Thrashable yet reliable 350z upgrade?

[Ekona]

Ekona: Agreed about the 996 Turbo. It could well hold its nominal value pretty well over time. I like the OTT spoilers and graphics - its a "proper" sports car and seriously fast. Problem is, I think i'd only be able to find a very high miler for £22k. I might need £26-28k, which is simply too much, what with the running costs. Do you really think it could comfortably handle 150 mile weekend thrashes and 7,000 miles a year without too much of a hiccup? I'm very well aware of the IMS/RMS issues, having extensively researched the Boxster before buying a Zed. How come the 996T has a different IMS setup? I thought the design was only changed in 2009?

Basically this:

 

996 NA cars: M96 engine

996 Turbo: Mezger

996 GT3: Mezger

997.1 NA: M97 engine

997.2 NA: MA101

997.1 Turbo: Mezger

997.2 Turbo: MA101 (may actually be MA102 in designation, can't remember!)

997.1 & 2 GT3: Mezger

 

All M96/M97 cars have the potential for the IMS issues, but none of the Mezger and MA101 engined cars do as it's a radically different design (the Mezger engine is very old in basic design, the MA101 bang up to date). In essence, it's a very big reason why I sought out the later 997 cars rather than save a packet buying an early 997. I didn't really fancy a 996 at the time and the 997.1 tubbys were still out of reach.

 

996 tubbys will handle 10K miles a year with zero issues, it's why people buy Porsches rather than Ferraris if they intend on actually using them. My 997.2 handles 8K fun miles per year without breaking a sweat.

[docwra]

1M's are never going to lose any money though, likewise CSL's. Lots to buy though, agreed and an M5 is a bit of a barge for caning about in.

[Dynamic Turtle]

Ekona: Agreed about the 996 Turbo. It could well hold its nominal value pretty well over time. I like the OTT spoilers and graphics - its a "proper" sports car and seriously fast. Problem is, I think i'd only be able to find a very high miler for £22k. I might need £26-28k, which is simply too much, what with the running costs. Do you really think it could comfortably handle 150 mile weekend thrashes and 7,000 miles a year without too much of a hiccup? I'm very well aware of the IMS/RMS issues, having extensively researched the Boxster before buying a Zed. How come the 996T has a different IMS setup? I thought the design was only changed in 2009?

Basically this:

 

996 NA cars: M96 engine

996 Turbo: Mezger

996 GT3: Mezger

997.1 NA: M97 engine

997.2 NA: MA101

997.1 Turbo: Mezger

997.2 Turbo: MA101 (may actually be MA102 in designation, can't remember!)

997.1 & 2 GT3: Mezger

 

All M96/M97 cars have the potential for the IMS issues, but none of the Mezger and MA101 engined cars do as it's a radically different design (the Mezger engine is very old in basic design, the MA101 bang up to date). In essence, it's a very big reason why I sought out the later 997 cars rather than save a packet buying an early 997. I didn't really fancy a 996 at the time and the 997.1 tubbys were still out of reach.

 

996 tubbys will handle 10K miles a year with zero issues, it's why people buy Porsches rather than Ferraris if they intend on actually using them. My 997.2 handles 8K fun miles per year without breaking a sweat.

 

Ekona, thanks again for the detailed reply - very interesting. Surprised that the 996T is that hard-wearing. Quick scan of PH shows that I'll need £25k+ for something with moderate miles (40-50k). That's a lot of money...

[maxi-glasgow]

I know this might be a way out there suggestion, but along the idea of buying an HR model and modding it slightly why not take your existing car and either supercharge or twin turbo it.

 

You have the reliability you have become accustomed to and a frighteningly quick car which matches just about anything listed so far??

 

Don't understand why people seem so down on the 370, I got rid of the XKR, which I had enough of if I am to be honest, and I wanted another 350. Just by chance happened into a garage and they gave me a test drive in the 370, after that I couldn't make myself drop down to a 350, the cabin is just so much better. There is certainly no lack of poke in it, definitely faster and feels like it's glued to the road.

 

When I have had it long enough for the warranty to run out I will defo be looking to either supercharge it or twin turbo it as I think it will make it an awesome car.

[Dynamic Turtle]

The forced induction route is certainly an option Maxi. Would be a lot cheaper. And I agree with your sentiments about the 370Z cabin. Whilst the external looks leave me a bit cold compared to the 350, the inside is certainly a nicer place to be. Not that the 350 is *that* bad inside either TBH. However, the attraction of a totally "new" car is strong and may trump financial sensibilities to an extent.

 

Why didn't you get on with the XKR?

