Sorry guys, I know how some of you hate these kind of posts, but i've searched through the forums and read though many posts to no avail. Im looking to buy a 2003 350Z and the price is right, but the seller has no idea what package it is. I read the guide on how to tell them apart but it seems to have conflicting info on this particular car. It has cloth seats, nothing on the steering wheel, base sound system, 6 speed.. It does have what seems to be cruse control on the left side of the dash but no traction control switches, as well as a small spoiler and metallic pedals, but those might be after market

Is there any visual clues to find out if this car has LDS? Do the differential components look different from one another? Can i do something simple like peel out and see if both tires spin? I've already called nissan and they have no idea.

Thanks!

 

thats a base model from your description iirc..

 

Complete specifications for each year and each model can be found here: http://www.nissanhelp.com/.

 

I just tested it and indeed both tires spin out..

 

''LOL, you have LSD! Its an Enthusiast Model!

 

No other way to tell then? Is it possible that someone added LSD to a base model?

 

You said it has Cruise and cloth Seats and no VDC, right?

Then its an Enthusiast Model!

 

I totally believe you, but i just want to be sure as i really want the LSD and don't want to overpay for a base model. I was wondering if there are any visual clues in the rear end of the Z? thanks!

 

No.

 

FYI, cruise control is located on the steering wheel, not the left side of the dash.

It sounds to me like the car is a Base model.

If you "tested" it by just dumping the clutch, then of course both tires will spin, as there is equal force in a straight line.

However, where you would notice it, is in a corner. Get going about 5-10mph in first gear, cut the wheel hard, and gun it. If it easily spins around, then it's probably got a LSD.

OR, you could just run the VIN number to see what it is...

-Tim

 

Thanks for you response Tim, I already called nissan with the vin # and they couldn't say what model it was. I'll try your idea.. I also found a much more simple solution:

"Jack up the which ever end is in question to get the tires off the ground. Put the transmission in neutral and spin one of the tires by hand.
If the opposite tire spins in the same direction, you have a limited slip differential. "

 

No problem, if the dealership couldn't help you by the VIN, you should either try a different dealership, or, try CarFAX.

They have a free report on their site that doesn't go into much detail, but it may list what model the car is.


Keep in mind that the LSD that is offered in the 350z is a Viscous type, meaning that it uses the fluid in the differential to operate. Similar to a torque converter in an automatic transmission.

I can't say for sure if just turning the wheels by hand will be enough to make the LSD operate properly.

Maybe someone else can chime in on that for you.

-Tim

 

I looked into it:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limited_slip_differential

Seems a little over my head, but now im not sure if my simple tire spin test will work..

 

VIN number will not tell you what model it is.

If no buttons on steering wheel, it is a Base. End of discussion.

Yes, it could have had LSD added after-market.

 

If it has cruise, you have an LSD. If it doesn't, you don't.

 

hid's?

 

there is a sticker in your drivers door frame, there will be a "Trim" listed.

here is the list.
2
2007 Nismo 350Z
3
35th Anniversary 350Z
B
Base
E
Enthusiast
G
Grand Touring
N
Nissan 350Z Roadster
P
Performance
T
Touring
Track

 

Its a base dude. No buttons on the steering wheel equals base. Buttons on the left side of the dash are dimmer switches.

 

I'm more concerend whether he can discern a food battle over a model battle...

jk, we need your help....

 

PooP Face