Legendary Nissan 350Z - one of the most desirable cars in Need for Speed: Underground 2, combining aggressive design, powerful engine and excellent handling. This model became a symbol of street racing in the early 2000s, and in the game it stands out among other sports coupes thanks to its balanced characteristics and wide tuning options. However, unlock 350Z not so simple - players are faced with the need to level up their reputation, win difficult races and collect parts.

In this guide we will look at all aspects of working with Nissan 350Z in NFS Underground 2: from methods of obtaining to optimal tuning settings, secret details and racing strategies. You'll learn how to turn the stock version into an unstoppable drift or drag racing machine, and avoid common upgrade pitfalls. We will pay special attention hidden parameter "Acceleration in low gears", which many players miss when tuning their transmission.

How to unlock Nissan 350Z in NFS Underground 2

Unlike some cars that open right away, Nissan 350Z becomes available only after a number of conditions are met. The main method is pumping Street Cred up to a certain level. Specifically for the 350Z you need:

  • 🏆 Reach 3rd chapter in his career (after defeating Sammy).
  • 📈 Dial at least 50% reputation in the area Bayview (checked in the statistics menu).
  • 💰 Have on account minimum $12,000 — the cost of the basic version 350Z.
  • 🏁 Win 3 races in a row in class Sport Compact (any complexity).

After these conditions are met, the car will appear in the showroom Car Lot in section Sport Cars. It's important to note that Nissan 350Z is not sold immediately - it must be “earned” through special test. To do this:

  1. Go to menu Quick Race → Special Events.
  2. Select race "350Z Challenge" (appears after the conditions above are met).
  3. Win the race on Circuit (ring track) vs. three rivals on Mazda RX-7.
📊 Which method of unlocking the 350Z did you find more difficult?
  • Reputation set
  • Win 3 races in a row
  • Special test
  • Collecting money

If you are playing on PS2/Xbox, there is an alternative method using cheat codes, but it blocks cloud saves. For example, enter in the main menu:

LEVELSELECT (открывает все машины, включая 350Z)

However, this method is not recommended for fair play, as it disrupts the progression balance.

Specifications of the base Nissan 350Z

Standard version Nissan 350Z in NFS Underground 2 has the following parameters (before tuning):

Parameter Meaning Comparison with competitors
Power (hp) 287 Lower than Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII (305 hp), but higher Subaru Impreza WRX STi (276 hp).
Max. speed (km/h) 250 Inferior Porsche 911 Carrera (270 km/h), but accelerates better.
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (sec) 5.8 Faster Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (6.1 sec) in stock.
Weight (kg) 1,480 Easier Dodge Viper SRT-10 (1,630 kg), which improves handling.
Drive Rear (RWD) Ideal for drifting, but requires skill in turns.

Main advantage 350Z — perfect balance of weight and power, making it versatile for different types of racing. However, in stock configuration the car loses in handling at high speeds due to insufficient aerodynamics. This can be corrected by installing spoilers and diffusers in the early stages of tuning.

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Don't rush to improve your engine right away! First install sports tires (in the menu Tires → Performance) - this will give +15% grip and make cornering much easier.

Optimal tuning for different types of racing

B NFS Underground 2 Nissan 350Z can be adapted to any driving style: from drag racing to drifting. Let's look at the best builds for each type.

1. Drag racing (direct races)

For victories on 1/4 and 1/2 mile the emphasis is on acceleration and gear ratios. Recommended improvements:

  • 🔧 Engine: Stage 3 Turbo + Race Intercooler (max. power ~450 hp).
  • ⚙️ Transmission: Race Clutch and setting gears for short distances (first gear - 3.5, second - 2.8).
  • 🚗Pendant: Drag Springs (hardness 80%) and Slick Tires for better grip.
  • ⚖️ Weight: Remove all unnecessary parts (eg. Hood → Carbon Fiber) to reduce weight.

2. Circuit

Important here stability at high speeds and braking properties. Optimal assembly:

  • 🔥 Engine: Stage 2 Supercharger (power ~380 hp) - enough for overtaking, but not excessive.
  • 🛞 Tires: Race Compound (max. grip in corners).
  • 🌀 Aerodynamics: Large Rear Wing + Front Splitter for downforce.
  • ⚙️ Suspension settings: Soft Springs (60%) And Anti-Roll Bars to minimize roll.
Secret parameter for Circuit

Install front differential at 70% lock (in the menu Drivetrain → Differential). This will reduce wheel slip when exiting corners, but will require more careful steering.

3. Drift Events

For drifting 350Z almost perfect thanks rear wheel drive. Key improvements:

  • 🔄 Engine: Stage 1 Turbo (power ~320 hp) - excess power interferes with control.
  • 🛑 Brakes: Race Brakes for sharp casts.
  • 🌀 Aerodynamics: Small Rear Wing (minimum downforce).
  • ⚙️Pendant: Drift Springs (50% hardness) And Rear Sway Bar for controlled drifts.

☑️ Check before drifting

Done: 0 / 4

For each type of race there are unique performance details, which can be found in Performance Shop. For example, useful for drifting Drift Suspension Kit, and for drag - NOS Stage 3.

Hidden parts and rare upgrades for the 350Z

B NFS Underground 2 There is unique details, which are not sold in standard stores. You can get them:

  • 🎁 Via gifts from sponsors (for example, after winning Outrun from Ciba Vision).
  • 🔍 Finding on hidden parking lots (see map below).
  • 🏆 As a prize for victories in Undercover Races (racing undercover).

