Am I crazy

The first thing that comes to mind is that I will no longer have my beloved Brembo's I haven't really kept up with all the changes that went into the 2005 and 2006 but I made a visit to Grubbs the other day and sat in the 2006 6MT in the showroom and started asking some questions.

Here's what I noticed different from my '04:
Exterior
- front chin spoiler seems part of the front bumper now
- bi-zenon headlights with projectors (finally)
- rear spoiler seems "shrunk"
- 19" wheels/tires
Interior
- memory seats
- different gauges, lighters moved around (back in ashtray compartment??? and one in armrest)
- seat recline "memory"
Other
- 298bhp
- available active rear steering

and some other things that I found on infiniti.com.

I'm thinking about trading up and moving to a lease. I would be looking at lowering my payment maybe $150 - $200 a month but in 3 years when my '04 would be paid off I would have nothing to show for a lease.

I like most of the new things that are on the '05 and '06 and then I was excited when I heard they finally brought the intelligent key to the coupe ... later to find out it's only for the 5AT

I've never really had the time or spare cash to start modding my G but I always would have liked to. Hell I was seriously debating selling mine and buying Randy's when he put it up for sale. Regardless I am probably more suited to just staying stock so my only increase in horsepower would come from moving into a '05 or '06 6MT that bumped up 18bhp although dropped a few btq lb/ft.

What are your opinions?

 

DO NOT GET RID OF THE BREMBOS! PERIOD!

front chin spoiler seems part of the front bumper now (big whoop)
bi-zenon headlights with projectors (buy a set for 800, oem fitment)
rear spoiler seems "shrunk" (i love my ironing board)
19" wheels/tires (aftermarket is always better)
memory seats (unless you wifes a midget, then *** it)
seat recline "memory" (again midget wife????)
298bhp (you can't feel 18bhp difference....ok 4whp)
available active rear steering (unless you see a bunch of debris in the road)

Last but not least, BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER BELOW!
"I'm thinking about trading up and moving to a lease...I would have nothing to show for a lease."

Inteligent key...later to find out it's only for the 5AT (exactly)

 

It doesn't have 298 BHP.... Thats measured at the crank.... It has like 230 to 240 to the wheels, if that....

 

298bhp is measured at the crank/flywheel.

 

Buy a Z-tube+K&N and a 5/16" MD spacer and you gaine 10-11 WHP and 9-10 FT-LB.

When I had the Z-tube+K&N and Invidia G200 exahust. I gain 15 WHP and 17 FT-lb by adding a 1/2" MD Spacer with ISO Thermal Kit.

 

2k, you make some valid points...

This was a pretty big part in my decision to go with the 6MT in the first place and after a few autox days I know they are awesome and would be very missed.

agreed

I wasn't aware these were available for replacement?

agreed

agreed although the oem's are forged

I like memory seats for times like taking it to the dealer when they adjust everything like mirrors and seat position. It's hard to find that perfect spot ... but overall not too big of a deal.

Now this one drives me crazy ... everytime I put the seat forward to get something out of the backseat and then put it back the recline has to be readjusted. Mostly a knit-pick but it would still be nice (also avail on '05).

agreed

I would have to drive one to really know but again probably not a big deal.

The thing here to remember is that I would be saving upwards of $200/mo in payments which could come to about $7400 over three years. However by continuing to pay on my 5 year loan I would then *own* a car worth in the area of $20k of which I could use as a down payment on a new vehicle. This of course means I drive the same car another 3 years...

sumbitches

Some other nice-ities of the '06 (and some for '05)
-lighter weight flywheel (lighter clutch, faster rev) ~ aftermarket possibility
-seat belt guard on seat
-bluetooth for in-car phone
-interior upgrades such as buttons, brushed steel center console, etc
-Blose system ability to play mp3 discs (no more tape player)

Now of course we have pictures of the coupe concept from the Detroit Auto Show to confuse me even more. But who knows if this will actually make it to the '07 model line or if it is farther off. Regardless that coupe concept is HAWT!

 

Now this sounds intriguing. I haven't been able to keep up with the forums like I used to so I'm not current on all of the latest mods but this sounds like a pretty big bang-for-the-buck mod. Can you guide me to some more detailed information?

 

Bang for the buck mods, the spacer with the iso thermal kit is where it's at. I did the same only I am TT and I gained even more than Strongman. That is definately, by far the best bang for the buck mod. Especially when combined with other surrounding mods like the Z tube and the exhaust.

As far as the memory seats.....think about how often this really affects you. Yeah, when you go the the dealership....but how often in a 1 year period does that happen? And yeah when you put your seat forward, but how often do you really have to use that little tiny backseat anyway? That and when I do I just have them get in on the passenger side, because it doesn't affect me when they get in over there. The xenons would be fun, but not necessary. The rear wheel steering thing....c'mon, odds are it would be effective, but seriously, for ripping around an on ramp at 80 mph, or taking a right hand turn at 60+. Again these things are likely to never happen. The avoiding stuff in the road could happen, but still not often. Stick with the 04' it's easier to upgrade that motor anyway.

 

Ok, I'm sold. MD spacer with ISO Thermal kit ... time to do some research as I'm sure there must be a thousand threads on this! Now where can I get some good deals on this along with a Z tube?

Yeah you're right, the little toys don't really mean that much. Most of them I can do aftermarket anyways.

I stopped by Grubbs again tonight so they could appraise my car and write up some numbers and it just doesn't make any sense to do it. They told me I could walk out of there with $0 down on a 39 month lease and my payment would go down $89/month. So payment-wise I'm not really saving that much and in 3 years when my '04 would be paid off and I would own a ~$20k car I would instead be turning over the keys with nothing in return.

I'm keeping the '04, now it's time to start saving for some mods!

 

Z-tube and K&N Combo
http://infinitipa.zoovy.com/product/ZKNCOMBO

ISO THERMAL PLENUM SPACER
http://www.motordyneengineering.com/G35.asp

 

Awesome! Thanks StrongMan!

 

See, you get nothing but bending over and grabing your ankles by trading in and such. Don't think of your car as high payments, but think of it as actually owning something and using it as collateral for loan sharks before they start breaking off body parts. At least it'll buy you some time

 

BeerViper,
Just found out EverythingG35 carries both products.

http://www.g35parts.com/9083/osc/index.php

 

Thanks again Strongman