Lewis Schwier

Looking to buy two entry tickets if anyone is pulling out?

New (to me) Exhaust!

Managed to jump on a great deal for a Greddy Evolution GT Catback system. Scooped it up for £800. Previous owner bought it new and had only done a few thousand miles with it. I can't tell you the amount of research I've done for aftermarket exhaust for these cars, endless Youtube videos and many ride alongs with people at meets. Narrowed it down to 3 systems. Ark Grip, Motordyne Shockwave and Greddy Evo.

Overall the Greddy was the winner, best value for money, 3-inch and X pipe. I was willing to buy new but this opportunity came up at a great price, plus any opportunity to get my polishing gear out!

 

First job was to deoxidise the metal and get rid of the brown staining. Used Race Glaze Alubright for this.

 

I then used wire wool and Mothers Mag & Alu polish on the pipe work, machine polisher on the canisters and tips.

 

Very pleased with the outcome, here is some before and afters!

 

 

 

Really impressed with the quality, welds are top notch!

 

Install time! Had a fellow V1 friend come and help me. He couldn't believe how good condition the underneath of my car was in comparison to his. This was backed up when all my bolts from the original system came off with no needed to cut!

 

Old vs New. Enjoyed the stock system for what it was but it needed changing. Not the best made things and bloody heavy!

 

All married up, we did actually ended up taking off the second bracket for the left side of back section. It was just in the way and didn't see the point as the other side only has 1 supporting hanger.

 

Well pleased is an under statement! Absolutely over the moon with how it sounds. Thanks to @ShortPaulfor taking me out in his car at the last Torqen meet to really confirm my decision after years of deciding. Look forward to my next proper drive to really open it up, its given the car a new lease of life!

@LoadmasterI'm not sure, I haven't changed it since my ownership (2021)

On 13/01/2025 at 16:00, Coz@TORQEN said:

Some god level detailing there, don't think my cars ever been that clean 

 

Well done on the new unit! Looks great, might have to pop down at some point and get you to sort the bimmer out but she's a bit worse for wear paint wise so maybe just a regular interior and exterior detail, nothing fancy. 

Thanks man, yea pop over!

 

Yea we can get it refreshed for you definitely. It deserves it!

Thought I'd give a little update, seems to be yearly nowadays! Can't believe I've owned this car for 4 years now. Very quiet year for the Z in 2024. After 2023's European Road trip, then the photoshoot, I gave the car a basic wash and put it in the garage for the winter. Fast forward to end of July is when it first went back on the road. It's definitely the longest I've gone without driving the car (9 months)

 

I took the car to get an oil service done at my buddy at RJ Developments. Had not realised It had been 2 years since I did an oil service, but then I realised the car had only done 4000 miles, so I wasn't too worried!

 

Torqen, summer meet, always one of my favourite static car meets of the year. It's good to catch up with friends!

 

Busy year personally and professionally, so me and @Killick.z just planned a 3 day road trip across Wales. We had left it quite late into the year (September), and boy, did we pay for it. The weather was absolutely horrendous, heavy rain 2.5 of the 3 days. Just our luck! But there's nothing we could do about it, so we just enjoyed catching up and having some time off work.

 

C&M on the way back for some food.

 

Fast forward to the end of the year, and I finally had the chance to give my car so proper love. Since I detailed it when I first bought the car 4 years ago, I've just done basic maintenance washes and 1 more extensive wash in between. I moved my business closer to home, we have a much bigger premises so alot easier to work on my car without it getting in the way!

 

After the road trip, the car was absolutely filthy as you can imagine and couldn't bring myself to put it back in the garage that dirty so I did a basic wash before hand.

 

So I started off taking the wheels off and giving them a thorough clean. I had planned to re coat the wheels but the coating I put on them after I had them refurbished (2.5yrs ago) was still going strong!

 

Products used:

KKD Devils Juice

Auto Finesse Wheel Shampoo

Car Pro ReTyre

Car Pro TarX

Wheel Mitt

Tyre wall scrubber

Various brushes

Drying towel

 

With the old coating still performing well I decided to put a hydrophobic top coat for extra slickness and water behaviour.

Products used:

Gyeon Booster

Cotton Pads

Suede applicator Pads

 

After that I turned my attentioned to the wheel arches. I didn't want to go too crazy here so I just cleaned up the plastic arch liners and brake calipers.

Products used:

Bilt Hamber Surfex HD

Chemical Guys Bare Bones

Valet Pro Brushes

I also cleaned the rust off the brake calipers using some fine grade wire wool (that was after this photo was taken)

 

Lug nuts hand polished using DD All in one polish. 

 

Next up was time to do the engine bay, it wasn't bad, the bulk of the work was done back when I took all the wax like gunk off of everything.

