ChrisB Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 (edited) It's time for me to write my own build thread and stop bombing other people's Inspired by the fascinating and humorous exploits of the valiant few on here that have succeeded in SUPERCHARGING their mechanical mistresses, and also being seduced by the V3 group buy, I finally decided to stop procrastinating and take the plunge. I am a software engineer and DIY car fixer/hobbyist, with outside drive space and a garage sadly bunged full of mainly non-car related junk. I'm not an expert or proper mechanic blessed with a lifting hoist or plethora of tools, however, I am happy navigating a Rumsfeldian confusion matrix, and always read the instructions, so... how hard can it be? I bought my car (Precious) in 2011. She is a bog-o JDM version S with the all important Brembo calipers and a few JDM niceties fitted. She's had the odd fully repaired scrape, and was very low mileage for the year at the time, but was over all very clean and seemed mechanically sound with import/SVA documents although a patchy service record. She now has an increasing 52K on the clock as she's been my faultlessly reliable daily - which will be a major issue or stopper when s/c installing starts... 4 Wheel alignment at Horsham Ooo shiny.. During the last few years, I've already fitted many of the standard things that are done by fellow 350Z-uk members and Zeditis sufferers starting with Cargo net, stubby, twin Richbrook tax disk holders for tax and work pass, Z key ring, aero wipers (Goodyear) Avoiding the mid-job carnage, here are a few pics: eBay titanium effect gear knob ball with Richbrook finisher (perhaps I'm due an upgrade here ) Had to replace a hit & run dented panel Refurbished and fixed the electric window motor Garmin 1490T Sat Nav - removably wired into the cubby Pioneer GM-D7500M plus PC4-27CCA leads, 2F capacitor and diode (don't ask), JBL GTO804 woofer behind the seat with my make-do and mend Pioneer DEH-P4800MP with iPod CD-IB100ii box. I use Fuchs Titan Race Pro-S 5W/30 and K&N oil filter, Gates belts, Nissan L248 coolant JWT popcharger (in hindsight, without a UK intake, the JDM one has a resonator so there is not much change - looks cool though) Circuit sports CF effect damped bonnet struts I drowned my car in Bilt Hamber S50, UB and UC and gave her HEL braided brake lines, Motul 660 fluid, spare nipples, EBC yellowstuff RevUp rear brake cluster leds, interior led festoons New 18" 8.5/9.5" ET30/ET25 Rota GTRs and GTR-Ds (P45-F and P45-R2). Unfortunately, these got stone chipped to hell over the first year so I made a slightly slack effort at refurbing the dishes this year for a total outlay of £4 Avon ZZ3 225/45 and MPS2 275/40 finished with zed dustcaps The old OEM wheels now have excellent Khumo KW27 winters on. Went double DIN with a Pioneer AVH-X5500BT, eBay CD-IU201V copy cable and Scosche NN1647B facia eBay Reversing camera (these are great BTW) Eibach ARBs (without splitting the exhaust) and new Nissan drop links (I swore I wasn't going to lower at the time) EBC BSD blade (grooved hi-carbon, hi-silicon, cast iron) disks, and more Yellowstuff all round Muteki nuts in a fetching red colour - and noticed my car was becoming silver and red Meister R Zeta S coil-overs with adjuster extensions So steps taken are roughly to be in this order: . Dream a little dream.. . Start saving up . Surf the net a lot . Compile estimate of cost on a spread sheet with options . Be staggered at the total . Trim the spreadsheet . More saving up, until war chest target reached . Start purchasing (aka plunder Tarmac's website) . Wonder ..what have I done.. . Get approval from the wife - gobsmacked that she was sanguine . Dream some more, wait... . Unpack and read all the instructions . Dry fit parts . Staged car dismantling and parts assembly . Tuning (UpRev based) ...where, the known-known S/C parts list is as follows: Wasso red plenum spacer Vortech V3SCi 4NZ218-110L Tuner kit AAM Basic FRS AAM35FS-FRSTD Injector Dynamics ID725 injectors 725.13.02.48.14.6 with plug and play connectors Walbro 255 fuel pump Mishimoto thermostat Mishimoto thermostatic 19 row oil cooler Mishimoto (stupidly expensive) baffled/filtered catch tank. If cans work at all, this one should Mishimoto magnetic sump plug Stillen sump pan NGK Laser iridium 1 step cooler plugs GT MAF or AAM R-MAF Of the known-unknowns (or fix this closer to the time) . I've purchased a Competition Clutch Stage 2 (street) 2100 clutch and lightweight CC ST flywheel, with a Technafit braided line. This will be augmented with ball pin and possibly a replacement slave. . Best arrangement for PCV and plumbing - possibly 2 T'd and vented NRVs are better . No idea about gauges or monitoring options yet . Haven't chosen a MAF yet. . Tuning is still a mystery . I'll be sticking with my back box - Fujitsubo Legalis R (stainless) as it's quality, but cat / Y pipe changes maybe warranted in the future. . I really should change my compression arm bushes (I don't have a press handy), but CBA while they are still sort of together . My paintwork and glass appears to be de-generating rapidly with stone chips And finally the unknown-knowns (or hit and hope), Member builds on here have been most illuminating so far, there are some fine working examples, and people seem happy to help I will continue to read. The truth is out there.. As for the unknown-unknowns, Hopefully I won't become a cropper - as long as maintenance is continuous and tuning is correct, it shouldn't go boom. She's been a nice car to work on so far and there have been exactly zero disastrous stuck bolt situations yet (although there have been a number of tight ones). Why do we do this? Well because.. A big thanks to the main sources: Tarmac