Le Mans Sunset 350Z
Discussion
Just purchased this today. My first semi interesting car for a little while, had an S2000, evo 5 etc. a few years ago but then I moved out of the country for a while and other than an mx5 and an EP3 type R I have mainly driven pretty boring cars to tow my boat with the last few years.
Last 2 years I’ve had a work van that costs me nothing in fuel etc. so not had a need for a car but I’ve started to get an itch for something to drive at the weekends that’s not my van!
When I bought my S2000 I actually considered a 350z but it didn’t do it for me back then, I was 21 at the time and I think the Honda just felt more exciting with its 9200rpm redline. (To be honest I wanted another S2K this time but couldn’t justify paying over twice what I sold mine for for a worse example!)
Drove a colleagues 350z last year and found it seemed to suit what I want from a car these days. When I decided to get one I was initially looking for a grey one with black leather and the rays alloys. This one popped up and I went to view it and fell in love straight away.
It took a week or so to finalise the deal due to a discrepancy in the MOT history but in the end I decided the car was so tidy that I couldn’t pass it up and a deal was done.
My mate took me to get it in his S2000 and we took a long route home, roads were a bit icy in places but I’m very impressed. It’s a cracking road car, handles well, got enough grunt, good Brembo brakes, enough mod cons to be comfortable but it’s also soft enough to take the south coasts awful roads in its stride. Also sounds very nice for a standard car.
For me the worst part of the car for me is the resemblance of a Peugeot RCZ in the rear quarter although obviously the Nissan came first.
Got it home and gave it a good wash, clay bar, polish and a coat of wax. Needs another coat of wax but it’s looking good for the time being. It’s in pretty great condition for a 17 year old car with 115000 on the clock!
Plans are just to keep it a nice standard example, I am going to add wheel spacers and sort out getting an aux added to the stereo but that’s about it. Oh and colour code those awful parking sensors!
Hopefully interests the odd person on here, they don’t seem to have much of a following on here - I’m definitely a convert myself!
Last 2 years I’ve had a work van that costs me nothing in fuel etc. so not had a need for a car but I’ve started to get an itch for something to drive at the weekends that’s not my van!
When I bought my S2000 I actually considered a 350z but it didn’t do it for me back then, I was 21 at the time and I think the Honda just felt more exciting with its 9200rpm redline. (To be honest I wanted another S2K this time but couldn’t justify paying over twice what I sold mine for for a worse example!)
Drove a colleagues 350z last year and found it seemed to suit what I want from a car these days. When I decided to get one I was initially looking for a grey one with black leather and the rays alloys. This one popped up and I went to view it and fell in love straight away.
It took a week or so to finalise the deal due to a discrepancy in the MOT history but in the end I decided the car was so tidy that I couldn’t pass it up and a deal was done.
My mate took me to get it in his S2000 and we took a long route home, roads were a bit icy in places but I’m very impressed. It’s a cracking road car, handles well, got enough grunt, good Brembo brakes, enough mod cons to be comfortable but it’s also soft enough to take the south coasts awful roads in its stride. Also sounds very nice for a standard car.
For me the worst part of the car for me is the resemblance of a Peugeot RCZ in the rear quarter although obviously the Nissan came first.
Got it home and gave it a good wash, clay bar, polish and a coat of wax. Needs another coat of wax but it’s looking good for the time being. It’s in pretty great condition for a 17 year old car with 115000 on the clock!
Plans are just to keep it a nice standard example, I am going to add wheel spacers and sort out getting an aux added to the stereo but that’s about it. Oh and colour code those awful parking sensors!
Hopefully interests the odd person on here, they don’t seem to have much of a following on here - I’m definitely a convert myself!
Your 350Z looks great OP. 
And that is the colour I would want - well apart from the parking sensors!
A 350Z was on my shortlist years ago, but I ended up falling in love with another Z - a BMW Z4 Coupe, which was probably a direct rival back in the day.
There's just something a bit special about a 2 seater with an N/A 6 cylinder engine, manual gearbox and RWD!
And that is the colour I would want - well apart from the parking sensors!
A 350Z was on my shortlist years ago, but I ended up falling in love with another Z - a BMW Z4 Coupe, which was probably a direct rival back in the day.
