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New girl, new to Nissan

Old Apr 17, 2015 | 02:11 PM
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Default New girl, new to Nissan

Hey I am getting a 2004 Nissan 350Z convertible. The motor for the top needs replaced but that's about it. I've never owned a Nissan before so I am very skeptical. I use to have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix and I recently found out it needs a new motor.
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 02:24 PM
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Welcome and congrats on your new Pikes Peak While (factory color) ZR. I think you'll enjoy owning a Nissan after coming over from a GM product.
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 03:05 PM
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Hi and welcome to the forum. There are 5 motors that operate the hatch cover and deploy the top. Four of the motors are pretty trouble free, but the fifth-bow motor can stop working due to burned out commutator brushes. If you are quoted an exorbitant amount for a replacement motor, be aware that the brushes ($5) in your motor can be replaced. It’s a bit tricky to trim and fit a new brush, but there are some excellent tutorials here that you can print out and give to your mechanic.

If I remember right, the white roadsters from that era had blue tops. Can’t really tell from that dark picture, but that looks like a high quality black replacement top.

(I had a 04 roadster for 10 completely trouble free years. Hope you have fun with this one)
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 03:15 PM
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Yep, its black. Came with blue and hated it so now its black lol
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 03:19 PM
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Welcome to my350z and congrats on the new Z. Perfect timing as we're heading into summer, I can only imagine driving it top down
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 03:36 PM
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You owned a pontiac and your skeptical about the reliability of a nissan? lol welcome
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 03:49 PM
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Looks great!
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 03:57 PM
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My Pontiac was my baby. I did all the work to it. I know absolutely nothing about this car and I'm scared to death. Idk what engine is even in it or what the factory color is called. Not sure if I wanna mod it or not after loosing my Pontiac and loosing all the money






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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by NYgirl
Not sure if I wanna mod it
... what exactly do you have in mind for the Z?
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 04:19 PM
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you will really like the car. drive it for a while and see if there are any changes you want to make at that point.
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 04:32 PM
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I've drove it before. All I can think of is cosmetic things and maybe a cai
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 04:35 PM
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in all honesty, intakes don't do much unless you put it in the fender well or in front of the radiator. wheels and tires will make it look good (18x9.5 +15 is popular size), sway bars will make it handle better, spring will help stance and handling, the only limit to the car is your budget
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 04:38 PM
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Nice car.

To me, the best upgrade would be sways and coilover.
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 04:48 PM
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Originally Posted by NYgirl
My Pontiac was my baby. I did all the work to it. I know absolutely nothing about this car and I'm scared to death. Idk what engine is even in it or what the factory color is called.
Since I already told you what the factory paint is called (post #2), let's go to the Nissan V6 engine in your ZR. It's called the VQ35DE and has won many awards for its performance, efficiency and design. Read my latest DIY on checking the oil level on the VQ to keep it running well: https://my350z.com/forum/engine-driv...il-levels.html

BTW- a CAI won't really help your VQ engine perform any better. Nissan did a good job of designing the intake on the Z, so maybe you want to try something else? Swaybars could be a good challenge for you and will help your ZR handle even better than it does now!
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 07:03 PM
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Where can I get some sway bars? I'm open to all options. I don't wanna add a lot of money into it. Most I'd wanna do is spend money on rims but I love the smooth ride it's got. And yes I saw the paint name I meant I didn't know before posting here
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 07:06 PM
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I found some sway bars. I'd love to see some wheel options and has anyone else got a different grille?
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 07:10 PM
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Top goes down price goes up. The top will always need to be replaced at some point.

Nissan will last forever, there are many memebers with more than 150K on here.
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 08:25 PM
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Originally Posted by RUNWDVL
Nice car.

To me, the best upgrade would be sways and coilover.
+1 agree here for a good basic start, also maybe just good drop in filter for intake unless you go long tube to get the cold air from out of engine bay. Nice car and good luck!
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 08:33 PM
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Originally Posted by NYgirl
I found some sway bars. I'd love to see some wheel options and has anyone else got a different grille?
From what I have seen, there is a mesh grille(I have one) and a billet one. Lots of pics on google.
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Old Apr 17, 2015 | 08:38 PM
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Welcome and LOSE (not loose) the bra (not you, the car).
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