Mod Recommendations

[VR30Infection]

I am not sure that would hold because of the heat.

Yeah. You wouldn’t want to do it with the exhaust hot. It would melt the strap.

 

[DavidJHenry]

1. Sway Bars are perfect for OEM+ feel. They get rid of body roll and the car will feel more planted and sporty in the corners. You only need to do the front sway bars, it's also an easy install.

2. Exhaust - the exhaust on the Automatic Z's is pretty good. I would only modify this if you really want a louder sound otherwise I'd keep it the way it is. I drove a Z with a boost logic exhaust and AMS downpipes and it was so loud the dash was rattling and it felt like I was driving my brothers old 90's Acura Integra. If you're looking for OEM+ you're probably best with doing lower resonated downpipes only and keeping the stock exhaust. This will give you a nice low tone rumble.

3. Tune - a tune will give you a lot more torque which will also mean your going to struggle with traction if you go full throttle at low speeds. I personally tried out a Z1 hotbox which is pretty inexpensive and can be removed and installed in 10 minutes without a trace if you don't want to void warranty when you go visit the dealer. The hotbox simply raises the boost a couple PSI to give you more power and works well. If you're adding multiple other mods though I would get a real tune and not this.

4. Tires - Always the best mod you can do for a RWD car. I upgraded my tires to Michelin Sport 4S's and had a huge improvement in traction. I could accelerate while turning without losing traction and do launch control accelerations without spinning at all.

In the end I always like to keep a car mostly stock, I'd recommend upgrading to the NISMO if you want a more sportier feel. The other important thing is to not spend too much $ unless you keep the stock parts and can swap them back yourself because when you go to trade in the car you're not going to get any of the $ you invested in mods back. You can legitimately spend $20k in parts & install and the dealer won't give you any added value for that.

I bought a 2024Z performance model, put Nissmo street exhaust, Nissmo cold air intake and a Nissmo bigger radiator and Z1 hotbox in, My dealer said it is all under warranty. Really opened up my Z. Z1 Hotbox was a simple plug n play they say it gives a modest 20 more horse power. For me I can notice the difference.

 

[up4speed]

It looks like I need to order another "S" for my badging on my car. JK

 

[weissk93]

I bought a 2024Z performance model, put Nissmo street exhaust, Nissmo cold air intake and a Nissmo bigger radiator and Z1 hotbox in, My dealer said it is all under warranty. Really opened up my Z. Z1 Hotbox was a simple plug n play they say it gives a modest 20 more horse power. For me I can notice the difference.

I wanted to do Nismo Exhaust and Sway Bars but they were out of stock.

Getting my Stillen sway bars installed Tuesday and Remark exhaust tips readjusted to hopefully center better and will report back.

 

[weissk93]

I appreciate everyone who has contributed to this thread so far. I wanted to list all my thoughts down since I have everything installed now.

Completed Modifications List

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

Made a huge difference in overall feel. Pretty criminal the car came with such bad tires. I consider this more of a necessity than an optional modification.​

Z1 Master Cylinder Brace

Firms up pedal. This is not a game changer but definitely better feedback when braking hard.​

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https://www.z1motorsports.com/brace...ZEMifYT0M1tmGPl2kXBLWLanYMxsCUSRoC2sMQAvD_BwE​

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Z1 Heavy Duty Hatch Popper

Trunk opens up more when you click the button. OEM trunk popper barely opens up at all. Highly recommend. Easiest install ever.​

https://www.z1offroad.com/z1-produc...XlcAzjCrDKxvpngOu2ZPdTRTxPw8YxEIiyo3K7K216SF0​

Z1 Aluminum Undershroud (Black)

Keeps bottom of car better protected, particularly the plastic oil pan. Also, makes oil changes easier. Most important, looks cool.​

https://www.z1motorsports.com/z1-pr...2023-nissan-aluminum-undershroud-p-44003.html​

Remark Exhaust (Axleback, Resonated Mid-Pipe, Y-Pipe, Stock Down Pipe)

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A little louder than OEM Automatic Transmission exhaust. It has a noticeable deeper tone. Looks great. Unfortunately, like most third party exhaust it is not perfectly centered in exhaust cutout. At least they are symmetrical with each other.​

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https://www.remark-usa.com/search?q=rz34&options[prefix]=last​

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Stillen Sway Bars (Front - Middle Hole, Rear - Outward Hole)

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They do make a difference when turning. The difference is not as large as I thought but it is noticeable. Set to the settings they recommended for OEM+. Obviously, no change in a straight line.​

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https://stillen.com/collections/sway-bars/products/2023-nissan-z-front-and-rear-sway-bars​

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JB4 Box (Map 1)

Even in Map 1, it makes a huge difference in hard acceleration. Obviously, no change in light driving.​

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https://burgertuning.com/products/j...v8XuWg8qZnhQLo2Q7XL7EaVv-HFg5J8yJ8eWFxCm4wlX4​

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Amazon Basics Sound Deadening Mat (Trunk, Doors Soon, Floor Maybe)

Installed in the trunk. It takes off some of the edge of the new exhaust. Especially at idle or low speeds. Small improvements to subwoofer. I have plenty of material left over so I will do the doors soon as it seems relatively easy. I might do the floor underneath the seats at a future date.​

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XMF3KK5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title​

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Interior Map/Trunk Bulb Upgrade to LED (Completing Soon)

Installed LED lights from Diode Dynamic. I went with model HP3 in Warm White - 3000K. These LEDs should keep the OEM look, add 2x more brightness, does not emit heat, and theoretically last longer.​

https://www.pandamotorworks.com/pro...for-2023-nissan-z-pair?variant=44301053362427​

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Other

Not really modifications as they are from Nissan directly. I also installed the Tonneau Cover for the trunk, stronger struts for the trunk (as the tonneau cover adds weight), and Z Center Caps.

