daniel89

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of looking for a 6speed 350z and I would prefer to get a 2007+ 350z for the improved HR engine. However, the ones that I find happen to be base trims that have the open differential. I've also found some of the 03-06 non-base trims that have the limited slip differential and TCS.

I'm not going to be taking the Z to the track..but maybe a rare joy ride down the back roads. Anyway, with my limited knowledge, I know that the LSD and TCS can be very helpful in the elements, even though I'm from TX, and other circumstances.

Here are my options:

1. 03-06 350 w/ LSD & TCS - DE engine
2. 07-09 350 base. Without LSD & TCS - HR engine
2. 07-09 350 w/ LSD & TCS - HR engine

This will me my fun daily driver, not for racing and will stay stock.


Q.What would you recommend for me?
Q.What would you get if it was you?

Thanks

mr. sparco

iTrader: (13)

If you're not hitting the track you won't even notice the lack of lsd or tcs on daily commutes. Get the HR.

Shane86

iTrader: (1)

As the owner of a HR Base, i don't know how they ever sold this car without an LSD of some form. It's incredibly frustrating to drive with an open differential, and the lack of TCS in any form just adds insult to injury.

I bought my base, because i knew i was going to be replacing whatever differential came in the Z i bought, but the first few months i drove it before i pulled the trigger were some of the most annoyed I'd spent. The car has far too much power to put it down properly through one wheel, and that was rolling around on 285s on 11" wheels. I can't imagine trying to do it on the stock ones.

That being said, i don't regret buying a base, as it's my track toy and i appreciate the lighter weight and lack of stability aids that would just mess with my driving now that i have a proper differential.

BigBlue

iTrader: (4)

Take the HR!

POS VETT

I'd take the HR with TCS (****NOT VDC****) and LSD. I can't stand cars without a cruise control, so base 350Z would be out.

That said, the viscous LSD is pretty much as frustrating as the open differential.

Zmandriving

I got an 07 hr base but I uprgraded to quaiffe differential and couldn't be happier. I also have done suspension overhaul. You really dont need cruise control or tcs, but if you feel more safe with it then go for the one that has it. Personally I new I was going to mod the car so going with a base made most sense for me.

The_Assassin

I bought a base 350z and I get on it a lot. No lsd and it doesn't bother me one bit. Get the hr.

SQuaLZ

Get a HR. I got my 08 base and swapped in a used VLSD. Been happy ever since.

MonkeyMagic72

iTrader: (2)

OEM Vlsd > open diff, aftermarket LSD > oem vlsd, LSD > TCS AND VDC. HR > DE and RevUp. So HR with base is the best way to go. Then upgrade aftermarket LSD later if you want to. It is a lot easier to swap out the LSD than to swap out the motor.

SQuaLZ

Agree. Didn't take long at all. Took half a day with a buddy and that was with taking a bunch of breaks and taking our time.

blue350zed

iTrader: (14)

HR with open diff, then put a good unit in. OEM diff is nothing to brag about, had one in my '03. Bought a base '07 and went with the Carbonetic diff. Much better.

LeonardiZ

I can honestly say that whatever you buy NEEDS to have some kind of LSD in it sooner or later. I totally agree with all the guys here that said no LSD is the most frustrating thing ever on a z. With that being said, HR for sure if you can get your hands on it.

SQuaLZ

I have owned my car for 5 years now officially (just made my last payment WOOT WOOT) and installed the OEM VLSD about 6 months ago. So I basically drove the HR with open diff for 4 1/2 years, and I have to say, yes of course the LSD makes a difference, but it also really depends on what you are using the car for.

I felt that the times I really suffered was when I did AutoX events, of course, and when it rained and snowed. In the dry with normal street driving you couldn't tell the difference.

Now that I have put some miles on the VLSD, I can understand why people have upgraded that also. I mean it is much much better than having the open diff, but it is also not AMAZING.

With all that being said, here is my advice for you.

If you can afford a HR, do that. No doubt about it. Also try to shoot for a 08, as the 07 had some clutch issues on some of them, plus it is also a year newer lol. If the HR is at the top of your price range and you cannot afford the higher trims, try to find a good enthusiast. The extras would be worth it. If you cannot afford it then go for a base, you will not be let down at all. I love my base; however, I am also the type of person that is not into creature comforts. I just like to drive.

Now if you do get the base and want the VLSD, just keep an eye on this forum and buy a pumpkin when it comes up. Depending on your mechanical ability, a pumpkin is just a lot easier. Also, make sure it is a 6MT pumpkin, as the autos have different gearing. Don't rush to get the pumpkin, just keep an eye out and you will find a good one. Then just change the fluid and bolt that baby up. And bam you have a 350Z with VLSD!

RacingBlack350Z

I say just get the hr and if its a base, save some money (if you are able to invest it) and buy an aftermarket lsd. There are plenty out there that work much better than the stock vlsd (os giken, nismo, cusco) and the owners have great reviews.

samsniss350z

A lot depends on what you're going to use the car for. If its for plenty of track days then go for a decent LSD. If you're doing a lot of your driving on the roads and very little track work i'd go for the HR every time.

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

expand your search options or wait for new ones to come to market. HR + having an LSD are worth it. don't settle because you were impatient, new cars come to market all the time!

BH!

iTrader: (1)

HR Base + Clutch type diff later.

musubi

iTrader: (1)

My personal opinion is to pick up the HR with the LSD (VLSD) and change it out later if you feel it's necessary. I've taken my Z on countless spirited drives and AutoX with the VLSD and it's fine for me. A non-viscous LSD would out perform the VLSD, but I'm thinking for your needs, the VLSD is fine.

Good luck with your decision and hope you find what you're looking for.