Alright, I bought my z a few weeks ago and the antenna was broken. I usually don't listen to too much radio, but I like to every now and then. I was getting really fuzzy/shitty reception, so I figured if I bought a new "stylish" antenna, everything would be fine.
I bought a shorty antenna off ebay and I was excited to put it on and have looks and reception, (like the ad said) but all I had was looks. Absolutely ZERO reception.
So I did some research and seen that a lot of people say go with the s2000 antennas or dodge avenger antenna since they both work great and look good.
I picked up my avenger antenna today, screwed it it, and I get just about the same reception that I had with the broken stock antenna; maybe better.
I checked my antenna cable to make sure whoever installed the radio didn't leave it loose, but its connected to that back of the radio right.
I'm disappointed. Anyone have any ideas as to why my reception still blows? Thanks.

 

Mine blows as well.. I got a shorty antenna off an Acura RDX... I don't listen to the radio so I never messed with it but I am curious what the outcome is. My cable going to my headunit is plugged in snug.

 

Ive tried a shorty off a mazda, s2000, and even the stock antenna is garbage..

I got a blox super short one and called it a day...I only listen to pandora now lol

 

Haha, so it sounds like I'm pretty much f'd as of now.

 

I just listen to CDs

 

Got a shorty CARBON FIBER ON MY z.No difference from the OEM antenna.
Just as good.

 

There are lots of cool looking antennas available for the 350Z. Reception is crap but they do look cool.

 

There is an Antenna signal amplifier down under the spare tire well. It gets 12V power from the stock head unit wiring harness. Since your head unit has been changed, it’s possible that the signal amp is no longer receiving power and is the cause of your poor reception.

Check the wiring diagrams on this site for details.

 

Look at this as an opportunity to get a new head unit w/ mp3

 

^^^ Thank you! I was hoping to get a response like this. I'll look into it and get at it tomorrow morning.

I got a pretty good radio in there, so I'm not interested in a new one. Lol.

 

just get an s2000 antenna.

 

I went the Avenger route, which was supposed to be just as good, but I think my question has been answered. I'll have it confirmed tomorrow...hopefully.

 

Did your antenna come with the Swirls on it? seems like Dodge dose not make it without the Swirls any more? must of only been the first antenna production models only.?

 

Yeah, the one I have has the rigid swirl all the way down it. My girlfriend drives an 08 Avenger and hers is the regular smooth one, no swirls.

 

Yeah i called the Dodge/Chrysler dealer today and they had them in stock so i asked him to check if it had swirls on it and turns out they do :/ THe guy from parts says that that's how they make them now? He mentioned the design is For "sound" Reduction?. So i ended up buying The Acura Rdx one insted that i had on hold picked it up today funny how im just getting to the shorter antenna after owning the car for 4 years haha.

 

Haha, I didn't really care how the antenna looked, I just wanted it shorter than stock and I wanted it to get some reception. I don't think it looks too bad on my Z though in all honesty.

I still haven't fixed my reception for my radio yet either. Maybe I'll do that after I do some repair work on my front bumper.

 

Yeah i dont think its that bad either, I just prefer it without swirls.
whats wrong with your reception? antenna doesn't work?

 

When I try to listen to the radio I get really spotty reception. It's never good, and almost always fuzzy. So people are saying it's probably my antenna amplifier not getting power.

 

There should be a blue wire connected to the "power antenna" socket on the back of the head unit. That was probably left disconnected when your radio was installed. You might check to make certain that wire is connected.

 

I've had no ambition at all lately to do this, but I may have to go check that out here in a sec. All I'm doing is sitting on my *** trolling the forum anyway lol. Thanks for the advice, I'll let you know what I find.