This is not my main reason for being interested in the car but I'm just curious. What can I expect out of a bone stock auto 350Z (base or touring, that shouldn't matter.) I'm thinking probably around 14.7, is that right? MPH?

 

actually most people get around 14.2 - 14.3 while some have got 14.0

 

There actually is a difference between base and touring... it does matter. Limited slip diffs actually will improve launch by decreasing slippage... but the base does weigh less

 

Wow, a 14.3ish would be great. I'd be happy with a 14.7ish @ 96 MPH or so. So actually an automatic with a couple of bolt-ons is actually not far from 13s then I assume?

 

Easily.

In fact, I believe some posters here have hit 13.9 with a STOCK 5AT.

 

I love the autos as you can see from my sig. You will not be sad, I went from a 6spd ws6 ta.

 

How would you compare the handling of both cars? My Formula is lowered with 17" wheels. It handles ok I guess, but its weight and solid rear keep it from being nimble and a real handler.

I know the Z won't be close in terms of power to my Formula, but I don't need that. I just want a nice weekend cruiser for my fiancee and I....

 

Sounds like the Z is the perfect car for you. It is really nimble and handles like a dream.

 

Do you mean the 350 vs WS6, or 350Z w/S-tune suspension vs 350Z stock suspension?

If you are talkin about the TA, then the 350Z has a 1000 times better "performance" ride, a lot more nimble, but you sacrifice "harshness". The TA has a smoother ride compared to the 350Z (suspension is so stiff), but the TA even lowered feels like driving a truck compared to the 350Z.

The 350Z is made for crusing everyday and road course track duty on weekends. Your formula will win straight line, but on the road course wouldnt stand a chance.

 

Oh and I bet the 350Z hangs real close with your 5.0, maybe even beat it.

 

The Formula would be horrible on a road course, its a automatic with a stall convertor. It would get way out of control in a hurry....

The Stang is slow now, but thats changing. I just bought it a few months back and those times were on street tires. I'm adding 3.73 gears, the car now wears drag radials, oh yeah, and a bit of nitrous....I'm hoping for mid 12s, thats fine with me. I'm not looking for it to be a real killer.

I'm envisioning the 350Z as being a much more refined car then the 'Bird, correct? I think anywhere other then a drag strip or red light the 350Z is a better car. If you were to take a road trip, say drive 250 miles with a passenger, which car is more comfy, Ws6 or 350Z? Does the 350Z draw more looksas well?

 

Refined is a good word to use. I'm also looking for a Z. It is easily the most comfortable sports car I have driven, you will not be dissappointed.

 

I see you have a sonic '03, awesome cars. A friend has a silver '03. He ran 119 MPH with the usual bolt-ons and now he has a KB waiting to be installed. That car should be an animal when its done.

 

The z is a true road *****, I believe you could cruise comfortably at 100 to 120mph all day if you had the road or lived in Germany.

 

I would get the manual. 13.7 (or better?) at 100+mph trap speeds out of the box.

Guy who dyno's my car has a sonic blue '03 cobra as well. He put down 500 to the wheels the other day. He's running way past the supercharger's efficiency though.

dan

 

I don't want to get a stick, I have two manuals already and an auto is fine for what we need this car to do. I'll never be road racing or auto Xing this car so a stick isn't need for me/us.

As far as the '03 goes, obviously many are going with the Kenne Belles which are making ~600 at the tires without issue. For the money, I'd stay with the eaton and a 2.93 pulley, the usual mods, and a littly dry NOS shot. That would put me into the 550 RWHP with much less of an investment....

 

I think I have the fastest 350Z auto stock. I took off from idle and still got 14.0 in manual mode. Full auto was .2-.3 slower. Now try to take off from idle with the stick..

 

Look at my sig.