There's just something a bit special about a 2 seater with an N/A 6 cylinder engine, manual gearbox and RWD!
Nice. Condition looks good from those pictures, design has aged well IMO. How heavy is the clutch out of interest?
Not sure if you’ve seen it but ‘Road and Race’ on YouTube has one and tackles some common issues. Has a very well equipped garage now but still, might be useful for the simpler stuff.
Not sure if you’ve seen it but ‘Road and Race’ on YouTube has one and tackles some common issues. Has a very well equipped garage now but still, might be useful for the simpler stuff.
The Z4 3.0si coupe was something I considered, I think with the right wheels they look great however after owning a few BMWs in the past I’m really not a fan of their n/a straight 6’s (controversial I know!)
Clutch isn’t noticeably heavier than any other car I’ve driven really, the clutch slave has been done in the past though. The gearbox was a surprise, short throw and slick - not quite on Honda levels but not far off!
I have watched a few road and race vids, so far I’ve not found anything that needs doing on mine other than sorting out the boot release as it takes 2 hands to open, one to press the button and one to lift. As I say on first impressions it’s in incredible condition for its age and mileage, inside, outside and underneath.
Clutch isn’t noticeably heavier than any other car I’ve driven really, the clutch slave has been done in the past though. The gearbox was a surprise, short throw and slick - not quite on Honda levels but not far off!
I have watched a few road and race vids, so far I’ve not found anything that needs doing on mine other than sorting out the boot release as it takes 2 hands to open, one to press the button and one to lift. As I say on first impressions it’s in incredible condition for its age and mileage, inside, outside and underneath.
Very nice OP and I've always been a fan of them.
I test drove a brand new 350Z Roadster back in 2006 and I really enjoyed it. After that drive I knew I wanted a Nissan Z car one day. Then almost 2 years ago I purchased my 370Z Roadster and I still love it to bits. I've got spacers on mine and it makes a nice difference to the way it sits I reckon.
Enjoy your 350Z.
I test drove a brand new 350Z Roadster back in 2006 and I really enjoyed it. After that drive I knew I wanted a Nissan Z car one day. Then almost 2 years ago I purchased my 370Z Roadster and I still love it to bits. I've got spacers on mine and it makes a nice difference to the way it sits I reckon.
Enjoy your 350Z.
patchb said:
The Z4 3.0si coupe was something I considered, I think with the right wheels they look great however after owning a few BMWs in the past I’m really not a fan of their n/a straight 6’s (controversial I know!)
Not controversial at all. I have a e46 330ci for track days and it took me ages to bond with the engine. If you're not used to smooth power delivery and almost silent engine noise, then you will hate the it. Until I stripped interior, bilstein suspension, closer ratio diff, Michelin Cup 2 tyres, exhaust and induction mods, I truly thought the 3.0 IL6 was the worst engine I've ever had in any car.
Best of luck with the 350Z, it looks great
PB
Pig benis said:
patchb said:
The Z4 3.0si coupe was something I considered, I think with the right wheels they look great however after owning a few BMWs in the past I’m really not a fan of their n/a straight 6’s (controversial I know!)
Not controversial at all. I have a e46 330ci for track days and it took me ages to bond with the engine. If you're not used to smooth power delivery and almost silent engine noise, then you will hate the it. That looks great, love the sunset orange and that interior, to me that will always be the 'best' colour for a 350Z for me, being the launch colour. Yes 25mm spacers make a huge visual difference, the std wheels are actually really good (forged Rays), just need to be flush with the arches really.
If/when you need tyres, I really rated MPS4 on mine, even in the wet made it very easy to 'make progress' without being troubled by unwanted loss of traction, quite contrary to the 350Z's reputation.
Have fun, I think these are really great value for money considering their engine, layout and generally low, predictable running costs, and have probably pretty much reached their floor in terms of values so a great time to buy.
samoht said:
That looks great, love the sunset orange and that interior, to me that will always be the 'best' colour for a 350Z for me, being the launch colour. Yes 25mm spacers make a huge visual difference, the std wheels are actually really good (forged Rays), just need to be flush with the arches really.
If/when you need tyres, I really rated MPS4 on mine, even in the wet made it very easy to 'make progress' without being troubled by unwanted loss of traction, quite contrary to the 350Z's reputation.
