NISSAN 350Z 2004 Z33 Owners Manual

Aftermarket fuel additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of any
fuel additives (that is, fuel injector cleaner, oc-
tane booster, intake valve deposit removers,
etc.) which are sold commercially. Many of these
additives intended for gum, varnish or deposit
removal may contain active solvent or similar
ingredients that can be harmful to the fuel sys-
tem and engine.Octane rating tipsIn most parts of North America, you should use
unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of at
least 87 or 91 AKI (Anti-Knock Index) number.
However, you may use unleaded gasoline with
an octane rating as low as 85 AKI number in
these high altitude areas [over 4,000 ft (1,219
m)] such as: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
Utah, Wyoming, northeastern Nevada, southern
Idaho, western South Dakota, western Ne-
braska, and that part of Texas which is directly
south of New Mexico.
Using unleaded gasoline with an octane
rating lower than stated above can cause
persistent, heavy spark knock. (Spark
knock is a metallic rapping noise.) If se-
vere, this can lead to engine damage. If you
detect a persistent heavy spark knock even
when using gasoline of the above stated
octane rating, or if you hear steady sparkknock while holding a steady speed on
level roads, have your dealer correct the
condition. Failure to correct the condition
is misuse of the vehicle, for which NISSAN
is not responsible.
Incorrect ignition timing will result in knocking,
after-run or overheating. This in turn may cause
excessive fuel consumption or damage to the
engine. If any of the above symptoms are en-
countered, have your vehicle checked at a
NISSAN dealer or other competent service fa-
cility.
However, now and then you may notice
light spark knock for a short time while
accelerating or driving up hills. This is no
cause for concern, because you get the
greatest fuel benefit when there is light
spark knock for a short time under heavy
engine load.9-4
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ENGINE OIL AND OIL FILTER
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the correct oilIt is essential to choose the correct quality, and
viscosity oil to ensure satisfactory engine life and
performance. NISSAN recommends the use of a
low friction oil (energy conserving oil) in order to
improve fuel economy and conserve energy. Oils
which do not have the specified quality label
should not be used as they could cause engine
damage.
Only those engine oils with the American Petro-
leum Institute (API) certification mark on the frontof the container should be used. This type of oil
supersedes the existing API SG, SH, or SJ and
Energy ConservingI&IIcategories.
If you cannot find engine oil with the API certifi-
cation mark, use an API grade SG/SH, Energy
ConservingI&IIorAPIgrade SJ or SL, Energy
conserving oil. An oil with a single designation
SG or SH, or in combination with other catego-
ries (for example, SG/CC or SG/CD) may also
be used if one with the API certification mark
cannot be found. An ILSAC grade GF-I, GF-II &
GF-III oil can also be used.
NISSAN recommends mineral based oils. These
oils must however, meet the API quality and SAEviscosity ratings specified for your vehicle.
Oil additivesNISSAN does not recommend the use of oil
additives. The use of an oil additive is not
necessary when the proper oil type is used and
maintenance intervals are followed.
Oil which may contain foreign matter or has
been previously used should not be used.Oil viscosityThe engine oil viscosity or thickness changes
with temperature. Because of this, it is important
that the engine oil viscosity be selected based
on the temperatures at which the vehicle will be
operated before the next oil change. The “Rec-
ommended SAE viscosity number” chart (on the
next page) shows the recommended oil viscosi-
ties for the expected ambient temperatures.
Choosing an oil viscosity other than that recom-
mended could cause serious engine damage.Selecting the correct oil filterYour new NISSAN vehicle is equipped with a
high-quality genuine NISSAN oil filter. When
replacing, use a genuine NISSAN oil filter or its
equivalent for the reason described in “Change
intervals”.
STI0367
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Change intervalsThe oil and oil filter change intervals for your
engine are based on the use of the specified
quality oils and filters. Oil and filter other than the
specified quality, or oil and filter change intervals
longer than recommended could reduce engine
life. Damage to engines caused by improper
maintenance or use of incorrect oil and filter
quality and/or viscosity is not covered by the
new NISSAN vehicle warranties.
Your engine was filled with a high quality engine
oil when it was built. You do not have to change
the oil before the first recommended change
interval. Oil and filter change intervals depend
upon how you use your vehicle. Operation under
the following conditions may require more fre-
quent oil and filter changes.