Products used:

Bilt Hamber Surfex HD

Steam Cleaner

Various brushes

Auto Glym Viynl and Rubber

I also plugged in the trickle charger connection. One of those little jobs that had been on the to do list for a long time!

 

Next up by far the worst of jobs, again, meaning to do it since I got the car. Taking the side window tints off. I could tell itbwas cheap tint as it had started lifting in the corners. Horrible job as the adhesive was left all over the entire window and took some patience to get off but so glad I did, much better without the tint. The side windows are tinted from factory so no idea why someone would want any darker but each to their own!

Products used:

Car Pro TarX

Plastic Blade

Trim Tools

Cotton Pads

 

Move round to the back of the car next, exhaust tips were polished.

Products used:

Wire Wool

Microfibre Pad

Mothers Metal Polish

 

I also had pick up a new rear bumper retainer as when I went to fix my 4th brake light problem to make sure it passed MOT I discovered mine was very rusty. Turns out all the holes are on a diffferent side to the one Nissan sent me. Not sure why this is, maybe the Nismo bumpers have a different one to standard GT's. Could it be a regional thing? Will have to do some investigation.

 

Bodywork was now ready to prep before machine polishing. A light clay bar to take any remaining iron particles off, wipe down and we are reasy to get into the bulk of the work.

Products used:

Valet Pro Fine clay bar

IPA 99.9%

 

Upon inspection the paintwork has held up well, minimal deep scratches and swirls. Pretty good for 4 years since the last detail. I decided to try and keep the labour down by trying to find a happy medium with the polish/pad combination. Went for a hybrid cut/polish pad with a medium/light polish so it would be enough to take out the scratches I needed but also refine enough so I wouldn't have to do more then one stage of machine polishing. I absolutely love this colour its just a shame it doesnt suit our weather here in the UK. Most of the time its overcast so the pearl metallic white just looks like a dull yellowish white. Only when the sun comes out can you see that amazing metalic flek the paint.

Products used:

Menzerna Medium Cut 2500

P&S Cut/Polish Hybrid Pads

Rupes Machine Polishing system

 

With all the machine polish done it was time to wipe down the car with IPA and apply the coating. I decided to treat my car to Modesta BC-X which is their mid tier coating. Durability is 4-5 years. Very easy to apply and provides great gloss and protection. Each coated panel is the cured with the Infared heat lamp at 12 minutes a time at between 50-60 degrees.

 

Wheels back on, lug nuts torqued to spec and just the finishing touches required!

Products used:

Gyeon Tire Express

Gyeon Glass Cleaner

Rag Company Glass mitt

Tyre foam applicator

 

Paintwork is now looking great! It has got a few stone chips here and there but its something you have to live with unless you have PPF. The car had stone chips when I bought it hence why I haven't put PPF on it but I might have something cool planned in the future 

 

All done! Took me about 4 days in total, it was really nice to give my car some proper TLC as it had been a long time since I did. All ready to use this year, 2025! I've got some nice trips planned this year so I'm looking forward to that. 

Other things on my wish/ to-do list for this year:

Exhaust System

Passenger Recaro Pole Position

Major/P3 Service

Front Sway Bar

Wheel Arches Ice Blasted and protected

 

Happy New Year to all. Hopefully, see some of you this year 

 

 

Nice work on the wheels! I agree with the metallic silver, can look a bit tacky if everything is OEM(+)

Great guide, well written, short and precise not over-welming in anyway for someone who has little to no knowledge about these cars 

I bought my V1 similar time to you (Jan 2021) About a year ago I went to do a 2 year ownership write up and after reading your write up I honestly couldn't of put it any better then you had, so I never did  I've read so many journalists review on these cars and doesn't come close to yours! 

Went for a little photo shoot with a local automotive photographer at the end of 2023. His name is Jack Hughes Photography on Instagram if anyone is intrested. Here is a few of them, really pleased with the outcome!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

@LoadmasterThanks man! They were @Killick.z's. I know the brand is Retevis. Looks like they do a few different options depending on the range you are looking for.

@davey_83 the seat was unbelievable, holds you in place perfectly. I think the longest stint of driving without stopping we did was about 4 1/2 hrs and my back didn't ache or hurt one bit. The only downside is its a bit of a pain getting in and out but thats a minor for all the benefits it gives.

 

@GranTurismoEra exactly! I would rather it sit in the garage most the year and have a mega road trip and a couple nice drives out rather then drive it pointlessly 

Thought I would give a little 2023 wrap up. Updates from May until now, nothing in terms of modifications/restoring but quite a few good quality drives out! Only 3,300 miles covered this year, 1200 of those were on the road trip too.

