DARKNIGHTSGIRL

I use to own a mitsubishi lancer evolution viii '03, now own a subaru wrx tr '06, now soon to be getting a 350z, 6speed. what do i need to look for with a 350z? what is prefered, and what brands i should use for parts to build it myself, pretty much anything and everything i need to know about them. Basically i need some advice. Hit me up on any advice you may have, or if you just wanna talk. Please & thank you. ^-^

travlee

iTrader: (8)

03-05 plenty of parts and cheaper
06 some consume oil
07-08 better motor, csc fails, limited FI products

everything you want to know is on here, just search.

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

Their is good and bad with different years and different models... If your going to modify it and change everything anyways look for a base model... I wouldnt pay any more for the upper models unless you get a track edition or a nismo model...

If your looking for a daily driver take your time and find a well maintained well taken care of specimen... If your looking for an autocross, track, or drift toy just find one thats not too beat because your going to be changing a bunch of parts anyways...

What are you planning to use the car for?

Atl4s

First of all I would like to say congrats, the 350z is an amazing car. Here are just some things I've found out throughout the years.

Interior: The interior paint isn't that great for almost every Z, I have a 2005 350z and the paint had a rubber feeling to it, the paint loves to scratch. Just be aware a lot of care is needed. I have found that the 2003 350z interior paint is higher quality leading me to replace almost all of my interior with 2003 pieces. Be gentle when you're closing the cubby, the plastic inside loves to crack. Also be careful when you're opening, and closing the doors, I have heard of the plastic inside of the door handles breaking. You might want to upgrade the head unit, it's not the best. It's just a personal preference, even if you get the BOSE system.

Depending on which engine you get, some love to burn oil, so just keep up with the oil changes.

If you are looking to do FI for the DE engine I wouldn't go above 400 hp without upgrading engine parts. I believe the HR can go up to 450 or so without replacing any engine pieces. The HR engines are built tougher with better quality components. I am generalizing, because you can't assume every car will act the same.

I'm not an expert what so ever, I'm just letting you know some of the things I have found out through owning the car, and searching through forums. Overall I love the car, and I'm sure you will too. Have a great day, and have fun with your Z.

HRMoneyPit

If you plan on boost buy a older one

travlee

iTrader: (8)

Stock hr block can handle way more than 450

DARKNIGHTSGIRL

I was going to use it as a daily, and as my little toy to mess around with. Just really loved the car, thought about a nismo, touring, or a regular base model, but i dont really know..

DARKNIGHTSGIRL

lol, thanks, ya ik that they scratch easily and there is a problem with the driverside windows, and that they dont have a center console. My buddy has one, its a 6speed manual touring, love it, i detail his car all the time xD since he is a bit lazy and doesnt want to put all the effort into it. But oh well, its what i do, im a mechanic and i am a detailer as well. ^-^

DARKNIGHTSGIRL

yea xD Lol

travlee

iTrader: (8)

i replaced my door handles with new oem from conceptz. they didnt have that rubbery texture. not sure if they changed the material or not. they were on the car for year and half before i sold it, not a single scratch

DARKNIGHTSGIRL

damn, well thats good no scratches, atleast you take care of your vehicle. I dont remember what my buddy had, but i know they werent rubbery, it was like a plastic, which probably was, but eh, who knows.

HRMoneyPit

That's not the problem


It's that you can turbo a DE for change and a HR cost like 8-10k for the kits alone

travlee

iTrader: (8)

i get that, i responding to atlas

MicVelo

Without getting into the DE vs. HR wars, I'll just say that it's purely academic which one you choose. Just get the one with the lowest miles and the best cared for. You'll be happy with either one.

Mike (dboyzalter) mentioned that you should get a BASE model. That's where I disagree. Nothing wrong with a Base if you're planning to rip it apart and replace the rearend with a Quaife or other such diff; however, if that's not in the works, I'd opt for at least an Enthusiast+ with the limited slip. It might not be that great (vis a vis a Quaife) but it's better than nothing and will keep you out of trouble.

In addition, the Enthusiast+ models all have traction control OR VDC which do their jobs to help you keep it on the road, especially during winter.

The other trims above that depend on what you're looking for, e.g., leather, Bose, etc.

There are just a few things that actually step up the enjoyment of a Z:

- Good stereo for the cruising.

- Set of good tires/wheels and a set of aftermarket sway bars (shocks and springs optional and dependent upon requirement).

- The most important thing is good maintenance (is there an echo in here?). When you buy the car, do a good baseline service on the car.... all fluids & filters, belt service, timing chain if a high mileage car. Once done, you know where it sits and can start your own maintenance program based on the baseline mileage.

Other than that, solid car overall but watch out for shady sellers who make ridiculous claims. Paperwork is the key. A pampered '03 is much better than an abused, neglected '08 ANY DAY.

Good luck!

Atl4s

Thanks for correcting me And for the rubbery texture I was talking about the ping pong style interior plastic pieces.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

there is one user, now banned for whatever reason, that was pushing 620 on his stock block... now how long it would last is different story

dboyzalter

iTrader: (3)

Haha now banned

Atl4s

620 on stock?! holy.... thats incredible.

DARKNIGHTSGIRL

lol, noice...try 1200hp xD

DARKNIGHTSGIRL

but diff car lol