I come to this forum for community. I come because I want to, because I own a Z, a Z33, that was built by my favorite car company, Nissan.
I guess this is Car Talk. I am talking about my car. I guess I was a little bit offended that people on this forum are saying "350's are not Z's". We can get specific as far as details as to what Z is, does, and is supposed to do...but the truth is, I believe it is a Z. I like my Z. I am proud to have a Z car, have always dreamed about owning one, and now that I have one, I am happy to show it off. I love all the Z's, the 240, 260, 280, 300, and now the 350. I am sure when the next gen z comes out I will go through the same emotions of "well, oh no the Z has changed and it ain't the same". Well hell of course it's not. In a market where there is a car for EVERYTHING, you can't make a car that has the same impact that a 240 had during it's time and day. Nissan had a lot riding on this one...they had to make a car that was quick, light, unique, and worthy of it's heritage. Do you remember all the press this thing got when it came out. Good or bad, it was generating a HUGE buzz...which is what Z cars do. On a recent thread I recall hearing someone say that they grew to love the flaws in their 240, or it was the little quirks about their 280 that made it so special...and then I hear people griping about the 350. On that thread I asked the question, "do any of you own a 350?"...they just kept griping. Well, I do. I own a 350 and I like it...no, I love it. Even with the extra weight and the crappy plastic interior trim. I look forward to driving it...I shine my little Z logo on the side everytime I wash it just so everyone knows it is a Z and I am damn proud of it. I don't care if the guy in the Evo 8 or the Saleen can beat me in a drag race...or if the guy in the porsche can beat me on a road course...I own a Z, and he doesn't. And my Z is the best damn bang for the buck out there, no doubt about it. It is heaven to drive, and if you have never owned one or driven one for a few days, you wouldn't know. Instead of griping, why not try and appreciate people like me who purchased a Z because they wanted to be a part of that Z culture and experience the Z in their generation...just like you older fellas who were around for the 240 and dreamed about owning that as your first car. Who gives a crap about Nissan, Sports Cars, Funding, Competitors...blah blah blah. In my opinion, the Z car culture is and always has been created and fed by the owners of the cars themselves. Up until now I think the lines between generations have been blurred by the love of the Z...instead of fighting with each other, let's fight to keep the tradition...I am not apologizing or accusing anyone. Just puttin my thoughts out there. I don't expect any replies to this, but I hope some people read this.
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"

ooh well for some a z33 is not a z.. others draw the line at z31 others at the s130 ..
so who cares what anybody else thinks... it is your ride ... and to go in true nissan way ... enjoy the ride!!
Welcome aboard
You can sleep in your car, but cant drive in your house
if you are fully in control, you are not driving fast enough!
79 ZXR 46K!
81 ZXT EURO 2+2
83 ZXT
All fine Fastback winnabego's

get use to it.
that is as much a part of the "z" community as any other car community.
how many people with fords say that the mustang II was not a real mustang?
sorry, but that IS the z culture. everyone has a favorite.

wow someone is all butthurt.
Currently own:
1990 2+2(For sale soon)
1991 TT(parts for sale)
1993 NA(parts for sale)
1993 Convertible(Converted TT)
1996 TT(with 9,124 miles on it)
"When you do things right people cant really tell that you've done anything at all."
l

Yea the 350z is a Z
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas

I like Datsuns better than Nissans. :o)
Is a Z28 considered a Z?. It was first. Just kidding. :o)
If you like the car that you bought then anyone elses opinion doesn't matter. Wash it, Wax it, Gas it, and Enjoy it. Game, Set, Match.
Dexter 260ZT Weee Weeeeeeeeeeee
Rebuilt 280zx engine, n/a efi, added t-3 turbo to n/a engine, n/a intake, turbo injectors, n/a afm, 83 5spd, 3.90 diff, new front end, new seat vinyl, carpet, console, 240z black diamond hatch vinyl.

