Looking for experienced input on purchase of new Z (Performance v NISMO)

[HWill]

HWill, You said about me that "So I see he impressed you even more than the Nismo did"...
I'm in the middle of this, as most of us are. But I have an acute analysis gift paired with common sense. It's served me very well for decades in management. I've done very small modifications to some of my cars during my driving years. But nothing like some of you guys have done here.
So, most of us are only reading what both sides say. Not taking sides... at least in my case. Just analyzing what both sides are writing. And by the way... I agree with you about the Nismo situation.

When you agreed that " The only way you get that same performance for less is by lying to yourself" with the quote " there's a lot of that going on here... " and commented "What a spanking...
I don't even think he got it though... ".

You really sounded like you agreed with him and was taking sides.

It didn't bother me, I been on forums for decades. It is about having discussions, but you can't do that when one keeps running from facts and wants to say I did this and that and know everything.

I already knew all of this because my son is looking at a Z, we have talked a lot about what would be needed to make it as good as a Performance. Would be cheap for him because I would do most of the leg work of sourcing parts and installing them.

 

[METROdigital]

OK I welcome you to both build your best specimens, with the deepest savings and I’ll pay cash for it.

 

[trackratZ]

We should come up with a NissanZClub Challenge series!

 

[David Montgomery]

Generic blueprint

MSRP on the 2026 Sport Z is $44265
MSRP on the 2026 Nismo Z is $67045
Difference of $22,700

I'm even going to round everything up and not just look for the cheapest parts.

Nissan LSD $2300 for full assembly
Nismo Brakes $2000
Nismo Coilovers $1700
Nismo SwayBars $450
Z1 Bracing $1100
Tires $1700
Nismo Wheels $2800
AMS Intake $600
Nismo CatBack $2100
$1200 Tune


So far that is $15950

We still have $6750 left!

Let's use the rest for some misc.

You can definitely save a lot with some different parts and shopping around, so there is no way you can't build a just as good or better Z for the price.

What is not "Factual" about anything here?

You don't need to over think it and making it so complicated.

Like I said just because "YOU" can't do something doesn't mean no one else can.

And no parts that a person with basic knowledge and the ability can't install.

Doesn’t the NISMO start with the sport trim and add on from there? So if. You add on to a performance model you are already starting with Added features like heated seats etc. I could be wrong though

 

[HuskeRZ34]

Doesn’t the NISMO start with the sport trim and add on from there? So if. You add on to a performance model you are already starting with Added features like heated seats etc. I could be wrong though

Yes and no, the performance trim is more the luxury trim with leather, power and heated seats, bigger infotainment screen, plus the LSD, better brakes and better wheels versus the Sport. The NISMO gets partial Recaro seats but loses the heating elements and power. Then bigger rotors, better cooling for engine, and some chassis stiffening, plus some exterior differences in the looks department. Also a little bit wider wheels and wider stickier tires than the performance. Lastly, a different engine tune for a small power bump.

 

[HWill]

Doesn’t the NISMO start with the sport trim and add on from there? So if. You add on to a performance model you are already starting with Added features like heated seats etc. I could be wrong though

This is just what I would do to build a better Z. It would be a purely performance minded build for me.
You would obviously have to really shop around if you started with a Performance Z if you want the creature comforts you get with it. This is what I did even though most of the features I got I will be replacing, but my build will not be budget or aimed at beating any car.

 

[Nis Mo Z]

If my Nismo was to get totaled I was jumping right back into another one because out the box I love the setup, feel and look. My only gripe was the wheel gap. I'd like to see the 2027 in the flesh because the pics looked good but I hate the fact Nissan didn't show off a REAL car.

 

[David Montgomery]

What size wheel spacers does the Performance need to make it flush with the fenders like the NISMO?

 

[CPerdomo]

When you agreed that " The only way you get that same performance for less is by lying to yourself" with the quote " there's a lot of that going on here... " and commented "What a spanking...
I don't even think he got it though... ".

