[cranium]

Hi all,

I am a new member here.

I am looking at purchasing one but not sure 2004 or 2003 (brand new is out of the question I "think"). I tried to do a search on changes between 03 and 04 350Z coupes but failed to come up with much. I understand there isn't much in the way of changes and even less info published. Do any of you have any info?

I have only driven one and I think it was the track. Any differences in ride, handling between touring and track? At this stage I am tending towards a touring (for cost reasons)..unless any of you can sway me

I would be grateful for any info. Thanks.

-Cranium

 

[Nuff]

There are not a lot of changes between 03 and 04. The major being the ECU change, it's harder or next to impossible to flash 04 ECUs, not that you can do it in australia anyway. There are few interior changes, mostly the nav door and something that makes the seatbelt buckle not rattle (i've an 03 and it's quiet annoying when not having a passenger and having to put the buckle in a clip to make it stop rattle).

The major difference between Track and Touring are, the Track has bigger brembo brakes which are only going to be useful if you are going to see the track. If you are not going to track it it means more expensive brake pads and rotors when it comes to replace them. Also with the track you get 18" rims compared to 17" on the touring. In my opinion the 18" rims look better if you are not going to replace them, but it also means more expensive tires when it comes to get a new set, and if you are driving hard you'll be buying a lot of tires. Performance wise the smaller diameter wheels should have better performance because of the lighter weight. But the touring has narrower tires in the back compared to track 235 vs 245 on Track, but when you get a new set you can easily fix that up.

Last thing Track has VDC and Touring doesn't, in day to day driving it's annoying, mostly when you drive the car hard. But for the first time last sunday when it was pouring here in sydney the VDC has saved my ass after my very worn tires have hydroplated on M5. Otherwise it's next to useless and more of annoyance since it can never be fully switched off, Touring only has traction control.

Also I can't remember if touring has LSD or not.


One last thing, if you want to see what to watch for when buying a second hand Z there was a thread posted previously. You might want to do a search to find it.

And welcome to the board

 

[coatsie]

Good summary Nuff.

I was faced with the same dilemma and opted for the Touring because I replaced the wheels with nineteens.

The only regret I have is not having Brembos, but as Nuff says, you really only need them for track work.

Whichever way you go, I'm sure you'll love the car.

Welcome

cheers
Coatsie

 

[mickyboy]

NUff summed up the differences in his post!

Brembo's and standard brakes stop tests are almost identical. The Brembos resist fade, so only really necessary for the track (or if you will drive like a maniac all the time, which you will sometimes!)

Choose whatever suits your budget, but I suggest to get the youngest age car that you can. In the long run, this should help your resale value.

Welcome & good luck!

 

[davidm]

There's some other stuff in the Track over the Touring ... but only you can decide whether that is of any importance to you:
- Electric and heated seats
- More speakers (not sure if the steroe is any better)?
- Slight bodykit which consists of front and rear lip.
- Climate control? (not sure if Touring has it).

I'm just going from memory, so please correct me if Touring has any/all of those things.

 

[mickyboy]

Correction:
- Touring has heated leather seats
- Also has same speakers & stereo as Track
- also has climate control.

Davaid you are right here though:
-It DOES not have the little rear spoiler
- or the undercarriage aero package.

cheers

 

[cranium]

Excellent. Thanks for the helpful replies.

Will post when I have some news...or maybe when I have more questions

 

[ky350]

Summary of all the differences between Touring and Track:

Track has Brembo brakes - great for track work or if you ever go to a Twin Turbo. Otherwise the standard Touring brakes will stop within cm of the track on the road.

Track has 18" six spoke wheels vs Touring 17" seven spoke wheels. Tyres are 235/45R18 front and 245/45R18 rear on Track and 225/50R17 front and 235/50R17 rear on Touring.

Track has an aero package that consists of a small rear spoiler, smaller front lip and underbody diffusers. Touring has none of these, but you can buy these as an option for Touring or get aftermarket spoilers if your that way inclined.

Track has VDC and TC in one (to stop the car going sideways) vs just TC for Touring.

Everything else is identical between the two cars, including the interior, engine, gearbox, LSD and suspension.

