A&Q about 350Z
Q:
Just read SRL311's post about all the "mods" done to the Z.
I have my '04 Track scheduled to go into the dealer's shop next week Tuesday to install the NISMO cat back exhaust, headers, and induction system.
After reading all of the problems that owner is now experiencing, am concerned if my "modifications" will alter the factory settings to the extent that I "screw up" how my car runs now.
Advice please!
Thanks
A:
As long as it's all Nismo S tune stuff, you are O.K. Anything else including Nismo R tune and you are on your own.
A:
Thank you for your reply. I appreciate your time and respect your expertise regarding the Z
The catback exhaust is S-Tune...but the headers and induction system is R-Tune. What is the worst case scenario should I install all these items. Should I scrap installing the headers and cold air induction?
Thanks
Terry
A:
It's your call - if they're R tune, the headers and intake will void the powertrain warranty. If something in the driveline breaks under warranty, Nissan will not honor the warranty. I doubt headers and an intake will cause a problem, but if a pre-existing failure is waiting to happen that's unrelated to the headers/intake, and it goes boom, you'll have no love from Nissan. Totally a personal decision.
Me - I'd forego the extra 10-20 HP and just do the exhaust to maintain the warranty. But it's your call bro - good luck!
-- Next Up: SCCA ITR 300ZX --
A:
Unless I am mistaken, they have to be able to prove that the aftermarket (or in this case, NISMO) parts were the direct cause of the failure in order to void the warranty. "Prove to who?" is a good question... but I know that they cannot void your warranty just because you have intake and headers. Someone out there knows the real deal.
5/87 Turbo - 13.7@100
7/02 Track - 14 @ 100?
Post Edited (Aug 17, 4:13pm)
A:
will Nissan install parts that void the warranty? i was under the assumption that if its aftermarket, they wont touch it. In the case of NISMO, they would, because its a factory backed company. No?
A:
Thanks CM.....was going to "roll the dice" on the installation.
As I purchased the '04 Track in August '03, was going to risk the last year as it would come off of warranty August '06. What do you think....worth the risk?
A:
yes its worth the risk...the other post was talking about FI(forced induction). You're talking about all NA parts. Its a completely different scenario. The parts you're having installed, especially since theyre NISMO should be perfectly fine. The R-tune parts they will not back with a warranty though. However, The "cold air induction system" is no more than a cold air intake, you could do the install easily yourself and save some $ on that but its up to you. That will certainly not cause any warranty problems. I hear headers are a rough install so they need to do that part but they shouldnt cause any damage or problems. Are you getting NISMO high flow CATS installed as well? because if you're doing the full intake to exhaust route you should probably get HF CATS to get the most out of the system. Also the NISMO HF CATS are super expensive and you could get crawfords for half the price. How much are they charging you for this setup?
---------------------
03 CS Touring
VIN #189
A:
Thanks driven....your response made my heart and pocketbook feel a bit better. Especially since I purchased all of the parts already.
The catback exhaust that is being installed is the NISMO S-Tune...that's all I know.
I am so mechanically "disinclined" that I do not wish to take a chance with any of the installations. :)
As I reside in Hawai'i, our resources are unfortunately very limited. Had two (2) Nissan dealerships quote on the job. Both owned by the same entity....quite an interesting variance in price. One quoted three (3) days to install and $1,500. The one that I go to have the Z serviced, quoted me one (1) full day and $800. Tried to obtain clarification as to the huge variance, but the first shop never returns my calls.
A:
here in california, r-tuned is not advised unless you take it to the track. bummer.
Sportscar = 03 Z SS Performance Pure Stock
A:
Thanks everyone for your input....I understand the differences between R-Tune and S-Tune, and which of the two (2) systems is warranted and which is not.
I am fully aware of the risks, and since my Z is going on its "third birthday year" of my ownership, I am willing to "roll the dice" on the final year of warranty and install R-Tune parts to make my "Z" subtly different from the others out there.
My concern was based upon SRL's earlier post about the overly modified "Z" and because of such, the numerous mechanical problems/challenges that owner is now experiencing. I did not want to knowingly install R-Tune parts that is going to create operational problems from the get-go. If that was the case, then I would forego installing the R-Tune parts and take the loss of the money I paid for the headers and CAI on the front end, rather than pay for numerous repairs "down the road".
However, if the installation of both the R-Tune headers, CAI, and S-Tune catback exhaust will provide me with that "smile and thrill" from improved performance, and an occasional gaze of envy from other "Z" owners, without knowingly and irresponsibly jeopardizing the integrity and operation of my vehicle, then I am willing to take that chance. If something breaks because I drove the car too hard or foolishly then I deserve to "bite the bullet" and pay for the repair costs.
So guy's-n gal's.....what's the vote? :)
Thanks again everyone!
TsssZ
Post Edited (Aug 18, 2:12pm)
A:
Sounds like you made your decision - now it's just time to strap 'em on and go for a drive! Honestly those R-Tune mods should in no way cause damage to your drivetrain that wouldn't already be waiting happen with stock parts. Enjoy!
-- Next Up: SCCA ITR 300ZX --
A:
There are better headers and exhausts out there than Nismo R or S tune. Enjoy anyway. I would go Crawford headers, APS tallboy polished intake plenum, HKS true dual exhast. Saving my pennies.
A:
Heh SRL....I hear you. Just have a buddy who works at the Corp office in Torrance. Couldn't beat the price.
Thanks anyway.
A:
Almost all of SRL311's information on APS turbos has been mostly inaccurate at best, miscontrued, or totally bogus. He could not even call up a dealer and takes notes correctly. Virtually every point was found to be very wrong when the same APS dealer SRL311 was quoting was interviewed later. He is on some anti APS kick probably becasue he is jealous, just plain narrow minded or both. What is very clear to those of us on this board that do know something about forced induction, is that the anti forced induction crowd on here knows almost nothing about the subject. It is really better that they do avoid it as it is really meant for more mature, knowledgeable enthusiasts.
A:
Go comfort the owner of the Z with the APS FI malfunctioning engine who is crying the blues.
A:
this zcar needs nothing more than sharp looking racing rims. no engine mods. trade in your z and go buy a used 2002 vette, saleen mustang or a buick grand national if you need more straight line speed. be smart save your money
Sportscar = 03 Z SS Performance Pure Stock