370Z GT Roadster

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Popped across to the local TVRCC meet yesterday and it was great to give the car a run and reminisce about my TVR with other owners.

I've also fitted a little stubby aerial to the car because the original was absolutely massive!

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Still really enjoying the car and enjoying top down motoring. I fitted a brand new set of Nissan 370z floor mats with the logo on which sets the interior off a little bit.

Annoyingly I did catch the offside rear wheel this morning getting it out of the garage! I caught the brickwork on the centre pillar and its damaged the wheel similar to if I'd hit a kerb. I'm peed off with myself.

It is such a tight fit going in/out the garage and it goes in diagonally(so it goes past a big American fridge), and I'm wondering whether to rearrange the garage so I can put it in straight like you usually would(don't know if that would make any difference?), or just stick the Mini back in the garage and leave the 370Z on the drive.

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ZX10R NIN said:

Do the latter.

Yes and that is what I'm thinking is best too, thanks.

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SunsetZed said:

From the description I'm assuming that you have a double garage but with a centre support. If that's correct and it's a long term house for you then it might be worth investigating what it would take (cost / effort) to remove the centre support and put a full width double door hence making it much easier to put the car in the garage

Yes it is a double with the centre support. You make a great point and I have mentioned to my Mrs how much easier it would be to have a full width double door. I will look into it thanks.

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Still thoroughly enjoying the car when I get the chance to use it. Been to a couple of shows in it over the last month(Trax at Donington/TOTB at Elivington York). The 90ish mile run to Elivington was pretty punishing on the ears roof down from the exhaust though.

I also drove the car for the first time(apart from the test drive) with the roof up because it was raining on the way back from York. The exhaust is pretty bad roof up though very boomy/droney and it really resonates in the cabin. I shouldn't really moan though because I do like a car to be vocal but I definitely couldn't use it everyday.

The synchro rev control is an absolute giggle roof down...and my mate thought it was brilliant and he could see why I find it really addictive!

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had ham said:

Cracking looking thing - particularly with the roof down!

Agree! Thanks.

I was really pleased to hear how much you enjoyed yours too.

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Not much to report but I'm still really enjoying the car, also as much as I moan that I don't use the car that much I've managed to cover 1500 miles in it since April.

I've also managed to set the neighbours car alarm off three times now...so the upgraded exhaust is doing its job!!

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SturdyHSV said:

Glad to hear you're enjoying the car, it's quite different to a TVR in many ways but obviously shares certain characteristics that you clearly enjoy.

I don't know whether you've considered a Monaro, but I think they might be something you'd also enjoy as a little extra weight doesn't seem to put you off, and if you like riotous large capacity engine noise and a hefty gearchange, they're right up your street. They're also supremely refined at a cruise even with a loud exhaust...

Thanks!

The TVR was epic for sure and I really like the older school feel of this. I also trust it(touch wood) a lot more to not let me down, although I still drive it constantly looking at the gauges and thinking that something might go wrong!(the TVR has certainly left its mark on me in that regard).

You completely hit the nail on the head for me regards the Monaro and the noise for sure. I know that if the 370 was still on its standard exhaust it wouldn't quite have the same appeal. Its vocality really makes it for me.

The Monaro is completely up my street for certain!

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SturdyHSV said:

Well I've always wanted a TVR and ended up with a Monaro because I didn't think the TVR would like living outside, and 8 years on it still makes me giggle like a child.

Combine that with your lack of love for your E92 M3 (not that you ever mention it ) but as I've driven / been in my friend's one a fair amount and it does absolutely nothing for me I get the impression we have similar tastes in transport

My TVR was outside for 3 years and then garaged for 3 years. You are correct though they don't like living outside, and I used to get greeted with a big puddle of water in the drivers foot well when it rained!! Really pleased that the Monaro has treated you so well over so many years.


Yes and it wouldn't be me if I didn't go on about the E92 M3 like a broken record would it?!

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SturdyHSV said:

If you don't need back seats, I can't recommend a Ute strongly enough, they're just a hugely fun car to be in, and even if that doesn't appeal they're around with a hefty manual, and big V8 with LSD which helps... A little less refined in terms of cabin noise though, unsurprisingly, and the sun can be a bit hot on your neck if you're sensitive to such things

That sounds like a massive load of fun!

