A&Q about 350Z
Q:
for those of you who want to read this and not make any smart-ass comments, continue... Otherwise, don't reply (cuz if you do you obviously cannot read).
I think every 350Z has experienced, seen, or asked about "tire feathering" with the 350Z. How about some "speculations" that may shed some light on the topic? Nissan will NOT be redesigning their 350Z suspension. The rumored Euro-spec suspension is true, although it is not different in design. The Euro-spec suspension only has European manufactured parts, and slight adjustments in ride firmness....actually more comfortable than any 350Z's around the world. In Japan, and Europe market, the 350Z uses a different tire....but thats not the problem. The problem is CNC machined aluminum suspension parts and assembly performed here in the U.S., so much for being a Japanese assembled car. You see, the suspension begins to flex very easily in time, due to extensive use of aluminum. Don't be fooled by what is said about aluminum....its a very strong metal, yet only strong if formed and shaped correctly. I have said this before and this may prove it, Nissan is probably acid washing their metals. The only reason a metallurgy manufacturer goes thorugh this process, is if they are recycling aluminum or removing Amonia from contaminated metals. I believe Nissan also does this with their tranny's too and ceratin alloy wheels. When you buy a brand new 350Z, the parts are real tight and have not been broken in. The more your drive it hard the worse the metal flexes and causes alignment problems and eventually tire feathering. Maybe that is why you owners who drive your Z's real hard, track use, and high mileage city driving, are experiencing this after a certain number of miles? Also, maybe when you people who put diffeferent tires on, it helped in reducing noise because the tire was brand-new and flat surfaced....which allowed the car's suspension to stay straight and not cause vibration, noise, and "feathering"....for a while? Wait and see what kind of information pops-up, and then make as much fun of me as u would like.
Now, this is just my view of it, you all do not have to accept my perspective, as I am a "troll" and "redneck", etc... but, we'll see just what the problem will end up being...
Should you get rid of your Z? NO! Actually hold on to it, as there will be a "private" Japanese company that will offer a Titanium Suspension kit for the 350Z... Pricey? Ya' think!
Also, please DO NOT ask where I got my info... I want certain people to feel "salty" for looking down at me...i.e. digital, etc...
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
Interesting view on things.
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04.5 DB Performance
Typhoon Intake
Injen SES Straight Tip Exhaust
Blue Z-Xtreme Grounding Kit
Kenwood MP3 Player
EBC V4 Greenstuff Pads
Clear Lens
Carbon Fiber Piller Covers
20% Tint
5 Coats of Zaino
......
'01 Yamaha R6
A:
interesting speculation.
what my takeaway is is that nissan, by using recycled or poor-quality aluminum, has an engineering design flaw at the fundamental level. and, based on the level of processes that the metal went under (which could vary from batch to batch), you may or may not see the same severity of the problem.
it does occur to me that you wouldn't necessarily need a titanium suspension. there must be other hardened metals that could substitute. they may not be as light weight, however, which would be a drawback as the Z is already a relatively heavy car.
we will have to wait and see. i'm putting tires on that only will do 10-12K anyway, so i'm not really bothered by the problem. i used to replace them on my 911 at about 8-10K.
2003 350Z LeMans Sunset Track with Nav
No mods
A:
interesting view, i guess but i was under the impression that the cars were completely assempled in japan, so now your telling us that assembly on the suspension is performed her in the US...what about all those pictures from like 2 years ago when they first came out with hundreds of Z's sitting on dock on the west coast where they were unloaded from the boats? i dont get it. also the reason there isnt any noise with a new tire at first is because there oisnt any feathering...correct me if im wrong but doesnt the feathering cause the noise? if there are no substantial redsigns or corrctions on the suspension that means your tellign us that all 04 Z's will have feathering just as the 03's did, correct? you could be right for all i know but it sounds like alot speculation and maybes and it doesnt really sound like you know any facts or very much about the suspension in general.
A:
had TSB done now TIRE WEAR on OUTSIDE!
A:
Second: this is such a reach. This loon all of a sudden pulls out INSIDER INFORMATION. Oooh, now everything he says has credibility.
Third: This whole metals flexing thing is ludicrous.
Fourth: Camber. Go look at your tires, guys. The top does sit further in than the bottom. It's all about handling. Maybe Nissan went too far, but that's how it is. Check it out, Thrifty. Handling.
Fifth: New justification statement - "this is just my view of it." Much more subtle than "THIS IS NOT A FLAME POST," but no more effective. A fart's still a fart.
Once again, I KNEW YOU'D BE BACK. Geez, can't you concentrate on finding things to hate about your Z06? They're out there. All you have to do is open your mind.
