NEW TO 350Z

[steve783]

Hi, All,

I am new to this forum, and new to the 350Z.
I've searched around but have not found any answers to my quiries so here goes:
I am in the process of getting a JDM 2003-2004 Nissan 350Z (Fairlady Z as they are called in Japan) from Japan.
What would the differences be from the USDM models? i am thinking engine parts e.g. headers, internals, body parts, since JDM models will have RHD and of course USDM LHD.(thinking header clearance?)

I do not live in the US (live in South America where we drive on the left side, thus having to import cars from Japan) but do have access to US parts so my questions are based on getting US parts to fix and upgrade my soon to be 350Z.

Appreciate any help/info you can help me with.

Thanks and looking forward to some great discussions on this forum!

[95zenki man]

Welcome!

Have fun with the z man its a fun car... just a heads up theres a little black and white box under the dash, go ahead and unplug that.

I just lost my z a couple weeks ago because of that crap..

[steve783]

Welcome!

Have fun with the z man its a fun car... just a heads up theres a little black and white box under the dash, go ahead and unplug that.

I just lost my z a couple weeks ago because of that crap..

Thanks for the advise, what is the box for?

I assume you had a JDM 350z? or do all Z' s have them?

[Dittoz7]

Go GTR.

[95zenki man]

the little box is a tcs inside of the already crappy tcs system..u turn off the main tcs and go through a hard corner ur fine. let off the gas at any point in that corner and ur loseing the rear out... it basically trys to cut all power to the rear when ur on and off the gas really fast causing the rear to lock up and thats a big no no..

[OriginalWheelman]

the little box is a tcs inside of the already crappy tcs system..u turn off the main tcs and go through a hard corner ur fine. let off the gas at any point in that corner and ur loseing the rear out... it basically trys to cut all power to the rear when ur on and off the gas really fast causing the rear to lock up and thats a big no no..

Had a similar problem with the Q last year that caused and accident by not letting me sort out the traction issue. The rear broke out a bit when changing lanes, which happens sometimes in the slick, and is easy to sort out for a driver experienced in winter driving. The traction control on the Q hit the brakes, and locked my rear tires sending me almost completely sideways instead of a little sideways. I ended up tapping the guardrail. Now, the traction control is OFF all winter.

[steve783]

Ok, just because i'm new to the Z:

Is there an on/of switch for the TCS/VDC?
Also if you unplug TCS, (assuming no on/off switch) will ABS still work and do you get check engine lights?
Please let me know since i am doing research only based on forum info, have not found Z owner yet to tell me the "tricks of the Z"

[95zenki man]

If you get the base mdl it dose not have tcs so u dont have to worry about turning it off just like i said unplug that box. and no it dose not trow a code or kill abs.

[Gold Digger]

Not sure about header clearance issues, but for the most part, all engine parts, suspension, brakes, exhaust, body kits are all interchangeable between USDM and JDM models.

While I am not particularly crazy about the Z33, it's a great car for what it was designed for. Me, I like the Z34...or the car in my sig...hehehe.

[steve783]

Thanks guys. Not really understand the TCS and VDC principle, but i guess will do as i get more into it.
Why would i need to unplug if already turned off?
As for models, as i said i will be buying JDM Fairlady which comes in base, Version T, Version S and Version ST, with main differences being Base and T having 17 inch, S and ST 18 inches with Brembos, ST comes in full leather with Bose stereo, S with clotch, T has leather optional

Will keep you posted and share as much as i can about JDM Fairlady Z