(What Car?) Supercharged 350z vs £9k?
Discussion
Hi guys,
bit of a strange one.
I've had 4 350z so far - and think they are fantastic cars.
I had a supercharged 350z that blow its engine then caught fire on the ring.
I can salvage a few parts from the charger system. but the rest is toast.
to buy another 350z is about £5k - then to replace broken bits / dyno / mapping will be about £4kish.
that should see a bhp figure of 400+ aswell as 350+ torque. Which would be perfect.
I am thinking of having a change and moving to something else, just unsure what.
So with £9k approx. - what would you go for?
RWD. 350bhp+ NA or supercharged - not a fan of turbos.
Also would prefer a coupe.
something that can handle 4/5 trackdays a year as well as being a daily driver so must have reasonable comforts.
Not a fan of the E46 M3 which would be the obvious choice.
What would you recommend?
Cheers
bit of a strange one.
I've had 4 350z so far - and think they are fantastic cars.
I had a supercharged 350z that blow its engine then caught fire on the ring.
I can salvage a few parts from the charger system. but the rest is toast.
to buy another 350z is about £5k - then to replace broken bits / dyno / mapping will be about £4kish.
that should see a bhp figure of 400+ aswell as 350+ torque. Which would be perfect.
I am thinking of having a change and moving to something else, just unsure what.
So with £9k approx. - what would you go for?
RWD. 350bhp+ NA or supercharged - not a fan of turbos.
Also would prefer a coupe.
something that can handle 4/5 trackdays a year as well as being a daily driver so must have reasonable comforts.
Not a fan of the E46 M3 which would be the obvious choice.
What would you recommend?
Cheers
That's a difficult one I can think of that comes close is a Monaro VXR, but you'd likely stuggle with a £9k budget
MG ZT 260 then add a supercharger maybe? Again budget would be tight. Also not a coupe
Jag XKR, not ideal with an auto but there are paddle shift kits for it, wouldn't be as good as 'proper' ones though.
If you supercharged your Z again it's likely the same thing would happen in time, so many reports on blown motors.
MG ZT 260 then add a supercharger maybe? Again budget would be tight. Also not a coupe
Jag XKR, not ideal with an auto but there are paddle shift kits for it, wouldn't be as good as 'proper' ones though.
If you supercharged your Z again it's likely the same thing would happen in time, so many reports on blown motors.
The reality is, there just haven't been many UK market RWD coupes of that ilk in recent times.
You have the 350z as you know, the out of budget 370z.
BMW 3 and 1 Series, although only the M variants or turbo ones close to your power requirement.
The RX-8, which is cool in it's own way, but technically a saloon not a coupe and doesn't meet the power requirement.
They are the mainstream options really.
There are some big Mercs, but less suitable I'd have thought.
Porsche 996's might just be in budget. Don't think Cayman's are, although Boxsters would be.
Similar with Lotus, an Exige is out of budget or a Europa S. But you'd maybe get an Elise or a VX220 in budget. Quite a different kind of car however.
Then you are probably looking at older cars. Such as FD RX-7's, 300ZX, Supra, 200SX, MR2 MK2 Turbo. But most will be turbo.
Long shot the Jaguar XK8 and XK8. They are RWD coupes, n/a or supercharged. But a weight class up, so probably a better GT car, but a worse track one.
Your budget would allow things like a tidy GT-Four, Impreza or Evo. But AWD, turbo and some aren't coupes.
Really the only non turbo coupes are probably American if you want RWD and not as heavy as a Jag.
Mustangs. You'd get a Fox or a SN95 in budget, might even find something like a Mach 1 or a Cobra, although prices have been on the up.
Corvettes, the C4's are still in budget. Actually if you don't mind LHD these might be a great alternative.
Camaro's and Firebirds. 4th Gen would be the best bang per buck, although the 3rd Gens might be interesting too.
The only other option is maybe classic cars of some type, but these won't have the HP. Suspect a TVR Chim is at the higher end of your budget, but plenty of Wedge shapes attainable. Although these are more of the convertible drop head coupe, rather than a fixed head coupe.
Failing that I think you might be into a custom car of some kind.
You have the 350z as you know, the out of budget 370z.
BMW 3 and 1 Series, although only the M variants or turbo ones close to your power requirement.
The RX-8, which is cool in it's own way, but technically a saloon not a coupe and doesn't meet the power requirement.
They are the mainstream options really.
There are some big Mercs, but less suitable I'd have thought.
Porsche 996's might just be in budget. Don't think Cayman's are, although Boxsters would be.
Similar with Lotus, an Exige is out of budget or a Europa S. But you'd maybe get an Elise or a VX220 in budget. Quite a different kind of car however.
Then you are probably looking at older cars. Such as FD RX-7's, 300ZX, Supra, 200SX, MR2 MK2 Turbo. But most will be turbo.
Long shot the Jaguar XK8 and XK8. They are RWD coupes, n/a or supercharged. But a weight class up, so probably a better GT car, but a worse track one.
Your budget would allow things like a tidy GT-Four, Impreza or Evo. But AWD, turbo and some aren't coupes.
