A&Q about 350Z
Q:
I was reading i believe Road and Track a few months ago, where they had the pros and cons about the 350z. One on the pros were; " Cult like following", why would that be under a pro? what do they mean? that once a z owner always a z owner? still why would that be a pro?
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas
A:
What were the cons?
1976 280Z
Draw-Through Turbo, 10 PSI, 4 Bbl Holley, E88, L28 (Flat), 10:1 CR, 5 Spd
1974 Corvette Stingray:
350, 400 Automatic, T-Tops, 8.5:1 CR, 78,000 Miles
1994 Acura Integra:
1.8L, 5 Spd, 189,000 and Counting!
A:
because it will get a good resale price maybe?
gives it a bit of soul?
A:
Means it's an exclusive club - an "in-crowd" thing - for the man who wants hand jobs from women he doesn't know -
or you sacrifice your wallet, arm & leg and first born child.
Ed and Jeanne's
ZXelda 1981 280 ZXT: ZXena 1990 300 ZX
1941 Buick Special Sedanette (Betty)
1956 Dodge Royal (Dorothy)
1971 Buick Riviera (Rita)
1975 Ford F-150 Stepside (Fiona)
1992 Firebird (Frieda)
A:
I think out of all Z's the 350 has the least "cult-like following" and most of them will move onto something else when the factory warranty expires, at least here it's like that.
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
A:
Road and Track would like to believe that, wouldn't they.......no cult member here.
A:
it means it will go into history as a well remembered ,well sought after car such as the gremlin, pacer, pinto , vega, chevette, or mustang!
____________________________________
1980 280ZX coupe
2001 maxima
1994 F150 4x4 van works custom truck
170000 and never needed mech repairs
1996 ford explorer -they cant all be good
A:
Large knowledge base on the car, plus large aftermarket parts market.
A:
I can see the cult following. At my local zcar club, its mostly 350Zs. These guys are pasionate about their Zs and enjoy hanging out with other Z people.
I think its a GOOD thing.
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1978 280Z - I wish I had this much money in my 401K.
A:
What Magazine was it from? I get both C+D and R+T, and didn't notice it.
I would say a cult-like following means that Nissan can count on a certain number of people to buy their product line. Almost like a guaranteed sale of xxxx number of 350Zs. It means that the people buying them are passionate about the car they chose to put down their hard earned money for. For instance, in the truck crowd their are people staunchly loyal to a certain make (Ford or Chevy--always bought it, always will) and everybody else's product sucks. This could be construed as a cult following.
02/1976 280Z
An amateur trying to restore the Z. I should have taken the blue pill!
A:
The Mustang must have rated the same 'pro'.
'76 280Z driver, '75 parts car
A:
i'd have to say i'd get a 350 in a heartbeat if i could afford one. i love 240's 260's 280's 300's and the 350 as well. sunset orange track model.... man thats nice!
Soon to be 86 NA to Turbo
92 240SX w/ 84 VG30ET (RIP)
A:
Or baby poo brown, depending the lighting :P
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
A:
Who here doesn't have an unhealthy obsession with their Z? I do, I need help. I think it's the fact that most Z owners would gladly sacrifice house and home to keep their car. That unhealthy obsession turns into a large aftermarket parts supply and support for new owners. Those new owners then grow in knowledge and become part of the circle. It's a love.
That, and we're not stupid like other sports car owners. We're nice, and if you tell anybody otherwise I'm coming to your house with a bat!
1972 240z w/L28, tokico shocks and springs, and a 5 speed waiting. Also running high performance ultra mega blinker fluid, that's at least an extra 50hp to the wheels.
1987 Toyota Supra Turbo 5-speed. Belongs to me until my friend get's back from Iraq.
A:
I think what they are trying to convey is the fact that if the car is capable of attracting a cult following, there must be something worthwhile about the car. Now, I'm sure every type of car has at least some small devoted crowd of passionate enthusiasts (Ford Aerostar Club of America maybe?) so take it for what it's worth. And yes, be default you are a cooler and sexier person when you own a car with a "cult following."