Sportz, Zmanalex/CMS, Opie Oils, Redline styling, MeisterR, Wasso plus 4 wheel geo at H-Dev and wing painting at RT Performance. I try to limit exposure to Amazon/eBay - our traders do a great job at fair prices IMHO. Bye for now (it could be a year before the next update) Edit: See later for PCV and everything else. I'm using 3 step cooler HKS spark plugs and an Uprev GT-MAF, with stock ECU and Uprev tuning. Works a treat.. Edited March 6, 2015 by ChrisB 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wasso Posted June 8, 2014 Share Posted June 8, 2014 Very good write up...... Like it 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmck13 Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Better not be a year, were waiting to see how it goes so we don't duplicate any mistakes, so here is the $60,000 dollar question, what size gates belt did you go for? LOL. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted July 7, 2014 Author Share Posted July 7, 2014 well it won't be finished next week.. I'm still planning my vacuum/PCV circuits and getting fittings. Big catch can to medium NRV and small OEM pcv, and even smaller MAP/boost sensor and tiny fuel regulator Then there is a slight fly in my FRS ointment - I seem to have been given a defective 90 deg -04 AN elbow. Its got a dubious hole drilled in the side of it and is incompatible with the (possibly revised) internal pipe and fuel pressure plug threads. I'm still waiting for certain tools to come through the post too. Oil system bits will be put on first though. And I will eventually start out life with the Vortech belt and 3.33 pulley (chook cluck cluck) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted July 7, 2014 Author Share Posted July 7, 2014 There you. All installed. Not getting much boost though Before anyone says - yes, cocked up the routing of the coilover extension cables. CBA to fix it at the mo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richmillions Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 The best way to learn Or let someone else make the mistakes Either way the final result should be good though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike_89 Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Love IT!!! Looking forward to seeing this progress. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Is it fitted yet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted July 7, 2014 Author Share Posted July 7, 2014 Easy tigers.. haven't finished admiring the kit in my spare bedroom yet. Engine porn! Love Vortech and Mishimoto engineering especially Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mouthwash Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Ah, didn't realise you had a build thread. Looking very good and excellent choice in suspension although the adjusters in your boot go a lot further than mine? Guess it might have been a revision. As for the belt for those that are wondering, I've ordered this from the states: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Serpentine-Belt-Micro-V-Premium-OE-V-Ribbed-Belt-GATES-K060790-/271238588599?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item3f271468b7 £22 delivered can't be bad, right? I can't find anything in UK really that matches Chubby Ninja's belt. I wish I had some spare dosh for new wheels high on my list but not sure if I want to lose the Rays as they are veeery light. Anyway, keep up the good work! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 Easy tigers.. haven't finished admiring the kit in my spare bedroom yet. Engine porn! Love Vortech and Mishimoto engineering especially I was doing the same thing earlier ~ even took some pictures on my phone to keep me entertained tomorrow during my lunch breaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted July 7, 2014 Share Posted July 7, 2014 The 90° bend goes in tank I believe, can't quite remember but thought mine was broke too due to the randowm wee hole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted July 8, 2014 Author Share Posted July 8, 2014 The 90° bend goes in tank I believe, can't quite remember but thought mine was broke too due to the randowm wee hole. Yep, thats the chappy. In the generic instructions pdf for the full return kit, it's the -04AN to 1/8 NPT 90 deg elbow. It would be the sh1ttiest design if it was deliberately drilled when it connects directly to a CNC'd nozzle. Both the nozzle and pipe ends are -04AN threads to - so ramming it in by only 2 turns before the thread jams up would be pants... Must be a bug - or should have bought CJM Although it doesn't look it on this pic, (as the pic angle makes the nozzle thread look finer) both the aluminium nozzle and pipe ends are -04AN. At the other end of the pipe, I'm guessing the metal collar with an O ring pushed into the groove at the pipe bulkhead union end is an upgrade over the two nylon washer approach. Undocumented, but makes sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davectr Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 (edited) Pull's up a chair, kicks off slippers. Right, i'm ready to follow this one with interest Edited July 8, 2014 by Davectr Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chubby Ninja Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 The 90° bend goes in tank I believe, can't quite remember but thought mine was broke too due to the randowm wee hole. Yep, thats the chappy. In the generic instructions pdf for the full return kit, it's the -04AN to 1/8 NPT 90 deg elbow. It would be the sh1ttiest design if it was deliberately drilled when it connects directly to a CNC'd nozzle. Both the nozzle and pipe ends are -04AN threads to - so ramming it in by only 2 turns before the thread jams up would be pants... Must