Really the only non turbo coupes are probably American if you want RWD and not as heavy as a Jag.
Mustangs. You'd get a Fox or a SN95 in budget, might even find something like a Mach 1 or a Cobra, although prices have been on the up.
Corvettes, the C4's are still in budget. Actually if you don't mind LHD these might be a great alternative.
Camaro's and Firebirds. 4th Gen would be the best bang per buck, although the 3rd Gens might be interesting too.
The only other option is maybe classic cars of some type, but these won't have the HP. Suspect a TVR Chim is at the higher end of your budget, but plenty of Wedge shapes attainable. Although these are more of the convertible drop head coupe, rather than a fixed head coupe.
Failing that I think you might be into a custom car of some kind.
Not a huge fan of Monaro VXR - the looks just put me off really. Just looks like a Vectra on steroids.
And agreed - its a bit of a selective group of cars i'm looking for.
RX8 im just put off by the number of engine rebuilds that so many threads read about.
the supercharged s2000 would be amazing. But interior is severely lacking - need to look into supercharging costs etc.
And agreed - its a bit of a selective group of cars i'm looking for.
RX8 im just put off by the number of engine rebuilds that so many threads read about.
the supercharged s2000 would be amazing. But interior is severely lacking - need to look into supercharging costs etc.
funny that.300bhp/ton said:
The reality is, there just haven't been many UK market RWD coupes of that ilk in recent times.
You have the 350z as you know, the out of budget 370z.
BMW 3 and 1 Series, although only the M variants or turbo ones close to your power requirement.
The RX-8, which is cool in it's own way, but technically a saloon not a coupe and doesn't meet the power requirement.
They are the mainstream options really.
There are some big Mercs, but less suitable I'd have thought.
Porsche 996's might just be in budget. Don't think Cayman's are, although Boxsters would be.
Similar with Lotus, an Exige is out of budget or a Europa S. But you'd maybe get an Elise or a VX220 in budget. Quite a different kind of car however.
Then you are probably looking at older cars. Such as FD RX-7's, 300ZX, Supra, 200SX, MR2 MK2 Turbo. But most will be turbo.
Long shot the Jaguar XK8 and XK8. They are RWD coupes, n/a or supercharged. But a weight class up, so probably a better GT car, but a worse track one.
Your budget would allow things like a tidy GT-Four, Impreza or Evo. But AWD, turbo and some aren't coupes.
Really the only non turbo coupes are probably American if you want RWD and not as heavy as a Jag.
Mustangs. You'd get a Fox or a SN95 in budget, might even find something like a Mach 1 or a Cobra, although prices have been on the up.
Corvettes, the C4's are still in budget. Actually if you don't mind LHD these might be a great alternative.
Camaro's and Firebirds. 4th Gen would be the best bang per buck, although the 3rd Gens might be interesting too.
The only other option is maybe classic cars of some type, but these won't have the HP. Suspect a TVR Chim is at the higher end of your budget, but plenty of Wedge shapes attainable. Although these are more of the convertible drop head coupe, rather than a fixed head coupe.
Failing that I think you might be into a custom car of some kind.
I did look at the 135i - but the bland styling put me off - however a remap does see near 400bhp. and being twin turbo, there shouldn't be horrible lag.You have the 350z as you know, the out of budget 370z.
BMW 3 and 1 Series, although only the M variants or turbo ones close to your power requirement.
The RX-8, which is cool in it's own way, but technically a saloon not a coupe and doesn't meet the power requirement.
They are the mainstream options really.
There are some big Mercs, but less suitable I'd have thought.
Porsche 996's might just be in budget. Don't think Cayman's are, although Boxsters would be.
Similar with Lotus, an Exige is out of budget or a Europa S. But you'd maybe get an Elise or a VX220 in budget. Quite a different kind of car however.
Then you are probably looking at older cars. Such as FD RX-7's, 300ZX, Supra, 200SX, MR2 MK2 Turbo. But most will be turbo.
Long shot the Jaguar XK8 and XK8. They are RWD coupes, n/a or supercharged. But a weight class up, so probably a better GT car, but a worse track one.
Your budget would allow things like a tidy GT-Four, Impreza or Evo. But AWD, turbo and some aren't coupes.
Really the only non turbo coupes are probably American if you want RWD and not as heavy as a Jag.
Mustangs. You'd get a Fox or a SN95 in budget, might even find something like a Mach 1 or a Cobra, although prices have been on the up.
Corvettes, the C4's are still in budget. Actually if you don't mind LHD these might be a great alternative.
Camaro's and Firebirds. 4th Gen would be the best bang per buck, although the 3rd Gens might be interesting too.
The only other option is maybe classic cars of some type, but these won't have the HP. Suspect a TVR Chim is at the higher end of your budget, but plenty of Wedge shapes attainable. Although these are more of the convertible drop head coupe, rather than a fixed head coupe.
Failing that I think you might be into a custom car of some kind.
seen prices around £11k+
big mercs - I did look at the clk55 amg - but unsure if it will just feel like a boat?
unfortunately for the daily driver it kind of rules out a vx220/elise etc.
