It is designed to warm up the cats.

 

That was my exact thought as well. That's where the sound seems to be coming from, anyway.

 

When I use to have the 37 coupe, that first half minute was how it *should've* sounded all the time (more like the typical 35 VQ howl). Sadly they've toned it down...

 

I'm so confused, can someone clearly explain what they think the origin of this noise is. I have it, but I thought it was normal warm up...

 

+1 on mine... wife said it sounded like a washing machine that needed repair.

 

I think its the VVEL. A good experiment would be to try Nissan 's Ester oil. Supposedly it's the factory fill.

It's a long read, but worth it.

Nissan 370Z Oil Temps, engine rattles, $300 oil, Diff temps and other issues, The Truth! > 370z.com > 370z.com - Magazine

 

Yes - it is normal.

The reason I posed the question was to find out exactly what it was. Sounds like exhaust is 'open' to me - unsure if it is just 'cold cats' - but that doesn't makes sense to me (weren't the cats on my last car ever cold? )

Anyway - I may ask the dealer next time I'm in there...see if anyone has a clue...

 

My 07 did not do this, my 11 does... So that would lend credibility to it being a VVEL thing....