ZonixX Posted March 15, 2014 Share Posted March 15, 2014 (edited) Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to share my Z with you This is my second car, I have owned a modded Mondeo ST200 for 6 years and basically have only FWD experience. The ST has also seen some trackdays - and I modded it to survive hard driving and to help me to learn behind the steering wheel. The old Ford was literally rescued by me and received what I call a maniacal attention in every way But it was time to move on and once I came across this Z - there was no turning back. The RWD with 300+ PS was the way to go I loved this car since it was introduced and still remember the first moment I saw and heard it in person (in 2003)...Bought January 2014, with just one previous owner, bone stock and with only 22,000miles on the clock, originally from the Czech Republic, so no import.Facelift, Silverstone metallic, late 2006 with RevUp engine, with all options except the satnav - and in an absolutely stunning condition - no rust anywhere underneath, the car has never seen road salt, no track abuse - nothing - one of the cleanest wehicles of its age I have ever seen.As for my plans, the first priority is and always will be maintenance, to keep the Z clean and reliable, but still ready to survive some abuse Performance mods will be chosen later on, depending on my happiness with the car - and based on the way it performs under hard driving. =========================================================================================================================================================================== Maintenance and mods log: Started January 2014 with 35,000 kilometers. 2014: wheel alignment air filter (Nissan) trunk net white LEDs: license plate + trunk + interior engine oil + filter Mobil 1 0W40 coolant change (Nissan L246 premix) Bridgestone Potenza RE050A 225/45 R18 + 245/45 R18 front chrome T20 indicator bulbs A/C check/refill + ozone cleaning OEM JDM clear reflectors Cobra Y-pipe back resonated exhaust with TP34 tips reversing camera + WiFi to Android video transmitter differential oil Nissan GL5 80W90 gearbox oil Nissan GL4 75W80 Nissan locking nuts HEL clutch & brake lines + Motul RBF600 battery Varta SilverDynamic D15 63Ah 610A flat wipers SS Y pipe T10 LED parking lights engine oil + filter Mobil 1 0W40 full professional detailing with CarPro CQuartz ceramic coat + wheels + glass protection 2015: @ 50,000km Ferodo DS1.11 brake pads front+rear Thermotec heat wrap on front brake lines air filter (Nissan) engine oil + filter Millers Oils 5W40 CFS NT reversing camera with IR LEDs new front bumper, wheel arch liner, headlight washer jet 4x Michelin Pilot SuperSport 225+245/45 R18 StrongFlex Yellow 90Sha ARB bushes front + rear wheel alignment A/C check and refill MOT rear right side panel respray parking brake adjustment engine oil + filter Millers Oils 5W40 CFS NT 2016: @65,000km front Brembo discs silicone coolant overflow hose Cobra backbox (warranty replacement) BOSE hack Boot divider StrongFlex Yellow 90Sha compression arm bushes wheel alignment air filter (Nissan) front+rear brake pads (Brembo OEM) engine oil + filter Millers Oils 5W40 CFS NT differential oil Nissan GL5 80W90 gearbox oil Nissan GL4 75W80 lubed rear axle collar (click fix) 2x belts Gates radiator cap (Nissan) spark plugs OEM NGK PLFR5A-11 Cobra midpipe warranty replacement Ferodo DS1.11 front brake pads rear shocks Bilstein B6 engine oil + filter Millers Oils 5W40 CFS NT OEM Nissan compresson/banana arm bushings wheel alignment power-steering fluid Millers Oils Dexron III modified Cobra to remotely controlled valved exhaust full front Brembo caliper rebuild brake + clutch fluid Motul RBF600 rear hatch/trunklid dampers 2017: @ 85,000km WV2 touch up paint Last update: 18.2.2016, mileage 88,000km Edited February 18, 2017 by ZonixX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted March 15, 2014 Share Posted March 15, 2014 Great looking Zed and the Mondeo is pretty cool too. I'm no stranger to Fords as I used to own a 98 Mondeo ST24 which probably started my love affair with anything V6 powered. Look forward to reading what you have in store for your Zed, ...but not to burst your bubble but it isn't 300bhp+. The 2006 RevUp DE engine has around 296bhp stock I believe. The HR engine Zeds are 312bhp from what I've read. http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/nissan/350z/coupe-2003/ Also worth noting that you should keep a good eye on your oil level but I'm sure as a fellow petrol head you do that anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted March 16, 2014 Author Share Posted March 16, 2014 (edited) thanks GM I am keeping an eye on the oil dipstick, as I am aware of the original RevUp oil consumption issues and had to do this very, very often with the old Ford's Duratec During these 2300 kilometers, which including a lot of spirited driving, the oil level has not changed.. I hope this will not change... As for the power - you're absolutely right 224kW on the paper, which is 296bhp and 301 PS.. I have mistaken the PS for bhp Edited March 16, 2014 by ZonixX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted March 16, 2014 Share Posted March 16, 2014 The oil thing isn't really a big deal as long as you check it regularly. I had to do that a lot on my last car a 2003 EP3 Civic Type R as they tend to use a lot of oil with their high revving VTEC engines. My Zeds a 2003 so doesn't suffer the same problems with oil