Color me "salty."
Post Edited (Jun 25, 7:52pm)
A:
350ZNewbie,
Your absolutley right about using other "stronger metals" to prevent suspension flexing....yet that would defeat the purpose of using a lightweight suspension in the first place. Aluminum and Titanium are the only two "proven" lightweight metals used in the automotive industry. Acura/Honda actually use a great amount of Titanium forged metals in the NSX's motor, suspension, and chassis. Also, the "private" company who will be releasing this suspension kit, will not be producing a complete replica of the part in Titanium form. They will be producing reinforced cups and braces that will bolt onto the aluminum to prevent further flexing. Although, it would be wise to add this modification at the time of first purchase. I'll keep you up to date on the release date of this product.
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
are you still posting here nut bag!didn't you mention something about the Z being french made or parts being french made.now parts are american assembled you know what who gives a rats ass!i lost all hope in american cars when i opened the hood of a ford probe and found a mitsubishi motor in it.so until i open the hood of a Z or any nissan car and see a ford or chevy motor just drop the friggin subject.your more played out then the tire feathering subject.go build a sky scraper and take a flying leap off of it!you are in construction or do you just mix the concrete?
zeeeyaaah
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
A:
The 350Z parts are 100% from Japan. The car is also 75% assembled in Japan, from what I hear. Interesting thing that was brought to my attention today was that, interior, suspension, wheels/tires/and JDM-to-US spec ECU reflash is done hear in the U.S. I am not completely sure if its Tennessee or some other U.S. state that assembles many Nissan vehicles, including parts of the 350Z. Yet, it really has nothing to do with where it was built...rather, a wrong method of manufacturing parts. That picture you saw of over 100 350Z on the dock is real. Although, look closer, and you should notice the Z's are still in the final assembly stage. Good eye! Also, YES all 350Z have, are, and will experience "tire feathering." It all depends on how hard you drive your car. A person tracking their car every weekend will surely see a premature wear of tire as well as suspension flex. Just stay put, and stay tuned!
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
zlion,
you obviously cannot read...becuase if you could you would have not replied. Also, I never said they were French made! I said they were French owned company and Engineered vehicles. Trust me, a true Japanese engineered car would not experience problems like this, as the Japanese are known for their excellent art of metal working and engineering of metal design and structure. Also, I am a Project Manager in construction...yeah, it takes six years of Mechanical Engineering to get to where I am....hmmmmmm....how I do know so much about "mechanical" issues of a car? I have good connections....
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
72n03Z's,
I am tired of arguing so please stop the non-relative comments. Also, Nissan has a great suspension setup on the 350Z, NO DOUBT! Its not the design of the suspension, but more of a less-tolerable material structure that causes a great deal of flexing in the Z's suspension. A camber sitting in too much from up top would result in vibration and noise from the first test drive at the dealership and with new tires....not the camber from the get-go. Although, camber issues do arise when the metal flexes and cause an altered alignment.
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
The 350Z is made, built and assembled in J A P A N. Not France, not Tennessee, not anywhere but Oppama, Japan.
Where do you some of you guys come up with this crap?
Post accurate information here, or go back to playing your Gameboy!
peaze all
70 Z
78 Z
84 ZX
03 Z
A:
zcar70,
try this...just as an experiment, okay? Go to a Toyota dealership and look at a Toyota Landcruiser's manufacturer's tag....memorize it, take a picture, whatever. Then I at the same dealership, perform the same examination on a Toyota Seqouia and Highlander. Finally, go to a Nissan dealership and perform that same test on the 350Z and another Nissan car(you choose). Look for writings like "% assembled in Japan" or "Fully assembled in Japan" and write it down and post it on the forum. What you should see (or at least what my dumb "redneck, gameboy playing ass noticed) was that the Toyota Landcruiser is 100% manufactured and built in Japan. The Sequioa and Highlander are 100% manufactured in Japan, yet they are assembled in U.S. The Nissans..."100% manufactured in Japan, yet not one word of it being assembled in Japan?" Or maybe I just didn't see it anywhere on my old car. Now, is a Highlander poorly built? No! but wait, its built in the U.S. Sequioa? Nope! Built in the U.S. So, why are they so reliable? Same reason why the company's flagship sportscar could put out over 1000HP on a stcok bottom-end...yeah good ole' forged materials! Interesting huh?
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
This assclown is still getting to you guys.
ROFL
I don't like the moron much either, but ya'll keep replying and he keeps deriving satisfaction out of it.
