Yesterday, driving my auto 2k2, at about 1:00pm (in Houston) I was dropping the gilfriend off, going down the Beltway 8 turning on to Hwy 290. Before we turned on to 290, a white 300Z (newer body-style) -and- a an (older body style) red 300Z Turbo got next to me. The Turbo turned right and me and the newer model 300z turned left on to 290. (He had some after-market exhaust, looked clean) When we were about to complete the turn I started to hear his engine start to rev, so I hit it. I had about a second of wheelspin. Honestly, I think I got the better start, so I had him by about a 1/2 length, I thought he was going to edge up a little, but I surprisingly left him easily to about 80mph, where I had at least 3-4 on him.

I was shocked! I mean, I know they only have 222 hp, and the 300Z TT probably would of been a different story... But I've always considered the Z a real sports car, and knowing that I pretty much spanked em', I realize now that my car must be faster than it seems.

No offense if this guy is a member of the forum, I have much respect for z's. Always wanted one...

 

EDIT...misread your post.

yes, the new 02+ maxs really move!

 

Well, before everyone jumps in and claims "it was an inexperianced driver" congrats. I too am amazed at the power my 2k3 has. I bought the car because it was a good deal and was very comfortable, power being important but not first on the list. Every once and a while I'll jump on it and all I can say is WOW!

 

Have you noticed slight boost at about 4000 rpm. Feels like turbo.

 

I feel the same way.....

 

just wondering, is that when the second valve opens up to let more air in? i'm new so i don't know...

 

My brother has 98 SVT Contour, did you like your 99??

 

Yeah, something like that. Let me just say this with regard to your post. Since April when I got my 2K2, I have toasted EVERYONE that has tried to play with me. I haven't lost a single race. I have been SO happy with my car. The only people that I don't race are the cars that i KNOW can beat me: M3/5, Vette, Ferrari, etc. I don't need to boost their ego any more than it already is. I know the feeling man, it's awesome! Spent sub $30K on my car and I can smoke lots of cars that cost nearly twice that. AWESOME! Congrats.

 

I don't mean to flame Mr. College Guy, but why are you so excited that you beat "EVERYONE" that you've raced, but you won't race cars that are faster than you?

just something i noticed about you post.


about the 300Z

My neighbor drives an NA 300Z, I rolled up to him while he was jogging, said "hey, i finally got something that'll smoke your Z!"

I was smiling...kinda playing around, I thought he would know cars well enough to complitment my new ride, his other car is a 1989 Ferrari (not Testorosa but like a 238 or 328 or something)

but he says, "what?" as if my Maxima won't destroy is NA 300Z.

I said "this!" pointing to my Sexy Maxima.

he says, "no, it's too heavy."

he doesn't have a clue what he's talking about.

They weigh about the same (3200lbs) and the Maxima has 50 more pound/feet of torque. 32 more horsepower. better gearing. An na 300Z doesn't stand a chance in straight line acceleration without mods.

Handling? that's a different story

Looks? the Z's got it

[joke]Sex Appeal? now it depends on how you look at it. You ever hear that chicks dig guys with a wedding ring? That's kind of the same with the grocery getter. They want what they think they can't have. A guy with a Z? Girls know he's availiable.[/joke]

Instant Classic? I don't hear of to many people restoring 1983 Maxima's to original factory spec.

The Z is great, don't get me wrong, but the NA 300Z can't hang in acceleration.

-vq

 

Its your VI switchover...if you get an intake you will hear the switch load and clear.

 

people see 4 doors and equate it to being heavy. they will learn once they watch the 4 doors blow past them.

 

True that....

 

I'm excited because it's fun maybe??? Being beaten isn't. Why fight a battle you can't win? I only said I don't race things like M3/5s, Vettes, etc. Why the hell would you? That's kinda like me lining up beside a 747 (me, not me in my car) and as the jet's kick in, I start running. There is no way. That's why I don't race cars that I KNOW can beat me. Id rather save my engine/gas for the closer competetions: Audi's, Bimmers, Ricers, and my favorite, MUSTANGS!! God I love killing those things. Anyway, that's just my preference.

 

Good kill!

It never ceases to amaze me that a person will buy a new $23-28K 255hp car and think it is cool that they can beat a stock older car that weighs the same or more and came with less power, whether it is a Z or a Mustang or NSX or whatever (yes I've read on here that someone was bragging they beat an old NSX a couple of months ago). Just because the other cars have the heritage nameplate doesn't mean that your new car shouldn't beat them. I'll give you a hint, don't be afraid of most of the C4 vettes. Until the last couple of years (95 or so), they made less power than your new car does. Just don't try to turn with them. I regularly EMBARRASS the older style Vettes who just know they are faster than Mustangs... it is a good feeling.

If you want to go into this more, the new Z is kind of a dud as far as improving the breed. Yes it will handle as well or better than most cars on the road including it's predecessor, but come on! 287hp is PATHETIC for a new "sports" car that weighs in at 3200+lbs. The magazine reviews love them, but are lucky to get them down to 14 flat (ok 13.999999999) in the 1/4? There are cheaper Mustangs (Mach I) that will hand a Z it's *** in the 1/4. For about the same price, a new 03 Cobra will turn with it, believe it or not, plus you get 12's stock. Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have the Z's chassis (mated with something like the Cobra's power), but Nissan had 4 years to design a car that would make everything else look bad, and the best they could muster was one that handles better than the old Z and looses in the 1/4 to the top of the line older car. This doesn't even take into consideration the fact that the old competition that the Z could beat actually GOT FASTER. I pitty the Z owner that tries to hang with a vette now wereas the old ones were every bit as fast or faster.

