All,

I think I've decided on my first mods, but I wanted to get some feedback first.

I'm thinking I'm going to go with the NISMO exhaust and S Tune Suspension. My question is: Is it louder than stock? or Similar in that it is barely audible when cruising, only really heard when you accellerate?

also, Is there a noticeable power increase?

My next question is with regard to the suspension. I'm sitting on 19" Axis Milanos. I'm wondering if there's anyone out there that can post pics of their Z with the nismo s tune and sitting on 19's.

Thanks so much for your help.


Adolfo

 

The exhaust is louder than stock, expecially when the engine is under load (accelerating). Just driving around, you won't notice it too much.

It may give you 5-10 extra HP but you can't really feel that little amount.

It DOES look great and sound good. Get it for those reasons, not for performance.

Sorry, can't help with the Suspension question.

 

I have the S-Tune Suspension on 18". Here's a pix of it. You can get an idea and extrapolate from there.

 

That diffuser is amazing

 

Sound Clip of Nismo exhaust

 

I'll have a picture of 19's on S-Tune in about a week!!!

 

AWESOME!

Thanks for the quick responses guys.

ScubaSteve. Looking forward to your pic!

Nismo exhaust sounds awesome.

I'm wondering if it's quiet when cruising tho... What I don't want is a loud droaning rumble while cruising on the highway. I like how the the stock exhaust is quiet at cruising speeds.

My old Integra had a Greddy exhaust that really wore me down.

Thanks again all.

 

dont waste your money on the stune. Get a decent set of coilovers. Adjustable ride height is worth it. S tune only drops it about .75 inches i think, and thats not worth it.

 

Cruising, it is as quiet as stock until you get up above about 70 then you will definitely notice the exhaust sound.

 

I agree with mofoz, dont waist your money on the s-tune suspension. I have Tein adust. 2.0 drop , handles awesome!!! i was looking at those Axis, cant wait for you to post the pic of those. I am also looking at the volk te37's.....what fun, huh?

 

Hey chrism1, did you have to get adjustable camber arms? I heard that anything more agressive than a .8" drop requires adjustable camber arms to get aligned properly. Can you comment? Big + to the S-Tune suspension is its warranty. Nissan will add the S-Tune package to your VIN if it's bought from a dealer. That's the only reason I think it might be worth it. Otherwise, it's comparable to the TIEN Basic set-up. You do the math, that's like $700 - $1000 difference for warranty coverage. If that's worth it to you, go for it. Otherwise, there's MUCH better out there for the $$$, IMO. Good luck!

 

the suspension category and you'll see that the extra money spent on the S tune is very much worth it.

1. It doesn't void the warranty

2. It was designed specifically for your car

3. It works fantastically and does exactly what you want a suspension upgrade to do.

I never wanted my car "pimped out". I just wanted better performance.

My two cents

 

I have just installed S-Tune shocks, springs, and sway bars and the improvement is significant and I am very pleased with the result. I also have the s-tune exhaust. Under acceleration, it is definitely louder than stock, but I've also added headers, cams, hi-flow cats, and plenum. w/o all that I couldn't tell you what it does. On cruising, it is pretty much like stock except for 75 80, which someone has already said. I like the tone of the exhaust very much. Is it better than stock? Well, it's different and I don't know that I'd say better...it looks awesome and the sound is much more about the performance of the car, so I think it fits it great...after all it was designed for it. My only problem is I think I may have a defective Flex Pipe with mine, as I've got a very annoying rattle coming from that area (we've checked out every conceivable other source...and the noice eminaes from those welds). I'm giving it a couple weeks of driving, or up to about 500 miles to maybe self-correct. But that has been the biggest disappointment of all this because at startup b/w 1750 and 2000 RPM...sounds like a bad heat shield rattling and very embarrassing considering the bucks I just spent on this car. So, I hope this helps, but I don't think you'll be disappointed. It makes the car sound like an animal (per my wife)....which I don't know if that means she likes it or not (grin). I certainly do and I hope the rattle goes away otherwise I'm going back to stock and shipping the blasted thing back!

 

Thanks all for your feedback.

Especially ZMANN!

That's the kind of feedback I needed.

Question... Is the S Tune suspension much stiffer/harsher than the stock suspension or is it still quite comfortable. My car will still be a street car, not track.

Thanks again all!!!

 

sounds like you've gotten plenty of responses on the exhaust, i'll let you know my experience tomorrow when the installs of the rest of my parts are done

 

dont waste all that money on the warranty man, get a good adjustable coilover, camber arms: forn and rear


and some nice adjustable sways

tehn youre set to search for horsepower

 

S tune suspension is amazing. The ride is BETTER, is not harsh by any means, and the improved control is definitely worth the upgrade. You will really, really like it! It is very roadworthy and actually feels better in terms of just basic ride quailty, and then when you get on the corners and twisties it is just planted. I really, really, am glad I upgraded.

 

http://www.everything350z.com/exhaust.html

...good site with many exhaust notes for comparison if you are still searching. Helped me make up my mind! Of course, this clip doesn't have the rattle mine does at the current time (grin). srm

 

Agreed with what he said. Now, for those with the dreaded 03 model "freeway bounce", the S-Tune will not correct that completely. If anything, it may amplify the "bounce" on certain roads.

 

Many thanks to all!

This site rocks man!!!

I'll be going ahead with the suspension for sure.

I think I might hold off on the exhaust for now considering the "rattling" problem I keep hearing about.

I actually don't mind the "freeway hop". I only drive the car on the weekends and actully think the "hop" is kinda fun.

If the S Tune actually only improves the ride... I can't wait!!!

Thanks again guys!

Much appreciated!

Adolfo