Hey guys, my Trans Am was stolen last week and i've been doing alot of research in looking for a replacement for around 17g. The 350z is on my list and i would just like you guys opinion on the vehicle?

What are some common probs with the Z (i.e. the mustangs trans is shakey, the f-bodies have a weak 10bolt rearend, etc) I know every vehicle has some sort of problem that the factory should have taken into consideration, so whats the deal with the Z's? I think i read something about 1-2, and 3-4 shifts?? Fill me in fellas.

From what i've read, these cars run right about on par with 99-04 mustang GT's stock for stock (high 13's low 14's) am i right in this assumption:shrug:??

How exspensive is it to mod these things? I used to have a 2000 GT and those damn 2v mod motors are plain trash in N/A applications. My Trans Am was cheap as hell to get into mid-hig 12's (headers, dual exhaust, intake). So what does it take cost wise to get these cars, say into the mid 12's ?? How about the cost to get them into consistent mid 13's??

I'd say thats about it. Some other vehicles i'm considering are the Mustang GT, Camaro, Trans Am, Ford Lightning, maybe a C5 vette...Let me hear some opinions

 

Well on the statement that they are on par with 99-04 mustangs is not very accurate. They are more on the level of 05+ stangs.

Common problems include tranny (geting my third in next week at 15K miles), tire feathering, oil comsumption and some other minor things.

As far as modding, you are going to have to dig deep in your pocket to pull out mid 12's. You may be able to get it with some slicks and few mods here and there possible a small N20 shot but you will probably end up spending 10-15K for FI.

Dont buy a Z unless your planning on spending a good bit of money and getting stuff done right. F-bodies are a hell of a lot eaiser to pull power out of at the expense of say people seeing you driving around in an f-body (hehe).

If your an american guy, i recomend sticking with american cars cause there is a lot to learn going from v-8 american muscle to v-6 import. The C5 is an amazing car so if you go american, i would recomend picking one of those up.

Hope this helped.

 

Right above this post is the thread "100 commonly asked questions" and I guarantee you the answer to this is in that. Also, if you did a search I guarantee you would find a bunch of threads that would tell you about the "problems" with Z's. There have been many threads about issues people have had with their Z's. Just keep in mind that more people post up about things that go wrong with a car than things that go right so take it all with a grain of salt.

 

Speeding Tickets....

 

no space

 

Yes, i already read the stickies. Thats where i read about the 1-2, 3-4 shifts. I was more curious as to how common are the tranny probs, and if they are limited to a certain year?

I also read the sticky with the drag timeslips, so thats where i got my times to compare with the 99-04 GTs. It looked to me like the Z was a high 13 low 14 second car stock

I know it will be alot different going from american muscle to an import, but thats why i posted up a thread to get some opinions from you guys.

 

Some 07/08 Z's with the new VQ35HR engine are pulling off MID to low 13's.

Stock.

 

Welcome. I don't think that the 350Z is for you. If you want a straight line drag racer, get something else.

 

the main problem with this car is that it make me grin every time i look at it or when i turn the key o hear that vq35 roar

 

^^vq35 Ftww!!

 

I would also have to say the 350z isnt for you. You sound like you would be more happy with american muscle...cheap, powerful, may not last long or handle worth a **** but hey, gotta give credit where credits due

 

Exactly what they said above.

If you are interested in JUST going fast in a straight line stick to some American muscle...But if you want a car that handles like a dream, is very quick, interior is nicer than anything that Ford/GM is going to provide, then you should consider the Z. Its more than just going straight in a fast line...I was used to that with my SRT-4 but I am not looking back one bit...This car is amazing, and I am falling in love more and more everyday.

 

so you did end up going with the Z?!

 

Yes, 2007 Enthusiast 6 speed in Solar Orange.

I drive it even when I have nowhere to go.

It gets better and better everyday.

 

The Z was not produced to be a drag racer, although they have been known to produce some decent time slips. If you're looking for a car that is fairly competent on a road course and/or autocross, by all means, consider the Z. You'll be amaze what these cars can do if you upgrade the suspension alone. Otherwise, stick to cheap, domestic muscle cars if you're just looking for a 1/4 mile drag racer.

 

If you look hard you can get a trouble free car, if its an 03-04 make sure it already had the new updated tranny put in to avoid syncro failures. If its a 2005/2006 6MT then make sure it had the V2 updated engine put in or else you are going to burn oil excessively. you get one of those or a 2007 HR there really aren't any problems. The stock BOSE stereo is junk and you can have tire feathering issues but that is dependant on alignment and if you are still using the OEM tires.

Mid 12s, cheap? Intake, exhaust, plenum spacer, and a 75 shot of nitrous. If you have the money I would go supercharger (wait for the new kit from Kraftwerks which is a collaboration between Skunk2 Racing and Jackson Racing). If you have lots of $$ then go turbo or twin turbo.

 

Common prob....... IMO dont buy 1 and if your thinking of it buy mine! Im tired of V6 powa im bout to buy a 2004 Conv Cobra and its SICK Big HP Gains with little $. I may half to give up some look but oh well im addicted to speed

 

Congrats on your Z. I had an '03 Touring 6 spd till May of this year and had most of the early problems and bugs. I now have a '07 Touring 6 spd and have none of those or any other problems. The '07 Z is 200% better and way faster than my '03.

 

If you go Cobra sir please dont go Conv!!!

PLEASEEEE.

 

The Z is very "fast" if you get a 3.9 fd. That'll do mid to low 13s all day long, and you don't have to worry about checking your turbo timer, AF ratio, etc...

Another common symptom (NOT problem) is that the shift **** vibrates just above 3K RPM. Especially during decel.

Get an 05. For your budget, that would be the best use of your dollar. But I agree with others here that the Z is not a straight line racer because it has a steering wheel and working suspension. Think it through.