I've kind of always wanted one of these cars (RWD/AWD, great VQ engine, good looks and durability, not grossly overengineered...heck yeah!) and stumbled across a deal that made my buy my first. A 2004 G35X for $1100 in overall decent condition other than a fragged front driveshaft.

Upon startup, I get a gross engine noise that clears very quickly (audio file attached) and does not appear under any other driving conditions. I suppose I'm wondering how worried this should make me, and what type of corrective action I should consider.

Thank you!

ps, I need to browse forums more before posting a formal question, but if anyone wants to link me to the easiest way to R/R a front driveshaft, I'm all ears! If nothing was in the way, looks like it'd be a 10min job. But things are in the way...