I haven't actually ever really looked at American stuff - I do like the new Camaro - but a bit too far out my price range!
need to do a bit more digging on the old mustangs. - need to put it on a diet and get suspension set up to eliminate the awful handling characteristic of them.
f
k me OP; you don't make this easy..... 
Anyway, I've listed some possibilities that hit most of the criteria. There are probably one or two duplicate suggestions from other people as the number of choices is limited:
1. Boxster S
2. SLK/CLK55 AMG
3. Maserati 3200GT (may need to stretch the budget a smidge).
4. Renault Megane R26
That is literally it; minus some suggestions you've already rejected (Monaro, VX220).
For me, I'd fancy the 3200GT but it isn't exactly a track-day weapon. Although, I suppose everything has potential....
The Megane is also a reasonable shout, it's basically a ready made track car, but I'm not sure of the drive train arrangement.
If it was me, I'd take the money, sell a kidney or two and buy a Cerbera or Griffith. I mean, who really needs kidneys anyway...?
k me OP; you don't make this easy..... Anyway, I've listed some possibilities that hit most of the criteria. There are probably one or two duplicate suggestions from other people as the number of choices is limited:
1. Boxster S
2. SLK/CLK55 AMG
3. Maserati 3200GT (may need to stretch the budget a smidge).
4. Renault Megane R26
That is literally it; minus some suggestions you've already rejected (Monaro, VX220).
For me, I'd fancy the 3200GT but it isn't exactly a track-day weapon. Although, I suppose everything has potential....
The Megane is also a reasonable shout, it's basically a ready made track car, but I'm not sure of the drive train arrangement.
If it was me, I'd take the money, sell a kidney or two and buy a Cerbera or Griffith. I mean, who really needs kidneys anyway...?
PlayFair said:
I did look at the 135i - but the bland styling put me off - however a remap does see near 400bhp. and being twin turbo, there shouldn't be horrible lag.
It'll still have lag. But often people mix up boost threshold with lag. The point where the turbo can kick in in the rev range, e.g. 3500rpm isn't lag. That's the boost threshold.Lag happens at any rpm the turbo makes boost at, e.g 5000rpm. When you lift off and then reapply throttle, such as cornering, when you get it wrong and try and catch the car, or changing gear.
PlayFair said:
unfortunately for the daily driver it kind of rules out a vx220/elise etc.
You might want a closer look, I don't think they are that bad, apart from getting in and out of.PlayFair said:
I haven't actually ever really looked at American stuff - I do like the new Camaro - but a bit too far out my price range!
need to do a bit more digging on the old mustangs. - need to put it on a diet and get suspension set up to eliminate the awful handling characteristic of them.
Lol, need to do a bit more digging on the old mustangs. - need to put it on a diet and get suspension set up to eliminate the awful handling characteristic of them.
I love how you say you've not looked at them, but somehow know they are too heavy and have awful handling, as though you've spent much time experiencing this
Anyhow.
Fox Mustang are old, but very capable and weigh less than your 350z did. Being an older car, they will want some mods to make them handle to the standard you are likely after. But a very popular tuning platform. Interiors are pretty dire though on these.
The SN95 Mustangs weigh a tad more. Handling for road use ins't too bad, but you may want to sharpen them up for track use. Biggest downer is the engines aren't the cheapest to tune unless you go for boost.
The Mach 1 was a limited edition with a much more powerful engine.
And 99+ Cobra's are unique that they have more power, IRS and 6 speed boxes. Very capable out of the box.
All in all, any of these could be made into quite a weapon with a little money.
In terms of Camaro's. Really the Camaro and Firebird (Trans Am) are the same car, known as Fbody's. The ones probably to look at are the 1998-2002 ones. They should fall in budget and these have the same LS1 engine that you'd find in a Corvette, Monaro, etc. Essentially the same engine as in the current Camaro and C7 Corvette.
These perform very well out of the box and are fairly rapid machines. Some suspension upgrades can make them extremely capable on track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDxe1lHIxuE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsxDmVpjhpI
Lastly you might be able to get a C4 Corvette. Capable and prices are going up on these.
I'd be surprised if you can find a good Camaro/Trans Am, C4 or Mustang for under £9k, and by good I mean not an Automatic.
If 9k is your limit and you've dismissed other choices I really can't think of anything else.
I don't know your situation but maybe saving for a 370Z would be best.
Otherwise you should stick to a 350Z and hope it doesn't blow up.
If 9k is your limit and you've dismissed other choices I really can't think of anything else.
I don't know your situation but maybe saving for a 370Z would be best.
Otherwise you should stick to a 350Z and hope it doesn't blow up.
Actually OP, I think I might have the perfect solution:-
With a BBR Supercharger
In fact, this ones for sale:-
http://www.bbrgti.com/2009-mazda-mx-5-roadster-spo...
With a BBR Supercharger
In fact, this ones for sale:-
http://www.bbrgti.com/2009-mazda-mx-5-roadster-spo...
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