Hello, I'm new to this forum and I'm pretty excited to get involved in this community. I just got my 350Z roadster a few weeks ago from my uncle, and driving that thing is just too much fun. This is my first car, so I want to do everything I can to maintain it at peak condition.

I have a silver 2005 350Z roadster automatic transmission that I can switch over to manual. I want to do some upgrades on it, like tinted windows, taillights, new front lip, etc, but money is going to be an issue so I'm just going to start off with some minor upgrades and such.

Anyway, do you guys have any tips on how to maintain a 350Z at its best condition? I know about doing oil changes and tune ups. Is there any way I can do some mods to the engine to improve the mileage and fuel economy on the car?

 

Congrats on the car! Nothing better than top down. People will probably tell you little bolt ons will gain only minimal gains on this engine. But going F/I is the way to go. I would start with an exhaust and a drop in filter.

I would suggest doing a little searching. There are a lot of maintenance threads. Talk to your Uncle on what services have already been performed. Talk to your local dealership for any recalls, and what the reccommended service intervals are. The owners manual also has these intervals.

 

You have a sports car. If you want to save mileage, drive slow or leave it parked in the garage.

Basically, the only way to save gas, is by "not" romping on the gas pedal.

 

Performance mods = bad gas mileage

I would just keep it stock with the exception of an exhaust and intake, give it a nice growl..

This is the order I did my mods for my Roadster

1) Rims
2) Suspension & Sway bars
3) Exhaust & Intake
4) Body kit
5) upgraded to 06' headlights and taillights

Unless you plan on taking your car to the track I wouldn't worry about trying to make it go faster... It's fast enough stock..

Oh yea, welcome to the Roadster club

 

haha thanks. yeah, i dont plan on doing any crazy racing or anything like that. im more concerned with customizing my car and making it look less like a stock car.

and xtrmspd, thanks for pointing out that i have a sports car. i realize what that little category entails. i just want to see if i can make any improvements.

 

No problem. I'm just glad to know you understand what you have. If you want to keep it simple and change the looks a bit, follow Built2Shredz's list. This is the advice, I give my friends when they want to keep it simple. But, if you're a guy with a sports car, nothing stays simple. Trust me.

BTW, congrats on being a Z owner.

 

Congrats on your ZR....
I first started with all the cosmetic mods. Try to stay away from replica's IMHO.
1. 7" s2k shorty antenna (btw I have some new ones for sale)
2. I made my own innovative polyurethane grille.
3. Evo-R LED's turn signals...replaced my refelectors or you can go with clear front reflectors.
4. Veilside v-1 lip (you can choose other mft.)
5. Greddy side skirts ("" "")
6. I now have the new elia rear skirt diffuser going on soon once I get my nismo exhaust put on in a couple of weeks. I just made a great deal on the nismo.
7. Aftermarket fuel door
8. Rear deck wing (my only replica, cheaply priced but it cost me plenty to have the pros install it perfectly on the horizonal line of the trunk)
9. 2k6 LED tails
Under the hood...
10. JWT Pop-charger for that added growl
11. Hose locks & cap covers & etc. & other engine bay tid-bits for looks.
12. Plenum spacer kit

For me...I waited about 3 years to reseach my rims & tires....wheels are a huge investment & I wanted to be throughly sure what I was getting into in regards to quality, offsets & on & on. I only pay with cash....so it takes me time to get what I want. Good Luck! Soon you will have the mod bug!
Oh yeah....I never pay retail price! I did all of the mods myself except the rear deck wing & LED hook-up.

Here's my ZR...

 

nice SluggoZ I like it a lot.

 

Thanks man! ZR

 

What is the make and model of your wheels/tires(specs) and offset?
thanks

 

wow man, thats a sweet ride you built yourself there. one of my friends told me NEVER to buy retail on cosmetic mods because you can find the same quality stuff secondhand. im probably going to wait on my wheels for last. my priorities right now are front lip, side skirts, and tinted tail lights.

 

oh and, how much are your shorty antennas for?

 

PM sent.

 

Congrats on your new ZR! IMO... cosmetic upgrades are the way to go first. I changed my front bumper & added a new spoiler. Then changed my exhaust to give it a new sound. Next will be wheels only because those are big investments & want to make sure they are the ones I really like.

 

I agree man. I'm saving wheels for last, but I am deciding whether I should get black or gunmetal rims.