Zeds, Skylines & Stageas

[JimmyRickard]

Currently in the process of selling my F6 Ute and was looking into Zeds and V-Series Skylines. I'm trying to work out what the main differences are between these cars. From what I can tell, they are the same engine and driveline, do they share suspension? What about general feel of the car, does a Skyline drive any better/worse/different than it's zed counterpart. I noticed that by and large the Skylines are much cheaper also.

Then I had a look at 2002+ Stags and they are unbelievably cheap, some sub $10k. But I find the branding confusing, there's some that are turbo and some that aren't, I have quite worked out which is which. How do the Stag's hold up against the coupes? Which model Stag is the one to go for and why?

Also, what's the state of these cars when imported from Japan? Do they have the same issues that R series Skylines suffer from? Wound back odometers, rust etc.?

And how is the VQ engine? More reliable than an RB? What about the gearbox? I must say I would prefer a manual, but would consider an auto if it's cheap enough.

I think I know a fair bit about RB Skylines, but I know next to nothing about V-Series liners. Interested to hear your opinions guys.

cheers

[PN-Mad]

Well, I'll cover off the stagea side of things.

The M35 stageas started in 2001. From 2001-2003 the eligible models are all turbo. They run a vq25det 206/400nm. The chassis is very similar to the v35/z33, meaning it can be upgraded to handle quite well. Being turbo, power is reasonably easy to extract. There areafewweak points.the stock turbo is fragile, the afms temperamental, and the motors cam actuators wear with age. There is no ecu flash option, so people piggy back them when tuning, which is a bit tricky. A properly sorted m35 will walk a v/zin a straight line.

The second series, 2004.5 on have the same motor as the v/z. Vq35de. There was some styling changes, and some changes to the awd system, and interior update. It has a flash able ecu, and doesn't have the issues of the first turbo series motors.

The models go RS then RX, then AR-X, the later having the over fenders and stock 18s. Then there are Axis models, which have different interiors, but no mechanical changes.

The v35 is more of a GT car, while the Z is more of a sportscar.

Drive them all, and see what you like

[JimmyRickard]

Thanks for the response. Have you driven all three cars? As far as driving experience goes, what's your preference?

To be honest I have no interest in modding (already have a moneypit for that!) so I just want something that's comfortable and fun to drive out of the box.

Can you describe the Stag's handling? Unmodded I feel like it would handle like a commodore, is that far from the truth? How's the auto?

I plan on driving them all at some stage but it's always good to hear what others think.

[PN-Mad]

Yup, driven them all.

The stock stagea handling isn't anything special, but I wouldn't say commodore Has grip, but the roll and weight is very apparent. Not really fun. Nismo springs and just some sway bars make a huge difference.

The Z is obviously the most focused out of them, and the v35 is a middle ground. Are you looking for a sedan, coupe?

The auto boxes are the same model 5spd across all models, just with different programming. The stagea is the worst IMO, the Z the best. The later series two stagea boxes are heaps better then s1 cars. They can all take a Transgo shift kit that makes them much nicer and shifts up quick.

You're welcome to come and take a spin in mine if you want.

[zoomzoom]

Modding isn't necessarily a frivolous affair. When things like shocks get worn, they can be replaced with aftermarket units. As per above, shift kits help greatly in the speed of the auto box. With the stagea, a turbo replacement is a definite possibility in your time owning one, then you'll probably be looking at a modified replacement turbo.

Edited January 13, 2014 by zoomzoom

[Howaitonaito]

Ill cover the V35s. Sedans came out first in 2001 with 250GT (4AT VQ25DD 158kw), 300GT (5AT VQ30DD 191kw) and 350GT (5AT/8CVT VQ35DE same as 350Z) a 6MT was added in 2003 to the sedan with the launch of the V35 coupe which also had the same 5AT as 300GT

Early 350GT sedans had an option for a 8 "speed" CVT transmission. Opinion is varied but i would avoid if possible. Fluid changes are not cheap, it can only take a special fluid by nissan and because the car is getting on in age the fluid is getting harder to come by and quite expensive. The 5AT with a shift kit like alex mentioned is a better option or a 6MT.

The V35 coupe has the same running gear, suspension as 350Z (350z exhaust is shorter than the V35 coupe but otherwise the same, sedans are the same as coupe upto the axle back) only the Z is 100kg lighter and is stiffer.

Open diffs and average brakes came standard on all models. Early V35 premium manual coupes and track 350Z manuals had a VLSD diff and factory brembos which are interchangable on all V35s. Brembos got discontinued during the series two introduction.

V35s picked up the same update as the M35 stageas like alex mentioned with refreahed styling inside and out and equipment changes.

Factory tick options include aero parts, rays forged wheels, a sort of "bi-modal" exhaust, radar cruise, sunroof, carphone, T-junction camera (cameras in the side of the bumper so you can see whats coming if the view is obstructe- very cool) momo steering wheel and the usual matts, plastic etc etc

Depending on the build, model and transmission a sedan can fetch 7-18k and a coupe 14-25k.

Edited January 28, 2014 by Howaitonaito