Nissan 350Z punches above its weight

SportsCars Destined For Greatness
ISSUE ONE
PureMuscle
Nissan 350Z punches above its weight
Ferrari F355
Porsche 968 Club Sport
BMW M3 Track Edition
Nürburgring Track Guide
FEATURES
Ferrari F355
Symphony Orchestra with an Italian Soul
Purchase
Price
NISSAN 350Z
Purchase
Price
~£8k
Pure Muscle
~£40k
PORSCHE 968CS
Track Toy
Purchase
Price
~£16k
JUST FOR FUN
EXPERT DETAILING
Richard Tipper seeks detailed perfection
with the BMW M3 CSL
GADGET CORNER
ROAD&TRACK
REGULARS
The Nürburgring: our guide covers everything
from getting there to renting a racecar
Hit the race track from the
safety of your living room
Enhancing a BMW M3 for the track
Note from the Editor
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cars; each in a different price bracket to appeal to a wide range of budgets; detailing the case for
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MOTOR
ST RS
SPORTSCARS DESTINED
FOR GREATNESS
These feature articles are set in a standard format, so that from month to month you can objectively
compare one car to another. We aim to cover everything you need to know when you are considering an
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investment: how it drives, will it fit in your garage, even down to the daily ongoing maintenance costs
Raj Hunjan
you might incur.
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alongside various specialists in the industry who offer their guidance on finding and caring for your new
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investment.
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I have personally worked in the financial investment industry for the last decade. This unique
knowledge coupled with my lifelong all consuming passion for cars has led me to launch this new
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sports cars out there without it breaking the bank.
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The Ferrari Centre | Kent High
Performance Centre
Pure Muscle
Nissan 350Z
Words by Raj Hunjan
Iconic Z emblem on the rear strut brace, viewable through rear window
18 inch Rays forged alloy wheels suit the 350Z
The Nissan 350Z debuted at the 2002 Denver motor show, a modern day
muscle car with stunning looks, the maximum power possible at the time
body is a magnet for attention. It effortlessly stands out from the crowd.
(agreed between Japanese manufactures as 276bhp) and a low price tag.
There are subtle style cues from the Aston Martin V8 Vantage that do the Z
The modern day Z car is brutish and uncomplicated, a formula that hasn’t
badged Nissan no harm. Pull the wide door open and step into the driver
lost it’s appeal.
focussed cabin, which you’ll find is well thought out and where everything
Vibration in the gear stick that arose during the cars development
is within easy reach of the driver. The low seat position coupled with a
was initially engineered out. However feedback from test drivers led it to
chunky steering wheel and orange emblazoned dials shout performance
be put back in because it added feel and a reminder that the car is a
before you even turn the key.
powerful machine that demands respect.
The controls are weighty yet full of feel, the steering, clutch and
doors, the actual touch points, such as the steering wheel, gearstick and
brakes require muscle compared to rivals such as the Mercedes SLK and
pedals, are all high quality items. The three dials that sit centre stage on
Audi TT. These traits make the car stand out from other high performance
the top of the dash (voltage, oil pressure and LCD readout) add style and
two seater sports cars. The physical forces give the driver the feeling that
character.
they are really responsible for driving.
Everyday practicality was built into the car, the cabin is spacious and
time the Z has been a thrill to drive on both the road and track. To be
has plenty of storage options. Although shallow, the boot does have room
honest the Z is a bit of a thug, it is both heavier handling and noisier than
for several large soft bags that fit around the wide rear strut brace.
most cars on the road.
Other drivers are drawn to stare at the 350Z, the well proportioned
Despite the typical japanese black plastics adorning the dash and
I have owned a Nissan 350Z GT Pack for over five years, during this
It makes you want to have fun, let loose and be a bit naughty. It
controls and level of feedback reward your every input to create a sense of
burbles on idle, encouraging ever so slight throttle blipping when stationary
satisfaction when hustling the Z. The inevitable occasional over
at the lights, the sounds it makes as it gathers and drops revs makes you
exuberance with the throttle on a damp slip road doesn’t end in disaster as
smile. The Z brings out the six year old in you, the one that fell in love with
the stability and traction control are well judged and will save the day in
fast cars because of the way they looked and sounded.
most situations.
