Hi guys, I'm currently an owner of a 2007 350Z (with the VQ35HR motor.) My car has full ART pipes (test pipes) and exhaust done to it, as well as intakes tubes and filters. I had a **** tune which resulted in me running a 13.11 @ 108 MPH and not being able to beat it at 2 other tracks I went to in the same weekend. Suffice to say I was pissed..

I got retuned on Wednesday and gained 7-10 WHP throughout the whole powerband. (Weather permitting,) i'll be going back to the track this weekend to try again for that 12 second pass. If I don't get it I will probably be moving on (considering this is my second 350Z.)

I know the EVO's are MUCH easier to make fast compared to the Z, and I had a few general questions.

1) Both of my Z's were automatic because I'm 6'8" and driving a stick in that car is nearly impossible. My knees would hit the steering wheel everytime. I'm assuming the EVO has tons more room that would allow me to operate the manual comfortably? (there's a lack of VIII/IX EVO's in MD to actually sit in, I'd have to travel to buy one.)

2) From what I've searched on the forum these cars are pretty reliable and can be beat on (similar to the Z) with proper maintenance. My car would be mainly used in 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile top end runs. Anything I need to worry about?

Thanks for your time.

 

Seat lowering brackets. There are a couple out there.

You're way taller than me, but my knees hit the console from time to time.

 

1) At 6'8" you will probably need aftermarket seats with low profile rails. Lower seat brackets (search Binary seat brackets), and reclining the seat "might" work, but it probably would not be the ideal driving position for someone with your height.

2) Evos can be built to handle high power. But its not cheap. If you are going to drag race, have your drivetrain built by Shep or TRE. Just get in touch with either of them, tell them your goals, listen to their advice, provide credit card number, win.

 

Already found the lowering brackets. I was reading around about some people running 10's on stock 5 speed gearboxes (with clutch upgrade,) so i'm assuming just for the sake of longevity that you're suggesting I get the box built anyway.

 

I am 6"1, so you are much taller than me..
I came from a 2004 350z and I can say that it is much much easier to find a good seating position in the Z.
I think you need to test drive some X to make the decision, make sure you are really confirmable with the seat.
The X doesn't have telescoping steering wheel, or height adjustable seat, I am still messing with my setting from time to time, never get it to 100%. But I love the car, so I don't mind this at all.

As far as reliability, I never had any problem with 08 MR(60k miles) or 2014 GSR(20k miles).
HAHA, but I still think VQ35(be it DE or HR) is probably takes more beating, when I had my Z, I just beat the crap out it, and it just takes it well! I really love red lining that thing, gas to floor everytime I could. I totalled it at 90k though, but never had issues with the engine.

 

The 5 speed is pretty stout, but as I am sure you know, drag racing breaks stuff. Personally, I would rather know my car is built to handle what I am using it for. Not, wondering if this next launch will be the one that breaks the car.

Talk with either of these guys, they will sort you out
http://www.teamrip.com/TRE_EVOLUTION..._SERVICES.html
http://sheptrans.com/product/evo-4-9/

 

These guys are rt^^. Be aware that a broken front transfer case or rear diff will run several thousand to replace and build--its not the tranny that's the weak link. although they are real expensive as well. Just come with a big check book if your really running after the numbers.

 

Evo will be cramped leg wise even with the lowering brackets. If you can find some rails that will allow for you to slide the seat further back you might be in business.

For any new potential evo owner I tell them the following:

Assume whatever car you are looking at that is "stock" was more then likely modified in past (if its not then thats a bonus).

Have a few grand set aside for issues that may come up (trans, diff's, transfer-case, new clutch, etc).

There is a lot more but it has been covered a million times.

 

I had a de 350z and currently own an evo 8. The seats sit kind of high in an evo to begin with but it def. has more space. Yes the drivetrain I guess would be considered the flaw to the car, proper launches go a long way. This means riding the clutch rather then slipping it. Evo's aren't as expensive to modify as Z's but you'll be spending $ on a good clutch like a twin disc. I just miss being able to loose traction around corners/making turns as easy and not worrying about my drivetrain failing lol.

 

There are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO many evo's in MD, Bel Air/Baltimore area.
I'd bet if you made a post in the regional section, someone will be nice enough to let you sit in their evo

 

Just test drive as many different models as you can, you'll find your mind may change as you sample the variations. But the more you get out and talk to the owners and sample the power the better shape you will be in to find the right one.

For me, I started testing 8MRs then went on to IXs then on to X MRs

I actually enjoyed going out and meeting the owners and testing, I tried about 2 a weekend for 6 weeks before I made up my mind. The 8s I liked cause of their smack up the backside when boost came in but the IXs had a smoother torque curve, slightly easier to get out of corners due to the mivec, theres also some other refinements you can read about that the IX has. The XMR was a full update to bring the model up to a modern day car for the every day person. You get auto paddle shift, leather, sun roof, sat nav ...a little bling for the modern day guy, the X would make a good DD cross over to track with a little work. The IX and VIII make a good weekender for track tinkering. But if your a dude who can handle that stiffer track ride on normal roads, you can DD your IX and VIII no worries. So its really about meeting your own requirements on what you want to get out of these cars, but whatever model you end up with you aint going to go wrong.