Ajay Panchal of Nissan Design America created the 350Z, a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-door, two-seat sports car, in San Diego, California, in 2000. [6] The positive response to the 1998 240Z concept model served as the impetus for this effort.
The car bears the typical Z-Car family long-hood, short-deck shape. Highlights of the exterior design include the vehicle’s high waistline, sloping fastback-style arched roof line, distinctive brushed aluminum door handles, and bulging fenders that extend to the corners.
Accents in the interior design are made of brushed aluminum. Because the main gauge pod is fixed directly to the steering column, steering wheel adjustments can be synchronized with its movement. A central triple gauge cluster with additional gauges is installed (similar to the 240Z/260Z/280Z). A six-CD changer and an 8-inch Bose subwoofer positioned behind the driver’s seat are included with the Bose sound system that is included with touring vehicles. Instead of a traditional glove box, the 350Z’s interior incorporates storage spaces behind and in-between the two seats.
In This Article...
Nissan 350Z: Is it quick?
The 350Z can attain a 0-60 mph time in under 6 seconds and can reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph because to its powerful engine and capability. Nissan originally marketed the 350Z as a GT car.
350Z: V6 or V8?
The 3.5-liter V6 engine in the 350Z is a great engine, initially producing 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque, with all that power going to the rear wheels. The engine is not over the front axle but further back for better overall balance. The 350Z is built on Nissan’s FM platform, which stands for “front midship.”
350Z or 370Z, which is faster?
The maximum speed of a VQ-powered Nissan 350Z is 155 mph (249 kph). There is little difference between the two if top speed is what you’re looking, even though the 370Z may have more horsepower under the hood. Of course, you might anticipate that the 370Z will arrive a little bit sooner.
Is a 350Z fuel-efficient?
Is the Nissan 350Z Fuel Efficient? Around 20–30 miles per gallon are achieved by the Nissan 350Z. For a sports automobile, this is a significant amount. The motorist may get better or poorer gas mileage depending on their driving technique.
How long is the 350Z’s lifespan?
With enjoyable handling and smooth performance from the torquey V6, the 350Z evokes its forebears. Since they are generally dependable, some may have neglected maintenance, therefore having a history file is advantageous. Regular oil changes will allow engines to run for 300,000 miles trouble-free, but beware of excessive oil thirst, especially on 296bhp units. On HRs, look for low oil pressure caused by an internal gasket failure; a replacement takes nine hours of labor.
Modifications and enhancements, whether official Nismo or aftermarket, are frequent; stay away from vehicles that have been beaten up on tracks. Engine ticking that gets louder as the engine is ramped up indicates a worn fuel dampener (there are two). Each is around 200 new or 30 used, irritating rather than incapacitating. Due to drivers who are not acclimated to rear-wheel drive, spare parts are frequently listed on eBay.
The flywheel may need to be replaced if the clutch has been allowed to slip, which would raise the cost to over $1000 plus labor. The clutch lasts for roughly 40,000 miles and is not overly expensive in and of itself. Failure of the slave cylinder is frequent, particularly on late HR automobiles, necessitating the replacement of the transmission. A new master cylinder or fluid change may be all that is required for a spongy pedal (brake or clutch).
If tires other than the factory-installed Bridgestone S02s are used, the automobiles may lose control while accelerating to the maximum and potentially confuse the traction control and ABS systems.
Examine the hood function of Roadsters, the struts on the Coup’s tailgate, and the door hinges. The manual states that it cannot operate below 8°C, therefore warm the car completely before attempting. Additionally, check the boot releases and gasoline filler.
How quick is a turbocharged 350Z?
With a top speed of 183 mph, this vehicle’s beauty goes far beyond the surface. This heavily customized drop-top is perfectly balanced while being powered by a completely boosted, bored, and stroked VQ35DE.
A 350Z has a turbo, right?
There isn’t much to worry about if you only intend to use your 350z as a weekend toy. However, things change if it’s going to be your lone car and your everyday driver.
Although 400 horsepower might seem excessive for a daily driving, it only takes some getting accustomed to.
We’ll go over some of the most typical annoyances you’ll encounter with your 350z supercharged below.
Power & Drivability
You’re going to have extremely limited access to all that power due to severe speed limits and heavy traffic, which can be irritating and difficult at times.
Things will become much simpler once you overcome the initial learning curve and understand precisely when the boost begins to work.
The most well-known drawback of installing a turbo kit is turbo lag. Your 350z’s turbos generate power using the exhaust gas pressure. Because of this, the turbine must fully spool up before it can provide the boost.
Stiffer Clutch
If the 350z is your first sports car, you probably find it a little more challenging to drive than other vehicles. Driving a sports car requires effort because of this. It goes and stops quickly, the gear lever is hefty, the pedals are stiff, and so on.
