The New "Z" Cage...

[Jedz123]

So I decided that after 6 long years in the Yaris that it was time to splurge a bit and get vehicle that would be fun, something I'd look forward to drive and a great performance platform. Basically a great GT car that would be a blast in the twisites... Kinda practical but more fun.

So I grabbed this beauty:

Certified Used, 2013 Infiniti G37 S Coupe W/ Premium package. V6 3.7L High rev 348hp through a 6-speed manual, RWD. It's basically the Nissan 370Z with a Tux... Just a little more practical.

I went this route for I wanted a stick bad but I wanted a luxury car with a big V6. They don't make cars with a stick any more, just 7-9 speed autos. I was looking at the V6 Honda Accord coupes but decided to go for the Infiniti. Exceptionally comfortable, loaded and one awesome platform.

The Mrs. and I went for a spin yesterday that ended up lasting 3 hours. Pretty awesome cage... Yaris you won't be missed!

So the car comes out of the factory pretty much maxed out engine wise, 370Z performance brakes, first car I've owned that has larger rear wheels then the fronts... Not sure if anyone here has too much experience here with these Z cars. I'm looking to upgrade the stock exhaust with a nice Stillen System... With Intake and Exhaust your lucky to squeeze out 25 more whp. The Stillen Supercharger gives your 500WHP... But the $7K pill is a bit much to swallow.

Anyway... Bye Bye Yaris... Hello Z for grownups!

 

[portdave]

Very nice. I always liked that simple yet elegant style. Enjoy for many years to come.

 

[Nessism]

The G37 is a better vehicle than the Z. The ride is more comfortable and the interior is nicer. The knock on the Z has been the cheap interior, but the Infiniti never had the problem.

Enjoy!

 

[nvr2old]

I've always lusted after those Infinitis. Beautiful car. Looks, performance, comfort, Japanese reliability..how can you go wrong. I've often thought about selling my '68 Corvette that I've owned for 40 years and getting either a later C5-C6 or something as elegant and purposeful as that car. Something (like yourself) my wife and I could actually travel in.

 

[dorkburger]

Congratulations on the new wheels. I've always dug those and the Z cars. I've even come to like their unique exhaust note.

I also lament the manual shifts slow march to oblivion. Sure they have paddle shifters, etc now, but if there's no third pedal, and lacks the ability to deposit a pile of broken parts on the ground as a result of a violent launch...... it ain't a manual.

 

[Jedz123]

I also lament the manual shifts slow march to oblivion. Sure they have paddle shifters, etc now, but if there's no third pedal, and lacks the ability to deposit a pile of broken parts on the ground as a result of a violent launch...... it ain't a manual.

Well... With the automatic you car instantly weighs 200lbs more, your drive line loss goes from 12-15% to 25-35%... Sure the new autos shift "faster" but when it boils down on a car like this you leave allot on the table power and weight wise by running a 7 speed auto... Just not a true japaneese sports car with a dogmatic.

 

[Jethro]

It's a nice ride for sure! (for a cage)

 

[Nessism]

Wards Auto World, a reasonably well respected automotive trade publication, publishes a list of "Best Engines" each year and the Nissan VQ family V6's are a perennial award winner. I'm not sure how the "High Rev" variant differentiates itself from the others, but it's a sweet engine in any configuration.

Swapping out the exhaust system sounds like a bad idea. The electronic engine management system is highly complex and designed to monitor and tune itself based on system feedback within certain parameters. Changing one of the variables may throw the system out of whack. Plus, the stock system is stainless steel and very high quality, with a nice growl at low engine speeds. The last thing you want in a stealth rocket like that car is a blaring exhaust.

 

[Jedz123]

Wards Auto World, a reasonably well respected automotive trade publication, publishes a list of "Best Engines" each year and the Nissan VQ family V6's are a perennial award winner. I'm not sure how the "High Rev" variant differentiates itself from the others, but it's a sweet engine in any configuration.

Swapping out the exhaust system sounds like a bad idea. The electronic engine management system is highly complex and designed to monitor and tune itself based on system feedback within certain parameters. Changing one of the variables may throw the system out of whack. Plus, the stock system is stainless steel and very high quality, with a nice growl at low engine speeds. The last thing you want in a stealth rocket like that car is a blaring exhaust.

Thanks for the input Nessism!
The Engine Code is VQ37VHR...
Specs are:
348hp @ 7400 rpm
276 ft/lbs @ 5200rpm
It really comes to life north of 5KPRMS...

