New Owner - from e36 m3 to HR Z
01-21-2014, 06:59 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
New Owner - from e36 m3 to HR Z
Hey guys just wanted to introduce myself. im a fairly new owner of a z. Purchased it about a month ago but just finally getting to start this thread.
I come from the bmw side, i started e46 325i (where my username originally started) then soon after swtiched to e36 m3 in which ive owned for the past 4 years, but I decided to sell the m3 for something newer but still wanted something fun and reliable which led me to this car.
my plans for this car is primarily to be used as a daily driver/occasional weekend track day car(hopefully 2-3 events per year depending on my $$$ situation).
I wanted an hr and it had to have a 6 speed and with an lsd (didnt want to go thought the hassle of searching for and changing the diff), so it took me a while to find a non base hr that was in my price range and with not to many miles but i finally found it.
some info of the new car:
-2007 enthusiast 6mt
-carbon silver on black interior
-the car is bone stock aside from window tints, aftermarket head unit, and front clear bra.
-just hit 51k miles
here is how she sits now
my future plans for this car:
-oem brembo brake conversion
-either a new set of rpf1 18x9/10 or will look around for whatever good deal of used wheels i find that match my preferences
-suspension wise, still undecided whether to get coilovers or koni adjustable with a set of springs
-an exhaust but still undecided
and some shots of what i switched over from:
in case anyone decides to ask about differences in the 2 cars
-the m3 was lighter and felt alot smaller compared to driving the Z
-braking feels about even so far(i have yet to drive the Z hard thought)
-speed/power, huge difference IMO, 1st gear i would say feels about the same but any gear after that the Z's power/acceleration difference is easily noticed(z being faster)
-plus side of the Z is the 6th gear vs my e36 only having a 5spd, although i feel the transmission is not at smooth as the m3 and the Z is very notchy and you have to use the clutch alot more for it to be smooth, or maybe im just not used to it yet.
-2 seats are defiantly a downside plus there's alot less trunk space in the z.
-Z is alot more a$$ happy and unpredictable than the e36
anyway thats just a bit about me and my new car/old car, eager to see whats to come with this car
C&C appreciated
I come from the bmw side, i started e46 325i (where my username originally started) then soon after swtiched to e36 m3 in which ive owned for the past 4 years, but I decided to sell the m3 for something newer but still wanted something fun and reliable which led me to this car.
my plans for this car is primarily to be used as a daily driver/occasional weekend track day car(hopefully 2-3 events per year depending on my $$$ situation).
I wanted an hr and it had to have a 6 speed and with an lsd (didnt want to go thought the hassle of searching for and changing the diff), so it took me a while to find a non base hr that was in my price range and with not to many miles but i finally found it.
some info of the new car:
-2007 enthusiast 6mt
-carbon silver on black interior
-the car is bone stock aside from window tints, aftermarket head unit, and front clear bra.
-just hit 51k miles
here is how she sits now
my future plans for this car:
-oem brembo brake conversion
-either a new set of rpf1 18x9/10 or will look around for whatever good deal of used wheels i find that match my preferences
-suspension wise, still undecided whether to get coilovers or koni adjustable with a set of springs
-an exhaust but still undecided
and some shots of what i switched over from:
in case anyone decides to ask about differences in the 2 cars
-the m3 was lighter and felt alot smaller compared to driving the Z
-braking feels about even so far(i have yet to drive the Z hard thought)
-speed/power, huge difference IMO, 1st gear i would say feels about the same but any gear after that the Z's power/acceleration difference is easily noticed(z being faster)
-plus side of the Z is the 6th gear vs my e36 only having a 5spd, although i feel the transmission is not at smooth as the m3 and the Z is very notchy and you have to use the clutch alot more for it to be smooth, or maybe im just not used to it yet.
-2 seats are defiantly a downside plus there's alot less trunk space in the z.