I second this as well. I have 25mm spacers all round and I've also got MPS4 on my 370Z. If/when you need tyres, I really rated MPS4 on mine, even in the wet made it very easy to 'make progress' without being troubled by unwanted loss of traction, quite contrary to the 350Z's reputation.
Agree regards the colour too. I have an Auto Express DVD comparison of sports cars/coupes, and the 350Z comes out on top in that(out of 13 cars). It is the same colour as the OP's.
Lovely! Great exterior colour, and that colour interior really lifts what is typically not the best of interiors.
I had a 58 coupe and an 06 convertible, neither put a foot wrong at all in a combined 5 years of ownership, they were seriously great, great cars. I'd also add to what the guys are saying above - spacers do make a very positive difference to the looks, especially with the Rays alloys.
Enjoy!
I had a 58 coupe and an 06 convertible, neither put a foot wrong at all in a combined 5 years of ownership, they were seriously great, great cars. I'd also add to what the guys are saying above - spacers do make a very positive difference to the looks, especially with the Rays alloys.
Enjoy!
Looks great OP! Fantastic cars in my opinion, I’m 5 years/40k in with mine and love it. It’s been my daily all that time and never misses a beat.
I’ve kept mine pretty standard, but did recently fit spacers (20mm front/25mm rear) - just makes the car look more purposeful (excuse the dirt, clean needed).
Some of the earlier 350z have started to rust now, especially some of the bolt on bits. I’ve had to replace a couple of braces etc, but the chassis itself is fine. I’ve had it fully waxoyled in my ownership - worth doing to yours if it hasn’t been done.
Hope you enjoy it - keep us updated :-)
I’ve kept mine pretty standard, but did recently fit spacers (20mm front/25mm rear) - just makes the car look more purposeful (excuse the dirt, clean needed).
Some of the earlier 350z have started to rust now, especially some of the bolt on bits. I’ve had to replace a couple of braces etc, but the chassis itself is fine. I’ve had it fully waxoyled in my ownership - worth doing to yours if it hasn’t been done.
Hope you enjoy it - keep us updated :-)
Edited by rowey200 on Sunday 14th February 15:29
Just had the car in bits to take the tape deck out and solder in an aux lead - this renders the tape deck useless but funnily enough I don’t have a massive tape collection anyway.
Very simple mod to do and I’ve routed the cable into the centre console and added a Bluetooth module. Worked a treat and with a bit of setting up the Bose stereo is fantastic - I like a little bit of bass so the factory subwoofer behind the drivers seat is a nice addition - one of the benefits of getting a GT pack car.
Also added an inductive charger whilst I had the centre console out - it’s not a daily but I plan on doing some longer road trips in it so making it user friendly was one of the first things for me.
Next up is a full service and then wheel spacers and after that I’m just gonna keep on top of keeping it nice and improving the odd little bit here and there for example the aerial is a bit crusty so will get a new one, little bits like that.
Very simple mod to do and I’ve routed the cable into the centre console and added a Bluetooth module. Worked a treat and with a bit of setting up the Bose stereo is fantastic - I like a little bit of bass so the factory subwoofer behind the drivers seat is a nice addition - one of the benefits of getting a GT pack car.
Also added an inductive charger whilst I had the centre console out - it’s not a daily but I plan on doing some longer road trips in it so making it user friendly was one of the first things for me.
Next up is a full service and then wheel spacers and after that I’m just gonna keep on top of keeping it nice and improving the odd little bit here and there for example the aerial is a bit crusty so will get a new one, little bits like that.
orangetwist said:
It's a real shame they don't have the biggest following on here- it's probably my dream car!
It’s odd, I wasn’t ever really a fan myself until recently. It’s a good recipe as said, 3.5 litre V6, nice 6spd manual driving the rear wheels via an LSD in a nice enough looking 2 seat coupe. Pretty much what people moan that car manufacturers don’t make any more! They are a bit heavy however I think this actually helps on UK roads, it definitely feels more composed than my s2000 did. Interior not the best but I don’t mind it at all, I do think the orange seats help a bit though.
A 350Z on PH! A rare sight indeed.
