HardHitter

Hello All!

I wanted to post because I'm going through that "car phase" where I'm trying to find a weekend driver.

I've had a decent history of cars in the 11 years I've been driving but this is the first time I'm "clueless" on what cars to look at. Here has been my cars for the past 11 years:

First Car: 1996 Chevy Blazer - Sold to get RX8
Second Car: 2004 Mazda RX8 - Totaled
Third Car: 1994 Mazda RX7 - Stock twins with bolt ons - 330rwhp - Sold to get GTO
Fourth Car: 2005 Pontiac GTO - Full headers/cam/exhaust - 423rwhp/300rwtq - Sold to get Audi S4 and RX7

First Pairing of Cars
(Daily) 2000 Audi S4 - Stage 3 K04 Turbos - 373awhp/400awtq - Sold to get GTO and Miatas
(Weekend) 1994 Mazda RX7 - GT35 Single Turbo - 405rwhp - Sold to get GTO and Miatas

Second Pairing of Cars
(Daily) 2005 Pontiac GTO - Headers/exhaust - Probably around 370rwhp - Sold to get Mazdaspeed3
(Daily) 2000 Mazda Miata - Just suspension - Sold and haven't used money
(Track) 1990 Turbo Mazda Miata - Sold and haven't used money

2012 Mazdaspeed3 - Stage 1

Basically, first I was looking in the $25-$30k range for a nice weekend driver but then realization hit and didn't think it was a good move when saving for another house. So I'm fine with spending $10-$15K but ideally I want something that is going to be fun to drive, reliable and something I can work on. It won't be a daily, but I'll probably drive it 2-3 times a week.

I wanted to know what your thoughts were of the 350z and if you think it fits my needs! (I know your biased)

Current List That I've been thinking (which is all over)
Tial 770 Audi S4 - 600awhp+
e46 M3 with HPF kit
Turbo Honda S2000
APS TT 350Z

KornerCarver

iTrader: (2)

I've had my Z for a weekend car for about 10 1/2 years now. It's a fun car to drive anytime.

Landon_G03z

Man.. I'd have stopped with the blue rx7! Gorgeous.

BornSlippyZ

iTrader: (1)

Wholly nice FD's!

I would keep those just because of the rarity of the car! But I think the S2000 would be sweet and they can hold some boost on the stock internals. Plus with all of those nice roads up and near Los Gatos, the top down S2000 would be perfect imo!


I use to live in Campbell and I am familiar with those fun roads! GL on your decision and you had some sweet cars!

SmoothZ

iTrader: (13)

10 years for me next month, and my Z is the summer/weekend/Zdayz toy car. I love driving my Z.

HardHitter

The only "crappy" thing about living in California as you all know is the smog laws. Both of the FDs I had to sell due to the smog shop shutting down...

Regardless, I know that a turbo S2K, Miata or 350Z are not going to be very friendly in that department either, but I'm willing to make the extra effort every 2 years. Even if that means having to take parts off...

I drove a 2003 APS TT 350Z the other day. Very clean, very well put together, but for some reason, I was disappointed with the power. The highest HP that I've had out of all my previous cars was 423rwhp (GTO) and the Z just didn't feel anything close to that car or even my current 2012 Mazdaspeed3 (mods+tune). I WOT in 2nd gear and went through 3rd and I really expected the car to put you back in your seat knowing how my GTO did it at only 423rwhp.

What are your thoughts?

Here is the ad

http://www.zcarblog.com/for-sale/200...aps-twin-turbo

I know these guys a reputable and the car is definitely clean, but it left me somewhat wanting more in the power department.

Cody750

iTrader: (2)

i had that same feeling with my z, just not as much power. It didn't feel quite as fast as other cars with same numbers. I think it was because of how smooth the z was compared to them, never owned a FI car so not sure if the same applies

Jah70

You've been a member here since 2005 and I would of expected you to either had a Z or currently own one with that long time frame. After all you did join a 350Z forum. But you were probably doing your research. My opinion is that is that only you know what you want and the options are limitless. S2000, Mustang GT, EVO, STI, 3000gt vr4, Audi 3.2 TT, Toyota MR2, an older Toyota Supra turbo, 300ZX Twin Turbo, G35, E30 M3, Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280ZX turbo, Toyota Echo with an LS1, MS6 (Mazda Speed 6), the list goes on.

1973camarolt

iTrader: (1)

HardHitter, how fast a car accelerates is determined by a lot more than just the peak power. Compare the area under the torque curve for each car and you'll quickly see why the GTO felt faster. I have the same issue when I go back to the Z after driving my Camaro.