[Ekona]

FI on a 350Z is throwing money down the drain. With a lot of those cars you'd lose precious little money on them, and unless you are 100% sure that the car is a keeper then I wouldn't go down that route. As you say, there's a lot to be said for the thrill of owning something different.

 

Would running two cars be an option? I'm thinking something like a TVR Chim or Griff and a decent barge to go alongside one.

[Stew]

I know you say thrashable but what kind of driving do you normally do? What exactly do you want the car for?

 

What do you look for in a driving experience?

[maxi-glasgow]

After having the 350 for a few years with the only problem being having to replace the battery, to go to the XKR and thankfully under the warranty I got with it have the brake switch replaced, the aircon condenser replaced, the brake sensors replaced, a reversing sensor replaced. Ariel stopped working going up and down as well, last update to the Sat Nav you could get was 2003, it just seemed endless for me.

 

Must have had the restricted performance mode active for no apparent reason about 15-20 times, and all it needs is to stop, take the keys out for a couple of minutes and go again and everything is fine.

 

Just no confidence in the car.

 

On top of that, came out the casino one night and someone had thrown a strawberry milkshake over it, then outside a pub and someone took their boot to a door. People just get jealous of something they perceive to being expensive, even though it cost little more than I paid for my 350 when I bought that, got as many heads turning and never had anyone do a thing to it.

 

But on the upside when you press that peddle hard down on the floor the smile you get when the bonnet lifts and off you go with the whine of the Supercharger is unbelievable.

 

Biggest disappointment for me was how quiet the exhaust was. Was very tempted to get centre muffler removed and replaced with H pipe to let me hear those 8 cylinders.

 

Guy came over from Germany to buy it with his son, and first stop they had planned was calling into Arden down south to get the exhaust changed so they knew what they were looking for...

[Dynamic Turtle]

FI on a 350Z is throwing money down the drain. With a lot of those cars you'd lose precious little money on them, and unless you are 100% sure that the car is a keeper then I wouldn't go down that route. As you say, there's a lot to be said for the thrill of owning something different.

 

Would running two cars be an option? I'm thinking something like a TVR Chim or Griff and a decent barge to go alongside one.

 

I see your point. I've read a lot about the issues with FI on the zed, along with the expense. I'd prefer more subtle breathing mods + uprev to eek another 10-20bhp out of the thing, along with a even better exhaust note.

 

Two cars = twice the hassle and would simply be overkill. The zed does reliable (if thirsty) general duties, whilst also providing weekend thrills. I'm sure there are other cars which can also do both tricks.

[Dynamic Turtle]

I know you say thrashable but what kind of driving do you normally do? What exactly do you want the car for?

 

What do you look for in a driving experience?

 

Well, certainly no track related antics.

 

Slightly embarrassed to admit that I drive like a complete lunatic. I'm 33 but hoon it like a drunk 18 year old with his mates in the back. I wish I could make it stop, but the Zed compels me to keep pushing it! You have to admit; it's very very addictive.

 

In terms of "experience", I do mostly weekend motorway miles and prefer the "GT" approach to track car dynamics/handling. The Zed does this well. Has sports car noise and performance with GT ride/comfort, but with the downside of relatively heavy dynamcis. By contrast, my uncle's MR2 is a fantastic go-kart that feels like it's glued to the road, but it's not really what I'm after.

[Stew]

I know you say thrashable but what kind of driving do you normally do? What exactly do you want the car for?

 

What do you look for in a driving experience?

 

Well, certainly no track related antics.

 

Slightly embarrassed to admit that I drive like a complete lunatic. I'm 33 but hoon it like a drunk 18 year old with his mates in the back. I wish I could make it stop, but the Zed compels me to keep pushing it! You have to admit; it's very very addictive.

 

In terms of "experience", I do mostly weekend motorway miles and prefer the "GT" approach to track car dynamics/handling. The Zed does this well. Has sports car noise and performance with GT ride/comfort, but with the downside of relatively heavy dynamcis. By contrast, my uncle's MR2 is a fantastic go-kart that feels like it's glued to the road, but it's not really what I'm after.

 

If I drove like that I'd downsize not get a faster car. More speed for WHEN it goes wrong.

[Dynamic Turtle]

After having the 350 for a few years with the only problem being having to replace the battery, to go to the XKR and thankfully under the warranty I got with it have the brake switch replaced, the aircon condenser replaced, the brake sensors replaced, a reversing sensor replaced. Ariel stopped working going up and down as well, last update to the Sat Nav you could get was 2003, it just seemed endless for me.

 

Must have had the restricted performance mode active for no apparent reason about 15-20 times, and all it needs is to stop, take the keys out for a couple of minutes and go again and everything is fine.

