Traded in my 2004 350Z touring for it.

Last year I purchased a Z over an S (mostly due to my 6'3" height) though I had owned all Hondas previous to that.

But I gave in to my desire for an S this weekend after test driving a few.

One question however. I got a great deal on a previously wrecked one (2001 with 70,000 miles). I don't know the extent of the previous damage, but I do know that the valve cover doesn't say "Honda VTEC." It is just red with no lettering. I don't know if the unit was rebuilt, replaced or whatever. Any thoughts?

The carfax doesn't indicate any wreckage, but I feel confident that it was once wrecked because a paint meter was done and some of the manufacturer stickers are missing.

Also, my convertible top is not perfectly flush with the top of my windshield. When the vert top is down, there is about a half an inch gap. No rain leaks through though.

I got an amazing deal on it and I am covered under manufacturer warranty for another 2 years. No regrets there. Also, I used to own a 94 Accord that had been wrecked. I put many miles on that car with no problems.

Any thoughts concerning the valve cover, the convertible top, or wrecked S2Ks in general. All info will be GREATLY appreciated.

Tristan

 

Oh yea...And I'm glad to be here.

I'm not a one and done poster. I was a valued contributor to my350z.com, and plan to contribute similarly here.

That said, I really look forward to your responses. You guys have the advantage of experience...both anecdotal and actual.

Thanks!

T

 

MY S was wrecked and fixed when i bought it used..havent had a problem w/ it...its an MY01....btw the flushness of the top might have to do w/ the strykers...i believe the 00-01 strykers werent as great as they had thought so the years after that they replaced them w/ the strykers that came w/ the hardtops since those hold better and tighter..and you won't get as much windnoise w/ the top down on the highway..you might want to look into getting those..they're not too expensive

 

Hey Anthony, thanks for your prompt response and for the info!

I'm following up on your info concerning the "strykers."

It is also comforting to know that someone has had good luck with their once wrecked S.

Any one else with thoughts, suggestions?

 

cylinder head unit = valve cover??

 

Enjoy the car. I guess you got some money back from selling the Z for the S. More money for mods.

 

there is a piece that covers the sparkplugs and coilpacks that says "VTEC" on it... sounds like you are just missing that piece.

goodluck with the car.... don't floor it around a turn in the rain with bald tires... (there are enough of those threads on this site already)

 

I want to see a picture of the top and the engine bay.

 

Yep...valve cover. I apologize for using the wrong term.

 

All around it was a better financial decision. Lesser payment and I'll be getting some money back.

The S is so much more fun to drive than my Z. I loved the instant punch of the Z on the low end, but it just ALWAYS felt heavy. I could never get over that feeling.

And the engine was pretty much maxed out without going F/I. It would have taken me another few grand to get 30 more whp.

Love the heritage, the look, and the response of the Z. But in the end, it wasn't what I wanted out of a car.