Looking to start modding(any advice)
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 406
Likes: 2
From: Greer, sc
I'm friends with a 17 year old kid who has had more cars in 2 years than I have my entire life at 28. There's also a few 18 y/o one with a Z and one with an older Cobra that just gawk at my Z when it comes out. Keep trying!!!
Registered User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 6
From: Erie, PA
I come down of the side of those who believe that most mods are a waste of time and money. Moreover, with each mod, the car's daily-driving performance declines. Engine mods fall mainly into two categories: bling and noise makers. Just because a car is offensively loud does not make it faster. Look at the diesel Lemans prototypes that Audi enters each year. They are virtually silent, but beat all competitors. Other stuff like K&N filters are just useless bling that produces little of no measurable improvement. However, two earlier suggestions seem brilliant: driving lessons and replacing worn stuff with new parts.
Relative to the former, there was a recent Top or 5th Gear show that documented driving lessons versus performance bolt-ons. Lap times with a skilled driver (in the stock vehicle) beat all version of the same car after modding.
Your Track Version of the "Z", if left stock, is a really nice looking car. I really love the stock Rays wheels and gold Brembos. In fact, I put those on my '04 touring. However, given the choice, I wish my Z was a track version from the start.
If your car runs and looks good, save your money on performance junk. If the car was meant to have a turbo, Nissan would have made one a option and charged accordingly. Most likely they considered long-term reliability and expensive warranty work as reasons to go with the NA engine.
Relative to the former, there was a recent Top or 5th Gear show that documented driving lessons versus performance bolt-ons. Lap times with a skilled driver (in the stock vehicle) beat all version of the same car after modding.
Your Track Version of the "Z", if left stock, is a really nice looking car. I really love the stock Rays wheels and gold Brembos. In fact, I put those on my '04 touring. However, given the choice, I wish my Z was a track version from the start.
If your car runs and looks good, save your money on performance junk. If the car was meant to have a turbo, Nissan would have made one a option and charged accordingly. Most likely they considered long-term reliability and expensive warranty work as reasons to go with the NA engine.
New Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 65
From: Fort Walton Beach, Florida
I come down of the side of those who believe that most mods are a waste of time and money. Moreover, with each mod, the car's daily-driving performance declines. Engine mods fall mainly into two categories: bling and noise makers. Just because a car is offensively loud does not make it faster. Look at the diesel Lemans prototypes that Audi enters each year. They are virtually silent, but beat all competitors. Other stuff like K&N filters are just useless bling that produces little of no measurable improvement. However, two earlier suggestions seem brilliant: driving lessons and replacing worn stuff with new parts.
Relative to the former, there was a recent Top or 5th Gear show that documented driving lessons versus performance bolt-ons. Lap times with a skilled driver (in the stock vehicle) beat all version of the same car after modding.
Your Track Version of the "Z", if left stock, is a really nice looking car. I really love the stock Rays wheels and gold Brembos. In fact, I put those on my '04 touring. However, given the choice, I wish my Z was a track version from the start.
If your car runs and looks good, save your money on performance junk. If the car was meant to have a turbo, Nissan would have made one a option and charged accordingly. Most likely they considered long-term reliability and expensive warranty work as reasons to go with the NA engine.
Relative to the former, there was a recent Top or 5th Gear show that documented driving lessons versus performance bolt-ons. Lap times with a skilled driver (in the stock vehicle) beat all version of the same car after modding.
Your Track Version of the "Z", if left stock, is a really nice looking car. I really love the stock Rays wheels and gold Brembos. In fact, I put those on my '04 touring. However, given the choice, I wish my Z was a track version from the start.
If your car runs and looks good, save your money on performance junk. If the car was meant to have a turbo, Nissan would have made one a option and charged accordingly. Most likely they considered long-term reliability and expensive warranty work as reasons to go with the NA engine.
Best advice.I too wish I'd bought a Track model instead of a Touring back in '04.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 406
Likes: 2
From: Greer, sc
I come down of the side of those who believe that most mods are a waste of time and money. Moreover, with each mod, the car's daily-driving performance declines. Engine mods fall mainly into two categories: bling and noise makers. Just because a car is offensively loud does not make it faster. Look at the diesel Lemans prototypes that Audi enters each year. They are virtually silent, but beat all competitors. Other stuff like K&N filters are just useless bling that produces little of no measurable improvement. However, two earlier suggestions seem brilliant: driving lessons and replacing worn stuff with new parts.
Relative to the former, there was a recent Top or 5th Gear show that documented driving lessons versus performance bolt-ons. Lap times with a skilled driver (in the stock vehicle) beat all version of the same car after modding.
Your Track Version of the "Z", if left stock, is a really nice looking car. I really love the stock Rays wheels and gold Brembos. In fact, I put those on my '04 touring. However, given the choice, I wish my Z was a track version from the start.
