Is the HR worth it?
New Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 22,798
Likes: 829
From: Alberta
I've got an 03 DE. Went ahead and fixed the tranny issue so I'm running the CD009, and have upgraded the headlights and tail lights to the newer version. There's certainly no arguing about an HR pulling away from a DE on the interstate...but honestly, who cares? Any newer model domestic V8 is probably going to whip the crap out of you unless you've got some pretty serious mods. If your motivating factors are the updated looks of the exterior/interior, then by all means go for it.
Yes the HR will make more power in nearly every circumstance, but I believe the general consensus is that it definitely costs more for HR parts. Even something as simple as test pipes. Z1 DE test pipes: $149. Z1 HR test pipes: $269. Not to say there aren't deals out there to be had, because there are. When it really comes down to it, I didn't buy my Z to be an interstate raced car. No doubt, like I said before, that I'll get pulled by an HR in a straight line; but this is a driver's car. Put an experienced driver in a DE and they'll wipe the floor with any average driver in an HR on a road course track. Not saying I could, but I'd be willing to bet I could surprise some HR owners on a track. Taking it back to my original statement, that it's less expensive to mod my DE. Lower car payment = more money for mods.
Cliff notes:
Drag racing: Who cares?
HR costs more $$$$ to mod
Like to turn wrenches a lot? DE
Want an out-of-the-box performer? HR
Yes the HR will make more power in nearly every circumstance, but I believe the general consensus is that it definitely costs more for HR parts. Even something as simple as test pipes. Z1 DE test pipes: $149. Z1 HR test pipes: $269. Not to say there aren't deals out there to be had, because there are. When it really comes down to it, I didn't buy my Z to be an interstate raced car. No doubt, like I said before, that I'll get pulled by an HR in a straight line; but this is a driver's car. Put an experienced driver in a DE and they'll wipe the floor with any average driver in an HR on a road course track. Not saying I could, but I'd be willing to bet I could surprise some HR owners on a track. Taking it back to my original statement, that it's less expensive to mod my DE. Lower car payment = more money for mods.
Cliff notes:
Drag racing: Who cares?
HR costs more $$$$ to mod
Like to turn wrenches a lot? DE
Want an out-of-the-box performer? HR
You can have an HR and lose to a DE in a straight line if you are a **** that "double-clutches on the upshift."
Overall, buy what you can afford. Yes, the HR is newer and "better" overall; but if you can't handle the higher car payments go with a DE. Either way, you will enjoy the car.
New Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,382
Likes: 116
From: New York
Takes a nice amount of coin for a DE to beat a HR heads up (as in even drivers)
Also, it is stupid to say it is about the driver. Yes i can probably beat some drivers in Ferraris, but does that make my Z better than a Ferrari?
I beat plenty of cars that I shouldn't at the autocross events, but I know it's me, not my car.
How is modding a DE more fun then modding a HR?
Takes a nice amount of coin for a DE to beat a HR heads up (as in even drivers)
Also, it is stupid to say it is about the driver. Yes i can probably beat some drivers in Ferraris, but does that make my Z better than a Ferrari?
I beat plenty of cars that I shouldn't at the autocross events, but I know it's me, not my car.
Takes a nice amount of coin for a DE to beat a HR heads up (as in even drivers)
Also, it is stupid to say it is about the driver. Yes i can probably beat some drivers in Ferraris, but does that make my Z better than a Ferrari?
I beat plenty of cars that I shouldn't at the autocross events, but I know it's me, not my car.
You never really see any speed at an auto-x. In theory, and on paper, a DE would perform better at an auto-x due to its higher torque. No need to beat it to death. I just love Z's. My DE is baller
HR's are also baller Z's are baller.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,683
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, CA
OP, If you can get the HR and be able to afford it, go ahead
if you cant just get the DE, upgrade the suspension to the revised suspension and you will be able to keep up with an HR on a road course.
if you cant just get the DE, upgrade the suspension to the revised suspension and you will be able to keep up with an HR on a road course.
New Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,382
Likes: 116
From: New York
Maybe it's the price point for mods? I'm also confused as to why you said it's stupid to say it's about the driver, but then you go on to say you've beaten cars at auto-x events because of your driving, not the car? Maybe I'm just reading that incorrectly.
You never really see any speed at an auto-x. In theory, and on paper, a DE would perform better at an auto-x due to its higher torque. No need to beat it to death. I just love Z's. My DE is baller HR's are also baller Z's are baller.
You never really see any speed at an auto-x. In theory, and on paper, a DE would perform better at an auto-x due to its higher torque. No need to beat it to death. I just love Z's. My DE is baller
HR's are also baller Z's are baller. As you said and I have said before, at the end of the day the Z is an amazing car, not matter what motor it has. It comes down to what an owner can afford. No matter what the Z is a gorgeous great sounding powerful affordable sports car.
Im saying it is stupid for people to compare cars saying a driver can change everything. No crap a driver can change everything, but that is a variable that should never be brought up when comparing 2 cars.
As you said and I have said before, at the end of the day the Z is an amazing car, not matter what motor it has. It comes down to what an owner can afford. No matter what the Z is a gorgeous great sounding powerful affordable sports car.
As you said and I have said before, at the end of the day the Z is an amazing car, not matter what motor it has. It comes down to what an owner can afford. No matter what the Z is a gorgeous great sounding powerful affordable sports car.
To each their own. However I'd surely never say my 03 "sucks ball sack." I've modded it to hold its own just fine on a road course without the worry of it ever leaving me stranded.
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 995
Likes: 1
From: coopercity, FL
Got my hr 3 months ago still new to driving a manual transmission car. Raced a de and won easily with absolutely terrible shifting lol I shift bad under pressure. He had just intakes he was like wth did you do to that car, pulls hard as hell. Told him nothing at all its all stock hr. Its getting better now though. On a full tank of gas won my friend in his subaru wrx on 16.8 psi boost n full exhaust
I wouldn't say a DE sucks ball sack. It's not a great motor but it's not a bad one either. Obviously, it's nothing compared to the HR motor but that doesn't mean it sucks. I'd be interested in knowing how much money you've spent on that car total. I'm guessing close to $40k. One could buy a DE, build the motor and put twins on it and up the psi and still beat a 500whp HR for a lot less than whatever you've spent on your car. Just saying. I love your car but to say the DE sucks ball sack is just not the case.
I agree for the most part minus a stock HR vs a Modded DE. Depends on how extensively it's modded. A full bolt on DE with cams is nothing to shrug off. Point still being, I agree, if the OP can afford an HR he should get one.