michker

mmm thanks for the advice on that, don’t think the wife would be too pleased with a jerky ride so maybe stick to the DM... What abount the existing one failing completely.. is this a possibility of will it just get noisier? Mike

My 03 JDE has developed over the last 12 months an annoying rattle from the DM Flywheel. A couple of questions, I have heard that these can on occasion "let go" and cause some damage. And are there any benefits or drawbacks from going to a solid/lightweight flywheel. Cheers Mike.

03 JDE, 53k miles… Sorry about the long winded nature of this but I need a bit of advice.. A couple of weeks ago my normally silky smooth Z cut out at tick over. It then re started straight away. I thought nothing more about it. Upon starting an hour later it cut out after about 30 seconds. On re start the engine management light and the VDC / Slip lights on as well as the engine light.. The car drove OK so I presented it to my local dealer. (Mill Nissan) as I have an extended warrant. The diagnosis was that the crank shaft sensor needed replacing, which they did, and the car road tested and pronounced all OK. When I went to collect the car, I noticed it churned a little on start up, pos 3 seconds, then when it started the warning lights were all on again. Dealers said that another fault code had come up but with it been an import this would need to be referred to Nissan tech (who do not recognise the chassis number) so this was a week ago things appear to have come to a stop. In the meantime, the car which is now, apart from the slight churning on start up, is performing generally well, and I have done 500 miles since in my trans Pennine commute and its doing about 33 mpg.. so all would appear to be well with the engine. (I am obviously still taking it easy until all is resolved) The exception to this is that occasionally the car will start instantly with only the engine management light on. Then after about 2-5 min’s of driving it will cough, the the VDC/Slip light comes on, then it continues to perform well. So on start up if it has to turn over for a while it will start with all lights on, if it fires instantly it will only have the engine management light on until the stutter.. I would point out that at no time as the car gone into “limp home†mode.. In view of the above symptoms would this indicate a VDC fault or an engine fault? Just for a bit of background the car has none Nissan front discs and pads (approx 1500 mile ago. A Toyosport “Y†back exhaust (Which is excellent by the way) 1000 miles ago…… and a recent wheel re paint job. I will chase the dealer for the fault code on Monday. Cheers Mike

The car has just clocked up 55k, it had 42k when I got it and it hasnt got any worse..

Well thats good news, nowt to worry about Cheers Mike

When I first bought my 03 JDM 10 month and 13,000 miles ago I noticed that the clutch was on the heavy side, but thought that was par for the course. The car has just been in for MOT and the Dealer (Nissan) commented on the weight of the clutch and thought it may need further investigation. I have no slip or judder, just a thick left leg and there has been no deterioration since purchase. I recall reading that the early 350's had a stronger pressure plate that the newer ones (I believe 880lb as opposed to 800lb???) Having not driven another older Z is a heavy clutch normal.. Thanks Mike

Hi, My 03 JDM still has the Xenon headlights but no self leveling or washers. With the change in MOT restrictions on headlights will these still pass? and if not whats the best way to make them acceptable. Cheers Mike

I know the difference in import / GB Cars has been well discussed in past entries but I have a couple of queries the collected experiences of this forum may be able to advise on. I have an 03 model import, Heated leather seats, Brembos, 18inch wheels, Bose system ect.. so I think its a ST spec.. The car has the VDC system, but does not appear to have a limited slip diff... would this be correct? It still has the a 112 mph restrictor, will it really have an extra 10 bhp over uk spec or is that just wishfull thinking? The car also has a small green bulb lower right of the steering wheel that comes on for about 30 seconds after start up then goes out, never to return.. is this some sort of a self check function? Thanks in anticipation Mike

Has anybody tried Black Diamong Disc'c on the Z since this thread? I am still on the original Brembo's but they are down around 27mm so due a change.. Bd's look good value and reports on the interweb generaly OK... choice of grooved or drilled Mike

Thanks, will give it a go..

What about the 100w upgrade then... will they fry everything? Mike

Yes that is correct. The Main/High beam is a 55w H7 (Standard replaced by Ring "xenonmax" which I believe are just an enhanced Halogen) and the low beam is propper xenon.

Following a fantastic run up into the depths of the Yorkshire Dales yesterday, my first in the Z, I was very impresed by the cars feel and suspension complience on the difficult and weather soaked lanes. Well pleased.. However one bit of a let down was the lack of an adequate main beam which falls short of most of my other recient cars. The Z (2003 JDE) is running factory xenons and I have installed 55w Ring xenonmax Main beam lamps, which although an imporvement on the original Halogens still lack power. I have noticed that 100w bulbs are available, these I have run in the past in ancillery lights, but was wondering if the standard Z wireing and the plastic headlight covers were up to it? Has anybody any experience of this Mod. Cheers, and happy New Year Mike

I am looking to replace the front Pads on my JDE 03 350z and am a little unsure which replacment pads I need. I have just ordered a set of Brembo part number P56047 pads (which I could cancel) these are recomended foy my model year but on reflection there is no mention of whether they are suitable for imports or not... Is there a difference between the JDL and Euro Brembo's.. If so any recomendations. Cheers, and a happy christmas Mike