Looking very tidy for 115k. I was going to suggest a Bluetooth transmitter for your radio but you’ve already gone ahead with the aux input mod. Rust is a big problem for these now - lots of bolt on bits underneath (the so-called W-brace and kidney brackets in particular), but also the rear arches and where the sills meet the rear arches. As I tell all new owners: remove the plastic trim that sits at the front of the rear arches. It holds onto dirt and can hide a lot of nasty surprises. With them removed you can keep an eye on them and keep them clean.
Otherwise, enjoy! They are fantastic for long distance cruising and hustling down B-roads alike.
Mine, just because. Seven years in this year!
Looking very tidy for 115k. I was going to suggest a Bluetooth transmitter for your radio but you’ve already gone ahead with the aux input mod. Rust is a big problem for these now - lots of bolt on bits underneath (the so-called W-brace and kidney brackets in particular), but also the rear arches and where the sills meet the rear arches. As I tell all new owners: remove the plastic trim that sits at the front of the rear arches. It holds onto dirt and can hide a lot of nasty surprises. With them removed you can keep an eye on them and keep them clean.
Otherwise, enjoy! They are fantastic for long distance cruising and hustling down B-roads alike.
Mine, just because. Seven years in this year!
Alias218 said:
A 350Z on PH! A rare sight indeed.
Looking very tidy for 115k. I was going to suggest a Bluetooth transmitter for your radio but you’ve already gone ahead with the aux input mod. Rust is a big problem for these now - lots of bolt on bits underneath (the so-called W-brace and kidney brackets in particular), but also the rear arches and where the sills meet the rear arches. As I tell all new owners: remove the plastic trim that sits at the front of the rear arches. It holds onto dirt and can hide a lot of nasty surprises. With them removed you can keep an eye on them and keep them clean.
Otherwise, enjoy! They are fantastic for long distance cruising and hustling down B-roads alike.
Mine, just because. Seven years in this year!
I didn’t rush this purchase and took a lot of photos of underneath when I first looked and also got the seller to get the car MOTd and I got some photos from the tester when it was on the ramp and it’s very clean underneath. It has had a new W brace which they all seem to need at some point. Looking very tidy for 115k. I was going to suggest a Bluetooth transmitter for your radio but you’ve already gone ahead with the aux input mod. Rust is a big problem for these now - lots of bolt on bits underneath (the so-called W-brace and kidney brackets in particular), but also the rear arches and where the sills meet the rear arches. As I tell all new owners: remove the plastic trim that sits at the front of the rear arches. It holds onto dirt and can hide a lot of nasty surprises. With them removed you can keep an eye on them and keep them clean.
Otherwise, enjoy! They are fantastic for long distance cruising and hustling down B-roads alike.
Mine, just because. Seven years in this year!
Already cleaned out the arches, they’re pristine as well.
This is part of the reason the first thing I did was get the paint protected, I’m going to be using a marine corrosion protectant for the underside when we get a dry weekend.
I’d have liked a slightly lower mileage example but this one is so clean that I considered this more important especially as it’s only a weekend car for me so I’m not going to be adding loads to the odometer.
cerb4.5lee said:
Pig benis said:
patchb said:
The Z4 3.0si coupe was something I considered, I think with the right wheels they look great however after owning a few BMWs in the past I’m really not a fan of their n/a straight 6’s (controversial I know!)
Not controversial at all. I have a e46 330ci for track days and it took me ages to bond with the engine. If you're not used to smooth power delivery and almost silent engine noise, then you will hate the it. 
The only V6s I've had before were in a MK2 Granada, a couple of 2.8i Capris and a Scorpio.
Then I had a couple of Merc straight 6s in the 90s until I rediscovered them in BMWs in 2014 - an E46, E91, E90 and 3 E86 Z4s.
My current MC has after-market Powerflow back-boxes and I love how it sounds, especially up towards the 8K red-line!
But I still think Le Mans Sunset looks fantastic. Great choice OP.
orangetwist said:
It's a real shame they don't have the biggest following on here- it's probably my dream car!
The Zed's should really be proper PH cars - big engine 6/V6, rwd, 2 seats - a Japanese TVR if you are willing to stretch the analogy a bit, but with better build/reliability.In the meantime, enjoy and welcome to the small, unfashionable club. It's great.
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