Soon to be an owner

[Sysaks]

So heres the story. First post here.. hello....

I currently have an 03 wrx that i've been modding out and im getting bored with it really....deciding to try a nissan...

i found one around here thats in good condition asthetically....its an 03 Performance 350z.

I have heard mixed things about the 2003s... I have heard that they aren't the years to buy. It is only 17k so I kinda think its a good deal... What all is the issue with the 03s? What are some good power gaining mods? ECU upgrades along side with exhaust and intake? or something else?

Would nismo parts give me the same gains as other aftermarket parts, specifically the nismo exhaust packages... would they give me hks or greddy gains?

Thanks, sorry about all the questions.

[cuffuup28]

First off, it's an '03 you say....RUN FAR AND FAST !!!! Start with an '04 or later if ya can. Tooo many issues to list. As far as the Nismo stuff, the car is already out of waranty, so if ya do decide to pick it up, go with what ya know . Nismo is O.K. but the performance your gonna get out of it is not worth what you gotta pay. Had Nismo cat back on mine, and got rid of it quick. I now have greddy. My new one is an '07, so I don't have an intake kit on it yet, because the new one has duel intakes. Stillen makes one, but the hp increase is not enough for me to shell out the dollars, if ya know what I mean!

[Sysaks]

Well I would love to have a newer one but I need to keep my payments around 310 a month.... without a down payment.

kinda hard.

were you being serious about the 03s?

[labedra]

Hello everyone, I'm a newbee here and am also thinking of buying a 350Z. I'm planning to install Greddy TT kit in it up to 8PSI. Of course this woulod be done after exhaust, brake, suspension, and sway bar upgrade, etc. My goal is to drive this on track and on the weekends. I have a couple of questions below:

1. I plan to use the stock block and heads however I plan to replace the pistons, rods, and maybe cams, what is the max recommended milage on the engine before installing these components and a turbo?

2. In order to replace the pistons, rods and cams do I need to take this block and heads to machine shop I know the cams are a bolt on but no expereience with replaceing stock pistons with turbo ones. I plan on (9:1) compresion ?

3. If I do replace the pistons, rods, and cams does the eninge have to be brocken in before installing a Twin Turbo ?

4. I was planning to buy a 2003 however cuffuup28 recommeded on getting 2004 +, what are the major issues with the 03 model ?

Thanks!
Modified by labedra at 1:37 PM 5/28/2007

[evildky]

the minor problems on the 03's shouldhave been handled by now, the tire wear issue was handled under warranty, and I believe the window motors were a bit of an issue but any problems should have been presented and corrected by now, as fro power, forced induction is gonna be the only source of real pweor gain, and there are lots of kits on the market form all the makers, but to get north of 400 whp, you'll have to build a better bottom end

[bmike818]

wow...WRX to a 350Z...what a make over! from a butt ugly car to a damn Beautiful car!!!!-problem with 350Zs...so many women-just one seat ... hope you can find a Z that suits your budget

[Sysaks]

Yeah idk, i wanted something new to toy around with and saw the potential of the 350. I just got the 03. 17k for it, picking it up in a few hours!!!

EXCITED!

[TwoOhThree350z]

Niiice !

[cuffuup28]

O.K.. ...don't say I didn't warn ya

[bmike818]

post a pic please!!!

[Sysaks]

pics coming tomorrow. so nice. so much fun to drive..... ALTHOUGH, dealership gave it to me with low oil (my light came on) and 1/4 tank of gas.

[evildky]

the oil level is inexcusable, they should certainly be sure their cars have adequate fluids before putting them on the lot, I would complain, I suspect someone was responsible for doing that and slacked off, as for the fuel, yeah tahts to be expected, some lots offer first tank on us, but they send you to the gas station on fumes

[Sysaks]

Yeah I'm going to go back tomorrow and get them to give me some free oil....

He said he would change my transmission fluids for free asap, mt90 is what he wanted to put in...w/e its free and thats a good deal LOL

Yeah drove like 300 miles today....love the new car SO much.

[bmike818]

i dont know how you are going to do this but.....make sure you check what oil the previous owner used- if its synthetic u know you have to stick to it- I dont want you having problems with putting regular oil in a car that used to use synthetic...........u might want to get your car checked...seems to me they did not do the typical isnpection when recieving cars for trade....one of the first things they check when you trade in a car is oil level....well congrats buddy

[cuffuup28]

...I TOLD YA...RUN FAR AND FAST, sounds like you went to a dealership run by shadetree mechanics ...good luck.