, if you get nervous try again another time)

CAR:
-Tires properly inflated
-Visual inspection of tires
-Know status of maintenance

ROAD;
-Know the road; have driven it several times at slower speeds.
-No crossroads or driveways.
-No ditches or trees or buildings critters can hide behind
-level, smooth pavement with no large potholes
-Long straight; know where curves are
-No on comming vehicles (at least see far enough ahead to slow if car is comming)


I'm sure others can add to lists.

 

Wrong. You may have smaller patch of rubber in contact with pavement, but you are also stopping a lot less weight. Very simple physics.

 

FWIW, I had a tire blow on me while doing 110 mph on I95 in South Carolina last summer. A piece of plastic (splashguard) from under engine came loose and start flapping around in the wheel well. With all the friction at that speed it managed to eat a nice hole in the tire and lining of wheel well. Was damn interesting experience, mostly because there was not a major loss of control, even at that speed. I slowed down normally, careful not to use too much brake, and pulled over with no problems. Car was a 2001 VW Jetta.

 

Thanks C4; never thought about something like that. Possible too because I do scrape under carriage once inawhile

Reminder to self: have mechanic check out under carriage when in for maintenance.