New Member/Prospective Nissan Owner

[CrackedDSM]

Hey guys and girls, first off sorry for the username but it's the only forum username I've had for the past 10+ years, so force of habit.



A little about my car history, I'm a former DSM owner. Played with DSMs, built them, tuned them, generally enjoyed them and pretty much burned myself out on them. DSMs are the only car I've had since I was 15 years old, so I finally decided to move on from that platform and explore others. I really enjoy the 3.5 Maxima/Altima's, and the 350Z/G35's. Always enjoyed my friends Z, so I decided that it will be my next car. I love the sound of the VQ and how torquey/fun they are.


About me personally, well, I'm an aspiring Chef. I have always had a passion for cooking. I pull 60-80 hour weeks in the kitchen, and still have the energy to come home and cook a good meal. I really enjoy what I do.

Marinaded and Grilled Tuna Steak on top of baby arugula, topped with pepperocini, and some capers


Some hors d'oeuvres for a little catering menu we put together. Curried chicken salad bouchee(puff pastry), and some spicy grilled tuna and beet(spoons).


Caramel Toffee Flan w/ Raspberry Coulis


There's more, but I could go on all day with this stuff, so I'll spare you.


I do have a question for you owners, is there anything a newbie should know or look out for on these cars? Any specific issues to watch out for that's a huge warning sign? Example is on 2G DSMs you watch for strut-tower rust under the paint, and on left hand turns if the clutch pedal gets soft or falls to the floor that's crankwalk. Anything like that? What are the common issues these cars have? Maintenance things I should know?


Thanks for all your help, and I'm glad to be here. I look forward to being a Nissan owner in the very near future.

Also: I'm kind of a tuning guru for the Ostrich/Crome/Neptune/ECMLink or ETC, got friends with a DSM you need help tuning with don't hesitate to ask.

[WDRacing]

Welcome to Nico!

Thanks for making me hungry!

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Welcome to NICO! What area do you live/work in?

VQs are pretty stout, but some 350s and Gs (I believe) had issues with the manual transmissions. I want to say it was pre-mature synchro failure.

[float_6969]

Yea, the only real issues I'm aware of is that the first couple of years (I'm thinking '03 and '04) had synchro problems. Other than that, no other major issues that I'm aware of.

[krash]

We should get this guy to cook at carlisle!

Anyway, welcome! I too, have been bitten by the Z bug. I love them, they're awesome cars. As for the 350z, I kind of see it as 2 sub-generations of 350z; '03 to '06, and then '07 to the end. The first sub-generation ('03-'06) has the 300hp VQ, and the transmission problems that Papasmurf was talking about.

Personally, I would buy an '07 or newer. Those came equipped with a VQ35HR. The HR is a stronger VQ, and revs happily. I believe the transmission problems were also sorted out. Cosmetically the changes are subtle but make a big difference. The project headlights are a really cool looking design and add to the look of the car. Also, the iconic "z-bump" was added to the hood, the '03-'06 didn't have that.

'07 Z hood:


'05 Z hood:


Its a subtle addition, but the more you look at it, the more you realize that you need it haha. All the Z's have had that little bump in the hood, check out the old 240z:



Anyway, the bumpers were also slightly re-designed and it a small spoiler was also an option. These things combined give the whole car a much sleeker look in my opinion. I can automatically tell what year a 350Z is by looking at it.

2005 350z:


2007 350z:


Yea sorry I geeked out a little bit. Like I said, I've developed a soft spot for Zs. Good luck with your search man!

[CrackedDSM]

Thanks for the kind welcome and the information. I've been reading like crazy and researching, so it's good to hear some confirmation about the synchro issue. I've also been reading that the 03-04's like to burn oil/etc.



Also, I wish I was closer to Memphis. I'm from Pensacola, FL, but I live in Nashville, TN(Hermitage area). If you were closer I'd for sure love to look into any kind of decent kitchen job.


I have to ask..why is the word describing the location in which you cook food corrected to spam? Has there been too many "get back in the...." jokes/insults?

[PapaSmurf2k3]

hahah we had a rash of people from India on here spamming us, trying to sell kitchen ware kit-chen ware.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I'll have to get with management to see if we can turn that off.

[WDRacing]

What word?

Off topic



f*** me that's a beautiful car.

[Heavy]

welcome!

03-04.5 had trans issues, but it is hit or miss. If your looking at a Z and have it up on lift look for CD009 stamped on the trans casing that means you have the updated 6spd. Just make sure you avoid the UP-REV motor in the 05 track and anniv editions and all 2006 Z's. They seem to be the worst version of the VQ when it comes to oil problems.