Nissan 350Z 2007 (HR)
Discussion
Great write up, I enjoyed reading that.
Used to own a 2006 Rev Up 350Z which I owned for 5 years and loved to bits. I'd highly recommend some lowering springs and wheels spacers, and the aforementioned aftermarket exhaust.
Just sharpens up the handling and makes it sound great. Plus none of those should cause you any problems with insurance, they are very common mods.
I did also try some engine mods to get some more power but in hindsight they were a waste of money. Spent a couple of £k to get about an extra 20bhp which was barely even noticeable.
Used to own a 2006 Rev Up 350Z which I owned for 5 years and loved to bits. I'd highly recommend some lowering springs and wheels spacers, and the aforementioned aftermarket exhaust.
Just sharpens up the handling and makes it sound great. Plus none of those should cause you any problems with insurance, they are very common mods.
I did also try some engine mods to get some more power but in hindsight they were a waste of money. Spent a couple of £k to get about an extra 20bhp which was barely even noticeable.
samoht said:
I love that Sunset Orange launch colour! Just a shame it was replaced with Temper Orange on the 07/08 cars. Incidentally, Nissan called my car's colour "Night Blue" - which puts me in mind of the Wangan Midnight anime, and the Devil Z hero car which was a very similar colour https://www.carthrottle.com/post/popyjky/. Luckily, I don't think my Z wants to kill me!
I think when Nissan were developing the whole V35 Skyline platform - the Skyline saloon, 350GT Coupe and 350Z - they were very much looking at, and inspired by the excellence of, BMW's E46.
In terms of mods, I'm intending to keep the car stock for a bit to keep insurance easy and get to know it 'as is', but I definitely have some plans for the longer term. Do you have experience with those Bilsteins? After past bad experiences with aftermarket suspensions, I'm a bit wary as they seem to be a mod that often has more downsides than benefits.
I've actually had the car a couple of months now, so I can fill in a few updates since.
A few days after bringing it home, I took my wife out one damp evening for a little drive to show her the car. Passing a derestriction sign, I accelerated modestly in third - or rather, attempted to, with the response to my right foot being movement sideways rather than forwards, followed by the traction control activating. I changed up to fourth and tried again, which just repeated the trick. At this point I decided that the "Accelera" rear tyres, and fronts of a different but equally unheralded brand, were probably not fit for my purposes on a 300hp rwd car.
I wanted something I could trust would give good grip and progression, rather than looking to experiment, which left me me two avenues. The RX-7 has always felt great on the Yokohama AD08R, while users of the excellent 350z-uk forum voted for the MPS4 by a landslide. In the end Yokohama made the decision for me by being halfway through transitioning from AD08R to AR08RS, such that I couldn't get a set of either type in the staggered widths the 350Z runs as standard. Since a matching set of tyres was part of the point, I went with the crowd and ordered the Michelins from blackcircles.
Sadly, BC seemed not to get the memo, sending the garage an amusingly mismatched set of three 18" MPS4s, and a single 17" Primacy. Second time around and all was good, and I took the chance to get an alignment, correcting the tracking.
The fresh tyres and alignment predictably made a noticeable improvement to wet traction, with the stability control now stood down from high alert to a background role, and being much better able to rely on making forwards progress when desired. The only slight downside was the brakes, where I kept underestimating how much of a shove I needed to pull the car up. Maybe I was just too accustomed to the Carbon Lorraine pads I run on the RX-7?
Acceleras omg !!! I'm Always wary of any car I view / buy that has been run on ditch finders !! I think when Nissan were developing the whole V35 Skyline platform - the Skyline saloon, 350GT Coupe and 350Z - they were very much looking at, and inspired by the excellence of, BMW's E46.
In terms of mods, I'm intending to keep the car stock for a bit to keep insurance easy and get to know it 'as is', but I definitely have some plans for the longer term. Do you have experience with those Bilsteins? After past bad experiences with aftermarket suspensions, I'm a bit wary as they seem to be a mod that often has more downsides than benefits.
I've actually had the car a couple of months now, so I can fill in a few updates since.
