D8NMT

I actually quite like the Citroen C1 style running lights? Fancy selling them to me?!

Hi Guys,

 

Thought I would start a build thread, just as a record of what I do to the car really, it's always nice to see how things progress...

 

So, in June 2012 I found this one.

 

Completely standard with full service history, 43K, great condition throughout, and I fell in love and bought it!

 

 

 

The first mod I made was to remove the front number plate surround, and fit my private number plate. I also sprayed the front splitter black using 'Plastdip'. This means it can be removed in a matter of minutes if needed.

 

 

I then decided to spray the front and rear badges black (with plastidip) to match the front splitter

 

 

I wanted an 'aux in' cable for the stereo so I could connect my iPhone, So I purchased a wired fm modulator. The sound quality is much better than a wireless one and there is no interference as the modulator disconnects the standard radio when it detects music from the phone. Really impressed.

 

I ran the aux wire into the ashtray cubby so it's neat and tidy when not in use

 

 

I did a small install guide here: http://www.350z-uk.c...ing-mini-guide/

 

Next I upgraded some of the bulbs to LED's. I changed the front sidelights to LEDs and also the rear numberplate bulbs and an LED reverse light bulb. I also installed some silver indicator bulbs to the front to remove the 'fried egg look'!

 

 

 

I got the car serviced in November 2012, and had noticed some slight squeaking from the suspension as well a noisy wheel bearing so decided to get everything replaced. Many thanks to ZmanAlex for supplying some of the bits i needed.

 

So, the car was treated to:

 

1 x set front genuine Nissan upgraded drop links

The special drop link nuts

2 x compression rod bushes

2 x compression rod ball joint cones

2 x compression rod ball joint nuts

 

as well as a new wheel bearing, new Brembo pads all round and a major service!

 

 

 

 

So here is how she currently stands:

 

 

 

UPDATED -04/02/13

 

Ordered are a few new bits throughout January which are starting to arrive...

 

First up, my new exhaust system arrived yesterday - Decided on the Japspeed K1 as I like the aggressive look of the rear back boxes I'm expecting it to be loud.. can't wait to get it fitted!

 

 

20mm Spacers have now arrived:

 

 

UPDATED - 10th Feb 2013

 

Car has been in the garage getting all the bits fitted this week! Exhaust sounds amazing, i'm really pleased with it for the price.

 

 

The spacers have made a real difference too, especially with the lowering springs.

 

 

I got some Apex springs from Tarmac Sportz on here (thanks Chris!) which have been fitted too, I am really pleased with them.

 

They have lowered the car nicely and the ride is great too, anyway some pics:

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE 16TH FEB:

 

Today I installed the auto-fold mirror module from Flyboy (this auto folds the mirrors in when the car is locked, and then auto folds them back out when the ignition is turned on. Fantastic little mod!

 

Video of it in action here:

 

 

 

I also put the bungs back into my japspeed exhaust, but i sprayed the bungs black which i think looks a lot better.

 

BEFORE:

 

 

AFTER:

 

 

Updated 25th Feb:

 

Got myself a flip key, had the key cut with no issues and got some little nissan badges from ebay too. Really happy with the result, I used the standard buttons in the flip key, they fit perfectly.

 

Really happy with the result

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update 15th March:

 

Just a small update, I've just put some new tyres on the rears, after reading quite a lot of reviews I decided to go for Avon ZZ5's. I'm really pleased with them, a noticeable improvement.

 

 

I've also had a full geo setup (4 wheel laser alignment), the car handles so much better!

 

 

Monday 6th May:

 

I bought another set of wheels from a fellow member and had them refurbished and powder coated in 'Candy Apple red'. I'm really pleased with them, i love the look on the car! (i know this may not be to everyones taste)

 

 

[

 

[

 

 

I also de-badged the rear and removed the black plasti-dip on the front and rear nissan badges as it had started to look a bit tatty.

 

 

Next on the list:

 

- A couple of other red touches including Black and red nissan front and rear badges, red nissan side badges and a few other small bits.

- Black roof

- Tints

Hi guys,

 

I am looking for some Eibach 30mm springs or maybe some coilovers.

 

Also, some wheel spacers.

 

Let me know if you have anything, thought it might be worth asking here before i buy new.

 

thanks

Hi Guys,

 

I am just about to purchase some suspension and would like some feedback...

 

I've narrowed it down to either Eibach 30mm springs, or Meister R coilovers.

 

I want the car to run quite low, but obviously the coilovers are 3 times the price of the springs.

 

I've done research and seen a few people saying they felt that the 30mm drop from springs was too much, others saying it's just about right and some saying it's not low enough.

 

I am trying to decide whether or not the coilovers are worth the extra money in terms of ride height?

 

Realistically what is the lowest people run their cars on coilovers for day to day use on our roads? (Pictures are encouraged here!)

 

If it's only 40mm for example, then for me its not worth the extra money, whereas if 60mm is achievable, then it is.

 

Any feedback is much appreciated.

 

thanks

Yep it's not bad.

 

The nice thing is that if you change cars you can just unplug it and transfer to your new vehicle!