repeated short distance driving at cold out-
side temperatures,

driving in dusty conditions,

extensive idling,

towing a trailer,

stop and go “rush hour” traffic.
RECOMMENDED SAE VISCOSITY
NUMBERSAE 5W-30 viscosity oil is preferred for all
ambient temperatures. SAE 10W-30,
10W-40 viscosity oil may be used if the
ambient temperature is above 0°F (−18°C).
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
REFRIGERANT AND LUBRICANT
RECOMMENDATIONSThe air conditioning system in this NISSAN
vehicle must be charged with the refriger-
ant HFC-134a (R-134a) and the lubricant,
Nissan A/C System Oil Type S or the exact
equivalents.
CAUTION
The use of any other refrigerant or lubri-
cant will cause severe damage to the air
conditioning system and will require the
replacement of all air conditioner sys-
tem components.
The refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a) in your
NISSAN vehicle will not harm the earth’s ozone
layer. Although this refrigerant does not affect
the earth’s atmosphere, certain governmental
regulations require the recovery and recycling of
any refrigerant during automotive air condition-
ing system service. Your NISSAN dealer has the
trained technicians and equipment needed to
recover and recycle your air conditioning system
refrigerant.
TI1028-C
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Contact your NISSAN dealer when servicing
your air conditioning system.
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ENGINE
Model VQ35DE
Type Gasoline, 4-cycle
Cylinder arrangement 6-cylinder, V-slanted at 60°
Bore x Stroke in (mm) 3.760 x 3.205 (95.5 x 81.4)
Displacement cu in (cm
3) 213.45 (3,498)
Firing order 1-2-3-4-5-6*1
Idle speed rpm
See the emission control label on
the underside of the hood. Ignition timing (B.T.D.C.) degree/rpm
CO percentage at idle speed [No air] %
Spark plugStandard PLFR5A-11
Service option PLFR4A-11, PLFR6A-11
Spark plug gap (Normal) in (mm) 0.043 (1.1)
Camshaft operation Timing chain
The spark ignition system of this vehicle
meets all requirements of the Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Regula-
tions.
TI0001-A
SPECIFICATIONS9-8
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WHEELS AND TIRES
Road wheelModel Type Position SizeOffset
in (mm)
Coupe AluminumFront17 x 7-1/2JJ 1.18 (30)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)
Rear17 x 8JJ 1.30 (33)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)
18 x 8-1/2JJ* 1.30 (33)
Roadster AluminumFront17 x 7-1/2JJ 1.18 (30)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)
Rear17 x 8JJ 1.30 (33)
18 x 8JJ* 1.18 (30)TireModel Type Position Size Pressure (Cold)
CoupeConventionalFront 225/50R17 94W 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear 235/50R17 96W 240 kPa (35 psi)
Front 225/45R18 91W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear 245/45R18 96W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare —T145/90D16 420 kPa (60 psi)
T155/80R17* 420 kPa (60 psi)
Road-
sterConventionalFront 225/50R17 94W 220 kPa (32 psi)
Rear 235/50R17 96W 220 kPa (32 psi)
Front 225/45R18 91W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Rear 245/45R18 96W* 240 kPa (35 psi)
Spare — T145/90D16 420 kPa (60 psi)
*: For option
DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS
Coupe Roadster
Overall length in (mm) 169.6 (4,309) 169.6 (4,309)
Overall width in (mm) 71.5 (1,815) 71.5 (1,815)
Overall height in (mm) 51.9 (1,319) 52.3 (1,328)
Front tread in (mm) 60.4 (1,535) 60.4 (1,535)
Rear tread in (mm)60.6 (1,539)*1
60.8 (1,545)*260.6 (1,539)*1
60.8 (1,545)*2
Wheelbase in (mm) 104.3 (2,649) 104.3 (2,649)
Gross vehicle weight rating lb(kg)
See the F.M.V.S.S. certification label
on the driver’s side lock pillar. Gross axle weight rating
Front lb(kg)
Rear lb(kg)
*1: The wheel offset is 1.30 in (33 mm).
*2: The wheel offset is 1.18 in (30 mm).
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When planning to travel in another country,
you should first find out if the fuel available is
suitable for your vehicle’s engine.
Using fuel with too low an octane rating may
cause engine damage. All gasoline vehicles
must be operated with unleaded engine gaso-
line. Therefore, avoid taking your vehicle to areas
where appropriate fuel is not available.
When transferring the registration of your
vehicle to another country, state, province
or district,it may be necessary to modify the
vehicle to meet local laws and regulations.
The laws and regulations for motor vehicle emis-
sion control and safety standards vary according
to the country, state, province or district; there-
fore, vehicle specifications may differ.
When any vehicle is to be taken into an-
other country, state, province or district
and registered, its modifications, transpor-
tation, and registration are the responsibil-
ity of the user. NISSAN is not responsible
for any inconvenience that may result.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(VIN) PLATEThe vehicle identification number plate is at-
tached as shown. This number is the identifica-
tion for your vehicle and is used in the vehicle
registration.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(chassis number)The number is stamped as shown.
STI0320
STI0321
WHENTRAVELING OR
REGISTERING YOUR VEHICLE IN
ANOTHER COUNTRYVEHICLE IDENTIFICATION9-10
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ENGINE SERIAL NUMBERThe number is stamped on the engine as shown.
F.M.V.S.S. CERTIFICATION LABELThe Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
(F.M.V.S.S.) certification label is affixed as
shown. This label contains valuable vehicle in-
formation, such as: Gross Vehicle Weight Rat-
ings (GVWR), Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR), month and year of manufacture, Ve-
hicle Identification Number (VIN), etc. Review it
carefully.
EMISSION CONTROL
INFORMATION LABELThe emission control information label is at-
tached as shown.
STI0303
STI0322
STI0323
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TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION
LABELThe cold tire inflation pressure is shown on the
Tire and Loading Information label affixed to the
driver side center pillar.
AIR CONDITIONER SPECIFICATION
LABELThe air conditioner specification label is affixed
inside of the hood as shown.
STI0366
STI0325
9-12
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Use the following steps to mount the license
plate:
Before mounting the license plate, confirm that
the following parts are enclosed in the vinyl bag.

License plate bracket

J-nut x 2

Screw x 2

Screw grommet x 2
1. Temporarily place the license plate bracket
while aligning points
A
of the front bumper
fascia with holes
B
in the license plate
bracket.
2. Remove the license plate bracket.
3. Carefully drill two shallow pilot holes
A
using a 0.39 in (10 mm) drill bit at the marked
locations.(Be sure that the drill only goes
through the fascia, or damage to the nut
may occur.)
4. Insert grommets into the hole on the fascia.
5. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver into the grom-
met hole to add 90° turn onto the part
C.
6. Insert a J-nut into the license plate bracket
before placing the license plate bracket on
the fascia.
7. Install the license plate bracket with screws.
STI0326
INSTALLING FRONT LICENSE
PLATE
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