zippypooz

Awesome

 

Im off to the Wheels specialist on Saturday, so fingers crossed I will be just as pleased with them

Im sure you will be...Im seriously fussy and i couldnt fault them, they look like theyre straight out of the factory.

Great guys, gave me a lot of advice...in fact they talked me out of having black chrome on my rims so i left it up to them in the end and didnt regret it.

If you dont have them already, id suggest fitting flush valves too as they cant spay them and you dont want nice shiny new alloys with old looking valves...they look the dogs danglies too. They fitted them to mine and was only another £15/20.00. Mention it to them before you take your car there as they may need to order them in.

Well after a little help, advice from you guys....and digging i finally chose The Wheel Specialist in East Grinstead to refurb my 19" Nismo Rays.

 

Went for high power silver in the end and wow i'm so chuffed...The guys were great to deal with, very helpful and really took pride in their work and very reasonable too. I'd definately recommend them....photos to come shortly...probably tomorrow when i get my caps on. Next stop (as instructed by Payco) a nice set of nuts!!

 

So once again thanks chaps for all your advice a few months ago.

What do you think of this knob ?.

 

I like it.

I plumped for a pioneer avh-x2500bt, with the RGB colour choices I got the buttons and screen to match the OEM orange interior LEDs for the heater/AC unit/dash etc. You can also load up a personalised wallpaper, so you could easily just use a plain black wallpaper, the only element some might feel is chavy is the album artwork - but then that would mean you buy music with chavy covers, so it's time to stop listening to Scooter

 

Works with Bluetooth USB steering wheel buttons etc

 

Ahhhhh thats interesting, thats one of the models i was looking at!! how much did you pay for it? and hows the performance compared with the oem system? can you post a pickie of it in the car??

 

Here you go bud, pic of the unit installed, chavtastic background image is optional

 

 

I paid £465 for the work, not sure how much of that was headunit, adapter for steering controls, fascia panel, iPhone cable and labour - but that was about a year ago now, I bet you could get the headunit on its own for about £250-£300

 

Performance is hard for me to say as I only had the OEM for about a fortnight before ripping it out, couldn't live with no iPhone connection for my music or lack of bluetooth. Also, shortly after I replaced the headunit I also had the amp, sub, front and rear speakers replaced. So I couldn't say how much was just down to the headunit, but for me to have done the extra work so quickly afterward I can't have been that happy with the sound (the functionality was a massive step up though, I can say that).

 

As a general rule of thumb in audio, your system is only as good as your weakest component, so if you just did the headunit I would expect an improvement, but not massive as the bose amp, sub and speakers will still be holding you back. Also when you spend money on audio you WANT it to sound better so generally you convince yourself it does

 

In terms of the whole setup versus OEM, I can promise you it's night and day, but the Hertz amp and speakers are a huge factor in that.

Thanks buddy

 

Great taste in music

nothing wrong with a bit of stone roses (with a little RATM thrown in too!!)

I plumped for a pioneer avh-x2500bt, with the RGB colour choices I got the buttons and screen to match the OEM orange interior LEDs for the heater/AC unit/dash etc. You can also load up a personalised wallpaper, so you could easily just use a plain black wallpaper, the only element some might feel is chavy is the album artwork - but then that would mean you buy music with chavy covers, so it's time to stop listening to Scooter

 

Works with Bluetooth USB steering wheel buttons etc

 

Ahhhhh thats interesting, thats one of the models i was looking at!! how much did you pay for it? and hows the performance compared with the oem system? can you post a pickie of it in the car??

 

Here you go bud, pic of the unit installed, chavtastic background image is optional

 

 

I paid £465 for the work, not sure how much of that was headunit, adapter for steering controls, fascia panel, iPhone cable and labour - but that was about a year ago now, I bet you could get the headunit on its own for about £250-£300

 

Performance is hard for me to say as I only had the OEM for about a fortnight before ripping it out, couldn't live with no iPhone connection for my music or lack of bluetooth. Also, shortly after I replaced the headunit I also had the amp, sub, front and rear speakers replaced. So I couldn't say how much was just down to the headunit, but for me to have done the extra work so quickly afterward I can't have been that happy with the sound (the functionality was a massive step up though, I can say that).

 

As a general rule of thumb in audio, your system is only as good as your weakest component, so if you just did the headunit I would expect an improvement, but not massive as the bose amp, sub and speakers will still be holding you back. Also when you spend money on audio you WANT it to sound better so generally you convince yourself it does

 

In terms of the whole setup versus OEM, I can promise you it's night and day, but the Hertz amp and speakers are a huge factor in that.