You really sounded like you agreed with him and was taking sides.

It didn't bother me, I been on forums for decades. It is about having discussions, but you can't do that when one keeps running from facts and wants to say I did this and that and know everything.

I already knew all of this because my son is looking at a Z, we have talked a lot about what would be needed to make it as good as a Performance. Would be cheap for him because I would do most of the leg work of sourcing parts and installing them.

I did agree with those remarks. Not necessarily for you but because that happens a lot on these forums.
People have the right to do whatever they want to their cars. However, it doesn't mean it makes sense.

 

[CPerdomo]

What size wheel spacers does the Performance need to make it flush with the fenders like the NISMO?

When I had my performance, I used 15 mm in the front and 25 in the back. It looked exactly like the Nismo.

 

[CPerdomo]

Generic blueprint

MSRP on the 2026 Sport Z is $44265
MSRP on the 2026 Nismo Z is $67045
Difference of $22,700

I'm even going to round everything up and not just look for the cheapest parts.

Nissan LSD $2300 for full assembly
Nismo Brakes $2000
Nismo Coilovers $1700
Nismo SwayBars $450
Z1 Bracing $1100
Tires $1700
Nismo Wheels $2800
AMS Intake $600
Nismo CatBack $2100
$1200 Tune


So far that is $15950

We still have $6750 left!

Let's use the rest for some misc.

You can definitely save a lot with some different parts and shopping around, so there is no way you can't build a just as good or better Z for the price.

What is not "Factual" about anything here?

You don't need to over think it and making it so complicated.

Like I said just because "YOU" can't do something doesn't mean no one else can.

And no parts that a person with basic knowledge and the ability can't install.

Question,
10 years from now, if both are to be sold, would they have the same appreciation value?

 

[HWill]

I did agree with those remarks. Not necessarily for you but because that happens a lot on these forums.
People have the right to do whatever they want to their cars. However, it doesn't mean it makes sense.

If you agreed with him, you were taking sides, especially with the "smart" remark about a "spanking.
You might want to understand a little more before you blindly agree with someone just because they wow'd you with a resume. If you haven't done much what makes you think you know what makes sense and what doesn't?

Question,
10 years from now, if both are to be sold, would they have the same appreciation value?

A weird question. Way to many varibles to even guess. But my answer would be "WHO CARES"!
I don't buy/build cars for resale value or apprecation value. LOL
The way Nissan did these car neither will have a good resale value.
If this is something you are worried about then you should just stick to a low mileage stock Z/Nismo!
LOL

 

[CPerdomo]

A weird question. Way to many varibles to even guess. But my answer would be "WHO CARES"!
I don't buy/build cars for resale value or apprecation value. LOL
The way Nissan did these car neither will have a good resale value.
If this is something you are worried about then you should just stick to a low mileage stock Z/Nismo!
LOL

Let's analyze your response:
A weird question. Why weird? concern about used car values are not weird at all. Some cars are even expected to become collectibles. Yes, these values are only assumptions but are legitimate questions; not weird at all.

But my answer would be "WHO CARES"! many people do. Just because You don't care it doesn't mean that people shouldn't care or don't care. You are you.

I don't buy/build cars for resale value or apprecation value. LOL. You just made my point. Many people that are planning on reselling their cars won't change anything; or only a few minor things for that matter in case it would affect the value. But again, your response is: "I don't buy/build cars for resale value or apprecation value." It seems to me that you think that what you do or think is the only way to go. And anybody's opinion is not valid as long as it doesn't agree with yours. When I was reading your discussion with the other fellow, I noticed that the other fellow has vast experience for the simple fact that he actually ran business doing that type of work for cars. You, on the other hand, just did whatever you did in your garage. If I had to choose between an experienced car builder that has spent thousands of dollar in that business and some one that has worked on his own car in his garage, well, obviously, I would take the first choice.