Have you got a readers rides thread on it?

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I'm still absolutely loving the noise this makes and the way it drives.

I had to put my battery conditioner on it though because I've only used the car twice in the last 5 weeks and it struggled after only 2 weeks sat. I took it out yesterday(first time for 3 weeks) and the battery conditioner did its job and it started absolutely fine.

It was a bit cold yesterday(2 degrees) but I refuse to drive it roof up unless its raining! The opportunity to use it weather wise is becoming less and less though, so I can really understand why most sorn their occasional car over the winter months for sure.

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had ham said:

Great to hear you're still enjoying it, even if the weather is a bit ste at the moment!

Do you have the climate control ventilated seats? Had those on mine, meant you could turn temp up high and air flow up high, and you could drive roof-down in freezing temperatures in nothing more than jeans and a shirt, and still be as cozy as.

Thanks.

Yes I do have the climate control seats and in fairness it does get nice and toasty. I didn't wear a coat driving it yesterday but I just got the odd cold spot on the back of my neck with the windows down. So I mostly drove with them up yesterday, whereas in any other temperature I've had them down all of the time.

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I still absolutely love it to bits thanks.

I still love the noise it makes and the way it drives and I also really enjoy roof down motoring in general.

I'm really missing driving it at the moment though with the lockdown and I put it on SORN at the beginning of this month...because I couldn't see the point in spending £570 on tax with me not being able to use it.

I was tempted to tax it and use it for my food shopping trips, but I thought that it would seem very selfish of me driving it roof down when you consider all that is going on right now. I do keep popping into the garage to look at it though!

Really looking forward to using it again when we eventually come out of the lockdown, because just going out for a drive in it was one of my most favourite things to do.

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Andy665 said:

Really like the 370Z in roadsters form, not a common sight at all - proper old school charm about it - sort of a modern day Healey 3000

Cheers.

They do seem rare for sure and I've only seen one other one since I've had mine.

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SunsetZed said:

Did you change the garage doors?!

No...but I've got used to looking over my right shoulder when I'm moving out of the garage to make sure the rear wheel is away from the brickwork. I also ensure that my steering wheel is pointing straight ahead so I can just move out slowly.

Sometimes when I put it in the garage I get the angle spot on and it feels like I have a bit of breathing space both sides. Whereas sometimes I leave myself a little bit too tight to one side and I get a bit nervous of catching it!

One big double door would certainly take the stress away for sure.

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Cylon2007 said:

"I was tempted to tax it and use it for my food shopping trips, but I thought that it would seem very selfish of me driving it roof down when you consider all that is going on right now."


I have no option as my only car is an MX5 ND, as I'm a key worker I get to drive it to work and back, lovely at the moment with the weather as it is top down, kinda waiting for the stop asking where I am going in my little Red sportscar with the roof down LOL

Nice one.

I'm pleased that you are getting the opportunity to enjoy the sun with some roof down motoring with you working so hard at this tricky time.

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I've decided to tax it again today because I've missed it too much. I haven't driven it since 23rd March...so I will use it for my food shopping trip tomorrow. I can't wait to use it again!

The weather is looking pretty decent too next week.

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Alias218 said:

Get it back on the road! The weather’s been great for driving these cars.

I taxed my 350Z at the beginning of April after its winter hibernation and since have only managed about 400 miles, mostly driving to and from work. I’m glad I did as it’s helped with the monotony of life at the moment.

I look forward to more updates!

Great stuff and I'm pleased to hear that you've been enjoying your 350Z.

Yes and I will try to keep the thread updated for sure.

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Court_S said:

Good stuff; may as well enjoy it for what you can. I’ve seen plenty of people knocking about in drop tops, ranging from MX5’s to Astons. I personally don’t see the issue if that’s the car you have.

I like the 370Z but it didn’t really seem to take off or sell as well as the 350Z which were literally everywhere for a few years. I think the 370 is a better looking car and will age better.

Thanks mate!

Yes and the 370Z didn't seem to take off for some reason in comparison to the 350Z for sure. I'm obviously bias but I'm a big fan of the 370Z, although I also really liked the 350Z too. It has really got under my skin much like my 200SX did.

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juice said:

Dunno how I missed this - the car looks awesome, bet it sounds great too !

Thanks very much!

I do love the noise it makes for sure.