Samoht's 2007 Nissan 350Z HR

[samoht]

I thought I should make a separate thread now I've bought the car. (Link back to purchase thread http://gtxforums.net/showthread.php?1957-What-to-look-for-when-looking-for-a-350Z ).

Yesterday went out for a drive on the country lanes outside Cambridge. It was raining, and got dark, but I had a fun drive anyway. Incidentally the xenon lights on this car are night and day better than the nineties cars I've had previously.

The MPS4 tyres have made a real difference, either it's taking full throttle or the traction control is being quite subtle. Either way, really impressive wet grip, especially given the Z has slightly less of its weight over the rear wheels than the RX-7 does. Well worth binning the cheapo mixed tyres it came on that left me slithering under power in the wet.

I'm kinda starting to get used to the odd clutch, possibly with a few more weekend drives I might get to the point where it's natural. The power is great, I find it hard to compare as there's less sensation of speed than the FD, but I don't think it's far off at all against the clock. The handling is also good, the steering is very precise and the car is stable, so it's easy to place.

The only downside is the brakes, which I keep needing to put more muscle into than I expect to stop - although I now know why. I took the car to the local Nissan garage for a service last week, on the basis that it's not that dear in the grand scheme of things. They did the major service, but said that the front brake discs are rusty and need replacing, plus pads all round - they quoted total of over £1600 !! Obviously this is nonsense, as the Nissan front discs are available for a few hundred quid elsewhere.
Anyway the Carbon Lorraine CL5+ pads have been brought forward, and the car's going back to the independent garage that fitted the tyres on Tuesday, to have new front discs and the pads fitted. I had a bit of luck here, the boss initially said that they won't fit customer-supplied parts as it causes too many problems when things don't work, however I was able to talk him into fitting the CL5 pads for me, on the proviso that it's at my own risk. Turns out he has a 370Z himself with a few nice mods, so that's good. They're walking distance from the office and handled the supplier's tyre mixup very well, so I'm quite happy to be using them.

The Sony head unit has come, but I've now ordered the steering wheel controls adapter leads and a stereo surround, so I'm holding off on fitting it until them - only taking the interior apart once sounds preferable.

Deferred is sorting the bodywork, may wait a bit for this.

Sometime soon I'm going to try and do a little 'back to back' comparison drive between this and the RX-7. In theory I'm just trying to get the RX-7 fixed (again) so I can sell it. In practice I keep having doubts, I like the 350Z a lot but I have a sneaking suspicion I'll regret selling on the FD. I *can* keep them both in the short term, although I don't particularly like leaving the Z out in the rain.

Also on the todo list is washing the car and getting some proper photos of it!

PS A huge thank you to everyone who's given me advice so far, I really appreciate the help and I'm very happy with the car.

[dodint]

How does this thread not have pics? ;)

[CudaMan]

Is leaving a car out in the rain harmful where you are? Like acid rain or something? It's funny - I don't like leaving cars outside here because of the endless hot sun most of the year. :) Rubber trim (and tires...) ages and cracks, paint fades or even oxidizes if you don't regularly protect it, dashes crack or warp, etc.

The FD is such a good car, a classic already and quite possibly the most beautiful Japanese design ever. It's hard to argue against that car, even for a Z lover like myself.

The TC on my HR Enthusiast (no VSC) was *not* subtle! First time it happened I thought something was wrong with the car. It behaved as if the engine just died. My 328i is much smoother and more progressive with dulling power when it senses wheel slip.

Fingers crossed the new brakes give you the feel you want! Change the fluid while you're at it?

[samoht]

Leaving the car out I'm just paranoid I guess - rust, or something falling on the car. It's probably fine, and most people are happy to, I just prefer the feeling of knowing that my car(s) are safely tucked away in a garage.

The fluid was changed at the service at Nissan, so that's new at least, although I'd need something higher temp before venturing out on track.

I did feel the TC come in yesterday when accelerating fairly hard over a bump, it seemed quite subtle, just the engine briefly easing off. Mine does have the VSC, so maybe it's a newer generation system. I need to work out what it does for me.

[samoht]

Pics are a strong todo for next weekend. It's now dark here when I get home from work, so not much hope before Sat.

Got the brakes done, the rear pads were crumbling to dust - could well be original at 25k miles. Not really had a chance to bed them in yet.

Next challenge is fitting the Sony AA head unit.

[samoht]

I got the Sony installed, pulling out the interior was a bit nerve-wracking but it actually all went back together fine, the Z interior feels quite ok to re-assemble and get it back as-new. I'm enjoying Android Auto on it now.

The new brake pads are bedding in and starting to get that sharp feel, I've not done many miles in it at all though since they were done.

Realised today that even 3rd gear is really too tall for most normal road situations, 2nd runs to well over 70mph. Managed to get the TCS to cut in and actually see the light flashing on the binnacle today, full throttle in 2nd on damp tarmac. Still getting to know the car.


