Ride Impression from Sunny SoCal to Snowy Mammoth
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Ride Impression from Sunny SoCal to Snowy Mammoth
So this was my first long ride in the G35S-6MT and I'd thought I'd share my thoughts. I've got an 03.5 w/stillen hi flow and grounding kit, and the 350z intake duct. Have about 2,200 miles, and I've already switched to Mobil 1 at 1,000. I was hesitant to take the G up to Mammoth in the snow, but I figured it's a car, so drive it. In no particular order here are my impressions:
1. Seat. I weigh about 200lbs., so I was a bit concerned about the comfort. I was perfectly fine, and I love those seat warmers!
2. Cargo. This is exactly why I got the Sedan, two snow boards in the back seats (yes no rack), and the trunk overpacked with bags (I do have an Infinity Bass Link so that takes up some space). I couldn't have done this with a Coupe.
3. Cabin Noise- The cabin is indeed tight, but depending on the speed and wind (and it does get windy on the 14), the ambient sound varies. It's good, but I wouldn't say it's better than a Bimmer. While playing some music I did notice some annoying rattling coming from the Dash area. I couldn't pinpoint it, but I do have an aftermarket Bass, so that amplifies the problem, and I did find that the Rearview mirror was at least part of the rattling. Other than that not much rattling elsewhere. I had already purchased some high density foam an insulated the rear parcel panel myself prior to the trip. Big help.
4. "The G Ride" -Wow.
This car rocks. I had so much fun driving. Downshifting to pass cars was a blast with no trouble passing, you hit the throttle and it goes. Up mountains I was cruising past all sorts of cars and SUVs. On the 14, it gets really windy, and I did feel myself getting pushed around, but the G's handling was good, didn't bother me. On one occasion while passing a car I downshifted and floored it, got the RPM's up to about 6k or more and then the engine cut out! Started it right up on the glide, scratched my head and wondered if I red lined it or hit some ECU limit. It's only happen to me once before and that was after driving back from a ride in Gurgen's car
) My other thought was it might have been the Stillen Hi-flow and 350z duct combo, and then I remembered that it was the Injen intakes that had a stalling problem with 6MT's (correct me if I'm wrong). On the straightaway (word of caution: I don't condone driving at high speeds), I decided to open it up a bit. It was a little windy so I was a bit hesitant, but I got it up to 140! It felt good. That was the fastest I've ever driven a car, and I have to say the car felt like it was in control and had more to give.
5. The G in Snow.
So I am orginally an east coaster with a bit of experience with driving in the snow, but not much. Needless to say I had to slap on some chains. At Kragen in Bishop, we had a hard time finding the right set for the 215/55R17 Turanza's, but after two fittings we got the right ones on. I really think the 04 AWD with snow tires would have been better here, but oh well. It took me a while to get use to chains and shifting in the snow, the G's got a lot of kick that my foot didn't want to give up on so there was a little bit of slippage and VDC going on. I almost think that it's probably better to have VDC off so that it doesn't kick in an brake on ice, but who knows, perhaps a seasoned G snow driver can chime in. I was definitly getting looks up there. I couldn't tell if it was nice car or why the hell would you bring that up here, probably a little of both ;0)
By the way I did not see 1 G once I got out of Los Angeles (where there are loads of them).
On the way back to Los Angeles today, an M3 pulled up next to me, and I figured what the hell why not. So I downshifted into 4th cut behind him and took off. Boy was that fun. There was a bit of lane changing to do, but he caught up. I turned to my friend and said I smoked an M3..wooow!! She said to me, "Well, you may have been racing, but I don't think he was"
Ah well, it was still fun. I smoked an M3! woohoo! Lol, okay now back to reality.
Overall I must say I am happy with this car. The power, comfort, and ride is great. I kept thinking to myself how much more fun would it be passing cars with an Stillen or Borla Exhaust? Who knows. Personally I don't want the car to sound like a racer, but the fun to be had might change my mind in the future. I'm more than content for now!
1. Seat. I weigh about 200lbs., so I was a bit concerned about the comfort. I was perfectly fine, and I love those seat warmers!
2. Cargo. This is exactly why I got the Sedan, two snow boards in the back seats (yes no rack), and the trunk overpacked with bags (I do have an Infinity Bass Link so that takes up some space). I couldn't have done this with a Coupe.
3. Cabin Noise- The cabin is indeed tight, but depending on the speed and wind (and it does get windy on the 14), the ambient sound varies. It's good, but I wouldn't say it's better than a Bimmer. While playing some music I did notice some annoying rattling coming from the Dash area. I couldn't pinpoint it, but I do have an aftermarket Bass, so that amplifies the problem, and I did find that the Rearview mirror was at least part of the rattling. Other than that not much rattling elsewhere. I had already purchased some high density foam an insulated the rear parcel panel myself prior to the trip. Big help.
4. "The G Ride" -Wow.
This car rocks. I had so much fun driving. Downshifting to pass cars was a blast with no trouble passing, you hit the throttle and it goes. Up mountains I was cruising past all sorts of cars and SUVs. On the 14, it gets really windy, and I did feel myself getting pushed around, but the G's handling was good, didn't bother me. On one occasion while passing a car I downshifted and floored it, got the RPM's up to about 6k or more and then the engine cut out! Started it right up on the glide, scratched my head and wondered if I red lined it or hit some ECU limit. It's only happen to me once before and that was after driving back from a ride in Gurgen's car
) My other thought was it might have been the Stillen Hi-flow and 350z duct combo, and then I remembered that it was the Injen intakes that had a stalling problem with 6MT's (correct me if I'm wrong). On the straightaway (word of caution: I don't condone driving at high speeds), I decided to open it up a bit. It was a little windy so I was a bit hesitant, but I got it up to 140! It felt good. That was the fastest I've ever driven a car, and I have to say the car felt like it was in control and had more to give.5. The G in Snow.