-Z is alot more a$$ happy and unpredictable than the e36
anyway thats just a bit about me and my new car/old car, eager to see whats to come with this car
C&C appreciated
01-21-2014, 07:18 PM
#2
General & DIY Moderator
MY350Z.COM
MY350Z.COM
iTrader: (64)
Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forum. As you explore the site, you'll find a wealth of information. As far as mods go, you might consider adding a oil cooler to your list of track must-haves. To smooth out the tranny syncro engagement, try swapping over to Redline MT85, which matches the OEM viscocity specs and provides better heat protection as well. Your choice of sway bars, dampers/springs will allow you to tune the Z handling to your tastes. Finally, maintenance costs will be WAY less than either your E36 or 46.
01-21-2014, 07:20 PM
#3
Registered User
Congratulations er1k325 on your purchase and welcome to the forum. Your Z will definitely benefit from 18" rims as I think the 17" rims barely fill the arches. 19"'s in my opinion look too big and are not great for the track. You'll definitely want to get an exhaust to unleash that V6 howl which is so addictive at 4000rpm plus, the only decision you'll struggle to make is whether to go for a twin exit or a single exit although there are plenty of you tube videos of exhausts to help you make up your mind. There are plenty of different manufacturers of suspension for you to get confused by but I'm sure you'll find yourself something within your budget. The Brembo brakes are superior to the standard brakes and much more confidence inspiring and yes the gearbox will be more notchy than your e36 but it will be something you'll get used to. I hope you get as many happy miles of motoring out of your Z as I have had out of mine, and again, welcome.
01-21-2014, 07:34 PM
#5
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forum. As you explore the site, you'll find a wealth of information. As far as mods go, you might consider adding a oil cooler to your list of track must-haves. To smooth out the tranny syncro engagement, try swapping over to Redline MT85, which matches the OEM viscocity specs and provides better heat protection as well. Your choice of sway bars, dampers/springs will allow you to tune the Z handling to your tastes. Finally, maintenance costs will be WAY less than either your E36 or 46.
as for the maintenance costs/parts are actually more expensive on the Z than my e36 believe it or not. the availability and amount of parts for the bmw, i have to say are alot more vast than the Z world.
Congratulations er1k325 on your purchase and welcome to the forum. Your Z will definitely benefit from 18" rims as I think the 17" rims barely fill the arches. 19"'s in my opinion look too big and are not great for the track. You'll definitely want to get an exhaust to unleash that V6 howl which is so addictive at 4000rpm plus, the only decision you'll struggle to make is whether to go for a twin exit or a single exit although there are plenty of you tube videos of exhausts to help you make up your mind. There are plenty of different manufacturers of suspension for you to get confused by but I'm sure you'll find yourself something within your budget. The Brembo brakes are superior to the standard brakes and much more confidence inspiring and yes the gearbox will be more notchy than your e36 but it will be something you'll get used to. I hope you get as many happy miles of motoring out of your Z as I have had out of mine, and again, welcome.
as for the mods i mentioned they are for the future, i plan on going to the track at least once stock before i start buying anything. i agree with the sway bars, i changed them on the old car and it made a huge difference so will definatly look into them for this car. i want a single exit love how it looks and its lighter too, but after getting a ride in one before i got a headache from the drone and my car will primarily be a dd so its gotten me thinking...
Last edited by er1k325; 01-21-2014 at 07:40 PM.
Trending Topics
01-22-2014, 06:09 PM
#10
That being said, you will eventually want to look at diffs, and when you do, go for the 4.08 gears as The Assassin said. I have a base and swapped in a low miles VLSD and it makes a HUGE difference over peglegging it, but tight weight shifting turns still cause my VLSD to "catch up" which is annoying.
I have a diff/4.08s on my wish list...
I was similar to you DD/tracked my HR 2x in 90* weather running higher RPMs(staying in 3rd into a corner rather than upshift) and my oil temp was fine. Clutch fluid on the other hand needed bled/replenished. If you are drifting then for sure look into upgrading anything cooling.
I'm at work so I can't see your pix, but I do love the looks of almost every M3.
Welcome and it sounds like you have a good grasp on where the car is going. If you're planning on tracking a Daily Driver I'd say look for 18x10.5s square....but wide rubber is expensive... not as much as my 19s though!