A few days after bringing it home, I took my wife out one damp evening for a little drive to show her the car. Passing a derestriction sign, I accelerated modestly in third - or rather, attempted to, with the response to my right foot being movement sideways rather than forwards, followed by the traction control activating. I changed up to fourth and tried again, which just repeated the trick. At this point I decided that the "Accelera" rear tyres, and fronts of a different but equally unheralded brand, were probably not fit for my purposes on a 300hp rwd car.
I wanted something I could trust would give good grip and progression, rather than looking to experiment, which left me me two avenues. The RX-7 has always felt great on the Yokohama AD08R, while users of the excellent 350z-uk forum voted for the MPS4 by a landslide. In the end Yokohama made the decision for me by being halfway through transitioning from AD08R to AR08RS, such that I couldn't get a set of either type in the staggered widths the 350Z runs as standard. Since a matching set of tyres was part of the point, I went with the crowd and ordered the Michelins from blackcircles.
Sadly, BC seemed not to get the memo, sending the garage an amusingly mismatched set of three 18" MPS4s, and a single 17" Primacy. Second time around and all was good, and I took the chance to get an alignment, correcting the tracking.
The fresh tyres and alignment predictably made a noticeable improvement to wet traction, with the stability control now stood down from high alert to a background role, and being much better able to rely on making forwards progress when desired. The only slight downside was the brakes, where I kept underestimating how much of a shove I needed to pull the car up. Maybe I was just too accustomed to the Carbon Lorraine pads I run on the RX-7?
Certain brands seem to suit certain cars, but after running Conti Sport M3s and then the new Conti Sport 6s on my M3, I know exactly what I would be fitting to your Z car. Or the Michelins.
I run Toyo T1-Rs on my Griff 500, simply because there is very little other choice available for these in a 15 in front and a 16 inch rear, but I rarely take it out in the wet.
Re " Bilstein Yellow Sport" shocks, they are simply the best. They were originally developed with Alpina, way back in the early 70s, for the 3.0 CSL for the ETC race series. I fit them to all of my quick cars, 911s, two Griffs, M3, a 3.0CSL, Capris, etc etc. Koni are slightly cheaper and are also a superb unit.
Edited by neutral 3 on Monday 2nd December 19:47
Hey samoht, would you want a new Wix oil filter for the 350Z? My brother bought a load of bits for his Fairlady Z from Rock Auto in the states but didn't get around to changing the oil before he sold it so I've got a Wix 51358XP oil filter here you can have if you want it. I've also got a couple of books for one too but I can't remember what they are at the moment.
LaurasOtherHalf said:
That was the colour of mine, hasn't aged well has it?!
I think its always been a bit marmite. I have an auto express sports cars DVD(from 2003/2004) where the 350Z came first overall out of 13 other cars as the best all rounder for the money. The only thing they didn't like about it was that it was that colour. I do like that it is a bit different/stands out.
I love these. Some criticised it for being too heavy etc, but once you forget about it being a sports car and think of it as a GT, you realise what it’s all about. Covering ground effortlessly and quickly. They make a great noise with a sports cat and a Cobra or Milltek exhaust!
If I came into a bit of money, I’d have one in a heartbeat as a weekend car.
If I came into a bit of money, I’d have one in a heartbeat as a weekend car.
Blanco92 said:
I love these. Some criticised it for being too heavy etc, but once you forget about it being a sports car and think of it as a GT, you realise what it’s all about. Covering ground effortlessly and quickly. They make a great noise with a sports cat and a Cobra or Milltek exhaust!
If I came into a bit of money, I’d have one in a heartbeat as a weekend car.
That's exactly it, it never was a sports car. So when you see detractors going on about the weight etc. you know they don't really know what they are talking about.If I came into a bit of money, I’d have one in a heartbeat as a weekend car.