Wonder what percentage of 350z owners are aware of their car's heritage?? I've stopped waving to 350Z owners when I'm out and about in my 81 280zxt because not one has ever waved back.
Phil
1981 280zxt
5-speed conversion,3.9 R200,Eibach springs,Tokico struts,Energy Suspension,K&N CAI,AutoMeter A/F, Boost, Fuel Gauges,Cusco Strut Bar,Greddy B Spec II boost control,Jeffp 3in mandrel exhaust,Magnaflow,Spearco Cooler, HKS BOV, 10 psi

"DOGS LIKE TRUCKS"

he probably had all that time to write that because he wasn't busy fixing broken parts on his s30
"THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO...."
-Ghost of Christmas Past from the Future
76, turbo
72, swap candidate
5/70, fixen to sell
my ebay auctions
http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZmaterchan

Ahh...well...You guys are right. I guess I got a little carried away.
That last post by materchan...ha ha ha.
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"

I've been doing it (along with a few others whose numbers are less now than they were then) since Aug '02.
Good luck. You won't win.

you cant win...but like one of the Z32 guys said, the same happened when it was the new Z on the block. people used to say, those z32 guys are ricers and such and its not a real Z. Same may happen with us when the next gen Z comes out.
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03 CS Touring
VIN #189

I can objectively say that the 350Z is more of a Z than the 300ZX (either generations) was.
The 240Z represents: A sportscar for the everyman (Nissan's words)
The 300ZX (Z31) represents: A luxurious grand touring car (Haynes repair manual (I really read that haha))
The 300ZX (Z32) represents: A no-compromise (and thus expensive) sports car (common sense).
The 350Z represents: A sportscar for the everyman. It's even cheaper than the original 240Z was when adjusted for inflation, and, amazingly, I THINK it is relatively even faster to the cars of today than was the 240Z to the cars of 1970. It's just pure sportscar.
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Owner of the only ALL-white Shiro Special :)

cantZme truly inspiring thread i respect how you feel and feel the same way.i've had four Z's70,71,78,04 loved them all.the 350 was very nice it had all the creature comforts and it was new.but i have to say even with the exhaust fumes and it's age.the 240 was and is still my favorite i miss it and hope to get back in a 240 real soon.like one of the last guys said "enjoy the ride".
Z's are like woman maintenance,maintenance,maintenance!
1971 240Z gunmetal metalic 5sp 4:11 gears in the rear
illuminas and purchased from the original owner w/136k original miles

Hey, CantZme - I'm real happy you love your 350 and that you have taken the time to understand where your car came from and what it took to get it into your hands. But part of any car community has a dark side too. Some like one car model over another, others consider one version of ownership likes over another (car shows, drag racing, daily driver, road racing, etc.), some have owned a Z for days and some since the early '70s, some actually drove sports cars when they were sports cars, some get involved in local Z clubs, others don't, some go to the MSA weekend or ZCCA conventions, some even have had long conversations with Mr. K regarding his thoughts on what he thinks a sportscar is or isn't or the 350, and Nissan today.
And yes, for someone with a newer and fresher attitude the thought that the car company that sold you your nice 350Z cares about as much for your or the Z community in general as a shoe maker in China cares about whether they fit you correctly must hurt. For me it hit rock bottom listening to a Nissan executive tell the ZCCA that the grand total of $25,000 that they provide may not be available because they couldn't see a return on investment reason to do so. I love my Z but I sure as hell don't have to give Nissan anymore of my money.
You don't want to hear a bad thought about your beloved car company don't read it. But you're 100% right on coming together to keep the heritage going cause as soon as enough Z owners wake up and smell the burnt oil we can in fact move forward.
So I ask that you continue your campaign to promote your view we all get along (whatever I or anyone else think about your 350 or someone's Z31 is completely unimportant, what is important is that we can still find common ground about loving whatever Z gets us off).