List of rare parts for Nissan 350Z:

Detail Effect How to get
Nismo Exhaust +15 hp and unique sound Victory in Underground Race #7
Carbon Fiber Hood -50 kg weight Find it in the parking lot nearby Bayview Docks
OS Giken Clutch Instant gear shifting Gift from Sony Xplod after 5 wins
Veilside Body Kit +5% aerodynamics Purchase at Visual Shop after unlocking chapter 3

Particularly valuable detail OS Giken Clutch - she eliminates delay when changing gears, which is critical for drag racing. It can only be obtained after completing a hidden quest from the sponsor. Sony Xplod (you need to win 5 races in a row with his stickers on the car).

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Don't miss a detail Nismo Exhaust — it not only adds power, but also changes the engine sound to a unique one, which is absent from other cars in the game.

The best tuning settings for career victories

To pass main campaign on Nissan 350Z We recommend a balanced build that is suitable for most races. Below are the optimal settings (relevant for the game version 1.4):

1. Engine and transmission

  • 🔧 Turbine: Stage 2 (balance of power and reliability).
  • ⚙️ Gearbox: Short Gear Ratio (first gear - 3.2, second - 2.5).
  • 🛢️ NOS: Stage 2 (150 hp, 3 charges).

2. Suspension and brakes

  • 🚗 Springs: Sport (hardness 70%).
  • 🛑 Brakes: Race (minimum braking distance).
  • 🌀 Stabilizers: Front — 60%, Rear — 40%.

3. Aerodynamics

  • 💨 Front spoiler: Medium (downforce +12%).
  • 🏁 Rear wing: Large (downforce +20%).
💡

For racing on Downtown (narrow streets) reduce the suspension stiffness to 60% - this will improve handling in tight corners.

These settings allow you to confidently win races class A and partially class B. For more difficult opponents (eg. Dodge Viper in the final races) the engine will need to be modified to Stage 3 and installation NOS Stage 3.

Common mistakes when tuning a 350Z and how to avoid them

Many players admit critical errors when upgrading Nissan 350Z, which lead to losses even with the most pumped up car. Let's look at the most common ones:

⚠️ Attention: Installation NOS Stage 3 in the early stages of tuning will lead to uncontrolled skidding due to a sharp increase in power. Upgrade your suspension and tires first!

Mistake 1: Ignoring the weight of the car. Removing parts (for example, Rear Seats Delete) gives +5% to overclocking, but many forget about this, focusing only on power. Optimum weight for 350Z - 1,300–1,350 kg.

Error 2: Incorrect differential setting. Many people use it for drifting full blocking (100%), but this makes the car unpredictable. Optimal values:

  • 🌀 Front differential: 50–70% (depending on the route).
  • 🌀 Rear differential: 30–50% (less for drift, more for circuit).

Mistake 3: Pumping only maximum speed. B NFS Underground 2 most races take place on medium speeds (120–180 km/h), so it’s more important to improve acceleration in 2–3 gears. To do this:

  • Install Short Gear Ratio.
  • Use NOS in 2nd gear (and not at the start!).
⚠️ Attention: If after tuning the car becomes uncontrollable in turns, check the front to rear downforce ratio. Optimal ratio - 60% front / 40% rear for circuit racing.

Comparison of the Nissan 350Z with other cars in NFS Underground 2

Nissan 350Z occupies a unique niche among sports cars in the game. Let's compare it with its main competitors:

Model Benefits Disadvantages Best type of racing
Nissan 350Z Balanced characteristics, excellent drift Average top speed Circuit, Drift
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII Best acceleration, all-wheel drive (AWD) Difficult to control in drifts Drag, Outrun
Subaru Impreza WRX STi Good handling, AWD Low top speed Circuit
Porsche 911 Carrera Maximum speed, stability High price of upgrades Drag, Sprint
Dodge Viper SRT-10 Highest power (500+ hp) Poor handling on wet roads Drag

Main advantage 350Z — versatility. Unlike Dodge Viper, which is only good on straight lines, or Lancer Evo, requiring perfect cornering, Nissan shows stable results in all disciplines. What especially stands out is his engine sound (when installing Nismo Exhaust), which is missing on other machines.

If you need a car for starting a career from scratchThe 350Z is one of the best choices after Mazda RX-7. It's cheaper to upgrade than Porsche, but is not inferior in most races.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan 350Z in NFS Underground 2

Can the 350Z have All Wheel Drive (AWD)?

No, in NFS Underground 2 Nissan 350Z always remains rear-wheel drive (RWD). This is a limitation of the game, even with maximum tuning. If you need all wheel drive, consider Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII or Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

What's the fastest way to unlock a 350Z?

The fastest way is to focus on racing Outrun And Drag at the beginning of a career. They give maximum reputation in minimum time. You can also use a cheat code MORECASH to get $10,000 and quickly buy a car after unlocking.

What are the best tires for drifting on a 350Z?

Optimal for drifting Drift Tires (in the menu Tires → Specialty). They have less grip, making skidding easier, but require precise throttle control. Alternative - Race Compound with reduced pressure (1.6 bar).

Where can I find the OS Giken Clutch part?

This item appears in gifts from a sponsor Sony Xplod after 5 wins in a row with his stickers on the car. It can also be found in a hidden parking lot near Airport (coordinates: X=1200, Y=850 on the map).

Why does the 350Z lose to the Viper in drag racing, even with maximum tuning?

The problem is gear ratios. Dodge Viper has longer passes, which gives an advantage over long distances. To beat the Viper, tune your 350Z transmission to Ultra-Short Ratio (first gear is 3.0) and use NOS in 2nd gear.