And finally, some pics :-)

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lbi4HGdtIlMY2S9VajNgohIQjqKyL_zuwPhevcunIjIzaZgwZr UsNtS8ItFeiioFXSGM1BXxuNJJ5bQixMon-BkRSVM6alSp3r7n2VwKGrs7Jvm0rxKiNvm9q0YXpZt1pl3GAYN qnj2eHQbT-uDxckUh5k7RLVskf9hIBw_I6d3P_fFk08Ul5T2TIC68ojrf6AF gLWm00Af3_s9n4hVmDnYiibeWOJcfkBq56CMmgzl9eGhJZUDxF _hHbbd5q9NLh2BdL8nk_RXF75Gtli3RiVyl2sYHkJ1-YHFegxs067N2MBaeNmxjgFA70RIjt-GFt8mQCbxRRrqzMT6dlFfLVSs4GiP1zZCyYjGqldO-Oc7zy9Z4WehGReCXhqUF2HfZrNZnC3XMkAB8zEPKz11OEc3f-z6TKipWtX58ZjwV3ZOdsgQ2wl8iLSkTk5D12vD2nGMAdKIpoJr dyV932eP5kDx9dRqTcVg763g4LQgAbAzHNXOn0aOyJHTzkgjEY 9G-cETQn-nygnFiyrM_1V_fY-YH425ZHRuYeuSnCzlr8Fz6IzvHbTU5r9DgbEtPprzPzqJgc2d5 K58AH-8yvRiRntM6RYQw6uzEZJGbNV80OdnHoBagt3sNrAdzPs3KJMXI DITIi6kiyUVIqAphiHNFM4C79avoEBN5IU7QDpnfuJDWyM0o0E 5-9_yWGxnYTVzc5GUl2SgQeJ8nrJCqqYHyUH1YQ4FPVimjzpj7ep 3Vt-emmFyg=w1812-h1208-no

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https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/xWvFpNfsMRK1i0MLK1XS9JU-ep9jmNoLc5ewotAAxIXndOWSRQuRJeymerQ804JHbz4TFs_bEw vKLtxmiULq8PHNSH0X8EvunoHUhVxxB658J30pp1Ksogvi0h35 _c-HAZoYn25ZQvZyDut_lauSRxky0sGvzI1an2SPVqtzq7w066wOH anrMdJF48m64-CvDE_xLJ4bSiHtdh93MB1SDnZmOpc_-HzwPiWD3g0dVVn0rRCwF71BWOFuqadj03FJUouw9LcrJ3HlalO GeVZS-EKFKHs89OwFuSbRS1TjH3Jw0-lT3wWb5NlF8qrfBxOTbFY-p3qmKTfMJmzgRSvgRCoOoeV_-PmMK44VxEyjZDEOEg7uPPd46U6Sk4w19tVXdDXF5Hgxq4PZYvh DvB1MnCZH3v8dK6zYHTjfRDVy-cKmVxaAt18R2DrJqbhXL9blXqy5Lu9IE8pam0Bct0T7J5L-kdUvOFNmRaR5APkkFsdCZwvJk9hy3YYTlcUE747yIRKN2lPim7 69jbTxGvTL79fKYmnDx1sYARmPiVXo26jzdly6CCHGGuv15cqT Ysj_4hG4GJyMeEPJA-yHGkxGBBFTY2FRGmyCkhIFTHpoLjafVULfXORgVyWQSfSHbGN5 aHkVqeakda8YOrrGqxIud9f9z_oJZYuabKJj63UtuqC-fQaY_VkAWD9_h3QEVvKR7FS3okJ9knAhg2ry8iaAJPKZXweAdt aYaiuSFYUHgBjKqVqW=w806-h1208-no

[CudaMan]

Looking good! For me, only the second photo and the second to last photo are showing.

The interior does seem to be well constructed even if the materials feel on the cheaper side.

On 275/35-18s (I forget how the diameter compares to stock) 2nd gear would go to a GPS-verified 70.5mph. Switching to a 7800rpm limiter gave 2-3 more MPH in 2nd gear, but I rarely used that - it was only for special occasions at important autox events where that would be beneficial VS shifting to 3rd gear.

[samoht]

Thanks for the heads-up; photos hopefully fixed now ;)

Looks like my 245/45 'offroad spec' standard size tyres would have about 4% larger rolling radius, so maybe another 3mph. So not a long way beyond 70 then, but probably enough for most overtakes :)

[Yw-slayer]

Excellent!

[CudaMan]

Much better - I see them all now. :) I never knew you could get park distance sensors on these cars in any market. What is the square cover in the middle of the rear bumper hiding?

[Phil_SS]

Much better - I see them all now. :) I never knew you could get park distance sensors on these cars in any market. What is the square cover in the middle of the rear bumper hiding?

Just a guess...tow hook maybe?

Looks great btw. 350Z/370Z's are definitely on my list.

[samoht]

Car now advertised for sale
https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11091406

[Crazed_Insanity]

Your car looks amazing! I particularly love your license plate... :p

If anyone feels small, just buy samoht's Z! :D

[CudaMan]

I forgot it had so few miles! Someone will be getting a great car.

