350z opinions

[AVE0SAM]

I have always loved this cars look, but it is pig heavy stock, which turns me off from cars seeing as I drive a small 2500lb car. Anyone driven one? I am really getting interested in this car again, but I like to do a lot of research before I get serious that way I don't make a regretful choice. In my research it is completely possible to make a streetable 350z that weights less than 2800lbs, which is a good weight for a car its size. For a project I am really looking for something not done often but is a hidden super performer. Something that is competitive with s2k's and other cars in this type of class. I was originally thinking the k24 mr-s which is doable but how reliable can a mix matched engine and chassis with modern tech be. Plus id like to stay all motor and i think the 2.4L 4banger will run out of top end. An s2k is great but thats like the obvious thing to do in this class. Now I know there is a ton of 350z's but most are boosted or show and not much attention paid to the weight, which is what i feel holds this car back from being a stupid fast car (straight line and curves). One it frees up the power to weight ratio and less weight being thrown around also helps cornering. So whats everyone know about the 350z....good or bad, i really want to get a good discussion about this. I am gonna ask on other forums but i want a kind of unbiased opinion because I hate when people ask 'car A' vs. 'car B.' on a forum for 'car A'. Because you know most people are just gonna say their car rocks lol. Ok discuss. I will update with any info I gather.

note: If i was ever to get a project car, it would have to be from a salvage or a shell.

[aveodude]

Look into the suspension problems. I know there was a recall for it but I have heard of some not being right afterward. Staying all motor will make it a bitch to get it faster. Personally, look for something lighter or something older.

[AVE0SAM]

Look into the suspension problems. I know there was a recall for it but I have heard of some not being right afterward. Staying all motor will make it a bitch to get it faster. Personally, look for something lighter or something older.

i took a quick look into the suspension problem and it seems to be related to either caster, toe, or chamber...but that is fixable with aftermarket parts. Most of the people that seem to be complaining have the stock suspension, which I would replace everything anyway with lighter aftermarket parts. The thing that worries me more in tranny problems I saw popping up. Didn't get to see exactly what the problem was, but that worries me since that isn't something you can fix with aftermarket. Ideally the build would have a Vq35hr engine in it from the newer Z's. It makes more power and various other good changes, but maybe the trans problem has been remedied there.

[NYChevoo]

i grew up driving the 280z's and they were quick as hell!!

[AVE0SAM]

i grew up driving the 280z's and they were quick as hell!!

yea we have a datsun 240z sitting in our garage that use to have a chevy small block...its caged and tubbed, but I want something more modern.

I was thinking of other cars in the fr coupe class to compare: S2K, Soltice, miata, rx-8...let me know some others that I may overlook...the s2k is real nice and the standard but way too common and its only an I4 so you would have to boost it to get top speed. Soltice is very balanced and it would be nice to have a domestic. Miata's are what they are..they are very good performers but you will always look gay in one. Plus theres alot of people that do them to. Rx-8 is so sexy but I don't want to have to get into rotaries. The 350z is pig heavy but has a v6 and decent balance. The plan of attack would be to do what nobody really does with them, go NA (basically stock VQ35HR with I/H/E) and focus on shedding the pounds and completely upgrading the suspension. I seen a few videos of all motor 350z's racing road course vs s2k's, boosted s15's(something like that), and other cars...and it holds its own on the straights but looses ground in the corners and you can tell from watching that its due to the weight. I've come across some really good weight reduction threads for the 350z. Now I just need to becareful of: one, keeping the balance equal or better, and two, not make it a death trap.

[deniswhite1]

how about a miata with a ls engine

[y2dgone]

never driven a 350z, but 240z and 280zx turbo i have, and they are sweeeeet. How much for the chasis sam? does it still have the mounts and cross member? basically im asking if it is ready to go minus the engine and tranny

[o4aveohb]

I'm sure he is talking about a somewhat stock car, any car can be fast with an engine swap. I have always wanted a 350z, i'd rather have a mazdaspeed protege before a miata or possibly even a RX8.

[AVE0SAM]

never driven a 350z, but 240z and 280zx turbo i have, and they are sweeeeet. How much for the chasis sam? does it still have the mounts and cross member? basically im asking if it is ready to go minus the engine and tranny

its my dad's...its def not ready to go but i believe the parts are somewhere between our two garages and shed. I believe my dad will never let go of it.

[y2dgone]

never driven a 350z, but 240z and 280zx turbo i have, and they are sweeeeet. How much for the chasis sam? does it still have the mounts and cross member? basically im asking if it is ready to go minus the engine and tranny

its my dad's...its def not ready to go but i believe the parts are somewhere between our two garages and shed. I believe my dad will never let go of it.

well I'm sure for the right price...lol