So I am orginally an east coaster with a bit of experience with driving in the snow, but not much. Needless to say I had to slap on some chains. At Kragen in Bishop, we had a hard time finding the right set for the 215/55R17 Turanza's, but after two fittings we got the right ones on. I really think the 04 AWD with snow tires would have been better here, but oh well. It took me a while to get use to chains and shifting in the snow, the G's got a lot of kick that my foot didn't want to give up on so there was a little bit of slippage and VDC going on. I almost think that it's probably better to have VDC off so that it doesn't kick in an brake on ice, but who knows, perhaps a seasoned G snow driver can chime in. I was definitly getting looks up there. I couldn't tell if it was nice car or why the hell would you bring that up here, probably a little of both ;0)
By the way I did not see 1 G once I got out of Los Angeles (where there are loads of them).
On the way back to Los Angeles today, an M3 pulled up next to me, and I figured what the hell why not. So I downshifted into 4th cut behind him and took off. Boy was that fun. There was a bit of lane changing to do, but he caught up. I turned to my friend and said I smoked an M3..wooow!! She said to me, "Well, you may have been racing, but I don't think he was"
Ah well, it was still fun. I smoked an M3! woohoo! Lol, okay now back to reality.
Overall I must say I am happy with this car. The power, comfort, and ride is great. I kept thinking to myself how much more fun would it be passing cars with an Stillen or Borla Exhaust? Who knows. Personally I don't want the car to sound like a racer, but the fun to be had might change my mind in the future. I'm more than content for now!
Cactus Hugging Admin
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,185
Likes: 8
From: Las Vegas, NV
Re: Ride Impression from Sunny SoCal to Snowy Mammoth
Great review [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img] Thanks! I recently drove from Indy to Vegas, by way of a mountain town... found the AT handled just fine in the snow, but it may have been because my G was LOADED with stuff. I literally had stuffed every inch of it... and was immediately glad I got the sedan, lol. Can't believe you didn't see another G... of course, I didn't see one either, but that's still cool.
G
2003.5 Black w/ Willow G35
Premium / Sport / Aero / Winter / Navi / Tint
G
2003.5 Black w/ Willow G35
Premium / Sport / Aero / Winter / Navi / Tint
Cali Event Coordinator
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco / Redwood City
BASE ACURA TLX NOW WANT A G35 AGAIN THOUGH
Re: Ride Impression from Sunny SoCal to Snowy Mammoth
Whooping any ride is great specially an M3!
I've whooped a preppy white guy (no offense) in a 911 Carrera4 when the light hit green going 280 South. This was before I had my INJEN CAI installed too and it still took off.
I dropped off my G at the body shop for "bumper damage" and got a Jaguar X-Type sedan as a loaner. It's a soft cushy ride and no pick up at all but it's still a nice car. I can see why our G's (coupe & sedan) got Motor Trend's best car of the year award 2 years in a row. It's true, in the city SF or LA you see G's everywhere. Once you go out of town, they're scarce. I guess Californian's living in the city are pickier about our cars. Enterprise is always good about making sure u r satisfied with the car you get and the insurance company admitted that their driver was at fault said they'll take care of the bill. Can't wait to get my G back!
Thanks for the feedback and keep on whoooooopin when it's safe to do so!
Bobby - SF =)
2003.5 Sedan D.Platinum or Mist I forget
Recent mod - INJEN CAI - XM - SIRIUS - DVD/TV TUNER AV Electronice box - 10" SUB 35% Tint!
I've whooped a preppy white guy (no offense) in a 911 Carrera4 when the light hit green going 280 South. This was before I had my INJEN CAI installed too and it still took off.
I dropped off my G at the body shop for "bumper damage" and got a Jaguar X-Type sedan as a loaner. It's a soft cushy ride and no pick up at all but it's still a nice car. I can see why our G's (coupe & sedan) got Motor Trend's best car of the year award 2 years in a row. It's true, in the city SF or LA you see G's everywhere. Once you go out of town, they're scarce. I guess Californian's living in the city are pickier about our cars. Enterprise is always good about making sure u r satisfied with the car you get and the insurance company admitted that their driver was at fault said they'll take care of the bill. Can't wait to get my G back!
Thanks for the feedback and keep on whoooooopin when it's safe to do so!
Bobby - SF =)
2003.5 Sedan D.Platinum or Mist I forget
Recent mod - INJEN CAI - XM - SIRIUS - DVD/TV TUNER AV Electronice box - 10" SUB 35% Tint!
Re: Ride Impression from Sunny SoCal to Snowy Mammoth
GDAMMIT I was supposed to be in Mammoth (from Philadelphia) but I was "convinced" by my no snow or ski GF that I would be better off staying home to paint 3 rooms this week in our house....(&^*^%()*%. How was the skiing. My sis says theres a 7 foot base and it was snowing when she called to rub it in. I(^*()&^*)&^*^_(^%*_(%^
PS Motor Trend never gijves the award out two years in a row. The Toyota Prius is this years winner. May be my next car actually
PS Motor Trend never gijves the award out two years in a row. The Toyota Prius is this years winner. May be my next car actually
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