 

 

Collecting Cars Morning Coffee Meet at Bicester Heritage, good drive out, amazing weather. The selection of cars is by far the best I've seen for a cars and coffee static meet, drooling over Porsches and talking cars never gets old!

 

 

Torqen's Summer meet is always a great social, good to catch up with everyone plus really nice to see the Tarmac lot there too.

 

 

 

I travelled down to Podium Place for the Behind the Glass live podcast. One of my favourite podcasts to listen too, I went to one of the live events down at Duke of London last year, great event can't say I enjoyed taking the Z into London though 

First time to Podium Place and I was really impressed, always great to speak to random people about their pride and joys!

 

Next up was the big one! Me and @Killick.z planned a European Road trip at the start of the year. So in September we headed off to Germany for a 6 day annual road trip 

 

We drove down to Folkstone the evening before our eurotunnel crossing. Stayed at the Premier Inn there so we were fresh for the next day of driving.

 

Crossed over to Calis in the morning and from there we headed onto Spa. We arrived that evening and stayed at the main hotel right next to the race track, no action for us to watch as was off-season but it was a good stop off before Nurburgring.

 

Walkie Talkies are a must!

 

 

Weather was amazing when we arrived, we parked our cars, walked up through the village for some dinner then headed to bed after a long days drive!

 

We did some exploring around the track in the morning, they have trails all around the track that span through the surrounding villages, great for bike rides, really picturesque place. Hotel was really nice too. We then set off for Nurburgring, we booked an apartment through AirBnB.

 

 

Parked up at what would be home for the next 3 days. The apartment was perfect, great value for money. Situated in Kelburg which is a beautiful little village only 10 minutes from the track.

 

 

It was Shane's first time to the Nurburgring so we had to do all the touristy stuff, only was right! We then watched the NLS race 8. It did not disappoint, amazing to see the Frikadelli Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 that won the 24hrs Nurburgring in action!

 

 

One of the days we went to Motor World/Michael Schumacher private collection that is next to the V8 Hotel in Cologne. This place was huge and had so many things under one roof. Car storage, private collections, Lamborghini, Masarati, Lotus Dealerships, V8 Hotel, shops, restaurants and much more! 

After a great long weekend in Germany we then made the long drive back towards Calis, we stopped off on the coast of France and got a AirBnB. Coming from Germany which had been pretty poor weather for the majority, being greeted by the sun and sea was an absolute delight, what a way to end our trip!

 

 

 

Great chance to put our feet up, watch the sunset and reflect on the trip over some nice food before making the final bit of the journey home the next day.

 

 

Train was delayed by 3 hrs on the way back but nothing could put a downer on the incredible past 5 days!

 

Honestly so happy with the car, it didn't skip a beat and provided comfort and performance when I needed it to. I averaged 28mpg over the whole trip which was brilliant, the huge fuel tank that these cars have meant we only had to fill up 3-4 times. More memories created with this beautiful machine, it has made me fall in love even more then before 

 

I gave the Z a good thorough wash and decon before putting away for another winter. Car is now Sorn and fingers crossed I can book a slot at work to give a proper detail!

 

Hope you all have had a good year and hopefully see some of you in 2024! 

 

Brilliant attention to detail as always! Really enjoyed these updates! 

1. andy James x1 ticket PAID. track time TBA

2. Monkey1983 x1 ticket PAID no track 

3. Coz@TORQEN - 1 x Ticket PAID, no track time

4. Jamah_Zed x1 ticket PAID, No track time

5. Harrm x1 PAID

6.Humpy - 1 X Ticket PAID and no track time

7. PhilT x1 ticket PAID, plus Julie

8. Harvers x 1 ticket PAID Track time 10:45

9. BiggieJDM x 1 ticket PAID No track time (yet)

10. Tiffy350z x1 ticket PAID no track time 

11. steven.b x1 ticket PAID, track time 13.00

12. Monkey Nuts x1 ticket PAID, Track time 12.00

13. MicktZZZ x1 ticket PAID, no track this year

14. Olly350z + 1 ticket PAID, no track time

15. Killick.z x1 ticket PAID, no track time 

16. Ben350 x1 ticket PAID, no track time (might noise test car and add later)

17. Lewis Schwier x1 PAID

@HEADPHONES I know right, absolute perfection!

@davey_83 link to airbag loom kit https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/304769002208?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=bpDOGzmOTHm&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=NRzfZP8lT2W&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

@dave_7 haha there is no graceful way of getting out now 

 

@angelsanzbriz yea I bought the car in 2020, thank you very much. Still very much enjoying it!

 

Well, I think its safe to say its been a long winter and we are all sick of it!

