Hi all!

I currently own a Honda S2000 and even though the people at the s2ki forums don't seem to think too highly of the 350z, I have always liked them. I was thinking about making the jump over to a turbo or supercharged 350z to use as a daily driver but wasn't sure what extra maintenance and related costs to expect. I don't really have prior experience with turbo or supercharged setups for any cars but I have been doing research and I'm liking the idea more and more. I miss torque to say the least after having owned an e46 M3 and want back in a v6 beast without having to make car payments . I don't want any extreme boost, just mild enough to have some fun in and possibly take to a track day here and there. With proper care, would the motor and/or turbo setup last as long as it would N/A? What above normal costs would I have to expect or save for in the long run? I don't plan on just beating on the car and dumping it, but would rather like to keep it as long as possible, if not forever. I would love to delve into the world of turbos and supercharges and what better way than to own one myself! I would also be able to purchase one in cash and have enough set aside for a rainy day. If anyone has any thoughts, ideas, or input that would be great!

Sorry if this was posted 100000000 times but was just wondering if anyone had recommendations in my personal situation. Overall, I am not sure if it is smart for me to jump the gun into a F/I car but I've always wanted one. It also scares me that I think I know what to expect when it comes to cost and maintenance when I really don't. I am pretty busy with work and will not have a whole lot of time to tinker with the car or take it to the shop every other week for this and that. But, maybe, just maybe, the costs to own a F/I 350z is in my ballpark!

Thanks!
Ross

 

Have you driven and NA Z yet, you may not need boost.

IMO the S2k is a better trackday car, the Z has a few shortcomings that need to be addressed before it can hang with an S2k. (brakes, rubber(width) and sways)

 

I have not actually driven an N/A 350z yet but I will soon. I know handling wise it will be a big jump from an s2k. Also, considering that I could have purchased a boosted 350z for cheaper than I purchased my s2k, I want to try that route out first. I figure I can always part out the turbo/supercharger or sell the car and pick up an N/A 350z if I'm unhappy with it. The turbo/supercharger world is also one that I haven't explored yet but have always been intrigued by. But I might just wait for the 370z if I go the N/A route.

 

I highly recommend you drive an N/A Z first. Then base your decision on that. Personally, if I were you, I would buy an 07 or 08 Z. The new 370Z is coming out soon so you may be able to get a bit of a better deal... not to mention the 07/08s have slightly more hp than previous years and higher revving. Okay, off this topic.

Handling (factory), I feel is acceptable, but far from spectacular. I enjoy the way the Z handles but after learning the car over the past 8 months or so, I'm left with a disgust towards corners and body roll. Spring I'll be investing in a proper suspension... coilovers, camber kits and sways. I'm content with the power the Z has from factory but I'm not as much of a "straight line" guy... I prefer handling.

When I drove my friends S2k I was thoroughly impressed by the handling from the factory. After his full suspension, I was blown away by how that damn thing stuck to the ground. The only thing the car lacked (imo) was a bit more hp/tq. That's the reason I bought a Z over the S2k.

One thing I learned from a friend's firsthand experience, never... ever buy someone elses boosted car (unless it's factory, even then I would be hesitant). I've seen so many people get screwed because of that... the fact of the matter is that most people don't do everything right. If you know/trust the person, that's a different story.

Back to your question: drive a factory Z, consider buying N/A as you can get some great deals on the 03-05 now (though I would recommend an 07/08), and no matter what you do, don't buy an 06

Search around a little bit, there is quite a large thread for people to post in that are boosted. How long the motor lasted, if it blew up and why. Quite informative and useful. If I wasn't at work, I would find it for you.

 

Get a Nismo. I've driven my car and s2ks, and put my car up against s2ks and it's no contest.

 

My car is no contest against an S2k as well. Once you get a decent suspension done to any Z you will have still spent less than a Nismo would have cost (extra) and still be able to out handle one any day.

This has been argued time and time again... though, it is what it is. If you like your Nismo, that's all that matters.

 

Like the rest have said drive a N/A after driving a S2K you may think you are in a Turbo charged vehicle or why not just Turbo Charge your S2k. I've driven the Honda S2k and prefer the engine over the RX-8 but room the Rx-8 and Z is a bigger car. I'm 6'3 225lbs and a S2K gets to feeling pretty tight after an hour or two, I definitely couldn't imagine driving it everyday, though I really like how it shifts and handles. What I like about the Z is that it is a nice compromise between easy power, good handling and nice amenities compared to the S2K.

What I found with the S2k is that in order to go fast you have to do alot of shifting or lay on the throttle beween each shift/ run the rpms up. Now thats fun for a little while but not so much fun when a big truck is bearing down on ya. In the Z its just a stab of the right foot and its on in any gear, it head snachting fun. Drive one and see for yourself. Turbo charged you are asking for more maintenance and probably an accident coming from a low torque S2k.

Each to there own the S2k is a better autocross car but who Xcross every where they drive.