be a bug - or should have bought CJM Although it doesn't look it on this pic, (as the pic angle makes the nozzle thread look finer) both the aluminium nozzle and pipe ends are -04AN. At the other end of the pipe, I'm guessing the metal collar with an O ring pushed into the groove at the pipe bulkhead union end is an upgrade over the two nylon washer approach. Undocumented, but makes sense. I can't remember my 90° bend having a hole in it but it was a while ago now. Mine also came with the nylon washers missing so I tried with just an oring but it leaked. I ended up getting an assortment of red washer things from halfords and that done the trick. It's also a good idea to make sure the plastic surface inside the tank that the return 90 bolts onto is smoothed out with a dremmel as any of the ridges left will cause fuel leaks. I speak from experience lol 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 http://www.350z-uk.com/topic/64159-scream-if-you-want-to-go-faster/ So it connects at the bottom of the pump but as chubby said file the bottom of the pump carrier to get a good seal or YOU WILL GET A LEAK! =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted July 8, 2014 Author Share Posted July 8, 2014 Good tips to smooth the surface where the upper bulkhead union mounts. It's still a mystery about the weird hole in the elbow union with its mixed threads though. I've ordered a -04AN part from Hong Kong (eBay ) in the mean time, and sent a email to AAM via Tarmac, so we'll see what is what in due course. In your pictures, your lower union doesn't have a hole in the side of it - at least from the angles shown containing the pics with replacement regulator nozzle/elbow combo. Love a bit of intrigue, provided ultimately there is a successful explanation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 Unfortunately my computer is missing a monitor due to moving house so can't check the other photos I took and my memory sucks, but I do know I had a hole in my elbow, just can't remember if I got sent a new one from aam. I will check my photobucket tomorrow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmck13 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Hi Chris who is AAM that you sent an email to, I was not certain if any one had emailed so I have sent an email direct to the Vortech company in the states with the main photo above to see if they can tell us what this hole is about? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted July 9, 2014 Author Share Posted July 9, 2014 Cmck13 - AAM via Tarmac. Here are a couple of really useful guides from the FRS I should have bought.. http://tech.cj-motorsports.com/?p=25 http://tech.cj-motorsports.com/?p=13 No holes or thread misfits in their kit. Particularly, they state that pressure must be maintained in the bypass nozzle plug assembly. A hole at this point would be a blatant internal leak. Just noticed also that in the AAM kit, one of the fuel rail dampers gets deleted too, whereas it's retained in CJM by the ported CNC extension. AAM is just a block of aluminium which you connect the regulator pipe to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pjf1985 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Very nice car, looking forward to your updates Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evilscorp Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 If you have a look/sqwint you can see the hole in this pic on the 90° bend also not sure you need the dampener as fluid hammer shouldn't happen as it will continue the path down the straight return hose at the end? All I can say is mine works great and fuel pressure is stable, but you might as well contact them to set you nerves at ease. Vortech is NOT Aam, two different companies, two different products. Better to ask questions now before it goes on the car though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisB Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 Just done a reccy.. 4 hours of offering up this and thinking about modding that etc. . S/C pipes fitment and AC :gulp: . Intercooler - big barsteward that.. . Power steering cooler movement - easy . Oil cooler - does not fit in place mishi recommends. Will have to do the threaded bar trick on the bumper bar - which stopped play for today as I will have to put the car back together again to go to the shops. Glad I didn't go ahead and drain all the oil out first! . Bumper skin will need a bit but not much trimming. Might have to borrow dremel from work.. . Mishi oil hoses are really long . Thermo sandwich plate install looks easy and should fit fine. Fortunately I have correct sized socket too. . Stillen sump will hopefully go on ok with the magic tools . Rad fans definately don't come out with out taking the top rad hose off (was hoping to do a cheeky swap, but will save that for thermostat fitment day - and order more coolant as only half a jar left) Gratuitous shot of how the pulleys still look Fails: Only broke 3 bumper shell captives - stupid ones at the bottom corners twisted right off. Forgot to put the bumper foam back in after putting it all back together No matter how many times I do it, I still hate having to jack up to get the big jack under to then get the stands under. Coming back down between jacks always causes trauma So, I'm not entirely disheartened, but it will require some digging in by the looks of it, although nothing in terms of actual fitting was achieved on this occasion Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GMballistic Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 This is why you pay someone else to deal with all this faffing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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