Look up perfection in the dictionary and you just might see the Nissan 350Z. Look up overkill and you might see some Nissan engineers adding NISMO parts to the 350Z. Used to whet our palates was a 2005 Nissan 350Z, a machine that can transport a driver from the dealer’s lot to the track with nothing more than a helmet. Driven after the myriad of Sentras and Altimas, this stock Z simply shined. Power was abundant, handling was crisp, and the throaty V6 bellowed addictive sound. Of them all, this is the car you don’t want to give back.

Be that as it may, there are those of us who desire something different, something that’s got more than the stock unit every Average Joe can buy. And if it’s this good already, just think what a few tweaks could do.

That’s where NISMO comes in. On hand at the track was an S-tune Nissan 350Z fitted with the following parts:

• Stainless steel cat-back exhaust that adds six horsepower and cuts total curb weight by nine pounds ($1,100)
• 36-mm front stabilizer bar and 22-mm rear stabilizer bar ($500)
• Suspension kit that lowers the Z by 15-mm ($1,800)
• Silver five-spoke alloy wheels measuring 18 inches by 8.5 inches in front and 18 inches by 9.5 inches in the rear and priced at $575 each (price does not include P245/40R18 front and 275/40R18 rear BF Goodrich KD tires)
• Upgraded shift knob ($65-140)
• NISMO floor mats ($69)
• NISMO graphics ($175)
• NISMO license plate frame ($32)

The total parts bill came to about $6,000, not including installation, creating a Z that hugs pavement even more closely, produces stiff but precise handling, and generates a hair more power. Oh, and a few hundred dollars worth of graphics and NISMO bits that add nothing in terms of performance.

After a few quick laps around the Streets of Willow, the thought of overkill instantly comes to mind. Since this is an S-tune Z, it’s meant for street use, stiff suspension and all. Anyone who has put any seat time in a stock Z knows that the ride is already somewhat punishing. But for drivers who live for weekends and for shaving time off the back road twisties, the S-tune 350Z may prove to be the perfect fit.