Fellow 350Z HR owner here. I've had my Twilight Grey 2007 car for nearly 5 years now, and can attest to their daily-drivability. I bought with 35,000 miles and it now has 82,000 miles - every single one trouble free. I've not had a single break down or fault on the car in that time, only replacing consumables/maintaining as necessary. Mine now enjoys a charmed life as a second car and lives under a cover between October-March. I should really update my thread.Yours looks very nice, dents notwithstanding. Great colour too - very rare. Hopefully you give yours the care it deserves. There are so many shocking examples out there now. The HR is definitely the pick of the bunch. Much re-worked powertrain, as you covered, improved interior trim and the bonnet makes such a visual impact compared to the DE and DE Rev-Up Zeds. They really are fantastic cars and superb mile munchers. They're really mechanical and not overly assisted making them a great drivers car. I agree with you about the long gearing, though the benefit of that is that you can really wind them up and make the most of the excellent sound they make!
One top tip for these cars: on the inside front of the rear wheel arches is a small plastic trim piece that sits behind where the sill trim meets the rear arch. Lose them. They collect crap underneath them and are a hot spot for corrosion. You can keep an eye on that area a lot easier without them and keep them clean.
I hope you enjoy yours.
N.B. A Zed and an FD RX-7. You lucky sod.
coldel said:
Blanco92 said:
I love these. Some criticised it for being too heavy etc, but once you forget about it being a sports car and think of it as a GT, you realise what it’s all about. Covering ground effortlessly and quickly. They make a great noise with a sports cat and a Cobra or Milltek exhaust!
If I came into a bit of money, I’d have one in a heartbeat as a weekend car.
That's exactly it, it never was a sports car. So when you see detractors going on about the weight etc. you know they don't really know what they are talking about.If I came into a bit of money, I’d have one in a heartbeat as a weekend car.
Alias218 said:
coldel said:
Blanco92 said:
I love these. Some criticised it for being too heavy etc, but once you forget about it being a sports car and think of it as a GT, you realise what it’s all about. Covering ground effortlessly and quickly. They make a great noise with a sports cat and a Cobra or Milltek exhaust!
If I came into a bit of money, I’d have one in a heartbeat as a weekend car.
That's exactly it, it never was a sports car. So when you see detractors going on about the weight etc. you know they don't really know what they are talking about.If I came into a bit of money, I’d have one in a heartbeat as a weekend car.
I found the E46 M3 to be quite flat performance wise unless you were right at the top of the revs. What I really like about the VQ engine though is that it feels pretty torquey for a NA engine.
Thanks for all the responses, seems like I'm not the only one to have noticed that these are pretty good value driver's car.
Music to my ears, very much what I'm hoping for.
Sko77y said:
Great write up, I've always wanted one of these, regret not buying one a few years ago. Look forward to seeing where you go with it. Got a thread for the RX7?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=1222054lancer778544 said:
Hey samoht, would you want a new Wix oil filter for the 350Z? My brother bought a load of bits for his Fairlady Z from Rock Auto in the states but didn't get around to changing the oil before he sold it so I've got a Wix 51358XP oil filter here you can have if you want it. I've also got a couple of books for one too but I can't remember what they are at the moment.
Thanks, not sure I'd get the chance to use the oil filter tbh, but always interested in car-related books if you want to message me thro the forum Alias218 said:
I bought with 35,000 miles and it now has 82,000 miles - every single one trouble free.
Music to my ears, very much what I'm hoping for.Alias218 said:
Hopefully you give yours the care it deserves. There are so many shocking examples out there now.
My FD has been modified but only subtly, externally stock including suspension and running gear, will probably end up going a similar path with the Z I imagine. No bodykits are planned!!Alias218 said:
One top tip for these cars: on the inside front of the rear wheel arches is a small plastic trim piece that sits behind where the sill trim meets the rear arch. Lose them. They collect crap underneath them and are a hot spot for corrosion. You can keep an eye on that area a lot easier without them and keep them clean.
Thanks for the tip, will try and get those removed then - I did look at a red car for sale with rust at the front of the rear arches, so just about where you describe.Alias218 said:
N.B. A Zed and an FD RX-7. You lucky sod.