The reason the "cult following" of the 350Z is smaller or less prevalent than the older models, is probably because A) the older models have been around longer and have had more time to build a large base of enthusiasts. Classic cars always have more "heritage" than new cars and owners and enthusiasts will be more passionate about them. B) one could say the older cars are more affordable than the new Z and thus more attainable. People are far more passionate about cars they have than cars they would like to have. Lastly most owners of older Zs have put alot of work and time in to restoring or fixing up their car. This will always draw more passion for a car, especially if you've poured your heart, soul, and large portions of your bank account into the car.
A:
This is a cult? hmmm, I have some kool-aid I'd like you all to drink!
73 240z, turbo'd, haltech E6K, 550's, spearco. new and improved, now with 60-1 T4, 372 whp and 365wtq
A:
I would like some Kool-Aid...wait...it's not purple is it?
I know I have an unheathly obsession with my Z...
Ask my wife, I sure she will gladly tell you all about it.
--------------------------------------
1990 300zx NA
- Custom Exhaust
- JWT Pop Charger
A:
- an "in-crowd" thing - for the man who wants hand jobs from women he doesn't know -
"Porsche .......too small to get laid in......but when you step out of the car....oh ya."
This whole world smells bad, I'd buy another if I had
back what I paid for another mother@#$%@# in a motorcade
A:
"Who here doesn't have an unhealthy obsession with their Z?"
I do not.
It's a car, nothing more.
It's cheap, reliable, simple and honest.
Since THOSE traits are not part or the 350z, I don't think that the 350Z will enjoy the "following" that made the 240-280 z's so well accepted.
Because of that, I think that saying that the 350z will enjoy the same following is a tad premature on the part of Road and Track.
A:
Hybrid77Z: 6050 posts doesn't count as an obsession?
j/k man, Your right it is just a car...but I love it soooo much.
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1990 300zx NA
- Custom Exhaust
- JWT Pop Charger
A:
Not at all. Asking questions and helping others in the Tech area to keep their cars running is part of keeping ANY 30+ year old car running. The older the car, the more "tricks" have to be shared.
A:
Hybrid
1) Explain to me why you think the 350Z is not cheap?
2) Explain to me why you think the 350Z is not reliable?
3) Explain to me why you think the 350Z is not simple?
4) Explain to me why you think the 350Z is not honest?
Compare the 350 to other cars in its class from a "bang for the buck", it comes out on top.
Other than tire feathering issues, I have not heard of any major reliability malfunction about the 350, especially from a mechanical perspective.
If you look at the 350's lines, it is nothing BUT simple, sleek, and sexy. I mean look at the freakin RX-8 or the Mitsu Eclipse...or even an Impreza...all of them have much more aggresive, edgy looks that are trendy and will fade away.
How do you measure a car's honesty? Does your 77Z always tell the truth, even when it hurts? I have yet to hear my 05 Z tell a lie. She's truly an "honest abe".
Also, you speak from an outsider's perspective, not being a 350 owner yourself. Here in TN I see some fellow 350Z owners that are absolutely fanatical about their car (most are in our Z club here). If you are comparing the 350 owner base to the 240, 260,280 owner base...there is no comparison. All the 240's, 260's and 280's have been passed out of the hands of those that didn't care and have all been snatched up by those collectors and enthusiasts who do. The 350 has not gone through that cycle yet.
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"
Post Edited (Jun 21, 12:04pm)
A:
1) the 350Z is not cheap?
240Z performance level and sofistication was cheap at $3,500. The 350Z performance level is not cheap at $35,000 since a lot of sofisticated $20,000 cars can come really close to it's specs.
2) Explain to me why you think the 350Z is not reliable?
ALL new cars are now reliable, it's not a unique reason to get a "z" anymore.
3) Explain to me why you think the 350Z is not simple?
It's a very advanced piece of hardware, just try telling anyone it's not
4) Explain to me why you think the 350Z is not honest?
That's subjective. My reason for saying that is that once you pour in the convertible, GPS, the 5 cupholders, the styling without purpose, it's just another "sporty car" and not an honest sports GT.
A:
Yea, pretty much what Hybrid said, I won't sacrifice house or home to keep a car.
I enjoy driving, modifying, and looking at my car, but if it were totalled today, i'm not sure I would get another one without looking at other makes, and models first.
A:
I got my enthusiast for $29K OTD with 12 miles on the ODO. It performs just as well, probably marginally better than the touring level trim because it doesn't have all the gushy crap you buy so your wife/girlfriend is comfortable. Name a car that meets or exceeds the Z's performance for more than $2.5k less.
