jminor5

Hey guys new member here site looks awesome! I'm looking at an 06 350 that is immaculate and the guy put an exedy clutch in it. Now I have not drove one with a stock clutch but the pedal on this one engages right near the top and fairly hard if you dont let it out right you get a rear end chatter plus the pedal is quite firm.. Its almost a deal breaker for me because me wife will be driving it. Can you guys shed some light also anything else I may need to watch for? Is any year 350 good? Thanks everyone Hope to be aboard real soon!!

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

The '06 USDM Z33 used the VQ35DE rev-up engine. That engine is known to use more oil than the standard VQ35DE or VQ35HR engines. Not sure about Canadian models, though. The clutch sounds like it might be a challenge for your wife, but only you can say for sure. Maybe have her test drive it?

jminor5

It did say rev on the speedo.. Are the stock clutches softer then? I know it is too much, I'm experienced at standard, moreso than her, and I was looking like a rookie.. Better to stick to 04-05?

Pengu

iTrader: (9)

Stock clutches are a big heavier than standard automobiles you might be used to. At least in my opinion they are, nothing sever, just a bit heavier. Some rattle is common in these cars. However, as someone said above that year is prone to oil consumption I was victim to it once . My 06 was burning about 3.5-4 quarts every 3,000 miles. I got rid of it very soon after. If you can hold out for an 07-08 as they are a gift from Nissan god.

Whatever route you go, good luck and welcome.

MicVelo

Can't speak for '06 in particular but clutches in our cars seem to be all over the map based on the different cars I've driven.

Based on my own cars however, the difference between my '03 Enthusiast and my '08 with the HR engine are SEVERELY different. '03 has the "stiffest clutch ever driven" according to my other half while my rants over my '08's "uber light clutch with too high engagement" are legendary. (Which I have parts to fix but have not yet done anything with it.)

I would, at this point, either let your wife drive it and then decide or just pass altogether and keep looking. Way I see it, if you don't like it now, it's not going to get any better. There are fixes for either condition (soft/heavy) but it'll cost you on top of the vehicle cost.

Mic

PP08HR

iTrader: (2)

No dude look for an 07-08. Bad *** motors in those.


Clutch does release higher than any car I've driven and there's a whole thread on how to lower the engagement point. Although I haven't done it. I have no experience with that clutch but my stock one is nice and easy.

frivoloushobby

If the clutch is a big deal, look into an RJM pedal assembly. Very nice, even with a stock clutch. One thing I forgot to check in all my giddiness was the inside front tire wear. I ended up getting new tires a few weeks after buying it. From what I gather it's a problem associated with the earlier years (03 in my case). Not a huge deal, just regular alignments.

slow7

iTrader: (1)

i keep hearing oil consumption on 06 models even on my friends but nvr had a problem with mine anyways have ur wife test drive it if she going to drive it, and like others say i would also wait for 07-08 are the best years to get

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

The clutch does take some getting used too. Its not a buttery smooth normal car clutch. Ive driven everything from 18 wheelers to farm tractors and my 04 took a good few weeks before I didnt get nervous at a red light with an incline at the stop line. But like anything you get used too it. I went in a bmw the other day and immediately stalled that **** out because the clutch was like a wet noodle. Another thing you will need to get used too is the blind spots. The 350z is a great car 03-08 they all have their quirks but they are a fun car too drive, and a fun car to own. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Also this forum is full of priceless information after 13 years if its been thought of its probably been discussed.

jminor5

I looked at another 06 and they said the oil burning issue has been resolved.. Any idea what that involves? I will look 07-08 for sure!

jminor5

Update:
Guy just emailed me back and said Nissan installed a new motor on warranty... Sound familiar? Is it only some motors here and there or are they all prone to it?

PP08HR

iTrader: (2)

That could've been the case but it still would've been the same type of motor. Unless parts were updated or something.

How many miles are on it and which edition? Is it a base model?

I guess it really depends how much he's asking if its a good deal or not.

jminor5

90kms, motor done at 70kms on warranty. Touring edition, 6 SPD in blue he wants $15+ Canadian I offered 13.. I assumed it would be updated as it was done awhile ago and they should have a fix..

PP08HR

iTrader: (2)

That cars value is floats around 10k American. You could get an 07-08 for 13-15k if you're patient.

15k CAD is about 11k US. I would say even if running great and in good shape that is a little too much unless it comes with like an extended warranty, alarm and a low interest rate. Unless of course she's the most beautiful thing you've ever seen and you fall in love.

I almost bought a few Zs before I picked up my HR I am sooooo friggin' glad I waited.

jminor5

HR??

PP08HR

iTrader: (2)

Let me add. That is not a bad deal or a good deal. Its pretty much right there.

PP08HR

iTrader: (2)

lol.. Sorry. The 07-08 motor is called vq35hr. As opposed to the vq35de would be what the 03-06 have.

jminor5

Gotcha! The first one I was talking about with original motor and the clutch I was struggling with is an exedy stage 2 with stage 2 flywheel.. I'm thinking that clutch and motor is a deal breaker now.. Car is beautiful unfortunately

jminor5

This one has adjustable coilovers on it and tires are new so who knows although that could be an indicator...
Is that RJM assembly a game changer for sure??

jminor5

Also what hp difference between 06-07?