 

Just no confidence in the car.

 

On top of that, came out the casino one night and someone had thrown a strawberry milkshake over it, then outside a pub and someone took their boot to a door. People just get jealous of something they perceive to being expensive, even though it cost little more than I paid for my 350 when I bought that, got as many heads turning and never had anyone do a thing to it.

 

But on the upside when you press that peddle hard down on the floor the smile you get when the bonnet lifts and off you go with the whine of the Supercharger is unbelievable.

 

Biggest disappointment for me was how quiet the exhaust was. Was very tempted to get centre muffler removed and replaced with H pipe to let me hear those 8 cylinders.

 

Guy came over from Germany to buy it with his son, and first stop they had planned was calling into Arden down south to get the exhaust changed so they knew what they were looking for...

 

Very interesting - particularly with repect to the exhaust sound. My friend's 2009 XK8 has a pretty decent note INSIDE that cabin when it gets going and I don't think he's had any work done to it. But I can see how you'd eventually get peeved with all of those problems.

[rtbiscuit]

maxi and I both have/had the old shape XKR, the new shape is alot better reliability wise, its also less wafty and a lot more GT based.

 

honestly go try one i don't think the new ones are as nice looking as the old ones, but it has the bigger engine alot more HP and its very much less of a rust magnet.

[RisingPower]

Nobody for a corvette c6 or roushed mustang?

 

[Dynamic Turtle]

maxi and I both have/had the old shape XKR, the new shape is alot better reliability wise, its also less wafty and a lot more GT based.

 

honestly go try one i don't think the new ones are as nice looking as the old ones, but it has the bigger engine alot more HP and its very much less of a rust magnet.

 

Problem is, they're the wrong side of £25k...

 

As for corvettes & mustangs? I just can't take American cars seriously, what with their horse & cart suspension, chrome wheels and 8 litre / 200hp engines

[RisingPower]

Problem is, they're the wrong side of £25k...

 

As for corvettes & mustangs? I just can't take American cars seriously, what with their horse & cart suspension, chrome wheels and 8 litre / 200hp engines

 

They're a lot more competent than the xkr, I also don't think 436 horses from a 6.2 is so bad.

 

Roush is of course 420 upwards from the 4.6.

 

You asked for a v8 no? I'd say the yanks have v8s nailed.

 

If you had to have european, for me the csl is the only contender there, but servicing and maintenance may be a little more than budget.

 

I'd take a vette over the 370z any day of the week.

[rtbiscuit]

i'm biased but i'd take the jag over the yanks. the new XKR is a 5 litre and 510 bhp and handles very well. 5th gear were usung the XKR-S for setting laptimes at the ring, ok so its not a GTR when it comes to pure track capability, but its no slouch.

 

if it was me with tat budget i'd be looking at the m3 or the porkers.

[RisingPower]

i'm biased but i'd take the jag over the yanks. the new XKR is a 5 litre and 510 bhp and handles very well. 5th gear were usung the XKR-S for setting laptimes at the ring, ok so its not a GTR when it comes to pure track capability, but its no slouch.

 

if it was me with tat budget i'd be looking at the m3 or the porkers.

 

It's still quite heavy, I see it as more of a gt car than the vette. Then again, i'm not sure you can accuse the 350z of being sporty either.

 

It's a lovely looking and sounding car, but I think vettes have so much potential, are quite light and sound lovely.

[Dblock]

Sl55 Amg. Comfy. Fast. 1-2k will see you 600bhp.

[Leeroy]

Have you thought about the M6? More barge like than the lower M numbers but competent nonetheless. And that V10

[Dynamic Turtle]

Sl55 Amg. Comfy. Fast. 1-2k will see you 600bhp.

 

Sorry, but Mercs leave me cold. AMGs are also a bit chavvy. And hasn't the SL500 finished bottom of the JD Power survery every year, for the last ten years?

[Dynamic Turtle]

Have you thought about the M6? More barge like than the lower M numbers but competent nonetheless. And that V10

 

Nah - still a barge designed for the US market. Ugly thing. And probably too expensive.

[Dblock]

Sl55 Amg. Comfy. Fast. 1-2k will see you 600bhp.

 

Sorry, but Mercs leave me cold. AMGs are also a bit chavvy. And hasn't the SL500 finished bottom of the JD Power survery every year, for the last ten years?

 

Just lol.

[coldel]

SL55 AMG, low on power? Its 500bhp Its a blindingly quick car!

[Dynamic Turtle]

SL55 AMG, low on power? Its 500bhp Its a blindingly quick car!

 

Didn't say it was low on power