I love this car. However, a couple things have really started to bother me and I wonder if there is an easy solution, relative to getting a newer one. It is bone stock.

First, the most embarrassing thing happened: I got spanked by a newer G37 sedan. On the highway. Ugh. Owning a sports car (and paying the insurance premiums for it) should mean that some pseudo-luxury 4 door sedan can't keep up. Granted the 350 is not in the same league as a 550 AMG, but... I think you understand. What's next, a Chrysler?

Second, its slow! I know, this is the same issue as #1. I still owe a significant amount on the car, bought it used... And I just rolled 100k. The rear shafts are clicking, the auto tranny seems to be slowing down, and it didnt come with the speed pack (no Brembos).

I can ditch it and break even, then go get an updated version. Or keep it and dump money into it.

Thoughts??

 

Do you have any bolts ons? I would suggest nitrous since it is quite cheap and will make a huge difference. Your roadster is pretty damn heavy so that isnt helping. Some form of FI is going to be your best option if you want any real results for your money.

 

g37 is an updated 350z, of course it will walk you. It will hang with a 370Z

 

You're upset about a newer car that is roughly the same weight with 30 more HP being faster than yours?

 

Losing sucks. Thats what I am upset about. I understand the whole newer car etc etc.

The intention of my post is the exploration of getting something newer vs. modding my existing car. Getting something newer means a new loan, money down, etc. Modding existing sounds like fun but I simply dont have time to DIY, meaning more money...

So I am asking which direction gives more bang for the buck?

Thanks :-)

 

To put this in perspective. I just raced a q50s or q60s or Q something that is the coupe infinity with the manual (what ever the hell its called now) I'm a big guy 6'6" 355#s and I had a 220# passenger. Red light to the next light (~half a mile).

He had wheels and an exhaust (Sounded like test pipes) that I could see.
Me Intake, TPs, Borla exhaust and on stock sized Potenza 970 all seasons (2006 revup no tune)

He had me by a nose up till 120 where we both stopped, Im sure if I didn't have a passenger I would have had him. I don't think I have ever lost to a stock g37. I would say get some mods, but you have an auto. Also consider that a 370 roadster might be a bit faster but its not going to be leaps and bounds faster, I don't know if its worth taking on a new car payment for just to beat a 10 year newer car, only for you to be upset when your new 370 gets destroyed by a CTS-V.

 

So.... I should just go buy a CTS?

 

Buy an m3, or gt500. Those should hold their own against a lot. Unless you find someone modding their car youll be fine. Even if you had a turbo installed on your roadster you would come out a lot cheaper than a new car though.

 

U have a auto roadster, doesn't help you at all. Most heavy out of all the trims. Probably 200 lbs heavier than a manual coup. Some breathing mods will help, exhaust, test pipes, motordyne spacer, and Mrev2. Should help you out out. And then when u save up enough money, u should also get a tune.

 

motortrend and ********** show the curb weight to be 3600. Thats a lot heavier than a coupe in any trim. What kinda budget would you be working with? Bang for buck, modding is easily your best option.

 

I have a 2006 roadster and I think your expectations are out of line. If you are unhappy with the performance from the beginning from a car that is about to be 10 years old well time to leap now. My ZR after just about all bolt on can run with just about anything of similar displacement. Understand if the person is racing you in the first place, (street racing is frowned upon by the way) then realize that they may have mods too. If they have a newer V8 or FI, prepare to smile and see blinking tail lights. You bought the wrong car. JMO

 

This is the kind of opinion I am looking for.

Let me restate: I love the 350-370, the lines on the car, the thrill of driving one with the top down. I dont want a different car- I want one that will hold its own to an extent, still be obtainable on my paychecks (which are actually large enough to pay for that gt500- I dont want one!), but that make SENSE.

I am not against paying for some substantial mods... Or getting a newer 370 vert. I really just need to know where the "bang for buck" lies in the 350-370 platform.

So far it sounds as if I laid out 5-10k on my existing 350 I could have a helluva ride, keep up with the newer Nissan/Infinities, and still live with the money I spent.

A buddy of mine keeps telling me to let him throw some turbos at it (he owns a speed shop). I hedge bc I believe it wise to upgrade the rest of the drivetrain, brakes, and suspension before throwing more power at the car- stop before go keeps ya safer, make the power have somewhere safe to go before breaking something, etc- and that is where I wonder if it is better off to start with something newer.

Maybe that will help this conversation :-)

 

If you dropped another 10k in your Z, you would easily run away from basically all new cars rolling off the line. Your auto trans is going to be your limiting factor, and to be honest idk much about them. Brakes and suspension would add more to the cost and be something you should address as well. That being said, I still have a completely stock suspension and only a few braking modifications.

 

Just to reiterate, I love the lines on my car, 10 years old or not.

I will be driving a 350 or 370z vert for the forseeable future. I appreciate your opinions, ramblings, and thoughts.... Thanks...

 

Woody,
Knowing I could break even selling my existing, would you then recommend I get a different one with the manual??

 

That just depends on your goals. A moderate amount of power from FI wouldnt kill your auto trans. Ive read a few threads about the transgo shift kit. Seems to be a worthwhile upgrade. Add that and a trans cooler and assuming yours is in good shape youll be fine.

 

FWIW...I had a transgo shift kit in my '95 Trans Am back in the day, and it was excellent. It didn't interfere with normal drivebility becuase the more throttle you gave it, the firmer it shifted. It was docile at normal cruising but at WOT it'd snap your neck. Nice.

 

You bought the z because you thought it was fast? Lol. It's not fast.

 

I think he bought it for looks. Yes the Z is slow, but it doesnt have to be slow. There are a lot of options for our cars.

 

Sure did. I knew it wouldnt keep up with lots of cars out there from the outset; sure, I could afford a used GT-R, but why? I love the 350 vert, and I am laughing when I write the check every month. I dont really want to run down LS1's or GT500's in this, I just want all those 3.7l Infinity owners to go away- in my rearview mirror. :-) It sounds like it is very possible in my current vehicle, which gives me direction. Thank you to this forum. :-)