HardHitter

Yea, I joined back in 2005 to do research. As you can tell, I've been considering a 350z before.

I understand that peak HP will not determine the quickness of the car. In honesty, I obviously prefer to have more power "under the curve" or just a torque monster.

tphss

If you prefer a lot of torque, and at low RPMs, you should be looking only at a boosted car with smaller fast spooling turbo(s), or a big engine. Unless you want to do a build. Which from what I understand would be a headache in CA. The 350Z stock will not answer your torque crave I can tell you that.

An older well maintained BMW 135i/335i would be a good option, it's very expensive to install an LSD in them (and it's needed with close to 400lbs/ft with a simple tune) and a headache. Parts for BMW are very expensive compared to Nissan and BMWs in general require more pedantic maintenance. The N54 engine itself is VERY strong and reliable (if taken care of), but the stock turbos (2007-2010) do tend to wear out (some are replaced by BMW because earlier ones were defected).

I had an e46, it's my favorite BMW chassis and good to work on. Don't expect a lot of torque stock.
Honestly I would just go with a boosted car from what I read from you and that can possibly pass smog. You will miss the big power of turbos.

VO...

iTrader: (25)

HardHitter

Still trying to make a decision. I keep going back and forth between cars.

Some days, I just want to spend $5-$8k and buy a well put together turbo Miata to play around with for the next 3 years. They are cheap, handle well, parts always available and cheap.

Some days, I want to spend the $25-$30K to buy a well put together LS2 swapped FD as the body style is just timeless! Not to mention, an LS2 in a 2950lbs car would be fun.

The Audi/BMW route would be fun, but I've had an Audi S4 before. I can afford the maintenance costs, but obviously it's not something I want to deal with so I think those are out of the picture.

Then there is the turbo S2000. Similar to a turbo Miata, but about $10K more. I see the S2000/Miata one in the same (yes I know the S2K is superior in all areas) but I don't think it is worth the extra $10K

Then lastly, I'm still debating if I go down the TT 350Z route. I drove that 466rwhp 350z and left unimpressed. Maybe I just need to get some more time behind the wheel.

Price Ranges:

- Turbo Miata - ~$8k - "easy money" to pay for
- Turbo S2000 - ~$18k - I rather just pay for the Miata. There are better options for the money
- Turbo 350Z - ~$15-$17k - Willing to spend the money for a well put together Z, but I need more time behind the wheel
- LS2 FD - ~$30K+ - I can afford this but don't I rather save this type of money for another down payment on a house.

Jah70

The mx5 route would be really fun. I've seen some swapped with V6 Toyota engines, turbo charged, supercharged, twin charged, Honda crv swapped, a Lexus V8 swapped and countless other crazy things people do to the miata. I want to get one and put one of the Subaru wrx engines in one or just the 2.5rs motors. Either way any engine swapped in with over 200hp will make a world of difference.

Spike100

I purchased my 350z 10 years ago as a weekend/season ride, and since then it’s become my DD. I moved it to my DD simply because I love driving it. It’s like a go-cart with a big engine.

The Z’s performance and reliability is surprising for a relatively inexpensive performance car. I’ve owned and driven some excellent vehicles (Porsche, Jaguar, MG, Audi), but must say the economy and the “fun to drive” are great features offered by the Z.

--Spike

PS: The Audi S4 is a great car that is fun to drive; however, I think the 350z provides better handling and a better driving experience.

BornSlippyZ

iTrader: (1)

Turbo Miata would be great and be great for all the back roads in and around your area! Or if it was 'legal' in CA, a 13BREW swapped in a Miata!

HardHitter

Haha I think I am done with the rotary motors. I've owned three (one RX8 and two FDs) and although they are fun motors, they are just too unreliable. My last FD, I had the whole motor rebuilt and it blew within 3000 miles due to warped seals.

Spike100

^ ^ ^ I agree with your comments about rotary engines: Mileage and reliability is very poor.

BornSlippyZ

iTrader: (1)

Man you have owned some rotaries and that sucked the last one blew at 3k.

Years ago I helped a friend swap a 13Brew in a NA MX5, tuned to 325whp and that car was scary fast! Mazdatrix built his 13b and we did the rest.

Flyin Miata makes some decent turbo kits for the mx5 engine and you will have fun with a turboed Mx5!

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

Mines been a weekend car since '05, only put 30k on the odo.