350Z vs. Carrera 2
 

I was at a light coming home from work late last Friday when a white 350Z convertible pulled up alongside. Obviously modified (drivers side window pillar had three instruments, aftermarket exhaust, aftermarket wheels and tires, etc). We went 0 -65 on the highway from two lights and it was an absolute dead heat each time -- my 996 Carrera 2 would shoot a hood length out in front when the light turned great but it never could shake the Z-- after that it was like they were welded together - dead even.
I was impressed -- even thoughthePorsche is relatively anemic compared to a lot of modified stuff crusing around on weekendnights (its stock, 320 HP and about 3200 lbs, Tiptronic--mid 13 second quarter mile), I would expect a stock 350Z convertible to lag by about a three-five lengths in the quarter and this one, half way there, was hanging with it. The performance means something around350 HP (flywheel) for the heavier Z (stock I think they're about 290-300) which probably means a blower kit with about 6 lbs boost, but regardless, it was a nicely done car with some meaningful mods, and a fun little tussel . . . and no doubt the race made the guy's day, too, to hang with a Carrera.

RE: 350Z vs. Carrera 2
 

I had some buddies that just supercharged a 350Z. We baselined it on my dyno, then they put on the blower and dyno'd. Ended up putting down about 390hp to the rear wheels at about 6psi. Stock baseline run IIRC was around 250-260ish to the wheels. They definitely are no slouches, though they are heavy for sure.

RE: 350Z vs. Carrera 2
 

And the cars are a bargain, too. When you look at what you get, they really are a lot for the money.

We had a friend with an early 350Z who supercharged it to 6 lbs and got only 355 rear wheels, not 390 like yours, but even at that boost he kept blowing head gaskets -- one after another. He had heads and block trued, etc., heavy duty bolts, a bit more torque than factory, etc., but to no avail. I hear the more recent cars have a better engine in this regard although this info is only second hand.