Thanks buddy

Have to agree with Superstu here:

 

Once you go to a good Aftermarket headunit you won't think twice about it. You will get so used to your favourite functions of the aftermarket.. ie: whether it's playing Pandora, or Spotify, or your Ipod, etc from your Iphone (or any of the tons of app music streaming services).. or Loading a 64Gig USB stick like I tend to do,... Having your phone synched auto to your headunit USB with USB built in the car for phone, texting, etc (hands free).. or you may like watching DVD's if you spend time in the car sometimes needing to "burn" time.. point is,.. as you can see the aftermarket units all "flush up" about the same.. Yes, you can see there is a trim piece that makes them look , well, good.. without a gap around them.. but them sticking out just a touch is just really an aftermarket look frankly.. and 99 out of 100 people will tell you your new aftermarket unit looks better than the old flush factory unit even before they know what it does..

 

As for beeping.. I'm not trying to sell you on "my" chosen unit (It was just a good deal a few months ago for what I wanted).. but it has an option to turn the "beeps" on and off..

 

The Pioneer units are fairly popular, though a small percentage of people have had issues with them just dieing on them after hitting a rough pothole or similar.. (happened to me).. and then I read online .. But I'm sure that's rare as usually only problems are reported online. Otherwise the Poineer AVH-P4100DVD (a somewhat older unit) was fantastic unit I had prior to the Kenwood DDX470.

 

I recommend you just accept our line of thought of going aftermarket,.. and just start shopping around.. take your time. Figure out what features you don't want to be without.. .. ie: Some units may be $500 (pounds) and still need a bluetooth adapter to enable bluetooth.. and similar things. Which is why I really liked the Kenwood DDX470 as I couldn't believe it was so cheap for a 6.1" touch screen, Analog controls (that you need (volume knob, Phone, Power, etc..) ) , USB built in (no extra adapters),.. Good mic to hook to it for In car bluetooth, 4V preouts (if you plan on using Amps in the future or immediately), CD player, Tuner, DVD player, etc. Has it all.. Now, the DDX470 does *not* have built in Navigation, but that didn't bother me because my Iphone links right to it for navigation.. so I couldn't justify going to the next model that had all of the features the DDX470 had + nav built in for over double the price of $300 US. But built in Nav is nice, if you use it a lot.. may be worth it.

 

Also, don't forget the factory system WILL run on a factory headunit.. but the rear speakers likely will be VERY quiet, and just not run SUPERB as it did with the stock headunit. But,.. the factory speakers aren't that great to start with.. I've seen them all.. torn them out, replaced them of course etc..

 

It's very easy to spend say $300 on headunit, and $75-$100 on a pair of front speakers and power them off the headunit and be done with it (if you don't require a crazy stereo).. If you want something nicer - And are willing to self install -- You can do like I did and spend $300 on headunit, $150-$200 on front speakers.. (I happened to have a pair of 6.5" high end rears (which you DO NOT need in a 350) -- $100 on a 10" JL Audio sub,.. and $100 on a Custom Sub Box that fits in the Factory sub location + $200(ish) give or take on a nice Class D Amp with 2 channels and mono sub channel -- Or even a 4 channel Class D amp where you use two channels for front speakers, and rear two you bridge together (it's just EASY wiring that takes about 10 seconds to "bridge") to combine the channel 3 + 4 for a large number for your Sub (should you go that route).

 

OR.. of course.. Get a professional to install where you buy.. (Can get pricey, which is the main reason I tackled my own..).. but if installation just isn't your thing then by all means pay for it.

 

Esp if you get something like the Aftermarket headunit + front speakers that are substantially better than stock fronts to be powered off headunit (That install wouldn' t be long, or too expensive.)

 

Just some things to think about.

 

Take care,

 

P.S. -- Flushing is also up to the skill and persistence of the installer (which is why it pays to install yourself (I learned how)) you can really get it looking nice with just a little patience and lining up. You also have good stereo shops around who do incredible installs that are only limited by money.. and could flush anything into your car aftermarket if you are willing to pay for it.

 

Good luck!

Thanks for taking the time to write this, much appreciated!!

I plumped for a pioneer avh-x2500bt, with the RGB colour choices I got the buttons and screen to match the OEM orange interior LEDs for the heater/AC unit/dash etc. You can also load up a personalised wallpaper, so you could easily just use a plain black wallpaper, the only element some might feel is chavy is the album artwork - but then that would mean you buy music with chavy covers, so it's time to stop listening to Scooter

 

 

Works with Bluetooth USB steering wheel buttons etc

Ahhhhh thats interesting, thats one of the models i was looking at!! how much did you pay for it? and hows the performance compared with the oem system? can you post a pickie of it in the car??

How about putting a record player in the boot and playing some of your vinyl ?.

 

See you next week for my taxi service to the wheel specialist..

