New tires, not sure what model, I know some years better than others, ex 2003 had alignment problems
New tires, not sure what model, I know some years better than others, ex 2003 had alignment problems
I think the hr models had oil consumption issues, they all have tranny problems with the earliest ones being the worst. I think those were the big drawbacks I saw while looking.
Also, look into squaring up the tire setup to make it a lot more neutral. It's kinda understeery stock, on purpose.
There is a GRM '03 350Z Project Car that might provide some insight.
I had a 2003 350z and it was a great car. Had massive electrical issues thouogh but i've been told my car was unique in its terriblyness.
Also, look into squaring up the tire setup to make it a lot more neutral. It's kinda understeery stock, on purpose. 255 tires all around was amazing on the car.
You can get a similar year RX-8 for a few thousand less. 
IIRC, the 4th➡5th upshift can be sketchy.
They like to eat suspension bushings. You should be fine with the tranny, I think they had most of the kinks worked out by '05. You will replace the window motors at some point...maybe a few times. I think they are fun to drive (no auto-x or track experience, just on the street), and I personally love the exhaust note. Have fun!
sethmeister4 wrote: They like to eat suspension bushings. You should be fine with the tranny, I think they had most of the kinks worked out by '05. You will replace the window motors at some point...maybe a few times. I think they are fun to drive (no auto-x or track experience, just on the street), and I personally love the exhaust note. Have fun!
That describes our 2003 car well. The 4 > 5 upshift also crunched pretty bad, but some Redline MTL solved that. That stuff really is magic.
..a little more background..I have had every Z model built except the 260. The first was my first new car; a 1972 silver 240Z. My last was a twin turbo 300zx.
I want to end my string of ownership with a 350.....in silver..like my first..c
If I understand correctly, the '03 alignment issues were due to specs. There are no actual component changes to later years.
Also, the oil consumption issues with the "Rev-up" series of engines (05-07 I think) show up pretty early in the cars life. Many were replaced under warranty/recall. If they aren't using oil by 100k they likely won't experience abnormal usage for their remaining life.
I personally love these cars as DD. I had a G35, I'll have another, as I need a back seat.
If you have the viscous LSD, then it's probably effectively an open diff now. The diff pumpkins are different between the open diff and the viscous diff. The open diff has cheaper/more options for aftermarket LSDs. It's probably the weakest link in the car in terms of performance. (BTW, if you're near Michigan, I can sell you an open diff cheap.) Manuals have a 3.7 ring and pinion, Autos have a 3.5 gear.
Front end camber is not adjustable. Rear end is. Lots of suspension options. If you're looking for rules compliance, though, you have to be careful with aftermarket A-arms.
They can fit a ton of tire. I had 275s up front, and I've heard of 305s up front. Rears can take more tire than the front.
Plenum spacers help with breathing on 2003-2006 cars. There are lots of options for intake/headers/exhaust/etc. The 07-08 cars had a revised VQ35HR engine. It's harder to find aftermarket parts for the HR, but it has more potential.
There's a bit of parts interchange between the G35 and 350Z.
Uhh... that's all I've got offhand. Let me know if you have any questions.
Test drive it a bit, to make sure you fit. I drove a bunch while employed at a Nissan dealer, none were comfortable for me. I'm 6' 195-205 lbs. 34/34 is my typical pants size, but I could not fit my ample posterior into the bolsters of the seats, or shoulders for that matter, always drove kind of hunched over siting more on the bolsters than between them.
I owned mine for 4 months before getting rid of it.
It was cool at first, but was a bit bloated for the power level, but was a great GT car. I could have improved it with some money, but the hatch space killing rear strut bar and cheap interior materials led me to get rid of it.
Make sure you drive one before taking the leap. The seats don't fit all drivers comfortably, and the driving experience can be a love it, or hate it scenario.
doc_speeder wrote: If I understand correctly, the '03 alignment issues were due to specs. There are no actual component changes to later years. Also, the oil consumption issues with the "Rev-up" series of engines (05-07 I think) show up pretty early in the cars life. Many were replaced under warranty/recall. If they aren't using oil by 100k they likely won't experience abnormal usage for their remaining life. I personally love these cars as DD. I had a G35, I'll have another, as I need a back seat.
They did have a control arm change to the bushing material on the later cars. They say you have to replace the entire arm, but I only changed the bushings. It does indeed help with the tire wear. Also, mine started using oil at 78k miles, and by the time I sold it, it was using a quart every 200 miles. Strangely, it didn't appear to smoke or leak, it simply went away. I'm sure it burned it, but it was polite to its neighbors while doing so!
My '04 was a G35, but it had the same suspension and motor as the 350. Keep in mind it's not every one with oil burning issues, it appears to be hit or miss. At 22k miles my 370Z has had zero issues of any kind. Lets hope it stays that way.
Definitely go drive one and see if you like it. I wouldn't let these possible issues scare you. Certainly the tire wear issue is easy to fix.
sethmeister4 wrote: You should be fine with the tranny, I think they had most of the kinks worked out by '05.
I love this sentence.
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