 

Honda drivers don't like the Z?

Go figure...

 

I'm with everyone else here...drive an NA Z before you jump on the FI train...NA Z's have too much torque for a bunch of ppl to handle. (I'm sure if you searched you would find dozens of morons who've spun out and blamed either weather, or tires, or both.) Only reason I mention this is S2K's don't have much torque, so this will be a new thing for you....and I'd hate for your next thread to be "wow this thing comes around fast...I totaled my new Z".

I'm with the others on another point...don't buy someone elses FI car. you'll be buying whatever mistakes they made.

and NO an FI car doesn't last as long as the same car NA. as a general rule you can say HP and lifespan are inverse to each other....more of one, less of the other. (some may disagree on this point, but that's okay, cause I know I'm right).

 

Well, he had a E46 M3, which is similar torque wise to the Z. So I'm sure he knows what a Z feels like in that way.

I had a E46 M3 before having the Z, and they're comparable powerwise. I liked the M3's handling a little better. It was a little more tight handling wise.

 

welcome to my350z hope you stay around...
there is a whole section of this forum dedicated to FI..
Since you are in so-cal, it would not be hard to find people in the regional forum that may help you out and give you rides in their na stock to slightly modded to full blown FI car.

If you do buy a Z there are a few options,
1) stock Z
2) Slightly Modded
3) Fi'd

1) Stock z you cant go wrong. it would be a great base platform to start looking around
2) Slightly modded is ok if they have done their research
3) this is a huge gamble. You may be saving up with the initial investment but you should look for people on the forums that know the seller. See if the car truely is what it is cracked up to be. Be wary of posts that are too good to be true

Going f/i on the z has many options from blowers to turbo's

Please remember the smog cops in california are not the best ppl. IF you are looking for something with Carb EO you should stick w/ blowers.. Primarily vortech or stillen. If you know ways around the smog =) let me know as well hahaha.

Forced induction does take a little bit more care. Being very religious with oil changes. Making sure you use proper gas, letting it idle down after a good romp before you turn it off.

Whatever you do goodluck and happy researching. Part of the fun is finding out what will best suit you.

 

Thanks for the input guys! The responses are what I expected. It looks like the FI route is a little too much for me as I don't even drive fast anyways. I think the fastest I've taken a turn in my S2k is about 40mph and I'm all about the MPG. That's one of the reasons why I sold my E46 M3, couldn't justify the 333hp and premium over a 325 or 330ci when I drive like a Grandma.

And yes I know torque (I did drive an E46 M3 for a year), hence why I feel the S2k REALLY lacks it. So I was wondering how a FI 350z on stock motor at lower boost would hold up if I only whooped on it maybe a few times a week. I think I hit vtec maybe only once a week when there's an open road and I'm feeling antsy. Either way I drive like a wuss.

 

Thread moved. OP, check out some of the stickied threads at the top of this section. They should help out with many of your questions...

 

I know you said you were going to drive a Z soon. Have you driven one yet? If so what were your impressions? I really think that an 07/08 NA Z would fit your needs perfectly. From what I understand 7-8 psi is around the max boost you can reliably and safely run on a stock motor(VQ35DE, not sure about the HR) and you can probably expect WHP around the 350-400 mark depending on the setup and tune(please correct me if I am wrong). Keep us updated on your progress.

 

Thanks for lunch vo!!! Are you kidding me??? If this is how you drive you are definitely not ready for F/I.

 

s2k, with Greddy turbo kit. CARB certiface and turbo FTW

 

The S2K is a great car. I almost bought one but decided that I couldn't live without the torque. I moved to the Z from a '94 RX-7. That little rotary with a twin turbo has lots of torque, and is simply amazing as you wind it out. Kind of like the S2K past 5000rpm only 5x more.

The Z is heavier, doesn't handle as well, but is a very comfortable car to drive with a lot more power than the S2K. I would never suggest going FI on the Z. First of all, for your driving style, it would be a huge waste of money and you would really take a huge reliability hit. If you really want a car that is turbocharged, I suggest you buy one that is turbocharged from the factory. You would find a lot fewer problems over time.

Drive an NA Z. You will either love it, or you will think it is a tank after driving the S2K. I love it.

 

So why haven’t you added forced induction to the Honda?

 

If you're all about the MPG, stay way clear from F/I.

 

Sounds like you bought the wrong car from the start. The S isn't a good daily driver and in my opinion you would be happier with an NA Z. The Z is a little quicker and A LOT torquier. FYI I'm an S2000 owner.... However I'm not one of the owners that is biased against Z's since originally I wanted to buy either a Z or an S. The only deciding factor that kept me from the Z was that I never wanted my weekend warrior to become my Daily Driver. I could see that happening with the Z with it being a little more civilized. Sell your S2000. I'm going to supercharge mine so I can keep up with Z's in a straight line lol. (By the way a supercharged S2000 is still very reliable.)