What do you know about VQ35 and G35/350Zs?

sleepydsm · 07-11-2010

I have always really liked the looks of the G35 coupes, and I am interested in a 6spd 03-04 with Brembos.

What sucks about these cars, what is good about them?

I had heard somewhere that some of the earlier VQs were not great and used oil. Any truth?

-Kevin

Matt D. · 07-11-2010

Those motors are pretty stout in my book. I've known a handful of people with 350Zs and no one really had any complains.

IIRC, only the track version of the 350Z came with Brembos, and at the time they didn't justify the price point you'd pay over the model that was just below it, enthusiast or whatever it is.

**Kracka** · 07-11-2010

The only real complaint I've heard is interior quality in the early ones. Otherwise, very nice cars. I'd rock one.

Matt D. · 07-11-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kracka

The only real complaint I've heard is interior quality in the early ones.

Forgot about that. The 350Z interior does seem chintzy, lots of hard plastic, like what you'd expect out of a domestic, but they are a blast to drive.

**Kracka** · 07-11-2010

Why not just pick up an Evo VIII for about the same price? Coming from a DSM you'd probably feel more at home and be happier with it in the long run.

Kevin 1G Drummer · 07-12-2010

The later model VQ35 ('06+) used a different intake manifold, and I think there were a couple other minor changes, but I don't know exactly what they are. I've heard about the earlier models using a little oil but from what I understand, it's nothing to be worried about. Think a quart or so every 3k miles. I test drove an '03 Z last summer and it was a blast to drive, as well as an '04 G. Of the two, the interior quality of the G was much nicer, and having a back seat would be nice. The Z was way more fun to drive though. The only thing I didn't like about the Z is the rear strut tower bar... The thing is fuckin huge and really cuts out a lot of the view in the rear view mirror. The G was also fun to drive, but didn't feel as nimble or quick as the Z. Both cars had the 6 speed, and they both shifted great. Neither car had the Brembos, but they both stopped pretty well.

At-Least-It's-An-Evo · 07-12-2010

pass. I heard the same thing about the oil issue. If you want a daily, they're pretty awe-ite. If you're looking for something high-power-potential wise for not a million dollars... look elsewhere.

**Tachyon** · 07-12-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kracka

Why not just pick up an Evo VIII for about the same price? Coming from a DSM you'd probably feel more at home and be happier with it in the long run.

Oh man, knowing what I know of Kevin, he is going to get very bent out of shape over that comment

I nearly bought one in 2007, but honestly, the interior was the deal breaker. It's complete rubbish. I test drove a 370z last summer and was much happier about the whole package. But decided for the price, I would rather have an NSX.

What about the Genesis?

**Shane@DBPerformance** · 07-12-2010

G35 is nice, 350Z feels kinda plasticy. The VQ35 isn't a great platform for modding, if you are going crazy. If you want 300-400whp, they aren't bad. But they don't respond to much as far as mods all-motor and to make bigger power you are talking a lot of money in built motor, return fuel system, injectors, standalone, drivetrain, etc.

GG_9_SE · 07-12-2010

If your getting an 03 make sure the warrenty work was done on the syncros. A buddy of mine bought an 03 after the warrenty had expired, his grinds into 3rd, and also 5th.

sleepydsm · 07-12-2010

Thankyou all for the information.

I truely feel an Evo is a great car, especially for the price a decent one can be had. But for the simple fact so many people have one, I kinda do not want one. That's not to say there aren't a lot of G35's around...

My preferance would be to get a nice looking, not so boring, car that will be comfortable and nice, but have a little fun in it. I really like the way the G35s look. But not much of a practical car in winter. G35s aren't even nice enough to argue storing for winter lol.

I really like the idea of something a step above a DSM.

I have considered FDRX7, but I don't want a rotary (lol), E46 M3, Evo 8, G35 coupe 6spd with Brembos. Maybe a really shitty NSX (cause thats all I could afford).

Is there any room for a big single in a vq engine bay?

Speedfreak · 07-13-2010

I like the Legacy GT turbo's. Sounds like it may fit what you are looking for.

Super Bleeder!! · 07-13-2010

Those later engines (with the dual throttle body intakes) are called the RevUp motors. They make a bit more power and have a higher redline.

1QUICK4 · 07-13-2010

You should PM that new guy BlueVQ

He is a Nissan guy and has a sweet reliable setup on his.

**goodhart** · 07-13-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by sleepydsm

Thankyou all for the information.

I truely feel an Evo is a great car, especially for the price a decent one can be had. But for the simple fact so many people have one, I kinda do not want one. That's not to say there aren't a lot of G35's around...

So many people have Evo's? I see quite a few more G35/350Z's than Evo's. Go to a VQ forum and I bet they say the complete opposite lol

simulatedwood · 07-13-2010

Give a BMW e46 Chassis a look, plenty of them in the price range you are looking at. Whatever you decide to do, make sure to test drive as many cars as you can, this makes me kinda miss car shopping. Ha!

sleepydsm · 07-13-2010

Yeah, there is a reason the BMW's are heralded as some of the best cars ever, overall. Especially an E46 M3.

I have a lot of thinking to do... Or I'll just get an evo. hahahahaha, god I hope not.

Constant_Project21 · 07-13-2010

Look around for an fd rx7 with a lsx..........all of the fun, and none of the rotarty. That would be nice

blueVQ · 07-16-2010

ok so 03-05 were the regular vq35de motors, they did have a few syncro problems but not too bad, in late 05 they came out with the rev-up motor wich still had the single intake but the intake plenum is set up a little differently to help give air more equally to all cylinders. in 07 they came out with the vq35hr motor which was the dual intakes and 305hp compared to the 287 in the DE. this is also when they started making the nismo models. it would be nice to get the track model with the brembos but honestly most people just put slotted rotors on like i did and it stops just fine. all the models are basically the same just interior differences and what not but just dont get the base model, they are the only ones that dont come with LSD and cruise control. you definately want the LSD. Like 1 quick 4 said my setup is very reliable and i love my car, i guess i admit the interior does have some plastic but that's being a little picky, it still is a very nice interior, no rattles or anything. everything feels very solid. and yes they are very expensive to mod, ive got well over 10 grand in mine and am only at 350whp. granted not all my mods are power adders but still. any more questions just let me know

blueVQ · 07-16-2010

oh and yes you can do pretty much any setup you want. there are single turbo kits, twin turbo kits, roots style supercharger kits, centryfical supercharger kits, nitrous kits all over the place, check out my350z.com or 350ztech.com or g35driver.com