Hello everybody,

I just joined the forum since I've decided on my car to be a Nissan 350z. I currently own a manual Dodge Caliber.. I know, it's a wonderful car.. anyways, I need some help from current owners of the 350z or experts on it. I know the 2007-2009 350z models had a nice 306hp v6 while the models before had a modest 286hp v6. I know they're the same 3.5 VQ35DE engine though. In terms of power, what was done to the 2007 model that Nissan said, "hey, lets put 306 to the wheels."? wheel base? Heavier chassis? Tuning? Should I keep my eyes open still for the older models despite the attractive 306hp? Also, in my plans already, I wanted to get an Invidia Gemini exhaust system. Any words on that system itself? Any other great exhaust systems? I pretty much have the car planned out, it's just the fact of locating a manual, good condition 350z and selling cars at my work since I just started literally 2 weeks ago which was spent training. Anyways, any suggestions or tips are welcomed!

Thank you!
Gabe
Future 350z Owner

 

The newer 306hp don't have the same engine they have the vq35hr overall it's a better car and I would definitely try to get it over the older ones.

 

What he said.

 

and its not to the wheels, its to the crank... a stock hr will be about 265-270 at the wheels (at least mine was on a mustang dyno)

 

Dual throttle bodies (sigh....)

 

Gabe- welcome to the forum. If you search, you'll find a wealth of information on the '07-08 Z33s, including details on the VQ35HR. The HR is quite different from the VQ35DE that preceded it, and has almost 75% different parts internally. Design-wise, the HR is closer to the current VQ37VHR being used in the 370Z and Q60 coupe.

Despite this, Zs equipped with the DE engine are still close in performance and most drivers will not notice the difference. Even in competition, a well-driven DE will out- perform a poorly driven HR. So, keep your eyes open for a well-maintained early Z33 with a documented service history.

As for the mod list- how about spending some time/money on yourself and learning how to drive the Z first. Whether its FATT days ay Summit Point or driving classes at VIR, there are places that will make you better.

 

Figures, that's what I was missing. I've been looking in the Maryland area for manual 350z due to the fact that in northern Virginia, a lot of people hate driving manual. Maryland, WV and Penn have loads of them. so besides the VQ35HR, was there any weight difference between the older 350zs and the 2007-2009?

 

they are all fat b@stards.....

 

Awesome, thanks for the tips. I have been looking at track days at VIR and Summit point for when I get my 350z. I have a friend who owns one and driven, a lot better than him, it before. I love everything about the car and understand it, but of course owning one will just help me learn better driving tactics with the car itself as each car drives differently. thanks for the pointers though!

 

+1 I've seen DE's outperform HR's and when I test drove both I honestly didn't notice much difference. I would've gotten the HR just because the fact it's newer but then I came across a gem and couldn't pass up on this steal.

You should get an HR but if you get lucky and find a DE with really low miles that's in excellent shape I would get it over the HR just because the owner would probably be selling it for a lot less than what you can get an HR for with higher mileage. And honestly mods, I wouldn't bother wasting the time and money BECAUSE YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED especially if it's a DE. Not unless if you go FI or strap an engine from a F22 Raptor on the back of it. That would be pretty awesome actually.

 

That makes sense. I'm keeping my options open and the 350z isn't going to be a car I want to get rid of. The mods, I'm not looking to up and up the power, or drop weight or anything crazy. It's just making the ride more appealing for me. My biggest one being the exhaust system. I'm obsessed with the exhaust note and don't want to cheat the car just doing muffler work to it. There's something exciting about listening to the car during acceleration, shifting and downshifting. I love music but if a car sounds great, I can listen to it all day.

If you want, find me a F22 Raptor engine or even a F18 engine and let build the craziest Z33 xD

 

Yeah, the 07 + was given the vq35HR motor, which as stated above gives two throttle bodies, and a slightly higher redline.

A slight drop in torque from memory.

And again, as stated above, the power figures are at the crank, never read the brochure.

 

I have the invidia Gemini on my De and I love it. its not a fart can Honda exhaust so don't expect to hear it from a mile away but it sounds beautiful and with a set of hfc which is what I use because of emissions, it really brings it up and to me its about the perfect tone. not too loud when your daily driving but if you stomp on it, that changes real fast. fitment was spot on I had no issues. if I had to do it again id get the same exhaust. I get complimented on it constantly.

 

I didn't see anyone address this, so let me try. Starting in mid-'05, Nissan began addressing some consumer complaints about NVH by adding more soundproofing and structural reinforcements to the 350Z. Factory specs showed Z33's produced from mid-05 through '08 were almost 200# heavier than earlier Zs.

 

i had that exhaust with kinetix hfc, sounded good.... sounded even better with ART pipes