Originally Posted by DeusExMaxima (Post 10548561)

I mentioned that I didnt have the horsepower of the nismo but that I got some of it back with the lighter rays rims. My plan is to gain some hp with an intake plenum spacer, ecu tune and maybe some minor exhaust mods.

I forgot to mention I have the nismo muffler. Something the nismo doesnt have that I have which nissan would likely have in a nismo convertible is heated seats. I transferred the heating elements from my original heated leather seats to my nismo seats.

Originally Posted by travlee (Post 10548653)

you didnt gain hp, you lost weight

Originally Posted by pacfwu (Post 10548602)

To put this as nicely as possible (providing criticism in text without coming off as a complete douche is not one of my strong points), I think if your plan is to create a Nismo roadster that would be the equivalent of what a factory supplied one would be, you're missing the mark by quite a lot.

If Nismo built one, it would most likely be the exact same thing as what I have with the exception of a rag-top and possibly different spoiler (but not the v1 spoiler). It would have Brembos, 18x9 and 19x10 wheels, an HR motor, dampers, etc. They might have given an option of automatic for these cars if they had built a roadster, but that's the only concession I'd give you. And if you wanted to build a version of the car that's more in line with the Nismo concept vehicles (JDM R-tune models, etc), then go for some upgrades that exceed the factory car (bigger Brembo brakes, lighter weight and wider Rays wheels, adjustable Bilsteins, HKS or Fujitsubo exhaust, Recaro seats, etc). These are brands that Nissan/Nismo use in their more performance focused cars.

You've done a nice job upgrading your car, but if you really want it to be a tribute car without a roof, you know the parts that you need to buy. Otherwise, just call it what it is: a budget upgrade using some better parts from other 350z trims/years. Nothing wrong with that. I'm on a pretty tight mod budget myself and that's why I've not done too many upgrades to my car even though I bought it new and it's all paid off. But also don't get defensive when someone lays it out for you.

Btw, if I had factory leather seats, I would look up the JDM Nismo interior and reupholster the center section in Ecsaine suede. Don't downgrade your seats to be our garbage red and black cloth. The US market got screwed. And one more tip: take off your rear bumper and spray paint that Styrofoam black. Ours come that way.

I'll save you a little search (bastards even got the option of factory nav):

<img src="http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5175/nismointeriorjamc1.jpg" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/><br/>

Originally Posted by craig12895 (Post 10549048)

Im going to avoid answering the badging question but give you feedback about the appearance of your Z.
My personal opinion: The v1 spoiler is an eyesore, the way the rear bumper extends back and the spoiler extends forward just does not work. I agree the v3 would look too large on the car, but have you considered the v2 spoiler? I think that it would flow with your bodywork more without being quite as big as the v3.

Originally Posted by che69velle (Post 10549190)

Your car deserves the badge.

Originally Posted by travlee (Post 10549205)

says the bought not built person.

would you put z06 badges on a regular corvette? would you put gt badges on a base mustang?

Originally Posted by DeusExMaxima (Post 10549142)

Is this the spoiler you are referring to as Nismo version 2?

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y97...ps3treqyyc.jpg

Originally Posted by travlee (Post 10549216)

you know i am just mainly pressing your buttons on that right??

nismo is more than parts... yes he has a lot of them but it will never be one.... motor is a huge thing, along with seam welded chassis..... not to mention they didn't make a nismo in those years. there is a lot more to the z06 than a package..... wide body, motor and aluminum frame are 3 huge things

Originally Posted by che69velle (Post 10549066)

Its just a stick on emblem, Nismo is nissan motorsports international, they make speed parts for nissan. You have nismo parts so a Nismo badge fits in the theme.

I have nismo parts and put the included decals on my car. Its just stickers but my car is faster thanks to twin turbos than most of the people here crying out rice.
its no different than ford racing/svt. If you have the parts like you do go for it, if you had a plain bone stock car without the parts then no.

Originally Posted by che69velle (Post 10549283)

:stick2::d_buddy: yeah, but when I hear corvette, I hear the old adage "wrap your @$$ in fiberglass and hope you don't die" lol

Originally Posted by travlee (Post 10549387)

dont forget carbon fiber...haha