FWIW Phil, I rate the VQ35HR more highly than the VQ37 in this application. The 370 does have the nicer interior materials though.

[samoht]

A potential buyer arranged for the RAC to inspect the Z today, so I had to dig all the cars out and put them on the street in case they needed to use my drive/garage for the inspection.

So, 1,000 hp lined up :)

(308hp Nissan + 362hp Merc + ~330hp Mazda)
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3fhlP5b4pASvi7kAarVtFOJEOLnon3nAd6BjDUdMBJAXLnRVsO-rRl64gv8PG8HqIhx15PUZSl2uakWhae1nuVLsg4bDYt_byvMFQ iQDZhqULMl8i20Arun7dZ__7Wb5JzuSBNT2OD3BeRirsuDb7lV 3w=w1000-h750-no

Inspector sounded like he didn't find much wrong, so fingers crossed the Z will sell soon.

[Yw-slayer]

(308hp Nissan + 362hp Merc + ~330hp Mazda)

Tough life, man.

[Rare White Ape]

I had 335HP in the garage, but now I'm down to only about 160.

[samoht]

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2ofaLzCub8YPc-xeZ-PzNrVBK9Z1Ke7o6FOJQ4OTqMM3FUt7uQp9JxrVf65OMP2ISo8Q p71I7W-RK0-RSB1jg4VO9TbHkGKmHV0Dr2LtsRu3GKZgfGV_jRXeE0SgHSssk dsVuHuEomFcWqW7yex1JSHJLKaAUpQlnNP-COIw-zZHQ8qYsiC8g6SfTvmLx1hTAyDW1PhBvRWYjFlcErZ21j9E_6Q jidp5UTi4uHbZkNUT5Z6wNIpa5W5eBacyybcutFujhi3sQq7L-eGyE6_66xO9Hr9T2-U8g3fSzlMjIYLouqAdE7s6ITutwbur1R5Xne_JbBOFjnb6wiX0 x3ZlR9x-mLtgp3wK46HFshLQbIhk9DYAhxGCfmMJxSRBTNPXMNCZtMLfXj A8HIHUALee5pt5tq0Ycuz3at0Xuurr4wvZZcUaWbCRdUpMdED2 juLqKCo7iqAWaLZEBXZdCARvXJgluBVL3AHdf2IR5ZRvyi04Ax 4YC7W_aWSs_wiMxTbwlnl38FrvEV50u0AuCErz93hU8vIvu-xvuie6fbuLzFj8AMhOJp8udriKCQclpo7dog_oclPNzpgBXQgG 1JV0LHYyBD0RqvfSX9iKEr-W-JIsKtHc6P84FdqpcxZvwWrHIkCAR4dTSt9VjWmUymt2DRQ8j7F cb6lr9tpvQo1-9LulVEKlB5c_kjm-EjiwVQ=w1288-h966-no?authuser=0

350Z is gone to its new owner, wasn't straightforward though. The MOT had picked up an advisory notice on a front anti-roll bar droplink, the seller asked me to get that done as part of the deal. My usual garage were being useless and not getting back to me with quotes, so I found another place and took it in. Got a call 30 mins later, we've got your car on the ramp and found that the front lower compression arms bushings have both totally gone, arms are rattling around on their bolts. In retrospect this must've been like this for a while, I had very occasional odd noises but nothing repeating or continuing, but neither my usual garage nor the RAC inspector had noticed! So a £987 bill later, the car's ready to be sold. Not great news financially. However, on the upside the buyer paid the full asking price (£8750), and having sold it within 14 days of getting the Merc, I got almost a full refund on the new insurance policy I had to take out on it (just paid for days on cover), plus avoided paying any more road tax at £50 a month. So swings and roundabouts, and glad to have it all settled - on reflection December's not the best time to change cars!

New owner lives in Northern Ireland by a weird co-incidence, so it's going back where it came from. He was easy to deal with, and arranged a transport firm to come and collect it.

[Rare White Ape]

Congrats, now you're down to 692HP.

[CudaMan]

Wow, if it's the lower radius/thrust rod bushings I'm thinking of that were bad, I can't imagine you didn't feel that! Wandering under braking and such. Also shocking to have them disintegrate that bad at that mileage. Maybe it gets super cold in northern Ireland?

Glad you found a buyer easy to deal with.

[samoht]

Yeah, glad to have the sale go smoothly and get it done before Christmas, I wasn't really trying to build up a collection of three-hundred-and-something-hp cars ;-)

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Hopefully you can see this pic, the arm's meant to be on the bush, not resting on the bottom I think! The other side was exactly the same.
I honestly felt nothing amiss driving the car! I don't know whether having them both equally disconnected on both sides meant the wandering cancelled out or something. Also, I know from past experience that I'm quite good at correcting for problems while driving but very bad at noticing them, I can be putting in quite a bit of lock to compensate for an issue and not really notice. Anyway I'm glad it was found before it went, I would have felt bad if I'd sold the car like that even unaware, would like to think if I'm selling a car it's in reasonable condition.

[Yw-slayer]

Good stuff, esp for peace of mind, man.