As for exhaust the aftermarket support is HUGE for this car and it's sister Z. I would likely just go down the axle back route for it tends to give a little more growl and more of that unique VQ engine note under acceleration but it doesn't effect the noise too much off the idle and lower in the rpm band on low throttle, full catback systems can make this car have a raspy angry chewbacca exhaust note, adding HFC's and headers you can start to throw codes but what I've read with the less restrictive exhaust and intakes yields higher HP numbers on a stock tune. Not much gains on an axle back for the car rolls off the lot well tuned out. I only hear good things of ease of installation on the car. I joined a forum and have been learning much.
Axle back on a Auto G37

The only intake I'm interested in

Stillen System. They do allot of R&D on these VQ motors... Stone cold reliable, only supercharger system to offer a power-train warranty...

Stillen Supercharger 2008-2013 G37 & 2015-2015 Q60

 

[GSXR7ED]

Awesome Jedz,

Congrats on the new wheels!

Ed

 

[Road_Clam]

So I decided that after 6 long years in the Yaris that it was time to splurge a bit and get vehicle that would be fun, something I'd look forward to drive and a great performance platform. Basically a great GT car that would be a blast in the twisites... Kinda practical but more fun.

So I grabbed this beauty:

Certified Used, 2013 Infiniti G37 S Coupe W/ Premium package. V6 3.7L High rev 348hp through a 6-speed manual, RWD. It's basically the Nissan 370Z with a Tux... Just a little more practical.

I went this route for I wanted a stick bad but I wanted a luxury car with a big V6. They don't make cars with a stick any more, just 7-9 speed autos. I was looking at the V6 Honda Accord coupes but decided to go for the Infiniti. Exceptionally comfortable, loaded and one awesome platform.

The Mrs. and I went for a spin yesterday that ended up lasting 3 hours. Pretty awesome cage... Yaris you won't be missed!

So the car comes out of the factory pretty much maxed out engine wise, 370Z performance brakes, first car I've owned that has larger rear wheels then the fronts... Not sure if anyone here has too much experience here with these Z cars. I'm looking to upgrade the stock exhaust with a nice Stillen System... With Intake and Exhaust your lucky to squeeze out 25 more whp. The Stillen Supercharger gives your 500WHP... But the $7K pill is a bit much to swallow.

Anyway... Bye Bye Yaris... Hello Z for grownups!

Most experts agree as opposed to 20 years ago most of the performance cars of today are in fact "maxed" out as far as efficient hp. Yes there is gains to ge had but they are minimal, and you will need sophisticated piggyback ECU tuners to fully reap the benifits. I have some experience with Honda and all the performance enthusiasts use Hondata Flashpro. The tuning software alone is $800. I've dabbled a bit with live tuning with my Civic Si and realistically it's all wallet bait. I have a performance exhaust, a Cold air intake and it sounds awesome but I felt very little difference as far as real usable street performance gains over stock. I did notice some slightly better fuel economy. Good luck with the new ride !

 

[Jedz123]

Most experts agree as opposed to 20 years ago most of the performance cars of today are in fact "maxed" out as far as efficient hp. Yes there is gains to ge had but they are minimal, and you will need sophisticated piggyback ECU tuners to fully reap the benifits. I have some experience with Honda and all the performance enthusiasts use Hondata Flashpro. The tuning software alone is $800. I've dabbled a bit with live tuning with my Civic Si and realistically it's all wallet bait. I have a performance exhaust, a Cold air intake and it sounds awesome but I felt very little difference as far as real usable street performance gains over stock. I did notice some slightly better fuel economy. Good luck with the new ride !

The only true gains can be felt are with Forced Induction on this platform, 348hp is good 'nuff, If I was really trying to chase "power/acceleration/top speed" I would look into stripping it out but not the route I want to go.... FI? Maybe down the line... but as stated $7K is a big pill to swallow but for 500hp... That car would be ridiculous to drive. However $2K for a full exhaust to only yield 18hp... No thanks.
I really just want to tune out for the notes coming out the tail pipe and under the hood, VVL noise for the win... I'm looking to turn the volume up just a smidge... Not looking for usable power, car has got enough.
Fuel efficiency is lost on this car... It will get mid to high 20's on the highway but the last couple of tanks I've seen 18mpg. I just can't keep my foot out of the throttle. But good to know... Thanks!