I have a 2003 touring with about 38000 miles on it. I bought it used with 35000 miles. The car runs great! The more I drive it the more I find that it can do. What a blast.

I have noted one concern. There is an excess of carbon build up on the exhaust pipes. It doesn't seem to be burning oil and the idle is smooth.

Has anyone else had this problem and is there a solution? I appreciate any help.

Thanks

 

Yes. Clean the tips regularly. See the detailing forum for recommendations.

 

so it is not a concern with the engines performance? The carbon is in the pipe and on the lip.

 

I need to vent a little here. It turns out that the carbon I was concerned about is one of the signs of excessive oil consumption. I nearly found out the hard way. The Z goes in for a new long block on tuesday.

 

is the excessive oil consumption only for the early 350z's or does it affect all of them? I have a 2006 with about 7,500 miles and sometimes I notice carbon on my exhaust and I have an Apexi N1 catback so it is easy to notice the carbon on the mufflers.

Thanks,
Shaun

 

could be running rich.

 

My 2006 Z has the same thing after everytime I drive it.
I looked at the exhaust and noticed some type of liquid that stays near the tip and makes it's way out and leaves black marks on the lower tip of the exhaust..

 

N?A Zs have always ran quit ruch anyways

 

Have you checked the oil level to see if it is burning oil? Just because you find black soot on the pipes does not mean that its burning oil.

 

you should always check your oil regularly