I like the 350 because it is a Z Nissan decided to build when we otherwise thought all hope was lost and it helps keep them out of bankruptcy. I'm frustrated Nissan didn't take the advice I sent them and make their "new" Z 98% parts compatible with the 240 but you can't have everything you want. I wave at Z owners that wave first, no use wasting it on the non purists.
Heavily medicated for your protection.

A Z is a Z.
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I'm doing an auto to manual swap...
'might as well' do a turbo swap at the same time,
'might as well' make it a hybrid turbo,
'might as well' install MegaSquirt, FMIC, 555cc Injectors, ARC BOV...

Fugetaboutit!
Someday the jealousy (that you could afford new & don't have repair problems) will wear off. I't a Nissan and a Z and that's what counts.
It's your car and you love it and that's ALL that counts.
Now about using paragraphs for old tired eys.
Please use paragraphs.
Thank you.
Ed and Jeanne's
ZXelda 1981 280 ZXT: ZXena 1990 300 ZX
1941 Buick Special Sedanette (Betty)
1956 Dodge Royal (Dorothy)
1971 Buick Riviera (Rita)
1975 Ford F-150 Stepside (Fiona)
1992 Firebird (Frieda)
Post Edited (Mar 4, 5:43am)

Its only a Z when the driver can drive. Its all about the driver.
If all were equal, none would be strong.
Ballistic,Ruler of Interstates
Stage XX+ 1993 Z32 NA
"SoulTaker"

http://www.henryism.com/images/350z/otherzs/
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z

"In a market where there is a car for EVERYTHING, you can't make a car that has the same impact that a 240 had during it's time and day."
n ice defeatist attitude, man!
SURE they can---butWILL they? Beancounters are unwilling to do radical things any longer due to institutional stupidity and management by comittee.
Check on what Dan Baldwin has given for sepcifications on a vehicle, and I'd say it would sell juuuuust fine!
Light car, with "safety" paramount, getting it below 3000# would be nice, the coser to 2500 the better.
200-300 RWHP, or in any case easily modified to reach that point---stock acceleration must be to 60 in less than 9 seconds.
Nlo electrical gadgets---roll up windows, low trim level, few garnishments, factory sponsored racing items integrated into the chassis (fourpoint mounts, rollbar mounts or reinforcements, etc)
Cost must be under $20K, or near that.
I'm suggesting DELETING trim instead of CHEAPENING it---I don't need damn plastic and vinyl over every centimeter inside the car, I don't need carpet---vinyl mats are fine, the thinner, lighter the better!
Of course, emissions should not be a problem with current state of technology.
The company who builds that car will have people snagging them left and right.
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"

Tony, I think that car would sell well to the strict enthusiasts only. I WANT the power accessories, I WANT carpet. I don't NEED 4-point mounts or rollbars. 99% of the people who buy cars today aren't going to take them to the track because they are daily drivers. Nobody wants to hear road noise so loud in their car EVERY DAY in order to save 100lbs. of sound deadening material.
What I'm saying is that logic won't work in today's market. They could lighten it up, I'd say gettting to or just under the 3K pound mark is acceptable. The 300hp is just fine in the 350Z too. If they released a 350Z with your specs, and the current model 350Z, I'd bet every dime I had that the current 350Z would sell 5X's as many as the stripped down version you want.
It's just not pheasible in today's market to delete the extras when there are other sportscars with all the amenities that will perform the same or better.
My guardian angel has twin turbos. . .
1995 Cobalt Green NA
1988 Maroon 300ZX NA (sold)

i agree haul, although I'd love to have this porsche...
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z

Maybe Nissan could make an RS equivalent, get rid of the electronic gadgetry, strip out the weight, twin turbo.
Heavily medicated for your protection.

