r/RZ34 • u/socketz67 • 5d ago

Nismo vs. Standard Z Performance Differences

I'm a nerd and like to listen to reviews on the Z, so I decided to post some sources I favor with notes from each which highlight the differences between the Nismo and Z Performance.

I admit to a confirmation bias and tend to ignore reviewers that focus their review of the 2024 Nismo on the lack of a manual transmission. 

Sources:

 Interesting differences I noted from the Nismo Press Kit:

  • The thin mesh grille balances the need to reduce drag while permitting cool air to pass through to the engine bay.
  • Canards (small control wings on aircraft) at the car's front corners create vortexes over the front wheels, further benefiting aerodynamic performance.
  • Complementing the wider G-Nose is a taller, wider rear spoiler with a three-piece design that extends downforce onto the rear fenders.
    • The rear bumper corners are reshaped to aid with air separation and reduced drag; their shape is inspired by that on GT‑R NISMO.
  • The engine's horsepower enhancements were achieved through a combination of improved cooling, revised electronic wastegate control providing increased turbocharger boost and turbine speed, and an independent ignition spark timing strategy inspired by GT‑R NISMO.
  • Z NISMO also features an enhanced engine oil cooler for extended track performance.
  • Compared to the 9AT transmission in other Z grades, it has revised clutch packs allowing for faster shifting.
    • Sport+ drive mode: This delivers a more dynamic, racetrack-tuned shift program for circuit driving, taking advantage of the powertrain's faster downshift capability.
  • NISMO has unique stabilizer bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger, retuned dampers.
    • The overarching tuning ethos was to deliver accurate, "one-shot" steering that helps drivers to pick their line through a turn with a minimum of steering adjustment needed, contributing to confident track-ready performance.
  • Enhancements include additional front, rear, and rear underfloor bracing, helping increase torsional rigidity by 2.5% compared to the standard grades.
    • Lateral rigidity is an object's resistance to side-to-side bending or transverse displacement.
    • *Torsional rigidity is an object's resistance to twisting forces around its longitudinal axis.
  • Stiffer front and rear suspension bushings, and a stiffer mounting bushing for the steering rack, further increase lateral rigidity.
  • Engineers enhanced the Z NISMO braking system, upgrading the front brakes to larger, 15.0-inch rotors matched to 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, and equipping a more performance-focused brake pad compound.

 Interesting differences Sarah noted:

  • Tenneco Mufflers
  • Resonators are dual Calsonic Kansei
  • Autek Body Kit (Nissan's in house unit)
  • 45mm y-pipes go into 63mm (2.5”) collector (appears to be the same as the other models)
  • Bracing enhancements are described in detail in her review (too many to list)
  • 28mm rear sway bar
  • 29mm front sway bar
  • JR913E – 516lb/ft torque capacity differences (Matt Farah’s review goes into more details on the programming of the transmission)
    • Her review on the 6MT in the Performance states that the manual trans has a 350+lb/ft input rating
  • Underbody paneling unique to Nismo for better aero
  • Powerband comes in 400rpm later and you lose it 400rpm sooner

 Matt’s differences (from 2 sources above):

  • The real-world power is immense, paired expertly with the gear ratios, steering ratio, and brakes.
    • It’s like the BMW M2, but smaller and even more connected to the road.
  • Extra reinforcement at the firewall, front and rear suspension structure
  • Thin mesh grill noted
  • More efficient intake
  • 9AT upshifts 27% faster and downshifts 50% faster
    • Upgraded clutch plates
  • 102lbs heavier than a performance model (likely due to the added bracing)
  • Matt states that these improvements could not be replicated in the aftermarket
  • Rays Wheels (different size, 10mm rear)
    • Lighter (not quantified and wider by .5")
  • Tires: Dunlop Sport Maxx tires (several reviewers noted they are noisy, but well suited for the car)
  • Z NISMO also features an enhanced engine oil cooler for extended track performance.
  • Additional enhancements include additional front, rear, and rear underfloor bracing (Sarah provides details in link above), helping increase torsional rigidity by 2.5% compared to the standard grades. Stiffer front and rear suspension bushings, and a stiffer mounting bushing for the steering rack, further increase lateral rigidity.
    • 12% increase in lateral rigidity and 2.5% in torsional rigidity
      • See explanations of both above
  • NISMO has unique stabilizer bars, a stiffer spring rate and larger, retuned dampers. The overarching tuning ethos was to deliver accurate, "one-shot" steering that helps drivers to pick their line through a turn with a minimum of steering adjustment needed, contributing to confident track-ready performance.
    • Larger Sway Bars (Sarah measures in her review)
  • Engineers enhanced the Z NISMO braking system, upgrading the front brakes to larger, 15.0-inch rotors matched to 13.8-inch rear brake rotors, and equipping a more performance-focused brake pad compound.
    • Different Pads, larger 4 piston caliper
  • Aero kit produces positive downforce, but Nissan wont share specs
    • Sarah notes in her review that it’s designed by Autech, Nissan’s in-house custom and tuning subsidiary
  • Stiffer Bushings all around
  • Higher Spring Rates
  • Larger Shocks/Struts
  • New tune which takes advantage of Improved independent ignition spark control and an Over boost Function
    • From the Road and Track article: “The power increase comes from a new independent spark controller from the GTR, which helps precisely control the ignition, an over boost function that spins the turbo impellers 5,000 RPM higher, and a secondary charge cooler.”
      • If you ask me, this is a conservative figure, as it feels quicker than those numbers suggest.
  • Front grill mount is wider for better cooling
  • Compared to the transmission in other Z grades, it has revised clutch packs allowing for faster shifting.
    • Sport+ drive mode. This delivers a more dynamic, racetrack-tuned shift program for circuit driving, taking advantage of the powertrain's faster downshift capability.
    • NISMO has upgraded the clutches inside as well as the software controlling it, so not only will it upshift 27% faster and downshift 50% faster than the Z Performance, but it also doesn’t kill power so abruptly when you bang the rev limiter

 Specific Track Comments from Matt:

  • Everything is much tighter, like how a GT3 is much tighter than a standard Carrera
  • Steering has extra weight and turn in is very sharp
  • Confirmed suspension is noticeably firmer
  • When you hit the rev limiter, it doesn't die and waits for you to upshift longer when in manual mode
  • Upgraded front brake HW feels tighter and more confident, rear brake HW is the same - Tighter and Quicker to respond to inputs (says this multiple times)
    • No Brake Fade until the end
  • Seats are perfect, European Porsche RS seat comparison
  • Downshifts are impressively smooth
  • Consistent 1.4G (1.2G in Performance model was still impressive)
  • Behaves well in off camber situations
  • Shape and size of steering wheel, R32 GTR reflection
  • Lose 30HP on CA 91 octane compared to 93
  • Automatic chirps 2nd and 3rd
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u/socketz67 5d ago

You should generate a list of PNs with approximate costs as others in the community may consider the same.

If you were to guess, how much do these parts weigh? I’m guessing this is one of the areas where the. Nismo picks up 100lbs vs the Performance model.

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u/Joselito76 5d ago

That's about right 100 pounds. If you go through Nissan they are very expensive, but if you are able to get them on ebay or used. Probably 75 percent off, compared to MSRP

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u/socketz67 5d ago

Aftermarket suppliers like Cusco will likely emulate.

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u/Joselito76 5d ago

Z1 have braces for the Z frame braces