If your car runs and looks good, save your money on performance junk. If the car was meant to have a turbo, Nissan would have made one a option and charged accordingly. Most likely they considered long-term reliability and expensive warranty work as reasons to go with the NA engine.
Relative to the former, there was a recent Top or 5th Gear show that documented driving lessons versus performance bolt-ons. Lap times with a skilled driver (in the stock vehicle) beat all version of the same car after modding.
Your Track Version of the "Z", if left stock, is a really nice looking car. I really love the stock Rays wheels and gold Brembos. In fact, I put those on my '04 touring. However, given the choice, I wish my Z was a track version from the start.
If your car runs and looks good, save your money on performance junk. If the car was meant to have a turbo, Nissan would have made one a option and charged accordingly. Most likely they considered long-term reliability and expensive warranty work as reasons to go with the NA engine.
If I didn't want to mod I would buy an econo **** box
Registered User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 6
From: Erie, PA
"Modding is a luxury, and a passion to making your car different then others... If you mod yes reliability will decrease due to additional hp and added non factory parts...
If I didn't want to mod I would buy an econo **** box"
Toneloc you make a good point in favor of modding, if it's one's intention to customize his/her car. If making a fashion statement is the goal, then various accessories will separate your car for others. However, I am not convinced that the (ridiculous) prices paid for these engine and suspension mods really add to a car's overall performance and, as you state, "will often decrease reliability due to additional hp".
However, few would consider an un-modded "Z" an "econo****box"? While it's no rare collectible, it's certainly distinctive for an affordable sports car and better looking than many. It's like saying that if one had a new Ferrari it would be too pedestrian unless one changed out its stock wheels with 24" rims and racing stripes. Often profession designers employed by manufacturers have a better than average sense of style or at least better than most of us. A good example is to read the negative feedback given to some ugly mods when the photos are posted on this website. Or just look at the number of postings asking for help when their new (oversized) rims and tires rub the fenders or their car is now too low to make it up the driveway. Oddly enough, these problems don't arise if one avoids mods, because factory designers anticipate these potential problems when deciding on wheel size and ride height. Hence my reluctance to spend money on mods that often don't work as promised.
If I didn't want to mod I would buy an econo **** box"
Toneloc you make a good point in favor of modding, if it's one's intention to customize his/her car. If making a fashion statement is the goal, then various accessories will separate your car for others. However, I am not convinced that the (ridiculous) prices paid for these engine and suspension mods really add to a car's overall performance and, as you state, "will often decrease reliability due to additional hp".
However, few would consider an un-modded "Z" an "econo****box"? While it's no rare collectible, it's certainly distinctive for an affordable sports car and better looking than many. It's like saying that if one had a new Ferrari it would be too pedestrian unless one changed out its stock wheels with 24" rims and racing stripes. Often profession designers employed by manufacturers have a better than average sense of style or at least better than most of us. A good example is to read the negative feedback given to some ugly mods when the photos are posted on this website. Or just look at the number of postings asking for help when their new (oversized) rims and tires rub the fenders or their car is now too low to make it up the driveway. Oddly enough, these problems don't arise if one avoids mods, because factory designers anticipate these potential problems when deciding on wheel size and ride height. Hence my reluctance to spend money on mods that often don't work as promised.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 406
Likes: 2
From: Greer, sc
"Modding is a luxury, and a passion to making your car different then others... If you mod yes reliability will decrease due to additional hp and added non factory parts...
If I didn't want to mod I would buy an econo **** box"
Toneloc you make a good point in favor of modding, if it's one's intention to customize his/her car. If making a fashion statement is the goal, then various accessories will separate your car for others. However, I am not convinced that the (ridiculous) prices paid for these engine and suspension mods really add to a car's overall performance and, as you state, "will often decrease reliability due to additional hp".
However, few would consider an un-modded "Z" an "econo****box"? While it's no rare collectible, it's certainly distinctive for an affordable sports car and better looking than many. It's like saying that if one had a new Ferrari it would be too pedestrian unless one changed out its stock wheels with 24" rims and racing stripes. Often profession designers employed by manufacturers have a better than average sense of style or at least better than most of us. A good example is to read the negative feedback given to some ugly mods when the photos are posted on this website. Or just look at the number of postings asking for help when their new (oversized) rims and tires rub the fenders or their car is now too low to make it up the driveway. Oddly enough, these problems don't arise if one avoids mods, because factory designers anticipate these potential problems when deciding on wheel size and ride height. Hence my reluctance to spend money on mods that often don't work as promised.