The problem is not the weight of "extras". The problem is that the 350Z is a two-seater G35 luxury sedan.
It is TOO LATE for there to be a reasonably light-weight version. Light weight has to be DESIGNED IN, it can't realistically be ADDED ON!
What I *wish* Nissan (or other automaker) would do would be to make a smallish, lightweight, REAR-DRIVE lineup. I see a modern 510 (in some combination of 2, 3, 4, and 5-door versions) a modern 240SX, and a modern Z, all in the 2600-2800 lb. weight range, at a reasonable price. I think they would do quite well in the market.
Why people would rather drive bigger, heavier, more expensive, less-efficient, less FUN vehicles is beyond me.

"Wonder what percentage of 350z owners are aware of their car's heritage?? I've stopped waving to 350Z owners when I'm out and about in my 81 280zxt because not one has ever waved back."
haha i hear ya loud and clear phil. i get it alot with the 300zx guys in town (btw my dad owns a 300zx and I class it as a z and we are both dreaming about owning a 350z). It gives me the shits that they don't even recognise my 260z. You can tell they just bought a 300 cause they wanted a cheap sports car. I get random people giving me the thumbs up when i drive past in my patchy, rusty z but drive past a 300zx and some 40 year old guy with big fat sunnys and seedy slicked back hair in the middle of a mid life crisis won't even look my way lol.
Appreciate your heritage, even if i am half there age driving a car twice as old :S
haha :D
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My Z Site:

just the opposite here. not a single older Z car has ever waved back at my 350z.
"Why people would rather drive bigger, heavier, more expensive, less-efficient, less FUN vehicles is beyond me."
because not all people buy cars for speed. there are many other reasons to buy a car.
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'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z

Our present society has become very "unsocial". Let's face it, we are just plain rude!!!!!!!!!!! The simple joys of car ownership and other type hobbies have become overshadowed by this MEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!! generation.
I throw the thumbs up to all types of cars. New and old! I do get alot more excited when I see cars from the 70's & 80's, simply because that was my generation. But even though some folks have their noses in the air, I still enjoy being car crazy and sharing my enthusiasm.
If you pass a primered 78 Z on the roads around Crossville Tn, while driving around in your cool or classic ride, the idiot in the driver's seat throwing you a thumbs up is me.
BTW, the pretty brunette with her hand over her face is my wife. She is not anti-social, she just can't believe her 40 year old husband acts like he is 16 most of the time. hehehehehehehehehehehe
78 280Z Daily Driver
All original, Stock engine, Auto Trans w/factory A/C, 205,000 miles, new suspension and bushing kit, under primer and saving for a paint job.......
83 ZX w/T Tops, purchased 4-20-06, 122K miles, Son's restoration project

old iron is always cool.
and there is an abundance of incredibly twisty roads around Crossville,Tn.
If all were equal, none would be strong.
Ballistic,Ruler of Interstates
Stage XX+ 1993 Z32 NA
"SoulTaker"

Me:"Why people would rather drive bigger, heavier, more expensive, less-efficient, less FUN vehicles is beyond me."
justinrhenry: "because not all people buy cars for speed. there are many other reasons to buy a car."
I'm not talking about outright speed, talking about FUN TO DRIVE. Which I know the 350Z is:)
But I'd prefer a much lighter-weight version, even if it's SLOWER.
In smaller lighter cars, you don't have to go NEARLY as fast to get the sensation of speed.
I guarantee that 75mph in a Caterham Super 7 is WAY more fun and exciting than 120mph in an SLR Mercedes!