Just ignore the ****tard. A fart may be a fart, but I sure as hell don't go sniffin' someones ass when I hear them rip one.
A:
thrify whats the difference french owned company french egineered.your stating that there is a significate french influence.i know how to read ass clown i read the post and understood it i felt like replying anyways.excuse me if i didn't get all your insulting comments about the whole french thing word for word.ize try mo betta nex tyme.oh and by the way thats great that you have a background in engineering i am impressed.although it doesn't take an engineer to figure out whats wrong with a car.matter of fact most of these guys who post here probably don't have a degree.they have more knowelege in one hand then you have in your entire body.you know thrifty theres a lot of really cool people here. maybe if you tried to use what you know to help people and stop being so offensive people might start respecting your back ground in cars.you had a bad experience let it ride it's just a car they don't last forever.but the friends you make here are forever for as long as you need them or want them.guesse i'm going to call it truce!understand one thing though your a young guy and a lot of us are in our 30's,40's and 50's and some of us have been acting like were 12 years old including you.maybe it's time to stop acting like kids and start driving our cars.remeber a little respect goes a long way,later!
mike
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
Post Edited (Jun 25, 9:26pm)
A:
zlion,
believe me, I NEVER had any intentions of getting anyone mad on this forum. I had a bad experience with my Z...thats all, and I really do not want to make anyone feel bad on this forum. I think my posts may have been a bit too direct and specific and I apologize for that. I don't have anything against the Z, although I did own one and love 240Z and 300ZXTT. I always tried to present competition towards the 350Z becuase I had no real answer when I was asked by others in public...so I figured some other Z owner would know? I am bringing good "solid" info and always have from my previous technical-issue posts. It seems like everyone is against me for mentioning the Cobra....its just friendly competition to see what seperates the Z from other cars in its range, thats all. I will also call it truce!
Oh! btw, this post is something worth keeping in mind...thats all!
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
Maybe you should have gotten a degree in Civil Engineering. You could have been a Project Manager right out of college. This is assuming, of course, that you graduated from an accredited 4 year university, and not some rinky-dink junior college. Either way, I know what fraternity you were in.
I DREAMA Z
And could you not find a job in mechanical engineering? Or are you doing HVAC?
Post Edited (Jun 25, 9:56pm)
A:
no ass sniffing is necessary.
Perhaps you're right. When over 1/3 of the posts on a string are from the original poster, it may be time to just silently acknowledge who the fixated party is and not succumb to the contact high.
I'm done defending the cause against this guy. Let the loon rant.
Post Edited (Jun 25, 11:35pm)
A:
point well taken and yeah the mustang is a bit of a touchy subject for a lot of us.funny though the motors are awesome in a 240 body as well as a bow tie motor.talk about an awesome combo sleek design of a japanese sports car with the muscle of an american V-8.,there nice when done right,and can take just about anything out there.but this isn't hybrid Z so back to the usual stuff,modding the 6.
mike
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
A:
I graduated from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I work for a large construction company that has a great reputation in commercial building in downtown Chicago. I am sorry, but I cannot release info of the company's name online, as it is against company policy. Civil engineering is also a great field, although concentrates very much on one particular aspect of work. Mechanical Engineering can be as simple as designing a "slam-free" hydraulic door mechanism and it can be as complex as probing complex RNA structures. I know alot about automotive engineering that is why I want to work from GM in a few years...I really want to help engineer the C7 Corvettes. Its not that I cannot find a job in mechanical engineering, its the fact that construction is boooming in the midwest and the salary one can make in construction in Chicago is HUGE!!! No, I am not in HVAC...although a great field and great pay. I am an estimator for commercial buildings. I pretty much determine what "materials" will go into a builing.
"The point of having a sports car is not to go from point A to point B...... it is the point!"
A:
$$$$$$$$$$
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
A:
wait, i reread this. thirfty, are you saying the problem is:
1) US Labor used in assembly
2) the parts
i ask, because there is a brief mention of the euro versions of the Z, and it seems incomplete. i do not recall a euro Z as having posted that they have feathering. many thought the 04 or 05 Z would have the euro suspension because it proved feather free.
from the text, it does not appear that the euro Z has different materials, so it should suffer the exact same level of problem as any US Z, unless the problem is with the US Labor.
can you clarify?
2003 350Z LeMans Sunset Track with Nav
No mods
A:
The Z is completely built/assembled in Japan. (other then a few minor add-on dealer options) That is a fact. Before you make comments off the top of your head find out the facts. You are posting on here via a computer, correct? Therefore use the same computer to do some basic research before you open your mouth. I can't wait until you start to "flame" on. All your posts end the same way.