Mikesding

cs2000 - your pics dont seem to be working! Was quite intrigued to see your solution

Nice work! Loved both of those shows

Looking good mate! I saw some videos about the gunmetal plastidip and did think it looked a bit like primer...

They've just brought out a new colour called 'Charcoal Grey' which is apparently more like what people were hoping gunmetal would be.

Yes it is possible as I was going to do this with mine before I sold my iPhone. You can get an iPhone to USB & Aux cable (see here http://www.amazon.co...g/dp/B002ATMN22)

You would just connect the 3.5mm jack as the other guide suggests; you would then need a USB/car charger adapter (to act as a transformer as USB is 5v) then just plug the usb into this behind the dash.

Hope that makes sense. Haven't actually done this mod as I said I got rid of my iPhone, but I can't see any reason it wouldn't work.

EDIT: Just seen that you didn't want to hardwire the iPhone cable. You could just wire both a USB socket and a 3.5mm socket into your cubby and then plug in the cable I linked above - should work?

Can't believe people drive their zeds so little I can barely go 2 days without wanting to drive!

NSX all the way

 

NSX is one sexy beast inside and out.

......but I never understood the performance figures.

The 3.2 was rated at 280bhp with 0-60 of 5.7 sec.

The R34 was over 100kg heavier, rated at 280bhp but 0-60 in 4.5 sec

RX7-RZ 0-60 in 4.9 sec.

 

At 5.7 sec it seems the 370 would leave the NSX for dead.

I'd still have the NSX over the 370z though

The 0-60 time isnt really based on pure horsepower, more about the torque/gearing/drive

NSX = 220 lb-ft of torque and rear wheel drive

R34 = more like 300+ lb-ft of torque, all wheel drive and turbo

But I agree - I would have thought the NSX had more power than it did, it was always my favourite car in Gran Turismo Always tuned it to ridiculous horsepower and it always handled the best.

after a clean

Amazing colour, british racing green?

How does this automatic window thing work then?

Someone said if you press and hold the keyfob the window will open.

And if open from outside you do likewise it will close?

I cant seem to get the knack!

I believe that is a JDM only feature

Sounds stupid but I done it, check you have not pushed the window stop switch button down on drivers side if auto closing still works

Haha I did this and was panicking for a few minutes... until I realised...

I love the HR engine in mine (07+) but I can't comment if its worth the extra money over the older engine as I never actually test drove one - I presume someone else can fill you in on that

I know that the HR engine is apparently built to a lot higher tolerances (and can therefore be tuned a lot more) but other than that, not sure what difference it makes.

 

No real problems yet touch wood. Had 2 services now and first MOT will be coming up shortly. Tyres are quite expensive but you probably know that. MPG is quite low, but mine has pretty much followed the figures Nissan state.

 

Luckily the 350z doesn't have a massive option list, you're basically looking for either a non-GT or a GT (which has heated seats, cruise control and bose stereo); I believe all of the 07+ cars have Rays and Brembos as standard.

 

I would say just have a look on all the car sale sites, and look for your ideal car. I originally wanted a gunmetal one, but once I saw night blue with the frost leather I had to get it

 

Feel free to ask any specific questions!

 

Thanks for the reply Mike, I’ve been doing my research and I’m definitely going to go for a GT model, and a MY06 facelift (2006 onwards I believe). Purely for the reason that it has all of the following extras:-

 

MY06 - 297bhp VQ35DE rev-up (also available on the GT4 limited edition cars)

Grand Touring model introduced

Revised front end appearance

Enhanced interior

Standard Bi-Xenon (low and high beam) headlights

Bumper reflectors at a straighter angle

Orange strip in headlight vanished

LED taillights

Vehicle speed-sensitive power steering system

Standard 18-inch cast aluminum-alloy wheels

super lightweight 18-inch front/19-inch rear 5-spoke forged alloy wheels (Coupe only).

Manual Transmission models receive 300hp Rev-Up engine

GT Models include brembo brakes, rear spoiler (plus front spoiler on Coupe) and VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control)

Steering wheel controls standard

mp3-CD capability for the available Bose audio system

Satellite Radio available option

Refined optional navigation system

Exterior Changes:

Front Bumper

Headlights

Taillights

 

Whilst researching, I found this bit of information on the MY03 models (MY03 being between 2003 and 2006)

 

The VQ35DE 300HP/260TQ Rev-up engine that was introduced mid-year 2005 with 6-speed manual was offered for every trim now

Standard Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) on all models

Driver seat front and rear lift

Reduced clutch pedal effort for manual transmission models

Down shift rev matching for automatic transmission models

Heated outside mirrors

Faster navigation system processor for improved route calculation times (for optional navigation system, Touring and 35th Anniversary model only)

 

So my question is, am I right in assuming that from 2005 onwards, ALL 350z had those extras as standard??

 

My other questions are

 

1) How do you find the running costs of the car? Petrol, Servicing, Tax etc.

2) Do you use normal petrol or premium unleaded?

3) What actually is the HR edition? and when was it available?

4) What are good things to look out for or lsiten to when test driving and buying one?

Mine doesn't have tire pressure monitoring system, unless I've managed to miss that over the last year!