Driving a 350Z for the first time, you’ll notice the stiff clutch and
The Z is a true grand tourer, it is equipped with all the necessary
heavy steering. By modern standards it is demanding, however an
luxuries, coupled with effortless performance and reliability. I have travelled
enthusiast will soon appreciate the manual feel of the car. When you press
to the Nürburgring three times with the Z, on all of those occasions I hit the
the clutch, you know you are actually disengaging the drivetrain from the
Nordschleife on the afternoon that I had left the UK in the early hours.
engine. The gentle vibration through the gearstick is also a subtle reminder
that there is a 276bhp engine attached to the wheels. The short throw of
come into their own. Yes it is a bit of a brute, with more weight over the
the gear lever makes changes super quick and provides a satisfying gear
front wheels, but when you make allowances for this it starts to flow. The
change. predictability on the limit and beyond allow you to enjoy track driving.
Brakes are the limiting factor, so cool down laps every 4-5 fast laps are
The weight of the steering lightens at speed but remains full of feel
When you hit the track, the power and balance of the chassis really
and constantly translates the road surface. The solid, sure footed nature of
necessary to bring them back to optimum performance.
the Z lets you relax whilst driving it, however should the mood take you,
you can have fun pushing the boundaries. The mechanical feel of the
sports cars for the money.
Brembo Brakes are standard on GT Pack cars
I believe that out of the box, the 350Z is one of the best all round
Sharp lines ensure that the 350Z will remain desirable
“a blend of curves and
creases that flow beautifully”
Why Buy One?
★Standard 350Z’s are getting rarer, which are most
desirable to a collector
★Rivals from the era have dated (Audi TT, BMW 3 Series
Coupe, Porsche Boxster, Mercedes SLK)
★Bottom of its value curve – prices have dropped to their
lowest and are unlikely to drop further
★Timeless design – looks remain fresh
★Proven reliability, heavily developed and honed car by one
of the largest global car manufacturers
★Z cars of past (240Z) are seeing a resurrection in value
and status
★Connections with motorsport ensures fans and ongoing
popularity – the drifting scene uses the 350Z as a base
car
2002 Original Z concept shown at the Detroit Motorshow
Nissan 350Z
What the motoring press said:
2003 350Z coupe released in UK & Europe
2005 350Z convertible released in UK in spring 2003
Limited edition 350Z GT4 released in June 2005
(just 176 in UK), including a revised VQ35DE engine
upgraded to produce 296bhp (+20bhp) with Rev-up
technology
2006 Adoption of the GT4 engine into all new 350Z’s,
chassis tweaked for extra rigidity, new rear LED
light clusters and improved interior controls
2007 New engine VQ35HR with 309bhp, 80% new
components, including dual throttle and air intake,
taller engine required bonnet bulge
2009 Production ceases
“In simple terms it looks fab, goes
well, doesn’t cost the earth, drives
brilliantly and has gained cult
status.”
Autocar, 2006
“it’s not just the cool looks and
rewarding dynamics that have proved
such a hit - rock-solid reliability
comes as part of the package too”
“On appearance alone it’s easy to see
how the 350Z could become a classic
like those Datsun Z-cars of old”
EVO, 2008
Nissan 350Z
Model Evolution
Nissan 350Z
Pure Muscle
supportive of prospective and fellow owners and there are lots of
the large bore exhaust system. The power builds smoothly
useful DIY guides for the more mechanically minded.
throughout the rev range all the way up to the 7500 rev limit. Torque
from low revs really helps this car; it will happily pull from stationary
is demonstrated by many owners using them as their everyday
in 2nd gear and provides strong acceleration in any gear.
transport.