 

In fact, I unplug mine and put it in my bag when I go on holiday just in case it gets lost (the charge lasts around 5-7 days). So lots of different uses!

 

If you need any more info just let me know mate

 

Some more info here:

 

http://tracker.moonfruit.com/

It's worth asking if it needs to be a specific brand etc or if it can be something you install yourself, they might just need to tick a box.

 

I have a tracker on mine, it's one of the gps/gsm ones you can get online.

 

You put a pay as you go sim card in it and you can text it (or call it) at any time and it will text you back with the location on a map.

 

Its about the size of a box of matches and just needs 12v power. (mine is hard wired in and hidden).

 

So thats a cheap option.

 

Hope this helps

 

**mod edit** Some text deleted. If you want to trade on the forum please visit the traders section for information. Thank you.

Mine is the same, but the key doesn't go in as far as you would think, almost like it only goes half way in, but if you turn it...it works!

Hi Guys,

 

I installed a wired FM modulator to my standard (non-bose stereo) this weekend.

 

I didn't feel confident doing the stereo hack, and the tape convertor line in thingy just looked messy with the wire hanging out so this seemed like a good option.

 

The main difference between a wired fm modulator and the normal type is that the unit plugs directly into the back of your stereo into the arial port and your standard arial plugs into the unit.

 

This means when the modulator is in use, it blocks out all other radio stations so you get no interference so the sound quality is much better.

 

Anyway - here is the unit, (my cat Sebastian is pointing out the power cables!)

 

 

Pull your stereo out so you can access the connections at the back and simply unplug your cars arial cable, and replace it with the cable from the modulator

 

 

Then plug your cars arial cable into the female arial adaptor on the modulator

 

 

Next, you need to power the modulator, it just needs a positive 12v and an earth so I just attached it to a cig lighter adaptor as I already have a multi outlet hidden up in the passenger footwell with a spare slot.

You could either do the same and use the socket in the passenger footwell or just use a 12v from the headunit.

 

The modulator I have also has a switch meaning it can be manually turned on and off (if you listen to the radio it needs to be turned off) So put the switch somewhere you can get to it and just hide the wires. I never listen to the radio so just leave it on, In my test the radio works fine with it left on also.

 

 

Finally, hide all the wires and simply run the 3.5mm jack to wherever you want. Mine just comes out in the passenger footwell as thats where i mount my phone, but you could easily run it into the cubby hole or wherever you prefer.

 

 

The last step, just tune your radio into the correct frequency and test it out. I'm happy with the result. There is no radio interference at all and the sound quality is fine, around the same quality as listening to the radio!

 

So now you have an aux in that is neat and tidy!

 

Slight update, I bought an extension aux cable and decided to run the wire to under the ashtray, I then drilled a small hole in the bottom of the ashtray and fed the wire up, so now when not in use I can hide the wire in the ashtray so it's out of sight...

 

 

 

Hope this helps :-)

 

Dan

My advice would be to only get one if you are happy with what you can get.

 

When i was looking for mine I nearly got one that didn't really look that good as it's all I could afford.

 

I ended up saving for a bit longer, and spending twice as much on one that I really wanted. Its worth spending a bit more as you could potentially have it for the rest of your life!

What offset are these? (will they fit the 350z without spacers?)

 

And where are you based?

No problem at all, both the Eibach and Apex have a drop of 30mm, after supplying and fitting the Eibachs I would say they have the most realistic drop, we have seen a Zed with Apex springs fitted too...

 

The Eibachs are also tried and tested many times over and the quality of Eibach has always been excellent...

 

Excellent - I have heard nothing but good things about the Eibach's, so it sounds like they are worth paying a bit more for.

 

Thanks for the info

Gunmetal will look excellent, let us know if we can also help with the suspension too, springs and coilovers both available from us, we can also fit them too - http://cougarstore.c...index&cPath=1_9

 

Thanks CS, can you advise on which set of springs provide the greatest drop from ones you have fit in the past. I've purchased springs for cars in the past that claim a 30 or 40mm drop and look no different!

 

I was looking at APEX or Eibach, but i understand the APEX ones lower slightly more?

 

Thanks

Thanks for the replies and pictures.

 

I think i'm going to go for gun metal grey, I will put some pictures up once complete :-)

 

Now onto the next decision.... Coilovers or springs!

Mine will be up for sale very shortly (just spent four hours washing claying and waxing them) if you're after a set of rays 18" jobbies, in southampton tho not sure where you are?

 

I'm in Leeds mate - so a bit far.

I need a photoshop of my car with red wheels!

 

If it looks good then i'll do it!

I'm in the same position at the moment, my Zed is silver with the Ray's and due to corrosion i want them refurbished.

 

I like the combination of anthracite wheels on Silver cars normally but also like the Rays in their standard colour.

 

This thread may help you to decide..

 

http://www.350z-uk.c...efurbed-wheels/

 

Thanks!

 

Yes that has helped a lot, the anthracite wheels look great on that Z.

I have owned my Z for a few months now and carried out a few small modifications,

next on my list is to have the wheels re-furbished and powder coated.

