D8NMT Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 (edited) 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 Edited October 14, 2013 by D8NMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FUG Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 are the orange front indicator bulbs still in that last pic? I just done my rears and makes a big difference! Im liking that LED reverse light, was it an ebay jobby? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted January 18, 2013 Author Share Posted January 18, 2013 Yeah good spot, the last pic is before I did the front indicator bulbs. The led reverse light was from eBay. I got 2, one replaced the reverse light and the other side is the fog light I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FUG Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Are they noticeably brighter than originals? Pics look great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted January 18, 2013 Share Posted January 18, 2013 Definitely Rays over refurb, you'll notice a massive improvement in the way the car drives Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Definitely Rays over refurb, you'll notice a massive improvement in the way the car drives +1. The rays are proper light but I think the non rays are a better looking wheel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FUG Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 How is the plasti dip holding up on that front lip? Also pardon my newbie-ness but is the rear number plate simply stuck on and is it easy to get off with no damage to paintwork etc? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutley88 Posted January 19, 2013 Share Posted January 19, 2013 Fug the rear plate is stuck on. Or it was on mine. I used some fishing wire to get it off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted January 19, 2013 Author Share Posted January 19, 2013 The led reverse light is 'whiter' but probably not brighter if that makes sense! The rear plate was just stuck on yes. I really can't decided on the rays or not, I love the style of the current wheels. Don't need to decide yet anyway as they are last on the list! As for the plasti-dip, it's holding up really well. I'd advise it for anyone wanting to spray the splitter. Literally takes 10 mins to do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samsniss350z Posted January 22, 2013 Share Posted January 22, 2013 The S14 looks pretty hot, is that your drift mobile? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted January 23, 2013 Author Share Posted January 23, 2013 The 200SX is sadly not mine! It's my friend's track toy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted February 4, 2013 Author Share Posted February 4, 2013 ^^^ Updated original Post ^^^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chubby Ninja Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I agree the standard wheels look better than the rays. Wheres the 200sx? i cant see it in the pics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FUG Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 Nice purchases Bet you cant wait to get them fitted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MidnightRacer Posted February 4, 2013 Share Posted February 4, 2013 I also think that the standard wheels look nicer than the Rays but Ekona is right about the way the car drives. I was amazed when I swapped out my stock wheels for some lighter ones just how much better the car felt. Its all in the unsprung weight saving! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted February 5, 2013 Author Share Posted February 5, 2013 I agree the standard wheels look better than the rays. Wheres the 200sx? i cant see it in the pics Sorry I removed that Pic when I updated the original post! Here you go: Todays update: Spacers and exhaust are fitted! The spacers have made a real difference, and the exhaust sounds amazing. Very very pleased! Springs should be fitted by the end of the week, so really looking forward to that. regarding the wheels, I prefer the look of the standard wheels and i've decided that I'm going to get them refurbished and powder coated gun metal grey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhackyWill Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Great looking car.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy78 Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Nice looking Zed! Where did you get the blue spacers from / what make are they? Me likey! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pnthrblkzs Posted February 5, 2013 Share Posted February 5, 2013 Nice looking car, quite like the number plate surround removal. I'm watching this thread keenly as it progresses as i have a silver Z myself. I think spacers are next on my list of mods, im still unsure about lowering though as the roads round my way are so potholed and we have speedbumps everywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted February 5, 2013 Author Share Posted February 5, 2013 Nice looking Zed! Where did you get the blue spacers from / what make are they? Me likey! I bought them from a member on here actually. They are 'Autobahn'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted February 10, 2013 Author Share Posted February 10, 2013 (edited) ^^^ 10th Feb 2013 - updated original ^^^ - Japspeed K1 Exhaust - - Apex Lowering springs - - 20mm Spacers - Edited February 25, 2013 by D8NMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OsakaBen Posted February 10, 2013 Share Posted February 10, 2013 Needs LED Running lights! Haha Coming on nicely 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted February 16, 2013 Author Share Posted February 16, 2013 (edited) 16th FEB UPDATE!! - Auto Fold Mirrors Mod - ^^^ Updated original post ^^^ Edited February 25, 2013 by D8NMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted February 25, 2013 Author Share Posted February 25, 2013 25th FEB UPDATE!! - Flip Key Mod - ^^^ Updated original post ^^^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D8NMT Posted March 15, 2013 Author Share Posted March 15, 2013 (edited) 15th March UPDATE!! - New Rear Tyres - - Laser wheel alignment - ^^^ Updated original post ^^^ Edited March 18, 2013 by D8NMT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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