Welcome again.
01-22-2014, 08:13 PM
#11
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
how did you like the transition? are you happy with the switch yourself or do you think about having it back? so far i miss mine
He said he doesn't want to mess with the diff which is why he was looking for anything besides base......
That being said, you will eventually want to look at diffs, and when you do, go for the 4.08 gears as The Assassin said. I have a base and swapped in a low miles VLSD and it makes a HUGE difference over peglegging it, but tight weight shifting turns still cause my VLSD to "catch up" which is annoying.
I have a diff/4.08s on my wish list...
I was similar to you DD/tracked my HR 2x in 90* weather running higher RPMs(staying in 3rd into a corner rather than upshift) and my oil temp was fine. Clutch fluid on the other hand needed bled/replenished. If you are drifting then for sure look into upgrading anything cooling.
I'm at work so I can't see your pix, but I do love the looks of almost every M3.
Welcome and it sounds like you have a good grasp on where the car is going. If you're planning on tracking a Daily Driver I'd say look for 18x10.5s square....but wide rubber is expensive... not as much as my 19s though!
Welcome again.
That being said, you will eventually want to look at diffs, and when you do, go for the 4.08 gears as The Assassin said. I have a base and swapped in a low miles VLSD and it makes a HUGE difference over peglegging it, but tight weight shifting turns still cause my VLSD to "catch up" which is annoying.
I have a diff/4.08s on my wish list...
I was similar to you DD/tracked my HR 2x in 90* weather running higher RPMs(staying in 3rd into a corner rather than upshift) and my oil temp was fine. Clutch fluid on the other hand needed bled/replenished. If you are drifting then for sure look into upgrading anything cooling.
I'm at work so I can't see your pix, but I do love the looks of almost every M3.
Welcome and it sounds like you have a good grasp on where the car is going. If you're planning on tracking a Daily Driver I'd say look for 18x10.5s square....but wide rubber is expensive... not as much as my 19s though!
Welcome again.
thanks!
yes i have looked into diffs but for now i will stick to the vlsd, if i decide to go with a serious build in the future i will be getting a legit diff.
i wanted to run squared was thinking about 265's or so all around, but after lurking the forums and reading on these cars i learned how the tcs will act up if the tires are staggered in height from the front and rear, since its a DD i don't want to run into any issues, although i could and would have to always turn off the tcs every time i drive it...
01-22-2014, 09:29 PM
#13
thanks
how did you like the transition? are you happy with the switch yourself or do you think about having it back? so far i miss mine
thanks!
yes i have looked into diffs but for now i will stick to the vlsd, if i decide to go with a serious build in the future i will be getting a legit diff.
i wanted to run squared was thinking about 265's or so all around, but after lurking the forums and reading on these cars i learned how the tcs will act up if the tires are staggered in height from the front and rear, since its a DD i don't want to run into any issues, although i could and would have to always turn off the tcs every time i drive it...
how did you like the transition? are you happy with the switch yourself or do you think about having it back? so far i miss mine
thanks!
yes i have looked into diffs but for now i will stick to the vlsd, if i decide to go with a serious build in the future i will be getting a legit diff.
i wanted to run squared was thinking about 265's or so all around, but after lurking the forums and reading on these cars i learned how the tcs will act up if the tires are staggered in height from the front and rear, since its a DD i don't want to run into any issues, although i could and would have to always turn off the tcs every time i drive it...
01-22-2014, 09:40 PM
#14
New Member
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Chicago
Posts: 419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Welcome to the site.
You might consider getting a weighted shift **** like Tommy Kaira. The weight of the **** really smooth out the nochyness and vibration in the shifter. I felt more of a difference with that than swapping fluids which did nothing for me.
Tommy Kaira is pricey, but there's a replica somewhere called fat boy or something. Pretty much the same weight and look-wise minus the logo.
You might consider getting a weighted shift **** like Tommy Kaira. The weight of the **** really smooth out the nochyness and vibration in the shifter. I felt more of a difference with that than swapping fluids which did nothing for me.