 

Payco

Wow thanks Payco for that great advice!!! hahahaha

When did new Tech get branded as Chav and Barry?

 

What's wrong with new modern head units? They have built in amps, so better audio output, they have there own EQ so you can calibrate the audio

Come with Ipod/MP3/Bluetooth connections, built in sat navs, movie capabilities.

 

Don't get why a decent bit of kit is branded as chavvy lol.

Dont get me wrong, basically i meant all the flashing lights etc...obviously the units would be better, its just a shame that if you want a decent head unit the multi coloured lights seem to come with them too lol

Maybe get something from another (newer) Nissan, that will look original but have better functionality. Sound quality probably won't be any better though, and there's the issue of units coded to the car, so not sure how viable that option is.

Good idea, im gonna look into that thanks!!

I've not changed my stereo for the same reasons as the others, nothing near to OEM looking.

Unfortunately mine's buggered!!...as in the cd player. So need to hunt for another one.

Hi all, my cd player has packed up so im in the process of trying to choose a decent new stereo that will also look good in the zed (open to suggestions by the way!!)

 

Finding a head unit that looks good (i.e. not chav!) is the difficult part. It seems the aftermarket mainly caters to barry boys these days, so good luck in your search. I'm still on the stock radio as I couldn't find anything that offers all the nice features of an upgrade system while looking reasonably "original". Depends on whether you can stand flashing bright blue lights I guess

 

Keep us posted with your progress - sorry I couldn't be more help, but I'd be interested to see what you choose

yeah totally agree!! if i could get a decent oem replacement i would...i like the interior so yeah dont want it to look like a disco inside lol!!

Hi all, my cd player has packed up so im in the process of trying to choose a decent new stereo that will also look good in the zed (open to suggestions by the way!!)

 

Anyway, i came upon this article that i thought was rather interesting and helpful!! Maybe a few may benefit from it so here it is!!...

 

http://www.crutchfie...issan-350z.html

 

Happy reading!!

I also used oponeo for my winters, best price I could find and quick delivery.

 

I think mine came from Poland

 

Hawker

Hmmm they're either poland, holland or germany lol, well, in the EU anyways, cheap, fast delivery, id definately use them again.

 

I think they must just source the tyres where they are cheapest and then get them delivered direct to you (obviously adding a small charge for their efforts!)

one thing i was told was that they dont put the horrendous mark ups on their tyres like we do in england.

I also used oponeo for my winters, best price I could find and quick delivery.

 

I think mine came from Poland

 

Hawker

Hmmm they're either poland, holland or germany lol, well, in the EU anyways, cheap, fast delivery, id definately use them again.

Popped into my local garage recently to get a quote on the rears and was advised to have the tyres filled with Nitrogen. Anyone any opinions on this ??

I think if you were using them on a track then maybe you would consider it but air is good enough i recon!!

I used oponeo, were cheapest by about £20 for a pair of tyres for me. Think they came from Gemany??

Looks like a few are using this website then!! Good news!! Theyre based in Holland i think.

That's a big up

Yup!! A good saving. Hopefully others can save too.

Well its that time of year for me and my Zed where we both scour the web for the cheapest tyre prices...I'm running 19" Rays on mine and use Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres. Imagine my surprise when i typed in the sizes and pressed the quote button only to find a reply saying 1off Dunlop Sport maxx tyre £250!! Id thought more like £35 would be a fair price!!!

 

So, while chatting to a mechanic friend of mine, i told him of my distressing online experience and he kindly advised i go to an online supplier HE uses called Oponeo...so off i merrily trotted and surprise surprise, for 2 rear tyres as above: £340 delivered!! (In 4 days!!)

 

So, if anyone else wants to save a few bob, give them a try!!

 

Over and out.

 

Hmmmm well i havnt done THAT lol!! Its a pain though!!

Hi guys n girls, ive noticed that my cruise control doesnt always deploy...sometimes it does, sometimes it doesnt!!

Has anyone else had this problem?

 

Thanks!!

Go for a piper cross filter. And remember, your car may not run any better without the cats...id check first before you de-cat it.

How about i pay for EVERYONES plugs!! Cos im that typo guy!!....on second thoughts...

They wanted £65 for a windscreen wiper, I think they got the point when I walked out laughing

They must be special platinum tipped wipers!!

It's is not an hours job BTW! Took me 2.5 hours last Friday...throttle body side wasn't too bad but drivers side was a nightmare to get in and actually work behind all the wires. Wouldn't like to do it again but then again wouldn't pay 300 for it!

Yeah its a bit of a job, i wouldnt want to do it but at the same time id rather not get ripped off hence getting someone i know to do it.

But Nissan do take the p**s!!