BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

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bertvorgon
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BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by bertvorgon »

As the header stated, I have gone back to my Nissan roots.

Last summer, I started in earnest, to look for a replacement car for my GTS. The rust monster is lurking in it, and I decided that it is time to move it, to some young guy with some energy and enthusiasm to work on it.
I was really unsure what I wanted to buy, and, it was not until I helped my sister inlaw, get a 2008 Toyota Corolla, did I really come to terms, that I was NOT ready for such a hohum type of car. FWD is just that, not a driver’s car. So, I started by looking at the Hyundai Genisis, v6, which I drove last summer. While all the bells and whistlers were cool, I thought the transmission felt kind rubbery, and the car did not feel that fast, for it’s 300 HP. Then, after doing some online research, saw that there were the usual teething problems of the first generation…and then there was the fact that they are so new, there was nothing on the used market, that was in my price range. I looked at the Lexus IS 250, but, that too had some suspension issues, and the styling really did not appeal to me. I’m not a BMW guy, and the long term repair stuff, again, after looking on the net, was a bit daunting. The Audi A4 is kinda neat, but, repair and price issues took it out. All this took me back to the INFINTI G35, which I have like for a LONG time. I set my sights on what “package” I would look for, and narrowed down my year, both from an affordability standpoint, and the best bang for the buck. The 2004 G35 had the Brembo brakes, but, there was a major problem with brake rotor/brakes issues with that generation. It also had the lower HP engine, not that that was a biggy..but…..
Then, just before Christmas, I was lurking on Craigs list, when I saw this car advertised, with a MAJOR price reduction. Seems they had had it since last may/June, and NOBODY wanted a six speed manual. I went over one night, looked at it, then, took it for a drive. I went back a couple of days later, in the daylight, with flashlight in hand, and crawled all over it. SUPER CLEAN, 1 owner, off lease, maintained by Richmond INFINITY, 2006 G35 Coupe, with only 46,000 KM on it. Has the Premium suspension/brake package on it, NEW tires (bonus!), a few other goodies, and none of the other bells and whistles that would be lost on me. It also comes with the sweetest sounding exhaust note! Anyhow, it is sitting next to my 510 right now, waiting for my Toyota to sell, and a nice sunny day to drive the damn thing. I cannot believe, after all the notes, etc, I have had on my car, that NOW, no one seems to want to buy it.
Hopefully there is nothing lurking in the trans/motor/whatever, but, in good faith I go.
Oh…It had to be RED!
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"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan

Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
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bertvorgon
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by bertvorgon »

It sure makes the Datsun look small.
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"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan

Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
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bertvorgon
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by bertvorgon »

here is the true colour, in the sunlight.
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"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan

Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
indy510
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by indy510 »

.
Nice Choice!!!!! .......... I drove a 4dr G35,, and it was a blast,, tons of power..... with amazingly tight steering

when you pass 350z's,,,, just make shure to lean your seat back really far...... they will be jealous

They are rare to find with a 6spd down here ......... .. and although the auto-shifting was better than any other car,,, I just hate autotragics
RONSLYCHUK
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by RONSLYCHUK »

Hey Keith,Nice Car! I have always liked the G35.It was no surprise that you got a red one! Ha Ha. :lol:
510rob
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by 510rob »

Now that the cat is out of the bag, which one is quicker? :P
iceD
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by iceD »

Nice choice.

ice D
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McShagger510
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by McShagger510 »

HELL YEAH - now slam it and stick some wicked rims on cuz the factory didn't know what they're doin'! :twisted: Ha Ha - just messin', good purchase. I would buy one on that rad exhaust note alone.