Nissan sold the 350Z in the US, Europe and Asia (where it
The 350Z has shown to be a very reliable sports car and this
We believe examples of the UK specification Nissan 350Z that
was known as the Fairlady). It sold extremely well in all three
have been well cared for and kept in standard specification will
markets, particularly in the US, where they sold over 150,000.
appreciate in value. The large engine and rear wheel drive is a
There is a huge support community via several large forums. 350Z-
formula that will always have a following amongst enthusiasts.
UK.com is the most complete 350Z resource, members are very
Engine
cylinders / capacity
Max Speed
mph
Weight
kg
Carbon Emissions
CO2g / km
Weight Distribution
Front : Rear
Transmission
Power
6 / 3498
bhp / rpm
276 / 6200
Torque
5.8
0 - 100mph
178
Dimensions
155
0 - 60mph
1545
Power to Weight
280
Miles per Gallon
24.1
53 : 47
Track width
6-speed Manual
5-speed Tiptronic
seconds
Ratio
Front / Rear
Drivetrain
Engine position / Driven wheels
Years of Production 2003 - 2009
Production numbers 200,000+ worldwide (8,250 UK)
lb ft / rpm
seconds
Length / Width / Height
268 / 4800
14.4
4310 x 1815 x 1320
Width / Sidewall / Diameter
Front 225/45/18
Rear 245/45/18
1535 / 1540
Wheelbase
2650
Front / Rear
Price New
29295 (GT Pack)
Wheel & Tyres
GBP
Nissan 350Z
Nissan 350Z
The VQ35DE engine is bullet proof and sounds fantastic through
Options
Ideal Specification
Original UK Specification 350Z GT Pack which included the
Nissan 350Z
• Rays 18” Forged Alloy wheels
• Brembo 4 pot brakes front & rear
• 7 speaker Bose stereo with 6cd multichanger
• Traction Control
• Electric Heated Leather Seats
• Cruise control
Exterior Colour
Below are the most desirable colours for the 350Z
• Gun Metal (pre 2007)
• Azure (pre 2007)
• Sunset (pre 2007)
• Ebisu Black
• Twilight Grey
Interior Colour
All the colours above suit the Alezan Orange Leather (except
Azure which wasn’t available with Alezan). Alezan Orange really
transforms the interior compared to the Charcoal leather with
orange stitching. There were lower numbers of Alezan Orange
leather interiors specified from new, so be patient to find the right
combination.
Nissan 350Z
following over the basic specification:
Figures
2005 GT Pack
60,000 miles with full Nissan
Buying one
service history, black leather, 4
Expect to pay £6,500 to £15,000 depending on age, mileage and
owner car, sunset orange. £6,850
condition.
A large number have been modified, as aftermarket parts tend
aftermarket equipment in order to ensure strong resale value in the
Nissan 350Z
future.
2005 GT Pack
Our expectation is that over time it will become extremely
difficult to find standard, low mileage and well maintained Nissan
60,000 miles with full Nissan
350Z GT Packs in the desirable colour combinations, which will lead
service history, alezan orange
to buyers paying a significant premium for them.
leather, gun metal grey. £7,495
Nissan 350Z Price Analysis
2007 GT Pack
2005 350Z GT Pack with 40,000 miles
40,000 miles with full Nissan
Original price in 2005
£30,000
Current price in 2014
£7,500
Percentage of original price
Projected value in 3 years
service history, black leather, 2
owner car, universal silver. £8,975
25%
£7,000-10,000*
2006 GT Pack
*Projected value is based on storing the 350Z, or
running less than 5,000 miles per year with annual
Nissan servicing to maintain service record. This
analysis is a guide only and is based on our opinion of
the market place, this value may be significantly
different to actual value in 3 years time.
12,100 miles with full Nissan
service history, alezan orange
leather, 1 owner car. £11,249
Nissan 350Z
to be cheaper than Nissan supplied parts. Try and avoid cars with
Parts Analysis
Ideally try to buy a car with a recently changed clutch and
Nissan 350Z, prices will vary depending on the source. Prices are
check whether it has also had the flywheel replaced at the same
likely to higher from a Nissan Dealership. Most of the consumables
time, as this will save a big replacement bill further down the line.
