Alright guys, not sure if this is the right area to post this as I do not own a 350Z yet but am on the verge of buying one. First things first, I own an EvoIX, I'm tired of having too much grip, and I've always wanted to get into drifting, and I just enjoy driving F-R cars.

Small background so you know where I'm coming from; I've owned; 11' Lancer, 06' Miata, 08' WRX, and currently an 06' Evo. I track and canyon frequently (as in I canyon 3+ times a week and track about once a month (hopefully more with drift events with the z). I am not easy on my cars, although I take great care of them. I do 80% of my own work to my cars with a bunch of tools/connections/local shops at my disposal.

I'm about to pull the trigger on a 350z and dump the evo with the intentions of having a car I can beat on and daily drive without too much worry. For reasons I can only own one car, so there is no daily and a racecar situation for me. I'm not a straight-line speed kind of guy, all I want to do is pull the most Gs in a turn or be sideways if I feel like it.

The 350z I'm looking at is an 2004.5 enthusiast(?) and I will likely be dumping a lot of money into it, so what I'm curious about is; what kind of problems will I possibly face, what should be done right away, and how hard is it to work on a Z? my mods will mostly consist of suspension and braking components, and anything else to make the car handle how I want. A sound system, seats, harness, steering wheel, and other small touches.

Thank you in advance guys, I'll be sure to make a progress thread once I buy one

 

search button...(I'll save the flame)

but...

relatively maint free as long as you perform regular maintenance and not abuse your block/transmission/drive shaft/FD.

It's pretty easy to work on - a good set of jack-stands or a lift will serve you well, a (free) factory service manual and a chiltons/haynes manual will be a good investment along with the search button.

the OEM suspension is pretty good from the factory, can you improve it? yes, but you'll spend a lot of money for minimal gains. The OEM-non-brembos are decent brakes for everyday use, the OEM-brembo brakes are better but there are plenty of options out there that will tell you they are better...it's a matter of how much you want to spend...

 

How did you like the wrx? I've been debating selling my z for one.

Also make sure it's a 2004.5 and not just a 2004. The mid year will have knee pads and built 06/04 and on. Nissan made some good changes with the suspension and synchro

 

Welcome to the forum, if you're into drifting I'd get rid of the VLSD and replace it with a Quaife or something similar and also the suspension mods you talk of. This would be an initial start. Have fun spending your hard earned.

 

SPL SOLID Differential Mounting Bushings an SPL SOLID Subframe Bushings with the Quaife. makes the *** so smooth. look into kw clubsports.

 

If you have enough money to dump a lot of it into it, I'd suggest simply starting with an 07 or 08 350z over an 04. It will definitely cost more but it's a better car overall.

 

Welcome...if you're into drifting keep your current car and get a 240sx...the Z is going to be a bad time for Mr. wallet

 

hmm okay, strange that stock suspension is that good.

wrx was my least favorite car, granted the 08 is arguably the worst EVER wrx, evo > subaru all day though.

and I'm going for an 06 now, 07/08 take away too much spending money, plus I feel bad beating on one.

thanks, I'll look into those!

I'll look into those as well!

Is it really worth the extra money though if I'm going to end up upgrading the same things though?

absolutely no way I could afford an Evo and a 240sx lol, two money pits... Plus I can't own two cars in my current situation like I said.