 

I quite fancy a colour change, but i'm not sure what to go for (my car is silver)

 

What are people's opinions? I'm thinking of going for a gloss gun metal/anthracite colour, but any suggestions are welcome?

 

Any pictures of this colour on a silver z would be appreciated.

 

Here is my car as she is now : http://www.flickr.co...N02/7772560038/

 

Options are:

 

1 - High power silver

2 - Gun metal Grey

Wildcard - Gloss candy Red!

 

UPDATE!!

 

I've been playing on photoshop, i've uploaded some image below as I thought it would be helpful for people trying to decide! This is my first go on photoshop so they may not be the best!

 

I think i'm going to go for the gun metal grey!

 

Gun Metal :

 

 

Black:

 

 

Crazy Red:

 

 

and Pink!

 

 

 

thanks

Thanks for the welcome and comments guys!

 

The S2000 was fantastic, and superb to drive. I just wanted something newer and more suitable as a daily driver.

 

I am loving the 350 though!

 

One question i had, my car is a 2006 but doesn't have the LED rear lights, so i'm guessing it's not a facelift with slightly more power? In which case it is either a pre-facelift or someone has swopped the rear lights for the earlier versions - the LED lights being highly prized

 

It does fall into the high tax band though? Then it is a facelift

 

I thought 2006 car had a slight facelift and a bit more power. It does - 296bhp compared to 276bhp

Here is an internal pic of my previous 2006 facelift - note the hazard warning light switch position in front of the gearlever as a quick and reliable reference even if trim bits have been swapped. (The phone holder is non-standard)

 

 

 

 

Thanks for the reply, however my interior is different. My hazard switch is not in front of the gearstick it's behind. And i have a silver ring around the gear stick.

 

So i think mine is a pre-facelift.

 

It's still in the hight tax bracket though which is annoying!!

Thanks, I think it's a pre-facelift model then as I have a silver ring around the gear stick.

 

Thanks for clearing that up!

Thanks for the welcome and comments guys!

 

The S2000 was fantastic, and superb to drive. I just wanted something newer and more suitable as a daily driver.

 

I am loving the 350 though!

 

One question i had, my car is a 2006 but doesn't have the LED rear lights, so i'm guessing it's not a facelift with slightly more power?

 

It does fall into the high tax band though?

 

I thought 2006 car had a slight facelift and a bit more power.

Hi Guys,

 

Some of you may have seen my post in the wanted section a few weeks ago, I used to have a Honda S2000 which I loved, but it was time for a change and I wanted a 350z.

 

My old S2000:

 

IMG_3089 by Pelidan, on Flickr

 

Shortly after selling it, I picked up my 350,

 

Details are:

 

2006 car

Completely standard

42,000 miles with Full history

 

really happy with it, over the last few weeks i've carried out a few small mods which include:

 

Remove front number plate holder

Private plate

LED rear number plate lights

LED Sidelights

Sprayed bottom of bumper black

Black nissan and 350z badges

 

IMG_3363 by Pelidan, on Flickr

 

cars by Pelidan, on Flickr

 

IMG_3379 by Pelidan, on Flickr

 

Anyway, my name is Dan and i'm from near Leeds, give me a flash if you see me around!

Guys,

 

Just wanted to update this post.

 

The S2000 is no longer available, I sold it today to a private buyer.

 

Was gutted to see it drive away, its been a fantastic car.

 

Anyway, picking a 350z up later today

Thanks for the kind replies guys.

 

The S2000 is lovely, but I need a new project!

 

Anyway, it's on pistonheads now, the advert is here:

 

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/4004560.htm

Hi Dan,

 

My zed is up for sale...pretty much ticks the boxes...apart from it being a post 06

 

viewtopic.php?f=56&t=60876

 

Drop me a pm if your interested bud

 

 

 

Lovely looking car mate, where abouts are you based?

So is your car in the higher tax bracket?

Hi Guys,

 

I've just joined the forum as I am on the lookout for a 350Z.

 

I currently own a Honda S2000, it's been a fantastic car and I love it to bits. But I feel its time to move on to a new project!

 

So i'm looking for a 350Z, here are my requirements:

 

Up to a 2006 (before the high tax bracket)

Hardtop

Mileage ideally below 70K

A few mods like coilovers and exhaust would be a bonus (but not necessary)

Very good condition

 

My S2000 will be going on pistonheads this weekend, but I also thought i'd put it up here incase anyone is interested in a part exchange (cash your way).

 

A few details about my S2000:

 

Year 2000

Mileage - 88,000

 

The car is in good condition for the year, I have lots of service history and the car has been maintained to the highest standard. It has 18" OZ ultraleggera lightweight alloy wheels, lowered on new standard shocks and RSR TI2000 springs.

Red leather seats, and red carpets.

 

I value the car at around £5.5K

 

I have up to £3K cash to put towards the right zed. My car will be on pistonheads shortly with a much more detailed advert.

 

If you are interested in a part exchange, or require more details about my car please contact me at dan.metcalfe.mobile@gmail.com

 

Alternatively, if you have a zed for sale that meets my criteria please let me know. I would much rather buy from a forum member :-)

 

Thanks

Dan