I'm partial to the AWE track. It's what I plan on installing in a year or so. The megaphones sound awesome, but there was an rpm range where they sounded pretty rough. Like someone farting.
Spending 2-3 hours removing mods before what is likely going to be a warantied engine replacement is less risky then the (small) chance that the dealership throws a fit about mods.
Personally, I've got no issue with the buy once, cry once mentality. But when a full set of SPL FUCAs, midlinks, rear toe + camber arms is knocking at $5k, I'd be looking for savings.
There is no way a catch can, lower downpipe (or really any downpipe), or catback can cause this damage. Something in the engine went horribly wrong. Possibly a manufacturing issue considering the very low mileage?
I did research on going fully adjustable, and the consensus with the 370z community was to go full SPL. Unfortunately I didn't find many useful reports for any of the other Z suspension makers. GKTech seemed interesting, but any discussion was quickly reduced to "buy SPL" (despite SPL being...
The average joe can barely keep up with oil changes, and it takes 10s of thousands of miles for carbon deposits to become a problem. Not surprising that automakers won't install them.
Any Nismo owners install aftermarket sway bars? I've never driven a non-nismo Z, so I'm not sure how different the suspension is compared to the other trims, or if an aftermarket sway bar is as needed.
https://www.z1motorsports.com/rear-suspension/infiniti/oem-370z-g37-g35-sedan-rear-shock-cap-p-13655.html
I believe this part is the rubber cap. No idea how to remove it, so I suppose when I go with coilovers in the distant future, I'll just cut them inplace.