Nissan 350z 1999 LYTHAM

Nissan 350z 1999 LYTHAM

Author
Discussion

ballyupnorth

Original Poster:

7 posts

29 months

Sunday 5th June 2022
quotequote all
After 4 weeks I finally got my car … and very pleased with it after initial concerns re using it as a daily runner.

It’s standard but already been remapped which came out at 280 … I’m not looking for significant gains but would like to run at 320-340

Can anyone recommend a good garage in the LYTHAM / Blackpool area please that could work effectively on my car ?

Many thanks

samoht

6,286 posts

153 months

Sunday 5th June 2022
quotequote all
The 350Z didn't launch until 2002, and Oct 2003 in the UK, so I can't see your car being a 1999 (it might however have a T- or V- prefix private plate on, as it's allowed to have older plates on newer cars).

The standard engine launched with 280PS (276hp), so that sounds like a stock car to me.

Nissan released a minor revision of the VQ35DE with 300PS (296hp) in the GT4 and the 2006 cars, so this is an achievable level to reach with an Uprev remap and supporting mods.

Going much beyond that becomes difficult, it's a normally aspirated engine and there isn't that much headroom to gain more power as I don't think a higher redline is safe. Nissan themselves made an 80% new engine in the HR version (taller block allowing longer conrods) to allow an increased rev limit.

If you need much more than 300hp then I think you need a turbocharger. This won't be cheap to do properly on a nat-asp car, but will unlock big gains.


To modify your car I would really recommend going to one of the recognised experts in 350Z tuning. IMO it's worth the travel to go to people who've done this a lot and know what they're doing.

AFAIK Abbey Motorsport and Horsham Developments are both known and respected, if it was me I'd go to one or the other of those. I've only used the latter, and only for a chip tune on my 180, but it was top notch.


Horsham Developments said:
you can expect an increase of 20hp over the stock car with a increase in mid-range torque
(from https://h-dev.co.uk/350z-tuning-guide/)

Abbey Motorsport info on tuning
https://www.350z-uk.com/topic/37462-tuning-350zs/


There's a lot of info and experience on https://www.350z-uk.com/ including potential other tuners. I would however read this story before contacting one particular forum trader on there.

Also be aware that quite a few 350Zs with aftermarket 'high flow' catalytic converters end up failing MoTs on emissions, so at the least hang onto your original cats if needed.

350Z is a nice daily IMO as long as you're not too worried about fuel costs or bootspace - comfortable and a nice engine with good response and a good spread of power. They're fairly reliable too.

Finally if you like driving quickly I recommend ensuring you have some good tyres - I got some PS4s and not only did they transform wet grip, they even made the oft-criticised traction control work really subtly and progressively.

Ryan_T

233 posts

112 months

Sunday 5th June 2022
quotequote all
You won’t get that power out of a DE without significant hugely expensive engine work. Or a supercharger.

Buy a HR engined car, do a load of aftermarket bits, remap and cross your fingers.

Or buy a 370Z.

ballyupnorth

Original Poster:

7 posts

29 months

Tuesday 7th June 2022
quotequote all


I’d just sold a 99 Mazda bongo so confused in my excitement … more haste less speed 😂

A 2006 GT (I’m 95% sure) …. Stock forged alloys and gorgeous burnt orange leather interior …

I wanted a car that puts a smile on my face and I’ve found it

samoht

6,286 posts

153 months

Wednesday 8th June 2022
quotequote all
The good news is, that looks like a 2006 facelift car, so should have the improved intake
and 296 bhp (300 PS) as stock.

https://uk.nissannews.com/en-GB/releases/release-1...

PS Love the colour, looks great smile

ballyupnorth

Original Poster:

7 posts

29 months

Wednesday 8th June 2022
quotequote all
Yes thanks for that very useful - having read the link it’s defo as you say - came with a FSH and the last owner (3.5yrs) spent some good money on it (all invoices and receipts)

Needs a couple of new tyres and some touch ups on the front and rear bumpers - other than that I’m so pleased with it- all my doubts about using it as a daily runner have faded away.

I may consider a different exhaust system just for added grunt but nothing too stupid …. I’m not fond of anything too noisy.


Om

1,922 posts

85 months

Wednesday 8th June 2022
quotequote all
Fantastic colour, nice car!

I haven't had cause to use them but TDi North (http://www.tdi-north.com/) are in Warrington and have been around for a few years with options for the 350/370z so might be worth a look? They show some Abbey Motorsport offerings. Not too close, but not so far...

samoht

6,286 posts

153 months

Wednesday 8th June 2022
quotequote all
Om said:
I haven't had cause to use them but TDi North (http://www.tdi-north.com/) are in Warrington and have been around for a few years with options for the 350/370z so might be worth a look? They show some Abbey Motorsport offerings. Not too close, but not so far...
I'd read this story http://www.speedhunters.com/2020/04/project-thirty... before going there

liner33

10,779 posts

209 months

Wednesday 8th June 2022
quotequote all
ballyupnorth said:
Yes thanks for that very useful - having read the link it’s defo as you say - came with a FSH and the last owner (3.5yrs) spent some good money on it (all invoices and receipts)

Needs a couple of new tyres and some touch ups on the front and rear bumpers - other than that I’m so pleased with it- all my doubts about using it as a daily runner have faded away.

I may consider a different exhaust system just for added grunt but nothing too stupid …. I’m not fond of anything too noisy.
Does look nice

Exhaust wont add any grunt , just noise, you need to change the cats to add power really



ballyupnorth

Original Poster:

7 posts

29 months

Wednesday 8th June 2022
quotequote all
Change the cats or remove and what additional power could I expect …

liner33

10,779 posts

209 months

Wednesday 8th June 2022
quotequote all
ballyupnorth said:
Change the cats or remove and what additional power could I expect …
decats, air filter and remap somewhere itro 320-330hp id expect. Lot of money and hassle for minimal gains , the money is better spent on tyres and handling improvements imo