Background: I've had my 06 6MT LR coupe for 1.5 years. Had 77k on it when purchased. Now has 89k. It is now burning oil. Runs great. No codes. No oil pressure light. I drive it to work and on the track.

I'm inclined to ditch this car and get something else. I could responsibly spend $20k. Could stretch to $23k max. Would not be willing to spend more than that for a daily beater/track car.

What I'm looking at:

07 6MT 350Z GT (Brembos/VLSD) 60k miles, great shape, $20,500
Pros: Should be decent daily driver and reasonable on the track. Don't need to make a lot of mods for track. Should be reliable.
Cons: Very little left on warranty. Seems pricey compared to the G37 below but price is consistent with other GTs in the area.

08 G37 6MT Coupe S model 58k miles, literally like new, $23,000
Pros: Classy. Fabulous shape. Big brakes (but not Brembos). Remaining warranty.
Cons: Top of my price range and a little more luxury than I really want to put on the track. In my opinion not nearly as pretty as the G35.

Low-ish mileage pre Rev-up base model 350Z that I can modify (BBK, suspension, LSD)
Pros: Low initial cash output. Blank slate. More comfortable on the track since it will already be old.
Cons: Blank slate, will need cash output for upgrades. Potential reliability issues for a daily driver.

Would consider other options, but don't like German cars and not into Corvettes, Subarus or Mitsubishis.

 

An older 350Z is probably the way to go since you already have other cars in your lineup to use for daily driving if need be(according to your signature). For the most part, those older VQ35DE motors didn't have the oil consumption problem that plagues many of the Rev-Up 350Z/G35's, and you can spend the extra money that you save on the purchase on performance upgrades.... plus those cars were a almost 200 pounds lighter than their more modern counterparts.

What kind of track racing do you do? Drag, Autocross, or road course?

 

how much is the third choice?

 

Keep the G, have a 4.2 stroker NA VQ motor built which will work great on the street and track. Cost being far less than your estimated $20K...Gary

 

I do road course. Only done one weekend. Going again in Feb. Love it.

A moderate mileage older 350z can be gotten for $15k or less.

Gary, I'll bite. How much is one of these engines (long blocks?), what exactly is it, who sells/installs them and how reliable? What are the power specs for a basic NA long block? I really like my G and if an engine swap could get me more power and reliability I'm game. I can certainly do a search but if you could point me in the right direction I'd appreciate it.