Being new to the 305z and FR (Front Motor Rear Drive) vehicles for me is pretty cool. I know it’s technically a front mid-engine design but it’s simpler to say FR.
I’m accustomed to FF’s and the experience is very different. With an FF you can’t really feel the pull and you just go about your business. In an FR, you can feel the push at about 80-90mph.
Anyway, I noticed that the 350z feels heavy at low speeds almost like brick going uphill on a slow moving conveyor belt. Once I hit 3rd gear that all changes. I was running a little late today and although I said I’m not up for pushing this car I did. Getting on the highway today, I began to shift at about 4800rpms going into 3rd, this was about the smoothest shift I’ve had since I purchased the vehicle. The speedometer looked like it skipped a few ticks. I waited till about 6500 to shift into 4th, 5th, and 6th gears.
By this point I noticed the car feel like it was getting lighter and more stable capable of adapting to the road and waiting for user input like a steering adjustment. Well, I changed lanes barely moving the steering wheel. Super responsive at high speeds, I became a little nervous, again I’m not accustomed to FR’s and the push you feel so I backed down to about 100mph. As I rounded a wide curve I felt the car dig into the curve and beg for me to open the throttle. Yeah, I waited until I was coming out of the curve and hit the gas and she jumped. Again with the feeling like she was getting lighter.
I had a moment of driving euphoria until I remembered an episode of Speed Racer. The episode where the car puts in driver in a trance until they passed out and crashed.
So my question here is with the aero dynamics of these cars, will they feel lighter and handle better at high speed. Is it worthwhile to invest in devices that will keep the car to the ground or will that create unnecessary drag slowing the car down.

I normally only drive fast when I'm late to work or late at night when there really isn't anyone on the road.

 

You're basically asking if a car feels faster while going faster. And to that, the answer is yes.

Any reduction of air under the car will help but unless you're tracking or racing at high speeds then you probably won't notice the difference.

 

Unless you're intending to go on track days, then fitting aero parts is a waste of money, unless you like posing. I wouldn't say that the 350's steering is heavy, I think its really nicely weighted and gives great feedback. One thing the 350Z isn't and that's a mid-engine car.

 

the Front-Mid was taken from a wiki. My bad.

I just love this car.

 

I'm asking if it is supposed to feel lighter as it gets faster. In previous cars (FF Hondas) as the car gains speed there is no different in how the car feels.

In this Z of mine, it felt as though it would handle better at higher speeds.

 

Hmmmm....hmmmm, subscribed!

 

I recommend taking your car to a HPDE and/or autocross. These are great places to get familiar with the car's dynamics.

 

Here is my experience. It's a great car and it handles very well. When mine was completely stock, I got it up to 150 once. It felt really great until a large gust of wind came from the valley I was driving through. That's when I recieved a reality check. So yes, it felt very "light" at that point. Light enough to almost fly. I have since never traveled that fast. I did upgrade the springs with tighter spring that has a lower sitting stance. I also upgraded the width of the wheels and tire substantially from the stockers. By your definition of "lighter' at higher speeds versus other vehicles, yes, now it feels a great deal more responsive at higher speeds with no body roll...

 

Ok great. yeah it did feel like a gust of wind, pot hole, or a pebble would help me loose control. I backed down though. I've only had the car for a few weeks and this is the first time I've really pushed it so I don't know its limits like I did with my other vehicles.

This is the first vehicle that has made me doubt my driving ability. This may actually be too much car since I got used to FF's about 197HP and 167lbs of torque at 6200rpms. It's a totally different experience. I should have been here from the start.

Got any pics post somewhere on the boards. I'm interesting in looking at your vehicles stance. I'm going to get used to the stock before I make any changes like I normally do. I don't see this car's ability getting old anytime soon though.

 

Click on my user name and go to my photo albums. Several pictures there...

 

Don't turn into this guy OP

http://www.tampabay.com/news/publics...-house/2171783

 

Damn... i mean it should feel lighter when traveling at high speeds since theres more wind under the car... maybe you just never went that fast before? i used to ride a yamaha r6 sport bike, so to me the car just seems not fast enough, lol.

 

This is a noobish feeling...I too remember the "awe" of acceleration it's overwhelming feeling that can get you killed!

We (my350z) all are against reckless driving and speeding in traffic because too many variables....BUT if you have to, drive smart, drive for the person in front of you and the person behind you...do this by always using your blinkers before making sudden lane changes. Keep your eyes on the speedo when not watching the roads. You may think you're not going fast but as you mentioned you got into the three digit speeds quickly. At those speeds on an average Z car you are pushing the limits even in a straight line. Please try and take a HPDS to understand what high speed and that "lighter" feeling really is!

Please continue to share as your writing has a lot of enthusiasm behind it and it's refreshing

 

I enjoyed reading your thoughtful post. I’ve owned a few two-seat RWD sports cars, but none with the Z’s power.

I clearly remember the first time I pressed down hard on my new 2003 350z’s accelerator. The car jumped hard and went to an almost scary quick-rise in speed. I would describe this the same way as what you portray in your posting. It is exhilarating.

I like your writing style and look forward to reading your next postings.

And... As others mention here... Be careful out there, and don't kill yourself in your new car.

--Spike

 

Nice post i also enjoyed the read! and yeah i know what you mean man the Z is very responsive at higher speeds, never topped 110 though and that was a 1am on a dead highway haha too scared it feels like the slightest nod of the wheel will take me flying!

 

The OP does need to learn about sentence length and appropriate paragraph insertions.

--Spike

 

It's a front mid engine because the engine is behind the front axles.

 

I couldnt agree more with the excitment from driving the z33. Its my first standard car, picked mine up last summer. The 350z made me question my driving skill but cant wait to try out some local auto-slalom.

 

Sportier cars like their suspension to be on throttle on or brakes, the suspension is really designed for those dynamics, not sitting neutral. The alignment also effects the behavior.

 

Hey everyone thanks for taking the time to read the post. I appreciate it and all the input is very welcome.
You would think I know better considering I'm in ENG 103 at school. I get to exited something to consider the English rules. LOL.

But seriously thanks; point taken about the potential of killing myself. This is again my first rear wheel drive and the first car I've had with this power. I know my limits and at this point in time they are nowhere near the limits of this car. Therefore I concede to the car. It is with respect for the power of this vehicle that I will back down and learn it like I did the other cars.

Normally, in my Honda's (they are wimps BTW) I was comfortable at speeds over 80 late nite or early morning and I was kinda in the street scene. But this one, yeah it intimidates me. Almost like a bully saying slow down before I fubar you.