2007 Infiniti G35: A Clutch Road Trip Performer

If by chance you get stuck with the G35 same time next year, here's what you do:

Turn off the engine, open the door and push off with your foot. You'll make the same rate of progress (given the stop-n-go traffic) and your leg will have expended the same energy as pushing the stiff clutch, yet you'll increase your MPG.

The more I look at it, the more I like it.
 
For some reason the clutch comments don't change that any.

I feel your pain, James. Once a year I drive my S2000 down to Austin (2100 mile/25 hour trip) and my left calf is killing me (stage III clutch). I visibly favor my right leg for a couple days after such a trip. I can't wait to take that professorship in Alabama where I'll only be 1200 miles away.

I really want to like the G, I really do. Infiniti really needs to inject some REFINEMENT as that is the only problem I have with the car. Oh and fix the "phat" rear end.
 
Off Topic: Estreka, is your S2000 modified? A Stage III clutch is pretty serious for daily driving or even a stock weekend warrior. If its not modified you may want to look at the new Kraftwerks/Oscar Jackson supercharger for the S2k. During testing the top kit made a SAFE 387hp to the wheels. The top high boost production kit will make around 360hp to the wheels.
 
Details and How To Get One
The pricing for the S2000 kits:
$5495 for the Base kits. This kit is CARB Pending. The final numbers have not been released. The base kit includes KraftWerks' own fuel management electronics and is designed for all S2000s.
$6495 for the High-Boost kits. The 355whp numbers apply to this version. The initial release will be for the 06+ AP2. This kit includes everything in the base kit plus a Hondata reflash and higher capacity RC injectors
$5695 for the High-Boost "YouTune" kit. This kit allows the consumer to choose which ECU and injectors they would like to use.
*ALL of the above kits come with intercooler
 
(Kraftwerks AP2 S2000 video)
http://revver.com/watch/487609/tov-video-kraftwerks-ap2-s2000-supercharger-system/

I actually got the first Vortech s/c system. I'm not getting 360+rwhp, but I am getting about 320rwhp. I'm sure I could run more than 7 lbs, but I'm pretty comfortable with what I've got. I had to get 255 tires for the year and a high end Tien suspension just to keep the power I've got on my ground.
I did have a stage IV (ACT HDG4 4-puck) when I first got the car, but it only lasted 10K miles (they just aren't built to last). Now I've got a full disk and it's lasted me 30K miles without slippage so far.
 
Here's my car:
http://www.carspace.com/estreka/Albums/S2000/

A high-end Tein suspension? I didn't know such a thing existed. I kid.²

Off topic: Really nice S estreka. We have a stock black/black 2002 S with not even 15K on the odometer, we've had it about 2 years. Ive been looking for another project car and was initially going with the idea of a daily driven RWD sedan with high HP potential (400whp range). I finally narrowed the list down to the Lexus IS300 manual or a BMW E36 M3 manual sedan. But after I thought about it I wanted something more driver focused, lighter in weight and a weekend warrior instead of a daily driver. I also had to think about the car being down for installing modifications so that eliminated it from being a daily driver.
 
Ill probably end up buying another S2000, probably an AP2 (04-05) since we already have an AP1. Ill designate the current AP1for myself and give the wife the AP2 because the AP1 was originally bought for her as an anniversary present. I'm gonna sell my modified B series powered 95 Civic EX sedan and my 03 Acura CL-S for a slightly used Acura TSX 6MT or a new Civic Si/Navi sedan.
 
Any words of advice/tips for me as far as modifications are concerned? Anything I should keep an eye out for?

basically....get the auto G, got it!

The '02s had a glass rear window, didn't it? Frankly, I'd say don't hock it. Those things are great. You can get a centrifugal s/c for about $5K these days. Just beef up the suspension and get bigger tires (I recommend 255). I pretty much went all out with custom interior, 14 lb 17" rims (SuperAdvan V2), a hefty brake kit, and tons of little things. My total investment is $57K, though (including the car).
If you simply must have a different car, I'd recommend a Supra TT, RX-7, or even a Silvia. Cars from the 90's are so much easier to modify than the excessively-complex cars of today. If you want some real fun, look into buying a vintage grand tourer (think Fairladies of the 70's, old Celicas, et al). Those will be worth some money someday.
 
I'd sure like to get my hands on your CL-S. How much are you selling it for? Montana isn't RWD friendly most months.

Im not selling our AP1, If I decide to go with the S2000 I will keep that car to modify and buy the wife an AP2. Supras are very nice cars but dont have that telepathic drive that I enjoy and they are REDICULOUSLY expensive. RX-7 is a good choice for all around performance but the reliability issues with those cars isnt worth it, but they are cheap.
  
I love our S even stock, as the suspension, steering, shifter, pedal placement are all perfect. My favorite thing about the car is the 9000 revs. That engine just makes you want to thrash on it all the time and explore the full rev range. I can only imagine that same feeling only with much more available power and torque.
  
The CL-S 6 speed has already been spoken for by my brothers fiance as she bought our old 99 CRV 5 years ago. But its an 03, anthracite over black leather, 43,000 or so miles and no dings or scratches. Only problems Ive had with the car was a sunroof rattle when new, and a idling issue around 37,000 miles. Ill probably ask $15,500 for it.
  
Im gonna use the money from the sale of the Civic and CL-S to buy her AP2. Ill sell my pleathora of Amazon.com shares to buy a new Civic Si sedan or a gently used 6MT TL /TSX as the manual versions are pretty reasonable. In the end I wont have any out of pocket expense.

What I want to know is if you guys track your S2Ks! Seems like a lot of it would go to "waste" if they're limited to street driving.

You better believe I do. Montana SCCA isn't very active (you have to drive 3 hours in any direction to get anywhere!). And my locality doesn't offer much competition (tons of Subarus, though. You'd love it up here Suby).
 
When I take my next assignment down in AL, I'll get a lot more driving time in. I won't have a 110+ hr/week job and I'll get my weekends off. ;-)

Ive done the SCCA thing with my Civic for years but I seek a different/higher level of performance now. Its time for bigger and better things.
 
The nearest track for me is Mid Ohio and Ive only been a few times to watch the Speed Challenge. There is a drag strip about 45 minutes from me, and I have been before but I prefer all around performance vs straight line. Although when I do go Im usually just a spectator and/or help friends setup their cars.
 
I wish there was a track closer as I would really like to improve my driving skills in the S2000 and really get in sync with the car as Ive yet to unleash my full potential, which is lower than the cars potential. I really envy people who have a proper track at their disposal.
 
In essence I guess for me a mildly modified S2000 would be a "waste" as there isnt a track close BUT Im still going to do it. Wish me luck!

hondaacura4:
"I'm gonna sell my modified B series powered 95 Civic EX sedan and my 03 Acura CL-S for a slightly used Acura TSX 6MT or a new Civic Si/Navi sedan. "
 
I happen to know of one.
http://66.160.188.111/strategies/409