If I didn't want to mod I would buy an econo **** box"
Toneloc you make a good point in favor of modding, if it's one's intention to customize his/her car. If making a fashion statement is the goal, then various accessories will separate your car for others. However, I am not convinced that the (ridiculous) prices paid for these engine and suspension mods really add to a car's overall performance and, as you state, "will often decrease reliability due to additional hp".
However, few would consider an un-modded "Z" an "econo****box"? While it's no rare collectible, it's certainly distinctive for an affordable sports car and better looking than many. It's like saying that if one had a new Ferrari it would be too pedestrian unless one changed out its stock wheels with 24" rims and racing stripes. Often profession designers employed by manufacturers have a better than average sense of style or at least better than most of us. A good example is to read the negative feedback given to some ugly mods when the photos are posted on this website. Or just look at the number of postings asking for help when their new (oversized) rims and tires rub the fenders or their car is now too low to make it up the driveway. Oddly enough, these problems don't arise if one avoids mods, because factory designers anticipate these potential problems when deciding on wheel size and ride height. Hence my reluctance to spend money on mods that often don't work as promised.
I don't understand why your bias towards someone modding there car... I'm talking tasteful modding... Is the 30hp I've made overstock worth the HP per dollar ratio? No... If I want power I'll go buy a cbr1000rr for 5 grand.
Each car has its pros and con's...
Some make power with easy mods... But have weak rear ends and shitty suspension. Some engine are efficient from factory with leaves small gains in modding unless boosted.. Great rear ends and suspension which is the 350z.
Registered User
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 277
From: arizona
You mod your car for YOU. How YOU wanr it to respond to YOUR driving style. Every car has a weak point and a strong point. Every owner has their own taste and preference. You dont mod for anyone elses. You mod for YOU.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 406
Likes: 2
From: Greer, sc
Registered User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 123
Likes: 6
From: Erie, PA
Tonelec,
If you recall from the first posting in this thread, a member asked if he should mod his 2003 Track Z with 150K miles. Some of those responding advised him to do mods while others (myself included) recommended that he leave his car alone. It appears from later postings that his original question devolved into a broader argument about one's right to mod his or her car. I don't recall that any of my postings were critical of an individual's right to do what he/she wanted to their cars. They were intended to address the the original question and to express my opinion that most mods are overly expensive with often negative results.
However, under the 1st Amendment, we are all entitled to freedom of speech and expression and that includes your right to mod as much as you choose. It was never my intentions to be critical of you or any others who exercise that right and, in all fairness, it does make for a more colorful and interesting world. So its hope that my opinion (although in dissent of modding) is not taken personally.
If you recall from the first posting in this thread, a member asked if he should mod his 2003 Track Z with 150K miles. Some of those responding advised him to do mods while others (myself included) recommended that he leave his car alone. It appears from later postings that his original question devolved into a broader argument about one's right to mod his or her car. I don't recall that any of my postings were critical of an individual's right to do what he/she wanted to their cars. They were intended to address the the original question and to express my opinion that most mods are overly expensive with often negative results.
However, under the 1st Amendment, we are all entitled to freedom of speech and expression and that includes your right to mod as much as you choose. It was never my intentions to be critical of you or any others who exercise that right and, in all fairness, it does make for a more colorful and interesting world. So its hope that my opinion (although in dissent of modding) is not taken personally.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 406
Likes: 2
From: Greer, sc
Tonelec,
If you recall from the first posting in this thread, a member asked if he should mod his 2003 Track Z with 150K miles. Some of those responding advised him to do mods while others (myself included) recommended that he leave his car alone. It appears from later postings that his original question devolved into a broader argument about one's right to mod his or her car. I don't recall that any of my postings were critical of an individual's right to do what he/she wanted to their cars. They were intended to address the the original question and to express my opinion that most mods are overly expensive with often negative results.
However, under the 1st Amendment, we are all entitled to freedom of speech and expression and that includes your right to mod as much as you choose. It was never my intentions to be critical of you or any others who exercise that right and, in all fairness, it does make for a more colorful and interesting world. So its hope that my opinion (although in dissent of modding) is not taken personally.
If you recall from the first posting in this thread, a member asked if he should mod his 2003 Track Z with 150K miles. Some of those responding advised him to do mods while others (myself included) recommended that he leave his car alone. It appears from later postings that his original question devolved into a broader argument about one's right to mod his or her car. I don't recall that any of my postings were critical of an individual's right to do what he/she wanted to their cars. They were intended to address the the original question and to express my opinion that most mods are overly expensive with often negative results.
However, under the 1st Amendment, we are all entitled to freedom of speech and expression and that includes your right to mod as much as you choose. It was never my intentions to be critical of you or any others who exercise that right and, in all fairness, it does make for a more colorful and interesting world. So its hope that my opinion (although in dissent of modding) is not taken personally.
Kudos to you good day!
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