Tommy Kaira is pricey, but there's a replica somewhere called fat boy or something. Pretty much the same weight and look-wise minus the logo.
01-22-2014, 11:18 PM
#16
Welcome to the site.
You might consider getting a weighted shift **** like Tommy Kaira. The weight of the **** really smooth out the nochyness and vibration in the shifter. I felt more of a difference with that than swapping fluids which did nothing for me.
Tommy Kaira is pricey, but there's a replica somewhere called fat boy or something. Pretty much the same weight and look-wise minus the logo.
You might consider getting a weighted shift **** like Tommy Kaira. The weight of the **** really smooth out the nochyness and vibration in the shifter. I felt more of a difference with that than swapping fluids which did nothing for me.
Tommy Kaira is pricey, but there's a replica somewhere called fat boy or something. Pretty much the same weight and look-wise minus the logo.
Love my TK.
01-25-2014, 11:12 PM
#18
I also came from an e36. 97 M3 2dr in arctic silver. loved that car and wish I still had it. only mods were H&R OE sport springs, Koni Yellows, and Ground Control Rear trailing arm bushing shims.
Yours looks like a 95 with those side-markers.
From the e36, I went to a 2006 z and after driving for a while was very disappointed in that it didn't feel any faster with "300HP" then the m3 at 240HP. I use quotes for "300" because nissan was cheating on it's HP ratings through 2006. in 2007 they had to use SAE standards so they had to completely rebuild the engine so as to not have to publish a loss in power for 2007 SAE specs. And the 06 turned out to be an oil burner so when the 07 came out, I traded it in for the 07. never looked back. The HR engine is a beast with bolt-ons and a tune.
I find the 97 M3 to be in a whole different (better) class for braking than the 350z. My 350z is a Grand Touring so it has the factory Brembo upgrade. Problem is the weak link in the 350z braking is the weak-a$$ wheel bearings and the positioning of the calipers. The bearings all allow a little flex so during a high-g corner, the brake discs knock the pads out a little. After a high-G turn, you have to pump the brakes a couple times to get the pads back to the rotors. Single biggest disappointment with my z are the brakes. my 2006 and 2007 both exhibited this nasty brake pad knock-back trait. For the 370, the calipers are mounted at the very front of the disc to reduce this effect. The 350 calipers are mounted higher.
Nissan paint is some of the worst in the industry. The front of my Z at 56k miles is worse than my M3 was at 227k miles. Good thing you have the clear bra.
Transmission/clutch. Clutch is the second worse trait on the 350z. it's like an on/off switch. You either bog the engine or spin the tires. I have to adjust my seat if I change shoes with a thicker or thinner sole.
The Z can't put the power down like the M3. Traction control on the 350z is horribly intrusive. ANY detection of wheel spin (1/8th of a rotation) and the VDC kills all power for 2-3 seconds. The factory limited-slip is pretty weak. Even with 305/30's on the rear in a Pilot Super sports, the Steering wheel must be pointed straight or I get wheel spin.
Funny you mention 1st gear feels the same. 1st gear in an HR engine takes you to 46 MPH where in the m3 it's closer to 35. I believe the M3 only got to 59 MPH in second gear, requiring a 2-3 shift to get to 60.
However, Once the 350z is motion, it's incredibly fun to drive fast and it's handling is very predictable and forgiving. You'll get used to double-pumping the brakes at the track. I am still on factory suspension so I think that's part of my problem with traction. I have too much body lean in the corners and the inside wheel becomes unweighted.
Yours looks like a 95 with those side-markers.
From the e36, I went to a 2006 z and after driving for a while was very disappointed in that it didn't feel any faster with "300HP" then the m3 at 240HP. I use quotes for "300" because nissan was cheating on it's HP ratings through 2006. in 2007 they had to use SAE standards so they had to completely rebuild the engine so as to not have to publish a loss in power for 2007 SAE specs. And the 06 turned out to be an oil burner so when the 07 came out, I traded it in for the 07. never looked back. The HR engine is a beast with bolt-ons and a tune.
