Welcome Zracer,

I don't know too much about the aftermarket; pretty much learning by reading these forums too.

As for the Z, it is awesome. I totally love the car. The steering is precise and offers good feedback, the car corners with almost no body roll, the engine and exhaust are excellent, and I really like the simplicity and functionality of the interior. The chassis seems to be very stiff, and overall the car is a blast to drive down a twisty road. I've noticed understeer during an autoX, and occasionally on mountain roads, but as long as you stay at 9/10 then the car corners very well. If you like being on the edge, you can turn off traction control and get sideways pretty easily, but I've wouldn't recommend that for the street. When I get race tires I will probably try to put some bigger ones on the front in the attempt at neutralizing the handling, but that would only be for the track.

There are a couple of things to be aware of though.
The suspension is quite stiff, and the low profile tires can really transmit a beating to the rest of the car on rough roads. Smooth bumps are no problem, but uneven pavement, potholes, and the that type of surface can be somewhat unnerving. My car has devoloped a couple rattles over its 5000 mile life, but they both seem to be common problems. One is in the passenger visor, and the other is in the rear view mirror. Neither is constant, and both can probably be replaced under warranty, but over time the rough ride will probably take its toll on the tightness of the interior. Also, my driver's seat has some play in it, but that sounds like it is also a known problem that may be fixed later in production.

I think if you really want a sports car then you will love the Z. If you think you want a sports car, but do most of your driving on straight highways and city streets, then you may regret the decision because of the harsh ride, somewhat spartan interior, and mediocre stereo.

In closing, this car rules, but your mileage may vary.

-D'oh!

 

well said. great way to sum up the Z, if you want a sports car its perfect. that says alot.

as for aftermarket, its actually decent right now; with ALOT on the way, its only 3-4 months old, so its just a baby. but there are various exhaust systems out, 1 intake, tho 2 are coming out any day now. headers, SC, and even a greddy TT are coming soon. this car is the first of the next gen V6 super sports cars IMO. the supra, 300ZX, and RX7 were among the last generation. and they are making a come back; the aftermarket will be just as huge.

 

Thats a little optimistic dont you think?

Who is making the headers for the Z?

 

The only thing about the Z that makes it a little "wannabe" is its weight. At 3200+ lbs, the Z is heavier than some of us would like. However, that extra heft also can make the car a bit better for day to day driving.

The engine torque is fine. The peak is something like 276 lb-ft @ 4800 RPM. The tourque drops pretty rapidly after 5200, but the car still pulls strong all the way to redline. I typically cruize around 1.5-3K RPM (3000 in 6th = 80mph), and the car was quite fast during the 1200 mile break in, when I only went to 1/2 throttle and 4000 RPM. However, once you get used to revving, it becomes more and more difficult to shortshift. At least for me.

I preordered on Feb 2, without a test drive, because I knew I wanted the Z as soon as I saw the orange prototype. If you aren't as sure as I was, I highly recommend a test drive. You may need to search a bit for a good dealer, but I'm sure you can find one who will let you take the car out.

-D'oh!

 

GT-S' are nice,..but Sorry--->ITR OWNZ!

ITR ownz just about all---?it, is dubbed the best handling Front wheel drive car EVER!
(Integra Type-R)

I traded a RSX-S in for my Z,...best damn trade ever as well.Its Like going from a Bike to a motorcycle!

Its a whole diffrent World!
IMO to sum it up,..its quite like a(Stock) TT Supra,.I have driven them quite a few times,.(hard and Cruise Mode)--Sounds just like em I THINk!,..and has a little bit of a Secondary Turbo Cross-over feel to it.I was intending on buying a TT Supra,..but damn,..most are Ragged and can't get financed long enough to afford the damn thing!!
BUt If you haven't got a 350 yet,...drive it and its all over!You will want it.Thats what happened to me!