James
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The person with the sun in their eyes has the right of way. - my brother

'72 2dr. 510 Turbo
'73 240Z all stock
'71 2dr. 510 stock......for now
'91 Nissan truck *SOLD*
'02 TOYOTA Tacoma
'78 Kawasaki Z1-R
'84 Kawasaki GPZ750 Turbo
'99 Kawasaki ZRX1100
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GREG510
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by GREG510 »

Very nice car Keith :) !!!!!!
Whats the power like compared to the your 510 ?
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bertvorgon
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by bertvorgon »

I would like to think that my 510 is still faster than a stock G35, and, as some of you know, that G35 that I had a "run" in on the Squamish highway, with the performance mods, I could still JUST outpull, and he only got me on the top end because I had those silly short tires on.
THAT, was also a defining moment, as I have run against a LOT of different cars over the years, and that one impressed me the most. Obviously, the DRIVER in that case, had to have had some serious high speed experience, and/or race experience. NO ONE gets a car that sideways at those sort of speeds, and keeps it collected, unless you have some real world experience under your belt. That handling was not lost on me. Just looking at the "numbers", a well rung out 510 should be equally as quick ( 14 second 1/4 mile) , and mine is substantially faster. As soon as I can figure out how to race myself, I will let you know.
One of the other things, as I talked to some people in the past year, was in talking to my friend, who is the A-MOD Solo champion for North America, and used to instruct with me years ago, said, "It was one of the best handling cars right out of the box!", that he had ever driven.
I am hoping that with the ever increasing price of fuel, that this thing gets reasonable economy on the highway. It is .7 overdriven in 6th, so it should not be too bad.......I hope. The transmission feels like a close ratio box.
I did find that the 6speed is rarer for sure, which is why it took me so long to find the right combo.
Nother cool thing is that it shares a ton of parts from the 350Z, so I can get better pricing through the Nissan dealer, as opposed to Infinity. Again, hopefully PARTS will not be an issue for some time.

This car is rated at 298 HP, and I had 250 to the rear wheels, So about 300 at the crank. I figure I weigh 2,200 Lbs, this thing weighs at 3,500.
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan

Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
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thisismatt
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by thisismatt »

Is it the RevUp motor (no, not the HR)? Post some engine pics if you're not sure.
I'm your huckleberry.
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bertvorgon
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by bertvorgon »

Yes, I believe it is the revup motor, which is what the 298 HP and 6MT got, in 2006. I think I know where you are going with this.
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan

Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
Ash510
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by Ash510 »

very nice car Keith, I have always loved the style of the G35, thats why I bought one of them for my wife, only problem is it is a sedan and an automatic.
but it still has great power and handling. and it sounds so nice

great car you will love it
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thisismatt
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by thisismatt »

bertvorgon wrote:Yes, I believe it is the revup motor, which is what the 298 HP and 6MT got, in 2006. I think I know where you are going with this.
I was going to mention the oil consumption issue to watch for, but I guess you've heard of it? I wasn't going to knock it - I bought the same motor & 6sp to go into my 510. The biggest problem you may have is finding anyone at Nissan/Infiniti dealerships that even know what the RevUp motor is. I called 3-4 dealerships around 6mo to a year ago, and none of the parts or service guys I talked to even knew what the RevUp motor was :lol: my350z.com and g35driver.com are good sites if you even need anything drivetrain related.
I'm your huckleberry.
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bertvorgon
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Re: BACK TO MY NISSAN ROOTS

Post by bertvorgon »

Yes, thanks Matt. I was very aware of that in my research, but, in looking at the AVERAGE issue, which at the time was for the new car scenario....well....I guess I have rolled the dice. IF..this car either had, or has, and issue, it would have showed up in it's earlier years...I HOPE. Considering that the PO had it till May of 2010, says it was either Fixed under the TSB,, was never a problem, or is not a major issue. I lived on 350Z and 6mt, and G35 driver for a month, driving myself crazy with all the STUFF, that has gone wrong..like for any car. On average, guys were getting 1 qt to 3-5000 miles. Hell, my GTS uses a liter every 2500 to 3,000 KM. So, yes it is the back of my mind, but, as long as it is the "normal" range.....

Where I am lucky is that Andy at Specialty is VERY knowledgable about this motor, has access to stuff through Nissan Comp, etc.

First thing I am doing is changing the oil and filter, and doing a full fuel tank. Then I can really watch the oil, and start a few gas milage checks.

Maybe I will start a thread: Keith lives with his G35.
"Racing makes heroin addiction look like a vague wish for something salty" - Peter Egan

Keith Law
1973 2 Door Slalom/hill climb/road race / canyon carver /Giant Killer 510
1971 Vintage 13' BOLER trailer
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