I bought a nice 2006 G35 last weekend

It has headers and a full exhaust, intake, and now I'm buying an osiris this weekend because I keep throwing o2 sensor codes. This car is easily the nicest that I've owned, and I have had a lot of different cars. The last car I had was a 625rwhp STI. (I bought it already built and sold it for a profit)

The dilemma is this. I really want to build a race engine that will give this thing in the realm of 650hp on pump gas, but I'm not sure if I could justify spending that kind of money on the car, knowing full well that its sunk cost and that I am never going to get it back. Also, living in Cleveland Ohio, we have shitty salt covered roads in the winter, so modding the car to this level would mean only driving it in the summer. How do some of you justify spending so much money on your car? I have a great career and make good money, but I seldom buy things that I can't turn around and sell to at least get my initial investment back, if not profit.

I also have an 1973 datsun 240z sitting in my garage that is half way through a restoration. This G35 is making me want to hurry to finish the datsun just to sell it. I never thought another car would make me feel that way, but damnit Nissan, you have done it again with your stylish refinement and incredible vq35 powerplant.

 

If I had your kind of money, I would finish the Datsun and keep it. Make that thing your weekend / fun car.

Don't build the G. Do some minor things to it to make it your daily driver in all forms of weather.

 

I have driven my TT G35 (only 390 rwhp, not 600+, though) through 2 winters in Colorado Springs and 2 winters in Nebraska. Don't let the weather be a show stopper for you.

You seem to be well aware, though, that you never get back your money on modifying a car. Go into it knowning that, and you'll be fine. Expect to make any money back on car mods, and you'll be....not fine.

 

if u wanted to build a car maybe shoulda gotten something cheaper or older so u have more money to spend on building it.

 

You could look at it two ways. If you're planning on selling the car eventually and don't want to take a hit, you probably shouldn't dive too deep into the mods. Simple ones may yield better results though; IE: nice wheels will hold their value as long as they've been maintained. If you think you'll keep the car though and want to make it yours, then don't let cold weather really stop you.

 

while true, I do find it suspiciously self serving that the wheel guy is recommending you buy nice wheels.

He does have a point, though.

 

Why not keep the g35 to be your classy dd for work. And then twin turbo the 240 when you're done. Gives you something really big to look forward to with it and to work at

 

I'm just speaking from personal experience, and used that as an example. A rare exhaust could take the placeholder of a set of wheels, or something of the like. ARC airbox, whatever you want haha.

Just saying that certain parts will hold their value better than others.

 

i agree. its a great everyday sport luxury car. these weren't meant to be horsepower freaks

 

I agree with XiN. If you're in love with the Datsun, finish the restoration and make that you're weekend driver. Make simple mods on you're G and make it your every day driver.

 

The value of these cars dropped substantially so don't expect to get back what you put into it. Do the research on here and you'll find out that building a 550+whp G35 can easily cost more then what the car is worth. Either sell the car now as is or plan to keep it if you commit to that goal.
Thats simple:
1) I enjoyed the car enough to want to keep it and make it faster, rather then trading for something else.
2) I don't plan on trying to sell this car
3) I don't have to rely solely on the G as a DD

 

I also say finish & keep the Z!!

 

i'm somewhat in the same boat, i just want to get around 50whp more hp out of my G with an osiris tune, headers and art pipes.. and that should keep it in the DD range, when you go and TT it im sure it takes away from it's reliability, and also these cars tend to have an OC problem.

 

Cosworth VQ engine with Twin Turbo or Twincharger...

I also vote for the 240Z, one of my wishful thinking projects, so many options and things to do to it.

 

Restore and upgrade the Z with a RB26DETT motor, that should give you all the excitement you need. Nice '06 IP coupe, add a Vortech and enjoy the ride....Gary