I find the 97 M3 to be in a whole different (better) class for braking than the 350z. My 350z is a Grand Touring so it has the factory Brembo upgrade. Problem is the weak link in the 350z braking is the weak-a$$ wheel bearings and the positioning of the calipers. The bearings all allow a little flex so during a high-g corner, the brake discs knock the pads out a little. After a high-G turn, you have to pump the brakes a couple times to get the pads back to the rotors. Single biggest disappointment with my z are the brakes. my 2006 and 2007 both exhibited this nasty brake pad knock-back trait. For the 370, the calipers are mounted at the very front of the disc to reduce this effect. The 350 calipers are mounted higher.
Nissan paint is some of the worst in the industry. The front of my Z at 56k miles is worse than my M3 was at 227k miles. Good thing you have the clear bra.
Transmission/clutch. Clutch is the second worse trait on the 350z. it's like an on/off switch. You either bog the engine or spin the tires. I have to adjust my seat if I change shoes with a thicker or thinner sole.
The Z can't put the power down like the M3. Traction control on the 350z is horribly intrusive. ANY detection of wheel spin (1/8th of a rotation) and the VDC kills all power for 2-3 seconds. The factory limited-slip is pretty weak. Even with 305/30's on the rear in a Pilot Super sports, the Steering wheel must be pointed straight or I get wheel spin.
Funny you mention 1st gear feels the same. 1st gear in an HR engine takes you to 46 MPH where in the m3 it's closer to 35. I believe the M3 only got to 59 MPH in second gear, requiring a 2-3 shift to get to 60.
However, Once the 350z is motion, it's incredibly fun to drive fast and it's handling is very predictable and forgiving. You'll get used to double-pumping the brakes at the track. I am still on factory suspension so I think that's part of my problem with traction. I have too much body lean in the corners and the inside wheel becomes unweighted.
01-26-2014, 08:50 AM
#19
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: LI, NY
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I also went from an e36 to the Z.
I totally agree with Redline in regards to the clutch, the M's clutch was far better, including the feedback it gave, though I actually prefer the Z's shifter.
I have a Touring so I don't have brembos but I feel the braking is sufficient.
Finally, my M had an AA S/C and Bilstein PSS9s, so it was a go kart to say the least. Nonetheless I'm sure with some stiffer suspension and some additional power you'll find the Z to be quite fun as well.
I'm running stock suspension, with some bolt-ons, basically the same setup as Redline actually, and I'm getting UpRev tuned next month, so after that I'll be able to give a better comparison of the two cars (save the handling of which the M is superior).
Either way, I don't regret getting the Z .. it sounds great, looks great and is an overall fun drive. If I get rid of it down the line it would probably only be for an E46 M or another Z to be honest. I love RWD sports cars!
I totally agree with Redline in regards to the clutch, the M's clutch was far better, including the feedback it gave, though I actually prefer the Z's shifter.
I have a Touring so I don't have brembos but I feel the braking is sufficient.
Finally, my M had an AA S/C and Bilstein PSS9s, so it was a go kart to say the least. Nonetheless I'm sure with some stiffer suspension and some additional power you'll find the Z to be quite fun as well.
I'm running stock suspension, with some bolt-ons, basically the same setup as Redline actually, and I'm getting UpRev tuned next month, so after that I'll be able to give a better comparison of the two cars (save the handling of which the M is superior).
Either way, I don't regret getting the Z .. it sounds great, looks great and is an overall fun drive. If I get rid of it down the line it would probably only be for an E46 M or another Z to be honest. I love RWD sports cars!
Last edited by dilat3d; 01-26-2014 at 08:51 AM.