(brake pads, tyres and clutch) are reasonable given the high
Older cars may require new dampers, but the costs for replacement
performance nature of the 350Z. The exhaust components are a
are bearable.
£450
Brembo Pads
Flywheel Kit
£350
Front (pair)
£37
Rear(pair)
£35
Hub & Bearing Assembly
Front (each)
£200
Rear (each)
£80
Rear Driveshaft £100
Dampers
Front (pair)
£320
Rear(pair)
£320
Springs
Front (pair)
£120
Rear (pair)
£120
Brembo Discs
Front (pair)
£400
Rear (pair)
£420
WHEELS
£1000
Tyres - Bridgestone Potenza
RE050 Nissan
Front (pair)
£350
Rear (pair)
£360
Wheels - 18” Rays
Front (each)
£800
Rear (each)
£800
£250
Manifold (pair) £1000
Alternator Catalytics (pair)
£1800
Mass Airflow Sensor £50
Y-Pipe
£400
Mid Section
£250
Backbox £400
OTHER
Gearbox - recon BRAKES
Clutch Kit EXHAUST
DRIVETRAIN
weak area, so ensure they are thoroughly checked.
Oil Filter £9
Xenon Headlamp
£400
Rear LED Lamp
£145
Starter Motor £195
Rear Subframe £500
Nissan 350Z
SUSPENSION
Nissan 350Z
Below is a breakdown of approximate parts prices in the UK for the
Nissan 350Z
Engine
Brakes
The engine is very reliable as long as fluids are regularly checked, the
The 4 pot front and 2 pot rear Brembos on GT Pack are durable and
350Z is not known to use oil between services. A tappety sounding
can withstand track use. Brake discs last around 30,000 miles and
engine may indicate use of 95 RON fuel by the previous owners. The
pads around 20,000 miles, depending on driving style. Brake fluid
350Z must be run on 98RON fuel or greater, if this fuel is not used
bleed plugs tend to seize or snap off, but can be replaced. Some
and the engine is run above 5500rpm, this can result in permanent
Nissan dealers may not change the brake fluid as part of the service
engine damage. Check for rattling from the exhaust, which could be
if they believe the bleed plugs will snap off.
a sign of corroded catalysts that need replacing, at a cost of around
£2000 for the pair.
Wheels & Tyres
The GT pack originally came with lightweight forged Rays 18" alloy
Clutch & Gearbox
wheels which are easy to kerb. Also look out for bubbling on the
Both the clutch and gearbox are hard wearing and durable items that
edges of spokes and corroded paint, which is likely caused by salt
have been built to handle 300bhp. Vibration from the gearstick is
on the roads. Branded and matching tyres on the front and rear are a
normal. However, crunching on the changes, particularly to 4th and
must for the 350Z otherwise the traction control and ABS may
6th, can indicate worn synchros often caused by previous poor
malfunction. Check for uneven tyre wear which would suggest poor
changes. Clutches have been known to last up to 40,000 miles
alignment. The original equipment Bridgestone RE040 have now
before a change, although a high bite point will likely indicate it is
been replaced by the RE050 and come highly recommended,
worn. If the clutch requires a change expect to have to replace the
however extra load performance tyres from Toyo, Falken, Pirelli and
flywheel too, at an additional £1,000, as they tend to wear at a
Continental will also suit the 350Z.
similar rate and the same disassembly is required to access and
replace both.
Ownership
There are three levels of servicing, P1, P2 and P3. There is a specific
Suspension & Steering
sequence of services detailed by the manufacturer in the service
As standard, high quality materials were used, including forged
manual. Expect to pay £180 for a P1 service and up to £400 for a P3.
aluminium for the suspension arms and should be durable. Dampers
Additional Resources
and springs should last around 60,000 miles.
Nissan 350Z
Checkpoints
Nissan 350Z
& 370Z
owners club
and
forum
The only dedicated 350Z and
370Z club with free
membership giving full
access to discounts,
trading, technical,
styling & performance
advice, FAQ's, guides,
detailing help, meets, shows &
live chat
Please register and
participate
enhance the experience of 350Z & 370Z ownership
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