 

Last drive out of 2022, only right it had to be C&M. Weather was lovely, car was in some great company! Who said Nissan doesn't make good cars 😅

 

 

Had some time to do a 'pre winter storage detail'

Wheel wash and Decontamination

Snow Foam pre wash

Two Bucket wash

Tar Removal

Towel and Blow dry

Clay Bar decontamination removal

Single Stage machine polish (Rupes Yellow pad and Scholls S20 polish)

IPA wipe down

Two Layers of Angel Wax Fifth Element wax

Exhaust tips polished

Tyres dressed

Interior hoovered and wiped down

 

 

Also did a two stage machine polish on the rear lights and fog light as was much needed. Plan is to get the front bumper painted and then PPF the whole front of the car so didn't see the point in ceramic coating the paintwork.

 

 

 

To finish off, I took off my B pillar trim and de wrapped them, something I was meaning to do since I got the car.

 

 

Unfortunately looks like whoever took them off before to wrap snapped two out the 3 clips so I bought a new one to replace.

 

 

 

Thank goodness it was a nice day to drive home!

 

 

Finally managed to clear the garage after 1 year of living in the new house! Happy with the size tbh, some of the new modern garages are a joke how small they are!

 

 

All tucked away for winter

 

 

Fast Forward to end of March 2023

What an awful and depressing winter hey 😒  haha nah wasn't too bad, managed to jet off to Oman to see the fam so split it up a bit at least!

Time to tax the car, gone up to just shy of £700 a year, not ideal but it is what it is 😭

 

Last minute decision to go to Japfest and it was actually a great day, caught up with some of you lot and put some new faces to cars! Positive vibes all around, i think everyone was just glad to get out in their cars.

 

Finally found some time to install my Recaro Pole Position I bought last year.

Seat out, always satisfying to be able to clean areas that are usually blocked.

 

 

Now anyone who has fit aftermarket seats know that you have to bypass the airbag plug, I've seen people solider and splice their own. I didn't fancy that and managed to find a airbag by pass resistor kit on ebay which is plug and play. Worked a treat, no air bag light!

 

 

The weight difference between the two is incredible, didn't have a scale to compare but must be 10lbs or so

 

 

I bought Buddy Club rails as I wanted to still be able to move the seat back and forward, plus no need for me to be 'on the floor as I'm only 5'10 in height. Can't fault the Buddy Club rails for the most part, good quality, great fitment. Had an issue with one of the studs but the company I bought it from quickly sent me a replacement so all good. I couldn't get the brackets on the lowest setting on the seat as it would block the rail lever that moves the seat back and fourth so I'm at second from bottom. 

 

 

Test fit, all good, I'm sure I'll do some miles and adjust if needed. So happy with the look, definitely what this car was missing from factory! In the future I would love to send them to get stripped and the Nismo logo embroidered on the headrest like the mk2 CS seats.

 

 

 

Quick blast out with my friend on his motorbike to test out the seats, all I can say I was blown away with the difference a good bucket can make to the driving experience, feel so much more connected to the car and makes already a great car feel even more analog!

 

 

 

Plan is to get the passenger seat further down the line, I literally never have a passenger so would rather prioritise other things I would like to get for the car.

 

Next up exhaust system I think, after two years of enjoying the stock system I think its time to unleash the beast. I've banged on about a Motordyne system forever but could never justify the price now. Also looked at the Torqen system and Greddy so toss up between the two! Hope everyone is well and look forward to seeing some of you at the National Z event in a couple of weeks 😎

 

The Ultimate set up having both options for wheels and tyres, I suppose unless you got a support vehicle you'll have to guess on the day how the weather will be! Out of intrest how much for a set of Goodyear EF1SS?

Those coilover sleeves are well good! 

 

Also your car must sound insane now 🤩

Anyone got tickets and can't make it? Looking to come along

Full drift build on a mk1 Nismo! 

 

 

1. davey_83

2. pintopete58

3. George1966

4. Rhysos

5. Headphones

6. Monkey1983

7. budbongo

8. SHEZZA

9. Justthejedi

10. V1H

11. Andy_Muxlow

12. The Bounty Bar Kid
13. Coz@TORQEN

14. Lewis Schwier

AR Exclusive are THE place to go. Xpel and Gyeon Accredited. Their work is top notch, I know Irfan personally, good guy. https://arexclusivecarcare.co.uk/

 

 

A couple more videos thanks to Dave Hammit. I wanted Motordyne but I think I'll go for the Torqen Zorst instead next year.

 

 

 

 

 

The whole electrification of cars is a joke. And the agenda's they push to justify it is classic political brainwashing. This podcast is a great listen and makes you realise its a lot worse then we all thought.

 

 

 

Best sounding 350z set up imo!