01-26-2014, 11:22 AM
#20
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
performance wise:
kw v1 coilovers
f&r turner motorsport sway bars
dinan intake
dinan tune
custom midpipe/straightpipe connected to a supersprint muffler
front eibach strut brace
rear ultra racing strut brace
went throught 4 sets of wheels, the last one and the wheels in the picture are SSR comp
motorsport hardware 80mm wheels stud conversion
hr 10m spacers front 5mm spacers rear to clear tires from rubbing the coilovers
a bunch of maintenance to long to list
yes mine was a 95, your looks very clean as well, luxury package or did you add the slats in the front?
the Z might actually be faster in 1st as well, but the m3 just felt so much more raw and would push you back into your seat which the Z doesn't give so i guess it just "feels" like that to me
i still have yet to drive the Z "hard" so give feedback on the braking, been really busy and plus im in need of rear tires badly as well
nice i always wanted to go FI in the m3, but it came to a point where i felt the money i was spending was going to waste and adding no value to the car what so ever, i was planning on rebuilding the motor and going with an FI route, but i ended up selling it instead and adding that money i would have spent and getting the Z, which is nice because its about 12 years newer
kw v1 coilovers
f&r turner motorsport sway bars
dinan intake
dinan tune
custom midpipe/straightpipe connected to a supersprint muffler
front eibach strut brace
rear ultra racing strut brace
went throught 4 sets of wheels, the last one and the wheels in the picture are SSR comp
motorsport hardware 80mm wheels stud conversion
hr 10m spacers front 5mm spacers rear to clear tires from rubbing the coilovers
a bunch of maintenance to long to list
I also came from an e36. 97 M3 2dr in arctic silver. loved that car and wish I still had it. only mods were H&R OE sport springs, Koni Yellows, and Ground Control Rear trailing arm bushing shims.
Yours looks like a 95 with those side-markers.
From the e36, I went to a 2006 z and after driving for a while was very disappointed in that it didn't feel any faster with "300HP" then the m3 at 240HP. I use quotes for "300" because nissan was cheating on it's HP ratings through 2006. in 2007 they had to use SAE standards so they had to completely rebuild the engine so as to not have to publish a loss in power for 2007 SAE specs. And the 06 turned out to be an oil burner so when the 07 came out, I traded it in for the 07. never looked back. The HR engine is a beast with bolt-ons and a tune.
I find the 97 M3 to be in a whole different (better) class for braking than the 350z. My 350z is a Grand Touring so it has the factory Brembo upgrade. Problem is the weak link in the 350z braking is the weak-a$$ wheel bearings and the positioning of the calipers. The bearings all allow a little flex so during a high-g corner, the brake discs knock the pads out a little. After a high-G turn, you have to pump the brakes a couple times to get the pads back to the rotors. Single biggest disappointment with my z are the brakes. my 2006 and 2007 both exhibited this nasty brake pad knock-back trait. For the 370, the calipers are mounted at the very front of the disc to reduce this effect. The 350 calipers are mounted higher.
Nissan paint is some of the worst in the industry. The front of my Z at 56k miles is worse than my M3 was at 227k miles. Good thing you have the clear bra.
Transmission/clutch. Clutch is the second worse trait on the 350z. it's like an on/off switch. You either bog the engine or spin the tires. I have to adjust my seat if I change shoes with a thicker or thinner sole.
The Z can't put the power down like the M3. Traction control on the 350z is horribly intrusive. ANY detection of wheel spin (1/8th of a rotation) and the VDC kills all power for 2-3 seconds. The factory limited-slip is pretty weak. Even with 305/30's on the rear in a Pilot Super sports, the Steering wheel must be pointed straight or I get wheel spin.
Funny you mention 1st gear feels the same. 1st gear in an HR engine takes you to 46 MPH where in the m3 it's closer to 35. I believe the M3 only got to 59 MPH in second gear, requiring a 2-3 shift to get to 60.
However, Once the 350z is motion, it's incredibly fun to drive fast and it's handling is very predictable and forgiving. You'll get used to double-pumping the brakes at the track. I am still on factory suspension so I think that's part of my problem with traction. I have too much body lean in the corners and the inside wheel becomes unweighted.
Yours looks like a 95 with those side-markers.