Your point number 2 is ineffective, since ALL cars are now reliable, how can you argue that point at all.
Point number 3 is also ineffective, since all cars now share the same advancements in technology. It is a natural progression and a very good one at that. I think it plays into the point number 2 in that the more advancements we make, the more reliable the car becomes.
Point 4...my car only has 3 cupholders, no gps, no styling without purpose. I bought it because I wanted an honest to goodness sports gt car without all the crap.
A:
Price,
There are many on this board that have spent less than $29K to have a car that meets or exceeds what a 350z is capable of. As far as new cars, there is nothing magical about what a 350z can do. On the street, a $12,500 Kia is just as good as a 350z since "performance" is mandated by speed limit signs so all cars are driving the same speed on the same road.
Reliable,
The point was that the 240Z was the first really reliable sports car. That WAS a selling point to buy a Z car over an MG, a Triumph, a Prosche, a Ferrari, etc, etc. Today ALL NEW CARS are reliable so the Z does not have that advantage any more.
Simplicity,
The 350Z is not a simple car, I did not think that needed explanation. Of course all new cars are equally longer complex (which is how a $20,000 new car can compete rather well with a much more expensive 350z).
Honesty,
Like I said, that's subjective, no "right answer" to a feeling. Be married for a while and you'll start to understand that one, LOL.
A:
Your price statement couldn't be more off base. I agree with CantZme, for the price, the 350Z is one of the better cars out there. To suggest a Kia is even on the same playing field is just asinine.
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1990 300zx NA
- Custom Exhaust
- JWT Pop Charger
A:
For a street car daily driver, I'm dead on serious to suggest that a Kia is just the same since both are operating under the same speed and traffic limitations. The only way for a 350z to shine is to ignore the limits. Just because a car has potential does not mean that an indy car is better than a 350z is better than a Kia for driving to work. When you mention the SAME playing field (the street) then the cars work equally well under the law.
The price for the unused potential of the car is fair enough, just not a leap like the 240z was. There are a lot of hot little cars to choose from now days...
A:
In my case, I wouldn't necessarily call it unused potential...he he he...maybe "not frequently utilized" potential
I can appreciate your support to your arguments. I still stand with my initiall allegations, so I guess agree to disagree.
Good discussion.
Previously owned: 2005 Z Enthusiast, Super Black, 6 spd.
Currently lease: 2006 Pathfinder S, Silver, Auto
"She is (and always will be) my little deuce coupe, you don't know what I got!"
A:
2006 Mustang GT for about $26,000, and about 1 second, and 10 mph faster in the 1/4 mile, while not being appreciably slower through an autocross course. I think the new Stang looks, and sounds better also.
My 2 cents.
A:
Yeah, wait until the 450Z comes to market............
A:
There we go bringing up this point again.
Again we are in denial that larger brakes, larger contact patches, greater acceleration potential, nimbler handling, and higher level of overall craftsmanship mean absolutely nothing in terms of safety or handling on the street.
Let's try a panic stop in both cars. Is there some law that says a 350z needs to stop in as much distance as a kia?
Just because there are laws affecting maximum speed in a given corridor does not mean that a vehicles capabilities are null or inaccessable through that corridor. Driving is more than just the little number on your spedometer, Hybrid. Examples of this abound.
'74 260z---NA L28 MSnS-E w/ Innovate Wideband
Already sparking, soon to be squirting.
Cogito, ergo dolorum.
A:
That is exactly what I'm saying.
Most small cars today are more nimble, better brakes, tires, better craftsmanship, better safety features than the early Z cars of the 70's and 80's. A $12,000 today is insanely great for safety, so are most of the $20,000 cars. You don't need to drop $30-35 grand to be "safe". For driving on the street, having a fantastic "panic stop" distance is great as long as the guy behind you has a car that has an insanely great stoping distance ability.
As fas as the acceleration being a safety factor, if you need massive acceleration to be safe, then you're doing something basically wrong.