Before you buy, work out why you want the car, how you intend to use it and what modifications you may persue in the future and buy the car that best fits these criterea and your budget.

 

[davidm]

- Touring has heated leather seats, Also has same speakers & stereo as Track, also has climate control.

Cool ... I was not sure as I thought I might have been remembering a US brochure wherer they have a lot more differetiations.

 

[scathing]

Originally posted by KY350@Feb 21 2005, 07:41 PM
Track has an aero package that consists of a small rear spoiler, smaller front lip and underbody diffusers.  Touring has none of these, but you can buy these as an option for Touring or get aftermarket spoilers if your that way inclined.

The diffusers are not a factory option (the last time I checked).

And if you order them from the US, the cars are also missing a mounting point on the driver's side. A part I am still unable to definitively locate.

 

[ky350]

I'm sure you're right about the diffusers Scathing. I got the rear spoiler for my Touring and I could have gotten the front lip but didn't cause the car would not get up the driveway. Assumed then that diffusers were available as an option. Thanks for the correction.

You could consider taking the car and diffusers to Peter Pilkington to see if he can somehow fit them.

 

[scathing]

Installing the diffusers requires a part, and every time I've been around a Z33 Track I've forgotten to take photos so I can compare it with Nissan's exploded diagram.

I might take it to the Pilkingtons and get them to look at it for me.


I've got the front lip spoiler for my Touring and it does scrape a little...but no more than the plastic thing that was there originally anyway.

I'm looking at sourcing a Nismo wing (or something similar) to complete the look of my car. Most of the bodykits I've seen just haven't done it for me.

 

[cranium]

I went car shopping today as planned. I came across a 03 Roadster, Demo. I didnt go looking for a roadster but after a testdrive I can see myself in one . Its sort of in the price range I am after as well.

As Nuff said there are changes between 03 and 04 coupes, any differences for roadsters? I am assuming that coupes got those little upgrades when the roadster was released in late 03. Anything to look out for? Some comments and opinions from roadster owners would be appreciated. Apart from waiting for your input(s), I need to work out some finances before I can settle on it..early next week is what I am aiming at if all good.

On another note, I did see a couple of 35th ann coupes - they look so MAD :OMG: !! Check it out @ either Gary Rogers (glen waverley vic) or Brighton Nissan (vic). Other dealers are still waiting for theirs. Those wheels are very nice..much meaner than normal track ones I think. Also, the new yellow looks quite good.

-Cranium

 

[mickyboy]

I was under the impression roadsters were 04 plates. That 03 must be one of the first? It should have the same 18" wheels as the track model?

BTW, I don't know if the Vic paper had the story on the 35th model, but in Sydney it mentioned that the current 05 model roadsters will get Brembo's and VDC.
Should be able to get a top deal on the superseeded model if that is the case.

I have seen one as low as 60K used and 62K demo.

 

[DiRN]

[/quote]
I don't know about Australia, but in the US all roadsters are 04+

 

[cranium]

[/quote]

MickyBoy,
I was under the impression that the roadsters were released late 03. Yes this one does have 18" wheels like the track.

Good point you make about the 05 roadster. Ill see if this knowledge helps me :-D

Cranium

 

[db350z]

btw Cranium, just in case if you are intersted.

i have a friend selling his Roadster in Melbourne:

2004 350z convertible
8800kms
Xenon lights
6 speed manual
3 years warranty
silver
$57000

Contact:
Ricky
0421300111


Cheers

 

[ANXIOUZ]

Originally posted by scathing@Feb 22 2005, 07:35 AM
Installing the diffusers requires a part, and every time I've been around a Z33 Track I've forgotten to take photos so I can compare it with Nissan's exploded diagram.

I've got the front lip spoiler for my Touring and it does scrape a little...but no more than the plastic thing that was there originally anyway.

I'm in the US but I've got an 03 Track...whatcha need pics of exactly? Mine's black so the pics might be tough to see but I can try.

As far as the air diffusers go, I just wanted to clarify that it's more than just the front lip thing and the rear spoiler. There are some plastic coverings under the car in front of each rear wheel well. I think that's it but there might be something towards the front as well.

And the front lip is absurd. Mine is scratched all to ****. :xZ!o: