evest

Indeed!

So far I've done the short ram intake, Cobra cat-back exhaust and now the plenum spacer. Really just want to put some lightened pulleys on first, but I'm wiped out for this month!

Will keep it in mind though

Not the first and certainly not the last to do so!!!

Got a Motordyne Plenum Spacer for ZMANALEX (usually great service) it's the 5/16" ISO Thermal one. Installed it today and am pleased to say it went (almost) without a hitch - I managed to round off one the engine cover bolts as I had to rush toward the end! Ah well, not the end of the world, will sort it next week.

Not done the coolant control valve yet as ran out of time.

The car felt great afterwards; I'm sure it had a slightly deeper growl and seemed to pull a bit better. Didn't get any CELs or anything so all good.

Really pleased with the mod, and got a bit more confidence from doing it - never had the lower plenum off before, but all went well.

If I can offer any advice to anyone thinking of doing it I would say this: I don't have much mechanical experience but was able to do it in 2hrs without any problems (apart from being a bit clumsy with the aforementioned bolt!). The instructions included are very clear and easy to follow.

Apart from normal hand tools, I would recommend investing in a low range torque wrench with a range capable of 4-5 NMs upwards - this is to ensure the bolts are tightened properly so the seal is good.

Oh and leave enough time to avoid rushing anything...schoolboy error there!

Happy

mate,

induction kit easy to do yourself. There are a several people on here that can help you with body kits (and everything else too!) - check out the traders section.

Looking forward to some pics when you get the car! What colour you going for?

Thank you all for the help guys! As soon as I get a chance, I will start sorting these out!

 

Got a few more questions having driven for 2 weeks now...

 

- I've noticed some GT Z's have 2 knobs on the side of the seat and some have one (mine has 2). What is the Z's with only 1 swivel knob missing? Is it an optional extra or something? Not sure - if you got two then don't worry about it!

 

- When I've parked up after a drive, my idle seems perfectly fine. As soon as I switch my headlights and heating off. The idle drops and then starts to judder a little. You can hear the exhaust thudding to the rev fluctuation. Sounds bit like a knock/misfire? Is this normal? I believe it's normal for the idle to drop a wee bit when you switch of the heating etc... any strange noises whilst driving? I gave my throttle body a good clean, and also carried out the throttle body reset procedure - this improved idle quite a lot

 

- I've noticed my interior roof light flickers sometimes, how do I rectify this? Loose connection somewhere perhaps?

 

- I've noticed I've got an antenna stuck onto the windscreen just above the rear view mirror and some unit inside my armrest storage section. Has my car been Bluetooth phone prep'd? Is this an optional extra or a standard fit onto GT models? There is a bluetooth module you can buy which slot into the arm rest cradle - this enables you to use the steering wheel control for your phone. They pop up for sale on here every now and then (£60-£100)

 

- What is the best/safest product to remove bird etching off my bonnet and rear spoiler? Try a fairly non abrassive polish to start with to see if that sorts it. If not, use (carefully) gradually more abrasive polish - but don't go too far - avoid T-Cut and the like, a it can be a bit too rough on the Zed's paint

 

- Can I source RAYS alloy wheel touch up paint from somewhere? Want to touch them up as a temporary fix until I get my wheels refurbed. Ford Strato Silver is a good match, have a look at this: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=13777

 

- Is it possible to remove touch-up paint of the bodywork once applied and dried (like an excess amount around a stone chip)? I think that once its dried you can then polish out the excess

 

I really appreciate your help guys and I'm glad I joined this forum instead of the others. You guys are really helpful and understanding, always willing to help as much as possible. This is what makes this forum a great place to be!!

No worries - hope this helps

id be interest aswell, wonder if they would supply it painted tht way can just fit it myself

Would be very convenient - but you would risk not getting an exact colour match which would be a shame. Best to take it to a bodyshop with the car so they can get it perfect

Beavis - very May I ask what are the wheels in your first picture? I like 'em!

Cheers

Near Brine Leas High School about 1130 today.

Wave/flash exchanged

Interesting post mate. For me, she's a daily runner with 25miles each way so I need to be hitting the 30mpg mark too make things economical. Fortunately I have plenty of twisty A roads, so keeping it passively between 50-60 mph to achieve this still make for a reasonably drive. The main thing I have adjusted to is lighter pulling away and slowing down - has made a noticeable difference.

Tarmac,

Count me in and willing to commit the money.

(I've wanted a Chargespeed rear for a very long time!!)

Unlucky mate.

If paint is intact then it can be repaired to look new. I would get a professional mobile repair to do it though; if you're not careful you could stretch/break the paint. Had a similar thing, cost me about £50.