The key, Halluz, is for a CHEAP car!
If you PRICE IT LOW, it opens up the vehicle for entry level buyers WORLDWIDE, as well as enthusiasts.
I drive cars all over the world, and tell you this: if it isn't in there, it can't break!
There are all sorts of ways to bloat a damn car, and if you price it LOW, you can option it up and bloat it both feature wise and weight wise as much as you wish.
The REASON the TT failed so miserably was because it was a bloated hog of a car, too expensive, and had lots of gadgets on it totally straying from the course of a sports car because Nissan wanted to be a supercar.
AND NOBODY WANTED THEM!
While you say only "enthusiasts" would buy them, think of the cars UNDER $20K right now, and what you get. Sure there are a lot of options, and maybe power windows will have to be added because that's all they make---the thing is that the PERFORMANCE is not there.
If they pack PERFORMANCE in a LIGHT, CHEAP car, they will SELLL SELLLL SELLL.
If you doubt that, remember that Subaru thought the market for the WRX was MAYBE 5000 units a year. They were sold out and are selling 15K units a year.
The "Enthusiasts" are out there, and willing to spend money IF THEY HAVE THE RIGHT CAR!
Currently, there is no "First Year 240Z" or a "First Year Miata"---the closest I can think of is a Mini Cooper S right now, and the price is higher than my point. So I say lets decontent the cars! STRIP EM!
They will sell. Anybody listening? Bueller?
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"

AMEN!
I'm not saying "spartan" but "Building block car"!
Have the STRIPPED version at the LOWEST pricing point---like---grrrr GM would do with a Camaro. BUT instead of having some anemic iron-blocked pushrod four cylinder (look at the 82 Camaro!) as a base engine, have a competently powerful car.
Make the speeds DECREASE as you add weight and content.
Dan is ABSOLUTELY correct, you DESIGN IT LIGHT, then ADD content.
If they did that, instead of DESIGNING FULL OPTIONS and then "stripping content" to get minimal weight out, they would be better off!
Give me that light, fun car. They will sell. 240, Miata, CooperS, WRX...
Matter of fact, the "fun to drive" quotient is significantly higher in many non-US markets where they DONT put all the "American BS" into the cars---I know, I drive them all the time!
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"

"I guarantee that 75mph in a Caterham Super 7 is WAY more fun and exciting than 120mph in an SLR Mercedes!"
EXACTLY!
What people here are missing is the fact that LIGHT WEIGHT means you need less horsepower to have a "fun ride".
Dispute this? Look to the Honda Community.
The same things said about the Hondas now are the same things said about VW's in the 60's, 70's, and well into the 80's.
But when you got a pro-turbo Bug turning 9's and the guys cracking on it are driving cars slower by a factor of two, you start to "consider the source"...
The CRX is a killer platform, unfortunately it's not RWD. At least from the factory.
The closest thing you can get to what Dan wants is the 4.6 modular drivetrain swap to the Ford Focus. Of course you ahve to add all the Euro Suspension to handle the power... (oh wait, better suspensions outside the USA? What a shock!)
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"

I can think of one car that fits the description Tony and Dan are describing, (except for the low price):
The Lotus Elise: Very light, very spartan, reliable (Toyota engine), and fun to drive.

Ahhh, what ever happened to the days of the 50/60's when you ordered your car with this and that option, just going down the check boxes when you started with a bare bones car that you just optioned yourself. Big block engine, check; heavy duty brakes, check; larger fuel tank, check; A/C, skip; M-22/M-21 4 speed, check; optional rear end gearing, check, etc. Now you have these friggin option packages that comes with other foo-foo shite that you don't really want that also will aid in weighing down the car overall.
Dave
12/70 240Z, L-28, flat-tops, N-42 head, N-33 intake, MSA 10-2002 cam, ZX ignition, early 5-speed, R-180,4:11 gears, 903 Blue paint.

Price is waay too high. If they could do it mass-production for a lower price I'd buy one.
I rode home in one today, BTW! The one of the Service Engineers here at the distributorship has a new Elise, and gave me a ride to the hotel this evening.
Yes, I fit in an Elise!
Very nice ride, and was driven properly by the older gent who owns it---how refreshing! Then again, it is England... The Elise is VERY at home on the roads here. I would really like to get one, but at that price...I think not.
I can do with stamped control arms, I don't need those artworks they have on there!
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"

Hang em all, and put ENGINEERS back in control of the car companies, and those kind of things will happen once again.
People Are Idiots, Just look around here and you will see!
Tony D: "Knowledgeable but Caustic"... rationull
My brother from another mother calls himself "Willie D"