Yes I have the flame suit on for this last paragraph. I probably shouldn't have started this in this thread, but oh well...

 

i have friends who have 4 bangers who race me knowing i will spank them. so heres what you do.. give them a 1 car lead then go at the green light. that way they race till about 45 then you blow past them. from a roll they bascially give up after 2 seconds. ill race cars that are faster than me like a z28 just so they give the max respect.

 

Anyone who doesn't respect the Max doesn't know what the car comes with stock. You won't beat a Cobra or Z28 unless they slip up, but any car with 255hp that is designed to carry 5 people and a load of groceries ROCKS in my book.

 

Good idea. I might just have to try that.

 

Seem to recall that way back when, R&T or C&D tested the new Maxima SE and said something like "it'll smoke a non-aspirated 300ZX, and a turbo owner better not be snoozing". So a 2k2 should stomp it. Still fun though

 

i 'raced' a ~98 cobra once in my old '91 sentra GXE 4 door.. ah, was funny and we both had a good laugh..

 

I wholeheartedly agree with your last paragraph. I too find the new Z underpowered considering the competition has greatly moved forward.
I was very disappointed. The new Z may be lighter than the last 300ZX but they have slightly less power as well (than the TT). Maybe the overall power/weight ratio is better with the new Z, but it's way too small for a car that's been 4 years in production and that's supposed to cause people to go: ooohh...ahhh....
Sigh, if they at least had a Turbo option like the old ones that had 350 or so hp minimum and the 287 one was the lower end model it'd be respectable.

 

Yea, I just read about that on the .Org the other day and was looking for it. WOW! It's like a mini turbo. I love this car more and more every day.

Unfortunatly, the body shop needs 2 more days to deal with my bumper damage. I miss you Max!

 

That's my favorite part! There's this turn and straight run on my way home from work and I nail it every time just for that sprint to 60...


ARFF

 

Like Ford (with the Tbird and upcoming Mustang & 427), Nissan wanted to go back to the roots of the Z car (240Z). This meant it had to be affordable sports car, which the 300ZXTT was NOT. Don't get me wrong, I love the 300ZXTT. It is an awesome GT car with ENORMOUS HP potential. However, it's not a sports car, per se, and cost over $40G. I bet the new Z will outperform the old Z-TT under most circumstances; not to mention that the 350Z Enthusiast model runs for $29G.

Peace.

 

Hold your horses there people. It's all a marketing scheme in my opinion. I bet they will have a turbo version of the Z. They will have the convertible next year, for sure, and as the competition comes out they'll probably drop a faster Z. N/A owners will switch to the Turbo model bringing in more money. That's the marketing beauty of it. It'll probably be announced by fall 2k3. Nissan is trying to do a comeback remember, so they need the best strategy. You can't beat this way. I think that Nissan has something up its sleeve. Mazda is planning on releasing a RX-7 still, Toyota is planning on releasing a supra, Nissan won't just sit there. Besides look at the potential of the VQ.

Mr. CollegeGuy, i will try to run against a 360 modena if i had the chance. I'll take on a Porsche turbo, if the driver makes a mistake, i'm there to grab the win. If i loose, i just love seeing them punch it. . They will usually ignore you, but if you punch it on them, they'll try to show you who's faster so i still get to see them go. Which is my goal.

 

Umm 4th gen Maximas are faster than N/A maximas stock for stock just fro your information. Good Kill.....

 

To the Ford Guy, no flames here, but F23A4 hit it right on the nose. The 350Z was meant to be an affordable sports car that is refined and Nissan did just that. 1/4 mile times are decent, but with that chasis and engine block, that car has SOOO much potential.

MrCollegeGuy...I'm off trolling for '92 4-Runners that want to race...Cause I like winning.



-vq

 

just remember what one wise man said:

"doesnt matter if you win by an inch or a mile, winning's winning."

 

Thanks, Vin Diesel.

 

I totally agree with u. I remembered one time I was on a up-hill ramp of a freeway. There was GS300 on my side and the lanes will merge into one, so we both hit it. When I reached to 4500rpm, Max was pulling crazy, very crazy. Since it's up-hill, I still won him like one car space. I was also shocked with Max's performance, i didn't know it is THAT good.

 

my step mom used to have a gs300. i was gonna have that car instead of the max but it was out of its warranty so i got the max. regardless. im just as happy with the max because its a sleeper. anyway, the gs300 runs 0-60 in like 7.6; about a sec slower at least than a 2k2 auto.

 

Just to let you know the Skylines in Japan are now running a twin turbo setup on a VQ engine...guess what...that engine will make it to the US in the 350Z in the next two years...it may not be just like the Skyline engine but it is suppose to be damn near close. Just thought you people who think the Z is underpowered (you know who you are)

 

heck, you don't even have to wait that long for turbo power as greddy already has a twin turbo kit for the 350z. i don't care what other people say, 287hp is 287hp! of course one day i plan to drive with at least 400hp!

 

Yo Chaz. I'm doing a VQ35 swap soon and i'm in Houston. can i give you a holla if i need referencing for the swap? after all, u got the 3.5

 

Hey, no problem!

I'd be glad to help... girlfriend willing! She likes to dominate those weekends!

Just give me a PM if you ever need to take a look...