From the e36, I went to a 2006 z and after driving for a while was very disappointed in that it didn't feel any faster with "300HP" then the m3 at 240HP. I use quotes for "300" because nissan was cheating on it's HP ratings through 2006. in 2007 they had to use SAE standards so they had to completely rebuild the engine so as to not have to publish a loss in power for 2007 SAE specs. And the 06 turned out to be an oil burner so when the 07 came out, I traded it in for the 07. never looked back. The HR engine is a beast with bolt-ons and a tune.
I find the 97 M3 to be in a whole different (better) class for braking than the 350z. My 350z is a Grand Touring so it has the factory Brembo upgrade. Problem is the weak link in the 350z braking is the weak-a$$ wheel bearings and the positioning of the calipers. The bearings all allow a little flex so during a high-g corner, the brake discs knock the pads out a little. After a high-G turn, you have to pump the brakes a couple times to get the pads back to the rotors. Single biggest disappointment with my z are the brakes. my 2006 and 2007 both exhibited this nasty brake pad knock-back trait. For the 370, the calipers are mounted at the very front of the disc to reduce this effect. The 350 calipers are mounted higher.
Nissan paint is some of the worst in the industry. The front of my Z at 56k miles is worse than my M3 was at 227k miles. Good thing you have the clear bra.
Transmission/clutch. Clutch is the second worse trait on the 350z. it's like an on/off switch. You either bog the engine or spin the tires. I have to adjust my seat if I change shoes with a thicker or thinner sole.
The Z can't put the power down like the M3. Traction control on the 350z is horribly intrusive. ANY detection of wheel spin (1/8th of a rotation) and the VDC kills all power for 2-3 seconds. The factory limited-slip is pretty weak. Even with 305/30's on the rear in a Pilot Super sports, the Steering wheel must be pointed straight or I get wheel spin.
Funny you mention 1st gear feels the same. 1st gear in an HR engine takes you to 46 MPH where in the m3 it's closer to 35. I believe the M3 only got to 59 MPH in second gear, requiring a 2-3 shift to get to 60.
However, Once the 350z is motion, it's incredibly fun to drive fast and it's handling is very predictable and forgiving. You'll get used to double-pumping the brakes at the track. I am still on factory suspension so I think that's part of my problem with traction. I have too much body lean in the corners and the inside wheel becomes unweighted.
the Z might actually be faster in 1st as well, but the m3 just felt so much more raw and would push you back into your seat which the Z doesn't give so i guess it just "feels" like that to me
i still have yet to drive the Z "hard" so give feedback on the braking, been really busy and plus im in need of rear tires badly as well
I also went from an e36 to the Z.
I totally agree with Redline in regards to the clutch, the M's clutch was far better, including the feedback it gave, though I actually prefer the Z's shifter.
I have a Touring so I don't have brembos but I feel the braking is sufficient.
Finally, my M had an AA S/C and Bilstein PSS9s, so it was a go kart to say the least. Nonetheless I'm sure with some stiffer suspension and some additional power you'll find the Z to be quite fun as well.
I'm running stock suspension, with some bolt-ons, basically the same setup as Redline actually, and I'm getting UpRev tuned next month, so after that I'll be able to give a better comparison of the two cars (save the handling of which the M is superior).
Either way, I don't regret getting the Z .. it sounds great, looks great and is an overall fun drive. If I get rid of it down the line it would probably only be for an E46 M or another Z to be honest. I love RWD sports cars!
I totally agree with Redline in regards to the clutch, the M's clutch was far better, including the feedback it gave, though I actually prefer the Z's shifter.
I have a Touring so I don't have brembos but I feel the braking is sufficient.
Finally, my M had an AA S/C and Bilstein PSS9s, so it was a go kart to say the least. Nonetheless I'm sure with some stiffer suspension and some additional power you'll find the Z to be quite fun as well.
I'm running stock suspension, with some bolt-ons, basically the same setup as Redline actually, and I'm getting UpRev tuned next month, so after that I'll be able to give a better comparison of the two cars (save the handling of which the M is superior).
Either way, I don't regret getting the Z .. it sounds great, looks great and is an overall fun drive. If I get rid of it down the line it would probably only be for an E46 M or another Z to be honest. I love RWD sports cars!