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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.
Right, but the end result is the same, it means a faster car. Further, I lost lots of rotating mass. Each Nismo rim weighs about 9-10 lbs more per rim than my Track rims. When I had the original 20 inch super heavy rims on, the car was much more sluggish. Also, my brake rotors are slightly smaller than the Brembo rotors which is an additional reduction in rotating mass. Finally, the much lighter rims and brake rotors allow for less unsprung weight which improves handling.
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/>
I agree that if Nissan built a Nismo 350z convertible, the car would have exactly the same features of the hardtop but it would just be a ragtop. I dont think it would have the V3 spoiler either because it is too large for a convertible. Id still like to see a photoshopped picture of the V3 spoiler on the 350z ragtop. If it looked good, Id locate a V3 spoiler and replace the V1.
I added my own twist, if you will. For example, the Track rims are much lighter than the Nismo rims. The Nismo rims also raise the car slightly. Unfortunately, the Track rims are not as wide. The Brembo brakes are nice pieces but are just too expensive ($1200+ for the whole system) as are the Nismo rims ($2000).
I do plan to upgrade the shocks and springs (mildly), and I will be adding a plenum spacer and possibly improving the exhaust system other than the Nismo muffler thats on already.
With respect to the seats, the Nismo seats offer much better lateral support and are lighter than the powered, leather seats. I added the heating elements. I like the idea of suede centers, so I may change to red suede.
Ill have to figure out how to spray the styrofoam because paint can deteriorate it.
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.
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.
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.
I have not considered it but I am looking at pics of V2 and it does look nice. I cannot find any pics of the roadster with the V2 spoiler on it, but I am looking into it. Anyone else have an opinion on the Nismo V2 rear spoiler?
I've always felt the Nismo badge at the rear belonged only to the authentic Nismo's. Also I categorize Nismo with other related badges with other manufacturers (i.e. SRT-8, mazdaspeed, etc.). When I see the badges, I have a level of expectation that it is what it was built to be, from factory.
Like others I applaud and admire your efforts. I'd say no on the badge for numerous reasons, but mainly because the badge, in my opinion was only meant to indicate the authentic, not a replica. Just my opinion. Keep rockin the V3. See what the Nismo V3 wing would look like.
Still. I like the effort and if you want a badge it's your call. I have infinitely more respect that you are building the car the way you want versus some people on here that bought their car modded without ever turning a wrench on it.
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
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
yeah, but when I hear corvette, I hear the old adage "wrap your @$$ in fiberglass and hope you don't die" lol
Its just a stick on emblem, Nismo is nissan motorsports international, they make speed parts for nissan. You have nismo parts so a Nismo badge fits in the theme.
I have nismo parts and put the included decals on my car. Its just stickers but my car is faster thanks to twin turbos than most of the people here crying out rice.
its no different than ford racing/svt. If you have the parts like you do go for it, if you had a plain bone stock car without the parts then no.
If I get Viper floor mats in my Grande Caravan, can I slap a SRT badge on the sliding door?
But either way I think it would look good on yours.
yeah, but when I hear corvette, I hear the old adage "wrap your @$$ in fiberglass and hope you don't die" lol