The way Nissan did these car neither will have a good resale value. You cannot be more mistaken. What makes a collectible or a desirable car has nothing to do with how these cars were built. IT only has to do with enthusiasts emotions. Otherwise the Mustangs and Camaros would have never become the collectibles they are today. Yes, these markets depend a lot on conjectures, manipulations and other factors. But a strong reason Nissan is still making these Z's is precisely because of "nostalgic" reasons.

If this is something you are worried about then you should just stick to a low mileage stock Z/Nismo!
Finally, a sensible answer from you. And yes, I might change my Nismo again. Thus the reason for what I write.

I don't know how old you are; although you mentioned that you have a son who is planning to buy a Z as well. Regardless, you have some maturing to do... it shows in the way you respond.

Peace out!

 

[HWill]

Let's analyze your response:
A weird question. Why weird? concern about used car values are not weird at all. Some cars are even expected to become collectibles. Yes, these values are only assumptions but are legitimate questions; not weird at all.

But my answer would be "WHO CARES"! many people do. Just because You don't care it doesn't mean that people shouldn't care or don't care. You are you.

I don't buy/build cars for resale value or apprecation value. LOL. You just made my point. Many people that are planning on reselling their cars won't change anything; or only a few minor things for that matter in case it would affect the value. But again, your response is: "I don't buy/build cars for resale value or apprecation value." It seems to me that you think that what you do or think is the only way to go. And anybody's opinion is not valid as long as it doesn't agree with yours. When I was reading your discussion with the other fellow, I noticed that the other fellow has vast experience for the simple fact that he actually ran business doing that type of work for cars. You, on the other hand, just did whatever you did in your garage. If I had to choose between an experienced car builder that has spent thousands of dollar in that business and some one that has worked on his own car in his garage, well, obviously, I would take the first choice.

The way Nissan did these car neither will have a good resale value. You cannot be more mistaken. What makes a collectible or a desirable car has nothing to do with how these cars were built. IT only has to do with enthusiasts emotions. Otherwise the Mustangs and Camaros would have never become the collectibles they are today. Yes, these markets depend a lot on conjectures, manipulations and other factors. But a strong reason Nissan is still making these Z's is precisely because of "nostalgic" reasons.

If this is something you are worried about then you should just stick to a low mileage stock Z/Nismo!
Finally, a sensible answer from you. And yes, I might change my Nismo again. Thus the reason for what I write.

I don't know how old you are; although you mentioned that you have a son who is planning to buy a Z as well. Regardless, you have some maturing to do... it shows in the way you respond.

Peace out!

My whole post was about modifying vehicles which you said you know very little about and from this post it is not the only thing you know very little about. I can clearly see why you agreed with him as your thinking is out there. Again, you are so quick to be wowed by someone that posted a so-called resume. I hope you don't believe everything you read on the internet like you are doing here. LOL

Why ask a question that is based on opinion and then just get upset and call someone immature when they don't agree with your opinion. That's why I said it was a "weird" question instead of what I wanted to say that it was a stupid question. Hell, you even had you own "weird" answer for it that made no sense in some parts.

If you bought this car to be a collect car for resell, then put very little miles on it and don't mod it. My opinion! Buying these types of vehicles for resale is not the smartest financial decision! Pretty sure most would agree with this.

If you knew anything about buying/selling cars you would know that Nissan made very poor decisions with the Z. And now with the markdowns on the 2025's and the mark downs on the new 2026's is a good indicator that the valve on these cars will not be as good as people like you think they will.

Never said you had to do what I do or say, that is just your assumption.

And I'm not trying to get your approval by posting my resume.

Don't assume, maybe do some research, learn a few things and then maybe you can have a decent discussion.

 

[trackratZ]

What we need here is empathy. Respect opinions and enjoy these forums. The RZ34 'old school' platform is a great base for whatever mods each personally likes, done!!