A mate of mine runs this:

http://www.thesatnavwarehouse.com

Unfortunately he gets a lot of customers trying to blame it on him when they subsequently get caught speeding!!!

If there is much interest in these systems then I could see if he wants to work out some kind of members discount, etc...?

That said, there's nothing like having a play with a like-minded enthusiast you happen to stumble across when out and about.

Agreed - it's making the judgement on the mindset of the other driver that counts. A bit of friendly 'performance comparison' can be fine in the right conditions as you say but, IMO, as soon as it becomes a competetive 'race' - it's time to knock it off.

+ 1 on not taking the bait fella

I remember when I first got my Zed - coming off a roundabout onto an empty dual carriageway and thought "why not" - fish tailed it but fortunately maintained control. Cold road, cold tyres and stupid person at the wheel - me!

Anyways, glad it happened in a way - learnt a lesson; respect for the car and for the road conditions. Had my fair share of provocation for racing too - and pleased to say I don't bother with it.

Too many people out there have watched films like "fast and furious" and think it's clever to race on public roads. It isn't. It just gives performance car owners a bad reputation and ultimately ends up with people getting hurt.

Hi, The CAi make the best noise but we find these are bad for heat soak as the air filters pick air up from under the bonnet where as the stock airboxes pick up cold air from behind the bumper.

Agreed.

Here is my solution!

http://www.370z-uk.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=42577&start=0&sid=970a6af1003a8c3b3c63652631d86527

Admittedly it doesn't do much to protect against the heat soak around the cone filters, but at least with a bit more cold air getting sucked in it helps to mitigate the effects.

Here you go mate

http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=40171&start=0

Personally I love the look and sound of it!!

PM sent

How long do you think I have to wait after a respray until I can apply a paint shield on? I'll probably be carrying out a respray very soon. Can you point me in the right direction to source a paint shield? How much would it cost?

The paint shield is something the bodyshop would do for you after the respraying, I think it can be right away since they heat cure the paint and lacquer, but I'm no expert on it!!

Prices vary but I guess it would make sense to get it done at the same place whilst the bumper is already off the car. Sorry I'm not sure on the cost.

Thanks Martin! Will check out the recommended thread

Not had any suspensions parts replaced yet - although the various topics being raised at the moment got me thinking that a thorough inspection might be a good idea...

Hi folks,

A general advice request if I may...

I'm into the 80K's now having had my beloved Zed for just over 2 years (it's a '53 plate). Pleased to say she seems to be running just as well as when I bought her at 45K!

As it's getting warmers I've started embarking on some maintenance lately. Done the normal engine oil change and have recently cleaned out the throttle body (which has produced quite an improvement on ignition!), and am set to replace the gear and LSD oils shortly as I'm not so sure when these were last done.

She's already had a new clutch and flywheel about 6-7 months ago and a new exhaust system about 3 months ago. I was wondering if anyone could advise me on the sorts of things I might look out for at this stage of the cars life that the normal servicing schedule might not pick up? There are no particular things concerning me at the moment - just wondered about other people's experience with similar mileage?

All input much appreciated,

Cheers!

I have the 2003 - 2004 manual on CD. I know you're after 2005, but if mine is any use to you I'll make a copy and post it to you - pm me if your interested.

Got a couple of stock rear Nankangs in the garage; only 1000 miles on 'em if you're interested?!?

Has the coolant level dropped again? That would obviously indicate a leak.

If not, then problem elsewhere - is the radiator fan working when you are stationary?

Somebody with more technical knowledge will hopeful assist further!

Cruise control = instant diesel-like economy.

Do correct if I'm wrong...: cruise control is a labour saving device that provides constant SPEED, not constant throttle. So if you go up and down hills, the cruise control will adjust the throttle for you to maintain the desired speed - same as you would with the pedal, so fuel consumption will be similar? If you kept constant throttle, your speed would surely vary with the gradients?

My top tip! - when approaching heavy motorway traffic, tuck in behind the big rigs - they always seem to trundle along at a fairly constant speed - rather than the stop/start, lane jumping, fuel quaffing madness you find in the other two lanes.

I think the police usually give you that option (if available) in the post along with the speeding ticket?

Depends on the constabulary - each area has its own rules but it's generally for people who have 'unwittingly' crept over the limit. Unfortunately for doing 45mph in a 30mph zone they probably wont offer it because it's too far over the limit. I think it's usually along the lines of 10% + an extra 3-4mph.

Clearly you have impeccable taste!

Good choice - I'm sure it will be a whole new brand of fun!

The advice on here helped me a lot when I bought mine. Good luck!