A:
YEA! The mustang is cheaper, looks better[fact] and it has more performance! the 350z is a very very close 2nd, and the 350z is NOT cheap, most people around here are very old white hair prople cause only they can afford one
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas
Post Edited (Jun 22, 4:37pm)
A:
"For a street car daily driver, I'm dead on serious to suggest that a Kia is just the same since both are operating under the same speed and traffic limitations. The only way for a 350z to shine is to ignore the limits. Just because a car has potential does not mean that an indy car is better than a 350z is better than a Kia for driving to work. When you mention the SAME playing field (the street) then the cars work equally well under the law."
This is one of the more idiotic arguments I've seen. you're trying to say all cars are the same if driven at the same speed?
_____________________________________________
'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z
A:
If that's the case then am I as fast as a 350Z when it's parked? Sweet! I can run 14s from the factory, I should join the olympics! Hehe...
85' 300ZX NA
86' 300ZX Turbo
88' 300ZX Turbo
89' 300ZX Turbo
300ZX Turbo Project
A:
"you're trying to say all cars are the same if driven at the same speed?"
When you're tooling down the road to work at 30mph, then yea, it won't make any difference if you're in a Ferrari or a Kia as far as the car being able to handle those road situations in a safe manner.
The idiotic argument would be that you NEED a 300-500hp car to drive on public roads at posted speeds.
A:
I don't think anybody will tell you they NEED a 3 - 400 HP car.
Now, want...Hell Yeah!
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1990 300zx NA
- Custom Exhaust
- JWT Pop Charger
A:
Oh Hell yea, me too!
A:
Hybrid77Z
"When you're tooling down the road to work at 30mph, then yea, it won't make any difference if you're in a Ferrari or a Kia as far as the car being able to handle those road situations in a safe manner."
You're absolutely right assuming the road is perfectly flat, straight, and you don't have to accelerate or decelerate. Even then cars drive differently. Better suspension = better handling even in these ideal conditions.
_____________________________________________
'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z
A:
Yeah, it would be an identical experience for people who cannot experience things such as balance, sight, sound, and touch.
Other than that they'd arrive at the same time, so it makes no difference to them!
Build quality, aesthetics, and aural characteristics all participate in the sensory experience that is driving regardless of speed traveled or g-forces exploited.
Tell you what...if I ever get a ticket for stopping too fast or accellerating to avoid an accident, I'll give you $1.
'74 260z---NA L28 MSnS-E w/ Innovate Wideband
Already sparking, soon to be squirting.
Cogito, ergo dolorum.
A:
Suspensions, brakes, tires and power are ALL better now than in the past. The little cars today are more than adequate for dull driving on the same old dull roads. Accidents come from exceeding your limits WHATEVER they are.
A:
what happend to my post!!!!???
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas
A:
your posts were made for walkin'
_____________________________________________
'05 350Z Chrome Silver Touring
'73 240Z
A:
Hybrid: "When you're tooling down the road to work at 30mph, then yea, it won't make any difference if you're in a Ferrari or a Kia as far as the car being able to handle those road situations in a safe manner."
But when you go to the track, which would you rather have? When you drive through some mountain passes, which would you rather have?
If you drive your car for utility only, then the Z looses.
If you drive your car because you have a passion for driving and you want to have fun, then you want a SPORTS CAR.
As far as new SPORTS CARS go, the 350Z is a good choice over the other options available.
I'm sure this is obvious to everyone. I dont know why no one pointed this out before.
It's true you dont need a sports car for daily street driving, but you might ENJOY having a sports car for daily street driving a lot more than your econo box.
1980 280ZX, now with L28ET and Megasquirt 'n Spark Extra
Pallnet Fuel Rail, KYB Gas-A-djust Shocks, Advan A048 Tires
ACT Clutch Disc & Pressure Plate, Steel Braided Brake Lines
A:
Shut up and drink your Cool-Aid!!!
Injector Cleaning Service
THE FREE ONLINE INDEPENDENT Z STORE
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A:
No, I drive my old Z because it's cheap, dependable, and rather unique these days. As far as performance by modern standards, it sucks.
A:
..........
73' 240z: F54 4.2L, OS Giken LY DOHC Crossflow head, 17:3comp.ratio, N33, Tripple SU's, T10 Hybrid Draw-Through TT @ 47pds, Roots&Centrifugal Type supercharger, 3-2-1 headers, Centerforce 4 clutch, 6oz flywheel, R300 differential, Super-Hicas
Post Edited (Jun 24, 4:41pm)