consumption but I still check it regularly as it's common sense to do so really if you like looking after your cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted April 8, 2014 Author Share Posted April 8, 2014 it has been 4000 kilometers with the Z and I LOVE this car!! ..of course, basic maintenance had to be done - wheel alignment, then new air filter, out with the old one Z on jack stands As for oil, after a loooong research, I have chosen the Mobil 1 NewLife 0W40 + OEM filter,and while being under the car, I have changed the coolant as well (Nissan premix) also, I have sourced a trunk net from a local parts store - did not want to go the Pug 207/Nissan route due to the ridiculous price for the OEM part...this one is a 90x50cm so around 35"x20" and cost me like 3 GBP ...plus a LED to replace the standard bulb ...and the other bulbs went as well, directional T10 same as in the trunk interior, 30mm festoon, 1.08W brightness at 138lm and color standard 6500K so thats it for now, next on the list is to get rid of everything that is not silver/black on the exterior of the LED Zeppelin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GIXXERUK Posted April 9, 2014 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Looking LED Zeppelin No doubt you have seen the YouTube vid of 'the run' a 350z being driven through Prague Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted April 15, 2014 Author Share Posted April 15, 2014 I have not heard of it, until you mentioned that clip thanks for that ..so far, I have bought a set of Potenza RE050A's 225/45 R18 and 245/45 R18, to replace the old RE040, that came on the car and must have been also that old ..my chrome T20 bulbs from Taiwan arrived (cost me 7 GBP incl P&P for a pair), I managed to change them in 10mins without taking the headlight off - so this can be done, but you have to have really skinny fingers or a girlfriend, who will swap these for you ..but I have a video, should anybody want to see, how to get it done The most useless "mod" in the world I guess but I like the look and after Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhackyWill Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Welcome to the Forum. Nice cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Almeida1234 Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 How clean is your plenum. Welcome to the forum nice car Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted April 26, 2014 Author Share Posted April 26, 2014 cheers guys btw, the original Nissan key is a real disgrace, so I have been searching for a proper keychain - this is what I have found - very well made, sturdy and beautiful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomdotc Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 Welcome and looking forward to seeing your progress Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhackyWill Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 cheers guys btw, the original Nissan key is a real disgrace, so I have been searching for a proper keychain - this is what I have found - very well made, sturdy and beautiful That key ring will make holes in your pocket Here's one that won't ..!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomdotc Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 (edited) Or something less quality: Edited April 26, 2014 by tomdotc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted May 15, 2014 Author Share Posted May 15, 2014 (edited) so I have bought the OEM JDM clear reflectors, turned out that they can be bought a bit cheaper from the US, even with the tax.. they came with some clear fitting instructions Of course, I had to try to fit them without taking the bumper off and yes, what has been already proven, this was not the best idea, as even on the driver (LHD) side, there is a GIANT headlamp washer fluid tank . Then , I have resigned, so... should somebody new read this -> TAKE THE BUMPER OFF to install your new reflectors And the result? Also, I took the Zeppelin to a local shop, for ozone A/C cleaning and check/refill. Edited May 15, 2014 by ZonixX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZEUS Posted May 15, 2014 Share Posted May 15, 2014 That's one very nice clean zed, looks as new under the bonnet and bumper! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted July 30, 2014 Author Share Posted July 30, 2014 (edited) cheers ZEUS, I am trying to keep it all nice and tidy In the last 2 months, a lot of things happened. First of all, I have taken the Z for a first trackday and straight onto the Nordschleife which was an awesome experience! I have done 5 laps in the Z, with a best time of 10:15 BTG. Of course, I was there to experience it, not to clock a Best lap and smash the car on a first shot The atmosphere, great cars, people, I literally fell in love with the Ring. So, hopefully I will pay another visit until the end of this year The car worked perfectly, even on a stock suspension, the only backdraw that I felt were the brakes, when really hot, the initial bite almost disappeared and even if the pedal travel stayed almost on a normal level, more pressure had to be put down, to brake efficiently (stock Brembo's, OEM pads and discs). So the pads seem to be the weakest point for now. No major problem however Mission accomplished Edited July 30, 2014 by ZonixX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NeilMH Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 Interesting stuff. Will follow your progress with interest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daveyboy11 Posted July 30, 2014 Share Posted July 30, 2014 Awesome! The first track day in my zed was at the Nurburgring too! Unbelievable place, been 3 years in a row now and will be back next year! