Owner of a 2007 350z Base. Muffler system has an air leak near the flange pipes so I'm getting a complete new stock cat-back installed this upcoming week. My question is; should I bother having the mechanic do some maintenance such as carbon cleaning while he is already working on the car? I had it done on my 2008 Altima before I got my Z and I felt a slight difference in acceleration and was pleased. I'm inexperienced with all of the technicalities but I'm just seeking advice on if it's worth it or not to get a carbon cleaning for my Z.

 

^^ I wouldn't do this. --Spike

 

I use a snap-on fuel care about every 50-60,000 miles on everything I own, and it does work. It's technically an injector cleaning machine, but also does a wonderful job on the intake valves and can also help clean out the cats.

On my Titan it brought both banks' fuel trims back to even at about 85,000 miles. I did notice a smoother idle, but watching the live data stream was proof of a job well done. They suggest a plug change after doing this, but it's only necessary if you have old beat up plugs already. I changed mine.

I don't think I'd waste the money unless you have over 60,000 miles on your Z.

 

It's a waste of your $$'s.

 

Spike, do you have any past history or reasonings to why this is a waste of money? By just stating it's a waste doesn't tell me if it is or not.

myfirstzcar, thanks for the awesome feedback. My Z just hit 62k today and getting this done doesn't sound like a bad idea. I'm pleased to hear you recieved positive outcome from the work you had done.

 

I'm actually able to do it all myself, since the machine belongs to a friend who I once worked for. I would suggest doing it, but it's not necessary either. I know it works, like I said, it brought my Titan back to even fuel trims on both banks.

The trick is finding a trustworthy shop that will actually do it as opposed to charging you for nothing. Make sure it's similar to what I described and make sure you replace your plugs if they happen to be 62,000 miles old already.

 

Will do myfirstzcar. Plugs wasn't a bad idea either. Thanks again for all your help!

 

No problem, glad I could help. A little prevention goes a long way.

If you were asking about "fuel injector cleaner" for the gas tank I'd say no, it's a waste of 6 bucks.