1) Servicing is fine, unless something breaks (standard!)

Tax on mine is £475 a year, cheaper on earlier models.

2) Always used premium, as it is what the car requires - not really a problem, it doesn't cost much more per tank.

3) Its an 06+ car with a 'brand' new engine (or nearly all new). It was available in 2007, and it identifiable by the different 'bulge' bonnet - have a look at some pics and you'll see.

4) Not sure of anything specific in a 350z to check for, im sure there are some threads in this forum to check!

Sorry to hear that mate; as someone said, it seems to be happening more and more.

 

- If I take the Zed to a car park I'll park as far away from the store as possible (far enough I should really take my walking boots, lol).

- I will only park at an edge so there can only be one other car to side of me (reduces the chance of being touched by half).

- I will park as close to that edge as possible, be it a curb or a wall, or if its the last bay I will cross the line, all to maximise the distance to the next car.

- If I have to park next to another car I will take a good look at it for clues of its driver. Does it have any baby or young child paraphernalia? They will probably need to open the doors quite wide and be knocking it into the side of mine while they struggle with belts and stuff!

- Is the car a shed? Is it dented already? Does it look like it hasn't been cleaned for ages? Is the inside a mess? All signs the driver doesn't give a monkeys.

- I will try and only park next to a car that has its passenger door at the side of the bay I will be parking in.

- I will try and only park next to a five door car as the doors are much shorter.

 

I should really buy myself a shed!

I do all of the above, but I've never done the last one! Going to look for 5 door cars in the future

Useful topic this one

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

 

Welcome! Same age as you, and did the same thing at 18!

 

Any ideas what you're looking for yet?

 

Hi Mike, Seems we have a bit in common, I'm not too sure which model I want exactly, I've always loved the 350z but now I'm doing my research and looking into the different models, specs etc.

I've been looking at some of the later models 07/08 GT models with as many extras as possibles, particularly the rays wheels (which I think come standard on all GT's)

I know that the later models are the higher BHP, but is it worth going for the later models, or is it just as good to let an older model, perhaps an 04 GT? because aren't these lower tax or something?

 

I'm basically just doing my research and would appreciate anybodys advice, in particular which models you guys have and why?

Also how do you find your car, and problems? things to look out for, and running costs etc?

I love the HR engine in mine (07+) but I can't comment if its worth the extra money over the older engine as I never actually test drove one - I presume someone else can fill you in on that

I know that the HR engine is apparently built to a lot higher tolerances (and can therefore be tuned a lot more) but other than that, not sure what difference it makes.

No real problems yet touch wood. Had 2 services now and first MOT will be coming up shortly. Tyres are quite expensive but you probably know that. MPG is quite low, but mine has pretty much followed the figures Nissan state.

Luckily the 350z doesn't have a massive option list, you're basically looking for either a non-GT or a GT (which has heated seats, cruise control and bose stereo); I believe all of the 07+ cars have Rays and Brembos as standard.

I would say just have a look on all the car sale sites, and look for your ideal car. I originally wanted a gunmetal one, but once I saw night blue with the frost leather I had to get it

Feel free to ask any specific questions!

I'm guessing it's been sold as the link doesn't work! Which one of you bought it

Welcome! Same age as you, and did the same thing at 18!

Any ideas what you're looking for yet?

I've noticed my passenger side washer jet(s) don't seem to have the same power as they used to (or the same as the driver side one).

Any good way to clean them? I've tried wiping the outer bit but hasn't helped...

Suggestions would be welcome, as to what wording I should go for!

"Nee-Naw" ?

really good work mate! Would love to do this myself but as you said... too scared to cut into reflectors that cost that much!

Welcome! Good luck with the search - you won't regret it

 

I might regret orange leather seats though lol.

 

Hopefully fuelbills wont ruin me, but its not a huge issue with 70 miles a day need to think hard about the cist of a 25 avg mpg car

I do about 90miles a day and I get around 400 miles a tank, which is about £90-95 to fill from empty with Momentum99 fuel. That's with some 'spirited' driving (hard not to) - hope thats helpful.

Is that frost leather I spy. Very rare combo.

It is indeed! Very glad I found it.

Presuming you're looking at a pre 09/10 Z4, I just felt the coupe looked a bit funny, haha! Personal preference though that one (also - it was designed as a roadster, and I always like getting the car it was designed to be )

I went through the exact choices you're going through and considered all of the cars you've looked at - reasons I got the 350z:

1 series - looks a bit ungainly, not as good interior as you might expect, diesel is the only one worth getting (euuugh diesel)

Civic - Good car to be honest, but I felt gave the wrong impression to others (people presume boy racer)

Z4 - Nice car, similar interior quality to 1series, you'd have to get convertible though (and my friend has one so ruled this out)

TT 3.2 V6 - Sounds 'quite' nice, really nice interior - probably going to be replaced soon so expect value to drop, doesn't look as good as the 350z.

I haven't really regretted my decision except a couple of times where giving a lift to multiple people would have been helpful

I picked the 350z mainly because of the looks - the fact it has the highest power of all the cars you've mentioned is just a bonus. And it sounds the best

Great work - looks amazing!