Thanks, I have to remind myself how lucky I am to have two characterful 300hp+ RWD cars. In fact the RX-7 was quite cheap to buy back in 2012, it's the maintenance that's been the real cost!As its flagship back in 2007, Nissan endowed the 350Z with state of the art infotainment: a six-CD changer, tape deck, Bluetooth adapter, and (in GT models) sat-nav. However, in the same year Apple launched the iPhone, and nowadays the Nissan’s electronic equipment is of mainly historical interest.
I wanted at least to mount my phone to use for navigation, and hook up an aux input to play music and podcasts, as in my RX-7. There is a mod to add an aux input to the factory stereo, however I was advised that Apple Carplay and Android Auto headunits have moved the game on. I was pleased to find the Sony XAV-AX100 supporting both for under £250, and with a known brand name and pleasantly understated looks I was sold.
Centre console disassembly began with unscrewing the gearknob, removing the gaiter, and then working forwards and backwards along the car, carefully removing electrical connectors as I went and following various online guides. While I didn’t find it that easy taking it apart, all the interior went back together neatly without breaking any clips or introducing any rattles or squeaks into the plasticy but well-built cabin.
I decided to retire the obsolete Bluetooth adapter and run the USB cable to the cubbyhole between the seats, yielding a discreet solution in which I stick my phone into the cubbyhole when I get into the car, where it then sits out of sight but charging and driving the head unit display for navigation, podcasts, music or calls. An adapter cable (Incartec) keeps the steering wheel volume etc buttons working with the new setup, and a mike clipped to an air-vent supports voice commands. (With practice I’m gradually feeling less silly talking to my car!)
I’m pretty satisfied with the results, Google’s tracking of half the population’s every move resulting in good traffic info and routes, and having all my podcasts etc available is great. It’s a neat, cost-effective solution to having up to date infotainment in an older car.
In other news, today I had a family funeral to attend, out beyond Norwich an hour and a half's drive away in the lands that motorways forgot. The weather was damp again but the car was great; stable and planted on the MPS4s, hauling hard off roundabouts in 3rd up to cruising speed, then slotting across to 6th until the next junction. Sometimes it's the slightly emotional days when you start to bond with a car, and today I really appreciated the Z's blend of power, directness and responsiveness on the one hand, and smoothness and comfort on the other.
I wanted at least to mount my phone to use for navigation, and hook up an aux input to play music and podcasts, as in my RX-7. There is a mod to add an aux input to the factory stereo, however I was advised that Apple Carplay and Android Auto headunits have moved the game on. I was pleased to find the Sony XAV-AX100 supporting both for under £250, and with a known brand name and pleasantly understated looks I was sold.
Centre console disassembly began with unscrewing the gearknob, removing the gaiter, and then working forwards and backwards along the car, carefully removing electrical connectors as I went and following various online guides. While I didn’t find it that easy taking it apart, all the interior went back together neatly without breaking any clips or introducing any rattles or squeaks into the plasticy but well-built cabin.
I decided to retire the obsolete Bluetooth adapter and run the USB cable to the cubbyhole between the seats, yielding a discreet solution in which I stick my phone into the cubbyhole when I get into the car, where it then sits out of sight but charging and driving the head unit display for navigation, podcasts, music or calls. An adapter cable (Incartec) keeps the steering wheel volume etc buttons working with the new setup, and a mike clipped to an air-vent supports voice commands. (With practice I’m gradually feeling less silly talking to my car!)
I’m pretty satisfied with the results, Google’s tracking of half the population’s every move resulting in good traffic info and routes, and having all my podcasts etc available is great. It’s a neat, cost-effective solution to having up to date infotainment in an older car.
In other news, today I had a family funeral to attend, out beyond Norwich an hour and a half's drive away in the lands that motorways forgot. The weather was damp again but the car was great; stable and planted on the MPS4s, hauling hard off roundabouts in 3rd up to cruising speed, then slotting across to 6th until the next junction. Sometimes it's the slightly emotional days when you start to bond with a car, and today I really appreciated the Z's blend of power, directness and responsiveness on the one hand, and smoothness and comfort on the other.
Edited by samoht on Wednesday 18th December 14:14
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