Ok...so I am new to this forum and unfortunately do not own a z at this time. I currently have a 2004 toyota celica (yea I know....I dunno wtf I was thinking). I have been planning on purchasing a Z for quite awhile now....and I would like some advice as to which route I should go.
I was planning on getting a 2008 nismo. But then I heard all about this new 370z coming out....so I decided to put off buying anything until I seen what that entailed. But lately I have been thinking it would just be smarter to go with an older used car. I plan on twin turboing it and pretty much re-doing everything. So basically would there be any advantage to buying a new one over a used z? I feel that the nismo package really would be pointless if I'll be replacing the rims/tires and possibly be putting a bodykit on it. Unless I'm missing something? And it would be nice to have a brand new z, but the cost would probably be upwards of 30,000 and I could get a 2005 or 2006 for around 22,000 with under 20,000 miles.. So thats 8000-10,000 I could put towards mods. So basically my question....is there any real reason I shouldn't just get a used z?
I had a couple other general question as well. They may sound stupid, but I just want to know for sure. First off, would putting bigger tires on slow the car down? For example I would like to put 20's on it. Would that adversely affect performance? Also...I was looking at possibly going with a veilside widebody kit. Would going the widebody route have any negative effects on handling? I've heard the wider wheel base would actually improve handling....but I just wanted to be sure. I'm still unsure of whether or not I want to go that route.....just curious.

 

Yes, and if you put chrome 20's I'm going to point and laff at your fail.

 

Gee...thanks for the useful advice.....

 

OK, I'm going to answer seriously because (as you'll soon find out) nobody else will. Go with the used Z. If your going to modify it heavily your better off spending on that stuff instead of a newer car. As for 20's, I wouldn't do it. 19's will be fine if your going for looks. Get 18's if you want better performance. Get 17's if you plan on going to the track or strip a lot. The lower profile tire you have your gonna lose grip because of the stiff/non-existent sidewall. Hope this helps.

 

Getting a nismo and then replacing everything defeats the purpose. And veilside kits, once installed, make your car explode. Dont do it.

 

Thanks guys for the help. I think I am going to go with an older model. I contacted a dealer today about a 2005 z for $22000. It only has about 17000 miles on it...so that shouldn't be much of a problem. It's silverstone (color)...which I really like. Did they stop manufaturing cars that color...or did they just change the name because 08 models only seem to have silver and carbon silver. Anyways I think i'll just buy the z and the install a nismo body kit. I think that will look pretty good. As far as tire sizes go....it looks like 18's would be the best bet...which is what they come with stock. I'll still upgrade to an aftermarket rim and tire. Thanx for the help guys...I'm really excited about this upgrade!

 

I approve

 

If You Drive It , You Will Buy It!

 

Another question before I go purchasing anything. I've noticed 07 and up models have a much higher redline than older models. How much of an affect on performance does that have?

 

I heard that Nissan will release the 380Z twin turbo in 2010. So you just have a couple more years.

 

07+ have a newer engine with better performance. If you can, get one.

 

Lets just say, buy a used vehicle. If you are seriously going to do all the things you said, you are better off buying one with higher mileage. Just get one with a straight body and no dents/dings.

As for the different years having higher redlines, wouldn't it not matter? Since you are going to probably go with a stand alone, you can alter the redline. When you do the internals, it'll change everything.

On a side note, there's nothing wrong with a celica 2 years ago, I had an 02 gts with a turbo kit that I put together. It was fast and still saved on gas.

 

I would buy a 07/08. Newer and better engine. 03/04 known to have trouble, also 06 having oil consumption trouble.

 

lets use some basic logic...the more weight you put on your wheels...the harder it is to spin them. have fun with your chrome 20's and your turbonator

 

I didn't read all of that it was too much, i just skimmed and really, get the z33 all those posts asking if they should wait for the new model are stupid! No one knows (for sure) if it's even comming out in 2008 or 2009 or 2010! And it might look terrible (i doubt a Z car ever would tho).

IMO the 350z has everything done to it right out of the factory, one or two minor mods that don't turn out well look RICE!!! Be careful with exterior mods on the z33.

 

Thanks for the help guys. Trust me...I'm not looking to rice out a z. I'm buying this as a project car....so I was just going over my options. I was semi-thinking of putting on a widebody kit and possibly 20's.....but the more I think about it I really don't like the look of it. Youre definately right....the z looks great stock. I do really like the nismo look though....so I'll more than likely get that body kit. I'm currently looking at a 2005....so from what I read that should be fine. Thanks again for your help.

 

Buy an older one. Buying a new one would defeat the purpose of having a warranty. And putting a turbo on the Z definitely relinquishes the warranty. Like the guys said before, rebuild the bottom and everything else changes it all anyways so who cares if its new or not. I have seen a few wide body kits and briefly looked for the owner so I could too...."laugh at him". They destroy the looks. Good luck bro.

 

How is the shopping coming along?

 

Bought an 06 Black Enthusiast a few weeks ago....LOVING IT!!!!! Just wish I had more money for mods.

 

Just keeping an eye on you. Please update your profile. Thanks.