Cost

Not including the "Other" category. My modifications cost me approximately $6,500. I was able to save some money having a friend help me with the Master Cylinder Brace and JB4.

Future Modifications + Thoughts

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Hood Damper (Ordered)

I want to install some sort of hood damper as I do not like the prop stick. Z1 does not sell any. It looks like the only brand is Kajo. However, they are out of stock. Some people are questioning their build quality on the forums. Any thoughts? Are there any other brands?

https://www.kanjospecd.com/product-page/hood-dampers

Rear Backup Camera Upgrade (Waiting on Availability)

It appears someone in Japan was successful upgrading the rear backup camera. It does not look like he is selling it anywhere. However, if this ever does make it over to the United States, I would definitely do this. I imagine the frame rate will still be bad do to the processing power of the infotainment system. However, any picture quality upgrade would be welcomed.​

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Brake Upgrades (Undecided)

If I feel I need better braking power I may upgrade the brakes. May also do slotted rotors as they look pretty cool. Not sure if stainless steel brake lines are needed since I have a master cylinder brace.​

Coilovers (Undecided)

I may be in the minority, I am not a fan of lowering cars. If I did coilovers, I would keep ride height the same. I am not sure if I want this as roads are pretty bad here. I am afraid stiffening suspension would make the ride too harsh. Any brands you recommend for OEM+?​

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Engine Carbon Fiber Cover (Likely No)

If I have money to burn, I may do this. However, I do not see much of a point other than aesthetics. What cover do you like the best? Nismo, Z1, or others?​

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Cold Air Intake (Likely No)

Lots of people seem to like installing cold air intakes. Some people like the minimal power gains and others just like the sound of them. Not sure how I feel about the sound. Also, not sure if I need to worry about engine getting gunned up with more stuff. What cold air intake is the best? They all seem to be roughly the same. If I did the cold air intake, I would likely try to match the engine cover.​

 

[RadzShadow]

Curious, I have been looking for hood dampers too. Not much selection out there, but the Kanjo's seem the easiest to install. I, (like you) are still shopping the market, we can't be the only two on Earth thinking the same.

 

[weissk93]

Curious, I have been looking for hood dampers too. Not much selection out there, but the Kanjo's seem the easiest to install. I, (like you) are still shopping the market, we can't be the only two on Earth thinking the same.

Yea but the Kanjo are not even available for our car. I reached out a few weeks ago via email and had not heard back.

 

[FSUZ33]

I am not sure that would hold because of the heat.

I wonder if that’s the issue with the “Burning smell” thread

I believe @VR30Infection meant you can squeeze the tail pipes together temporarily with a ratchet strap to reshape/bend them a tad to center them in the cutouts. Then remove the strap.
If you do this, go a little at a time, release and sneak up on center. Dont want to overdo it.

Edit: Although, I just saw the exhaust in the pics above and the nearest hard point is the Y pipe. That would work great on the stock exhaust, but I think it would just flex both pipes on the hangers then return back to the original spot. May work, idk, just thoughts.

If it bothers you, you may need to remove the rear pipes and tweak them by hand. Or sweet-talk a muffler shop into doing it.

 

[VR30Infection]

I wonder if that’s the issue with the “Burning smell” thread

I believe @VR30Infection meant you can squeeze the tail pipes together temporarily with a ratchet strap to reshape/bend them a tad to center them in the cutouts. Then remove the strap.
If you do this, go a little at a time, release and sneak up on center. Dont want to overdo it.

Yes! This

 

[weissk93]

Yes! This

When I went back to the shop to do the sway bars, they said there was no adjustment room. Granted, I do not think they tried this. Either way, it appears most exhausts, especially the third parties do not seem to line up well.

Not the end of the world. But the car sounds way better now without being too annoying.

Appreciate everyone's help again. Great learning experience, would not have gotten these mods done without all of your input!

 

[kevinbonds]

When I went back to the shop to do the sway bars, they said there was no adjustment room. Granted, I do not think they tried this. Either way, it appears most exhausts, especially the third parties do not seem to line up well.

Not the end of the world. But the car sounds way better now without being too annoying.

Appreciate everyone's help again. Great learning experience, would not have gotten these mods done without all of your input!

The exhaust should line up in the opening, I have an AWE and got it second hand; had it installed and the exhaust shop was able to get it 100% centered. Sometimes if the exhaust is off, they can weld a small piece of metal to the exhaust hanger, or use a clamp to keep the exhaust in place on the hanger. These are new cars: I would not accept anything less then a perfect fit.

 

[RadzShadow]

Yea but the Kanjo are not even available for our car. I reached out a few weeks ago via email and had not heard back.

 

[RadzShadow]

Seems they do offer now, pricey for what they are, but at least available.

 

[weissk93]

Seems they do offer now, pricey for what they are, but at least available.

What is the difference between Pedestrian (what I have) and standard hood? I am assuming that pops the hood for pedestrians in certain types of accidents.

 

[FSUZ33]

Pedestrian hood pops up to keep whatever you hit from smashing in the windshield. I assume getting catapulted over the car is safer than hitting the windshield. Science.