I've decided to get an 03/04 350z and have a few questions. First, I was thinking the base model would be the best bet for someone who plans to modify the car. Touring has things I don't want like TC, stereo upgrades, etc, and the track model has upgrades that I'll be replacing with superior aftermarket parts anyways. Opinions on this? Second, is ABS standard, an option in all packages, or only certain packages? I don't want ABS on a sports car if there's an option not to, but I have not been able to find a clear answer to this question.

Last, I need to come up with a plan for modification. I have a general idea of what I want to do, but there may be mods considered "key" or excellent bang for the buck that I am not aware of yet. My general plan was to address LSD, sway bars, wheels, and tires on the first round of mods. Once I have those basic handling mods addressed I will probably look to extract more power. I am currently researching the options of NA mods, supercharging, and turbocharging. I have not yet decided which will be the most cost effective way to bring the car to a more fun level of performance, mainly because I haven't decided how far I want to go yet. NA mods are probably the most reliable and are cheaper in the respect that they can be done over a period of time versus 5k+ at once for FI, but I don't know if I would be better off waiting to drop the big money on FI. I also have concerns about the effects of FI on a daily driven car. Next, I plan to look into a coil over or possibly just a spring swap. If I decide a spring swap is all that's necessary I may include this in the first round of mods and get it out of the way. I will likely do fluid and lines early on, but a brake kit swap of the Brembo or Stoptech variety will come after the initial handling mods and power mods are addressed. After reading the 1.0g skidpad project in SCC magazine, I've decided the sway bars will be Hotchkis for weight reduction purposes, tires will be BF Goodrich g-Force KD, and while I'm not sure on the wheels yet, I'd like to stick with the 18x9-in. 42mm offset, 12mm spacer/18x9.5-in. 25mm offset front/rear combo or as close to it as I can to stick to the magazines template for what produced results. LSD will likely be KAAZ for the same reason.

My intentions are to make this a real performance car for spirited mountain driving and the occasional track day/autocross event. This is not a 2 fast 2 furious project, so there will be no body kits, cosmetic lowering springs, obnoxious exhausts, or other equally ridiculous mods. Not to step on anyone's toes, but I want to make my intentions clear before asking for opinions. Any input anyone can provide, brand specific suggestions, order to mod, or anything else productive is greatly appreciated!

 

 

Wow I feel bad for this kid. Writes up a long and involved post like this... and he is going to get soooo flamed. Sorry bud

 

no flaming, because that is illegal now. LOL

 

Damn, forgot about that part... he's lucky then I guess.

 

lol it has certainly toned it down alot.

 

There is so much wrong with what you said but I would have to type a paragraph as long as yours to respond. Go with this. Mods for the Z are expensive. Going turbo on this car will be nothing short of $10K and if you build the motor and get a better kit, at least $20K. The other mods you listed are going to be in the range of $10K or more at minimum. If you intend to buy this car and spend $30-35K to make it an all-round performer, go for it but don't think you are going to get away with it for less.

 

I actually rather enjoyed reading the flaming of the braveheart crew. (At least, when it wasn't directed towards me.)

 

Actually, question this guy. He has a good setup. He could probably use a BBK and a little more but he has a good setup. Ask how much he spent.

 

hahahaha... I laugh at $20K hahahahaha

 

These kids don't know. They open their magazines and see these cars and they think anyone can do it. I am all for it. If you are in a place where you can buy a $20K car (used) and put another $30-40K in it (that there is no way you can EVER recover the money spent) then by all means, have at it.

 

Welcome.

It seems that you have thought this through well. I am impressed with you plans. But what about getting the car first. Then we can work on the details.

 

Perhaps if you had read his post you would understand that his first question was regarding which model to get that would best suit his intended application. Kind of stupid to shoot first and ask questions later when it could potentially involve thousands of dollars. I guess it's easy to spout off at the mouth when it's not your money.

 

Has anyone told you that your posts standing up for the new guy are by far more annoying than any newb bashing ever done? I am not saying that they are but I just want to know if anyone has ever told you that.

 

haha... probably... but my memory of negativity only goes back so far..

 

Remember we were all noobs at one time......heck I still am!

 

kid first of all abs isnt a bad idea. second of all get something with tcs bc with a lot of power ur going to need it and u outta really research parts that what would suit what u want in the car. if u want to go turbo thats great, if u want a big shot of nitrous, thats badass too, and if u want to go NA thats not a bad idea either. just make sure u still gotta place to live in the end and u have enough to put a tank of gas into it.

 

I would like to see some validation of these statements please, as there are a plethora of bolt on kits available for less than half of that price. I would expect to have to do a clutch swap, but other than that I've not heard of anything else major involved beyond labor and tuning. Please enlighten me.

I don't know what gave you the impression that I will be spending 60 thousand dollars on this car. If I had that kind of money to play with, I certainly wouldn't purchase a 350z.

Thanks! I'm certainly eager to get the car, but I'd like to have a plan in place ahead of time, if nothing else to prepare for it financially.

That's pretty ironic that you would address someone you don't know as "kid", and then type a "paragraph" like that. Now as for your statements, I find ABS and TC to be a hindrance in a sports car. While I'd probably be debated on the ABS issue by some, I think it's common knowledge that TC does nothing but slow a competent driver down (not that I'm suggesting I'm competent). As for research, I would think asking questions would qualify as part of research.

I'm surprised to see these types of replies on a 350z forum. Condescending doesn't even begin to describe it. Such is the internet I suppose...

 

I've never understood why ppl think ABS is a bad thing. I've personally been saved a few times by the ABS which kept me from locking the front tires when braking a bit too hard and plowing off the road.

But then again, I'm anything but a truely "good" driver.

And, AFAIK, traction control can generally be turned off. But, especially with an LSD, it will come in handy for daily driving. An LSD plus slick conditions can put you sideways pretty quickly.

 

It is true you will have big bucks for kit, install, clutch, gauges, tuning, it gets further and further into it.