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted July 30, 2014 Author Share Posted July 30, 2014 it truly is the Holy Shrine of every car enthusiast ...of course I tried to learn the track on GT6, videos and stuff, but one has to go there and experience it in person, I am lucky that the Ring is like 650km from Prague, so it"s not that difficult to travel there more often, just to see what am I capable of - the car is so much better than my driving skills and the track so challenging Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted August 1, 2014 Author Share Posted August 1, 2014 (edited) There was one thing, which I missed on the Z - proper sound. So I started with a research and from all the choices, this is what I bought - also, a big Thank you goes to Cougar Store, who offered me a decent discount, even if I missed the last group buy by a few days. CS also managed to source a cheap courier to deliver the exhaust to Prague. out with the old... ...unpack... ...in with the new! finished and aligned,I opted for TP34 tips It has been more than 2000 kilometers since the new exhaust and I LOVE this system! The Z sounds like a much more expensive car ...slight drone between 2000-2500rpm with windows up, but luckily - no rasp. Excellent value for money, decent build quality. I did not like the idea of losing the deflector, that is part of the OEM backbox, but as almost everyone with an aftermarket setup, I had to bite the bullet and leave the back of the car with an enormous air capsule behind the rear axle and the bumper Edited August 1, 2014 by ZonixX 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted August 12, 2014 Author Share Posted August 12, 2014 (edited) 40,000 kilometers on the clock and I decided to change both differential and gearbox fluids: differential oil Nissan GL5 80W90 gearbox oil Nissan GL4 75W85 One very interesting thing is, that there was not nearly as much fluids in both, as stated in the workshop manual, I had the car perfectly leveled and had absolutely no leaks ...I am so curious, how does the oil look like in cars with much higher mileage. Gearbox oil was almost clear, but the diff fluid and especially the magnetic bolt were truly disgusting. At least the bolt does, what it should Yummy Metal particles in the old gearbox oil The change did help, the diff is not as noisy as before, shifting improved dramatically in the first two gears - and the clicking sound while engaging gear disappeared completely. A messy job, thanks to the metal syringe I used to pump the fluid above, but worth doing! Edited April 26, 2016 by ZonixX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanhavana Posted August 12, 2014 Share Posted August 12, 2014 Very nice car! I think this is my favourite colour. Love the progress. Looking forward to more updates! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted August 13, 2014 Author Share Posted August 13, 2014 (edited) thanks ...other minor stuff, that happened in the last few weeks - I topped up the OEM battery with distilled water, more than 0,5 liters of electrolyte vaporised since the end of 2006, the voltage and starts were fine, but this will buy the old battery some more time And I have changed my old bluetooth OBD2 adapter for a new smaller version, with a switch, so that I can keep it in the port at all times and just to switch it on, when needed Edited June 7, 2016 by ZonixX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottiboy Posted August 13, 2014 Share Posted August 13, 2014 Great attention to detail dude - car looks fantastic ..Scotty.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZonixX Posted October 22, 2014 Author Share Posted October 22, 2014 (edited) cheers Scotty as for the latest news, the OEM battery died, so I replaced it with a Varta Silver Dynamic D15 63Ah 610A, slightly different type, than recommended on this forum, but with a starting current of 610A - close to the OEM spec battery's 590A. Only minor spacing was needed on the battery tray - the battery fits perfectly. Also, I have changed the clutch and brake lines to HEL braided ones with a clear coating and replaced both fluids with Motul RBF600. Clutch hose without the fire sleeve, even if longer, the HEL fits perfectly. Rear brake line comparison: Front before/after: The clutch feels the same as with the rubber one, but the brakes react faster and earlier, even with a slightest touch on the pedal. I am very pleased with this set, even if it had been a total PITA to fit the front ones.Even if there are posts even on this forum, that you need 4 P-clips to fit these to both the knuckle and the strut, this is not true. The only proper way to fit and route HEL brake lines is reusing the stock black bracket - where you attach your HEL supplied P-clip. No other clips are really needed! Otherwise they rub against the strut or worse - rub and stretch on the knuckle on a full lock with 18" stock Rays, which you really don't want to happen.. So this is the final routing: And for some piece of mind, a set of Nissan locking nuts arrived Edited October 22, 2014 by ZonixX Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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