A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I hear people talk about popchargers, turbochargers, cat back systems, and so on and so on, but what about changing the gears in the rear end . Won't that make the car faster off the start? and faster in 0-60 times? I would like any input to who has done this or if this is a viable way of getting the Z car faster. I myself want to get the most out of the Z without putting a charger on it. I want to get the power from the engine thats already there. I do plan on putting bolt on stuff, ie.. cat back, popcharger, maybe headers. PLEASE, PLEASE ONLY SERIOUS RESPONES TO MY QUESTION. I NEED ADVICE....................THANKS
A:
Yeah, gears will gtcha' there. But, this will sacrifice fuel mileage and long term engine wear. Hope your runnin' a six speed.........
A:
Gears are one of the cheapest ways to increase not only 0-60 and 1/4 mile performance, but coming out of the corners into the straights in road racing. With the 6th gear overddrive, it shouldn't significantly affect engine wear or top speed if you don't go too low on the ratio. Of course, gas mileage will suffer, again depending on how low the ratio.
Post Edited (Apr 27, 1:52pm)
A:
350evo makes a 3.9 ring and pinion for the Z to replace the stock 3.5 something. I have heard from people that have it that it improves 0-60 times as well quarter mile times by several tenths. Obviously the change in gearing makes the car rev higher at speed so it has some effect on top end and mileage. Most people who have it say it just allows them to use sixth gear now. 350evo's website is www.350evo.com.
A:
I have an automatic not 6 speed Z. This is my wifes car but I want to do this under the QT. I don't want her to find out. Will this still be good for an automatic car? Not to concerned about gas mileage because she dosen't commute far to work.
wdnnkl, Why will this hurt the engine in the long run, and why do I need a 6 speed?
Post Edited (Apr 27, 2:32pm)
A:
Bugster126:
I have also heard that some people with automatics have changed their rear ends to the 3.5 rear end from the 6 speed. As far as I know the 3.9 from 350evo is only for the 6 speed. The 6 speed rear end would have a similar affect on the automatic as the 3.9 would on the 6 speed.
A:
bugster, if you are doing this on the QT, better check your warranty.
That said, you really don't need the 6 speed to run lower gears, and the engine will not immediately wear out.
. What I am trying to say is that in the long run the motor will wear faster, but if you don't plan on keeping the car forever, you will probably not notice the extra wear.
. If you do change gears in the rear end, the automatic will probably handle it,but there will be more torque added at a faster rate to the tranny.
. Don't increase tire size if you do this swap. That way the tires can still break loose enough to get rid of the extra torque......
mike k.
The optomist has no brakes, the pessimist has no motor.
I need a good parts car.........
Post Edited (Apr 27, 4:30pm)
A:
wdnnkl,
Thanks for the post back to me, I appreciate the info on the gears. The guy at the shop I spoke to said the same thing about engire wear down the road. The engine with lower gears will naturally rev higher than normal, so he said thats where the engine wear will come from, but he didn't seem to be concerned that much. He said Nissan makes a great 350 Z motor. Explain one thing to me though, how does tire size matter. I lost you on that one. Call me a dummy I guess, but sure could use some examples if possible. thanks.........steve b.
A:
OK steve, Here's an example.
The wider the tire is, the more grip it will get.
Grip transforms into a twisting motion through the cars rear differential and then to the transmission.
If the tires don't break loose(loose traction or grip) then all of your engines torque ends up in the driveline.
This torque or twisting motion will break things eventually.
. Now if the tire squeals, all of that torque is being relieved by the tire slipping.
Granted,you may lose some traction, but you will not likely tear up the driveline and tires are cheaper than trannies.......get it?
mike k.
A:
Gang,
Don't forget that larger rear tires (diameter) will also change your FINAL gear ratio back to a lower ratio close to what you just changed. See your local Drag Racer, he can help you out with all of the formulas to figure your real FINAL ratio with tire size changes.
Mspeasl
Central Illinois - Form member since 2/02
"Growing old may be mandatory, but growing up is optional"
03 Redline Touring 6sp "350Z" (Pre-Ordered 02/02) - Delivered 29 August 02
05 Satin Jade Pearl Chrysler 300C 6/04
Post Edited (Apr 28, 4:29am)