Not everything we do at Z Car Garage is a ground-up restoration or a hardcore twin turbo build.  In fact most of our customers come to us just looking for just a little more of what they already love about their cars.  In this case we will be taking a daily-driven G35 and adding a little bit of sport to it’s luxury coupe status.  Nothing too crazy, just improving on an already astounding car.

One of the many great things about the VQ35 engine series is it distinct exhaust note.  I can be in my house, out of sight of the road, and be 100% certain when one goes by, be it in a G35, 350z, FX35… whatever.  After searching long and hard for an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system to compliment the factory sound without too much rasp we came to Bassani.  We have been using the Bassani systems for quite some time now and have been more than happy.  They improve upon the already sporty exhaust note and they seem to be one of the top performing kits on the market today.  This was a must for this car.

Not wanting to leave the intake side of the engine jealous, we opted for a simple but effective Jim Wolf Technologies (JWT) POP charger setup.  This air filter is much more free flowing than the factory panel filter set-up and it allows for your ears to enjoy just enough of that beautiful intake sounds that we all love.  JWT is a great operation and their parts are top notch which makes this part another must.

Now on to the handling side of the equation.  A simple and proven set of Eibach springs will do the trick here by giving us the stance we want and a higher spring rate for the cornering that we deserve.  The other part of the equation here is the set of red Hotchkis swaybars which are meant to keep body roll in check during any high G events.  Simplicity at is finest.

From the chart below you can see that there are certainly a few more horsepower in the mix after the intake and exhaust modifications, but with this being an automatic transmission car the gains tend to be a bit masked by the slush box.  Another upgraded daily driver in the hands of a satisfied customer, job well done.  Until next time…

There is a full gallery of photos after the “read more” below.  They are in order from when the car came in to the shop until the time it was delivered.  A few of the before/after shots are almost shocking.  New parts rule.  ENJOY

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I know that I have been posting quite a few videos lately (and I may catch some grief for it) but I thought this was worth it.  Plus videos make for good weekend posts when there is nothing going on.  This movie trailer from Japan seems to be a Fast and the Furious style movie but with a couple real cars in it and not some trash with glued on canards.  So why is it hear on ZCarBlog?  Watch it and find out

Update:  I did a little research and found out that it is a movie version of a popular comic in Japan.  I wonder if it will be available in English subtitles….  More pictures HERE

Heads up to ~ Tiger Life ~

Here is the video that goes along with the release of the 40th Anniversary Edition 370z.  It shows a little bit about the Z’s history and has some cool Z info.  One of the funniest parts that I found about the video is that the 240z that he drives away in the end has the same plate as the 350z track car that is featured below this post, although it is spelled differently.  Z people rule.

If you were wondering where the 350z that you have seen lapping Thunderhill, Laguna Seca (twice), and which received a MotorDyne single exhaust has gone….. it blew up!  This car has seen HARD use at the track since the first day of his life and the engine finally let go.  It looks like the crown above the rings on cylinder five had just had enough and decided to bounce around the chamber for awhile.

A “new” VQ35DE was sourced and swapped in with all the goodies that were taken off the old engine.  We then went off to the dyno and we seemed to have found seven more horsepower and eight ft-lbs of torque at the wheels.  Unfortunately the track-day season is mostly over but keep your eyes peeled for this car in your mirrors at the first events on the calendar next year.  DOOT!!

Nissan has a history of releasing anniversary Z cars the new 370z 40th Anniversary is the most current offering.  The official 40th Anniversary in the United States is on October 22nd (which is why I waited until today to post this.)  Happy anniversary old friend!!!

From Nissan (full lengthy press release after the read more):

About the Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition The 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition starts out as a 370Z Coupe Touring model equipped with manual transmission and Sport Package (including SynchroRev Match, front chin spoiler, rear spoiler, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch Rays forged aluminum-alloy wheels and viscous limited-slip differential) and adds a premium “40th Quartz” exterior color and red leather-appointed interior.

Additional exclusive equipment includes a high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers and 40th Anniversary badges on the rear hatch and front strut tower brace. Inside, along with the red leather-appointed seats are red door panel inserts, 40th Anniversary seatback and floormat embroidery, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, smooth leather steering wheel with red stitching and a plaque of authenticity. Every 40th Anniversary Z also comes with a commemorative premium satin car cover.

I’ll be holding my judgment on the car until I see one in person.  Sometimes these special editions are just a base model car with special badges on them and other times they are worth the $5k+ premium because they pull on your heart strings.  We’ll soon see.  Let me know what you think in the comments if you so desire, I’m always interested to hear from all of you.

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