Once you install a turbo kit, these things will stand out even more. The clutch pedal and starting your car from a stop will feel different if you’re changing to an aftermarket one as part of the installation (and you should).
If you reside in an area with heavy traffic, a setup like this is not recommended. However, it will all be worthwhile if you get the chance to sometimes track your Z33 or go on some canyon runs so you can experience what it is capable of.
Increased Maintenance
You must be aware that every 350z with a turbo requires additional maintenance. It’s true, but there’s more to it than that.
Your entire car will need the additional maintenance; not just the turbo package. This is primarily because it will be working far harder than it was intended to.
Everything you typically do to maintain your Z is included here, with the exception that after enhancing it, the frequency will rise.
You’ll need to keep a closer eye on your vehicle. This is unimportant; all you need to do is be alert for things like oil leaks, potential overheating, and rattling.
The best thing you can do for your 350z with a turbocharger is to change the engine’s oil more frequently.
Is a JDM a 350Z?
The 350Z is known as the Fairlady Z in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). Basically, vehicles were badged as the 350Z when sold outside of Japan, while Fairlady Z when sold domestically in Japan.
The Fairlady Z and the 350Z differ from one another in addition to the badging, albeit the specific variances depend on the trim level you choose to purchase.
For instance:
- Every Fairlady Z is a right-hand drive vehicle. If you encounter an LHD Fairlady Z, it is a 350Z that has been rebadged.
- There may also be some minor variations, such as choices for interior lighting, headlamp washers, etc.
- By the end of production, the reported HP ratings were closer to those of American cars since Japanese manufacturers had begun to give up the pretense of that HP limit. Earlier JDM models adhere to Japan’s self-imposed 276hp limit (on paper).
- There are some differences in the trims and add-ons that are offered, for instance, Fairladys were offered with leather seats and Brembo brakes (which, it appears, weren’t available on 350Zs sold in the US; Track edition models only had cloth seats, though it was difficult to confirm this information).
If you are familiar with the Japanese domestic market, you are aware that it is not unusual for automobiles to be sold in Japan under one name and exported under a different name (learn more about the meaning and history of JDM here). The badge is sometimes the only obvious distinction between a JDM and export version of a particular car, as it is with the 350Z, although other times you can see significant platform changes, like with the Lexus IS350 and Toyota Crown Athlete.
Are 350Zs suitable for drifting?
While the 350Z may not be the world’s best driver’s car, it works very well for drifting. Prices are reasonable, and everything is in place for you to enjoy yourself on a challenging course.
Is the 350Z a reliable first vehicle?
The 350Z excels in the first automobile category because it is unquestionably a cool vehicle.
Nearly two decades after its inception, the style is still beautiful (those “Art Deco lines are timeless, and in our view age like fine wine).
It’s strong, opulent compared to most people’s first cars, and altogether a very appealing package for first-time car owners and weekend toy shoppers alike.
And to top it all off, there is no denying that driving the 350Z is a ton of fun.
The 350Z must undoubtedly be among the most desirable sports cars available to the typical first-time buyer (let’s face it, “big league” Japanese legends like the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra are now out of reach for most of us mere mortals).
Is The 350Z A Girl’s Car?
One query we’ve heard from several potential buyers is whether the 350Z is considered a “girl’s car?
First off, in this day and age, this kind of query is undoubtedly viewed as being quite politically incorrect (but we’re not here to make that determination).
The typical definition of a girl’s car would be something like a Mercedes-Benz SLK350, but men and women can ultimately drive whatever they choose as long as it’s something they enjoy.
In the end, who cares what other people say as long as you like and enjoy it? We don’t think the 350Z is a girl’s automobile.
The latest 350Z production date is.
For amateurs and professionals racing in SCCA races, the 350Z is a popular option. One of the three Z33s that qualified for the 2003 SCCA T-2 runoffs was driven by T.C. Kline, who finished third in the Touring 2 division. Jim Goughary won the championship in the car’s first season in the SCCA GT2 class.
The vehicle has also performed well in SCCA solo competitions. The SCCA National Championship was lost by Carter Thompson’s 350Z in 2006 by 0.1 second over two days of competition. Since 2006, the 350Z has had a lot of success competing in the National Solo Championships. Despite the 350Z’s manufacture ceasing in 2009, it still participates in regional and national SCCA competitions. Jeff Stuart and Bryan Heitkotter, both 350Z solo drivers, were ranked as the top two SCCA competitors in national autocross as recently as 2015.
Can 350z handle snow well?
Although the Nissan 350z is capable in the snow, its rear-wheel drive, limited ground clearance, and inability to work in extremely cold temperatures make it less ideal. The vehicle may, however, be driven in slick winter conditions because it handles well on snow and ice.