Project Double Down: From Start to Finish...56k no way!
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: North Las Vegas
Project Double Down: From Start to Finish...56k no way!
[Cheesy movie voice]
This is the story of a 350Z that underwent a freakish transformation. This transformation changed it from a mild mannered sports car to something of a super car. A wolf in sheep’s clothing if you will, like a chick with a d*ck, shocking and unexpected. Without further ado, this is the story of…Project Double Down.
[/Cheesy movie voice]
Chapter 1: Strippers
Ok now to the serious part. During 2005 my 350 Z was my daily driver and my track car. After the addition of the Kirk Racing 4-Point roll bar, Corbeau CR1 seats, and Corbeau 5-Point harnesses I started to think that maybe my car wasn’t the best daily driver anymore. My girlfriend was complaining that it took 10 minutes to figure out the harnesses every time and so I had to make a decision. The easy and cheap way would be to ditch the roll bar, harnesses, and seats, but no, that was out of the question. I love track racing too much and I am a safety *****. So the search was on for a new daily driver. I ended up with a 2001 Lexus IS300 and then the ideas started flowing…
Within two days my 350Z was in my garage up on jack stands. At work I was on the forums looking through the classifieds for new exciting parts, and the next weekend I enlisted the help of the NV350Z Club and a few others to aide in my “stripping party.” That weekend we tore into the car answering the question we all had in the back of our minds since we bought our Zs, “What’s under all of this plastic?”
That’s right folks, we gutted my 350Z. Everything that could be spared was gone, the carpet, the radio, the speakers, everything. After a block of dry ice and a few chisels most of the sound deadener was gone as well. All that was left was a bunch of bare metal and a pile of interior pieces…
Chapter 2 coming soon!
This is the story of a 350Z that underwent a freakish transformation. This transformation changed it from a mild mannered sports car to something of a super car. A wolf in sheep’s clothing if you will, like a chick with a d*ck, shocking and unexpected. Without further ado, this is the story of…Project Double Down.
[/Cheesy movie voice]
Chapter 1: Strippers
Ok now to the serious part. During 2005 my 350 Z was my daily driver and my track car. After the addition of the Kirk Racing 4-Point roll bar, Corbeau CR1 seats, and Corbeau 5-Point harnesses I started to think that maybe my car wasn’t the best daily driver anymore. My girlfriend was complaining that it took 10 minutes to figure out the harnesses every time and so I had to make a decision. The easy and cheap way would be to ditch the roll bar, harnesses, and seats, but no, that was out of the question. I love track racing too much and I am a safety *****. So the search was on for a new daily driver. I ended up with a 2001 Lexus IS300 and then the ideas started flowing…
Within two days my 350Z was in my garage up on jack stands. At work I was on the forums looking through the classifieds for new exciting parts, and the next weekend I enlisted the help of the NV350Z Club and a few others to aide in my “stripping party.” That weekend we tore into the car answering the question we all had in the back of our minds since we bought our Zs, “What’s under all of this plastic?”
That’s right folks, we gutted my 350Z. Everything that could be spared was gone, the carpet, the radio, the speakers, everything. After a block of dry ice and a few chisels most of the sound deadener was gone as well. All that was left was a bunch of bare metal and a pile of interior pieces…
Chapter 2 coming soon!
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,954
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From: North Las Vegas
Originally Posted by Silkk
Did you weigh the removed parts to get an idea of weight savings?
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: where the polar bears roam
350ZNV][Cheesy movie voice]
This is the story of a 350Z that underwent a freakish transformation. This transformation changed it from a mild mannered sports car to something of a super car. A wolf in sheep’s clothing if you will, like a chick with a d*ck, shocking and unexpected.
This is the story of a 350Z that underwent a freakish transformation. This transformation changed it from a mild mannered sports car to something of a super car. A wolf in sheep’s clothing if you will, like a chick with a d*ck, shocking and unexpected.
Thats just wrong!!!
[
B]Chapter 1: Strippers
Ok now to the serious part. During 2005 my 350 Z was my daily driver and my track car. After the addition of the Kirk Racing 4-Point roll bar, Corbeau CR1 seats, and Corbeau 5-Point harnesses I started to think that maybe my car wasn’t the best daily driver anymore. My girlfriend was complaining that it took 10 minutes to figure out the harnesses every time and so I had to make a decision. The easy and cheap way would be to ditch the roll bar, harnesses, and seats, but no, that was out of the question.
I love track racing too much and I am a safety *****. So the search was on for a new daily driver. I ended up with a 2001 Lexus IS300 and then the ideas started flowing…
Within two days my 350Z was in my garage up on jack stands. At work I was on the forums looking through the classifieds for new exciting parts, and the next weekend I enlisted the help of the NV350Z Club and a few others to aide in my “stripping party.” That weekend we tore into the car answering the question we all had in the back of our minds since we bought our Zs, “What’s under all of this plastic?”
That’s right folks, we gutted my 350Z. Everything that could be spared was gone, the carpet, the radio, the speakers, everything. After a block of dry ice and a few chisels most of the sound deadener was gone as well. All that was left was a bunch of bare metal and a pile of interior pieces
Within two days my 350Z was in my garage up on jack stands. At work I was on the forums looking through the classifieds for new exciting parts, and the next weekend I enlisted the help of the NV350Z Club and a few others to aide in my “stripping party.” That weekend we tore into the car answering the question we all had in the back of our minds since we bought our Zs, “What’s under all of this plastic?”
That’s right folks, we gutted my 350Z. Everything that could be spared was gone, the carpet, the radio, the speakers, everything. After a block of dry ice and a few chisels most of the sound deadener was gone as well. All that was left was a bunch of bare metal and a pile of interior pieces
Seriously brother, you have some guts!!! (No pun intended). Wow is all I can say....
She's going to be alot of fun on the track.... Well done,
Cessna (Is looking forward to "Chapter 2!")
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Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: North Las Vegas
The wait is over!
Chapter 2: The Big Decision
My car still on jack stands, but now naked, I started to order some parts for the car. I decided I needed a more aggressive coilover setup so I sold my Tien Flex w/EDFC and picked up a set of JIC FLTA-2 coilovers. This decision came after talking to a few companies at SEMA about their products. Then I knew I had to tackle the camber issue. The front was an easy decision with the Cusco A-Arms, but the rear, I had a little more trouble deciding on.
I started to think about if I was going to stay N/A or go with forced induction. My major hang up was that I didn’t like the idea of lag with turbo setups and centrifugal superchargers. So I started researching the Stillen superchargers because they offer a no lag, roots type blower. The only problem was that it wasn’t capable of much power for the price. Having to buy a new hood and strut tower brace wasn’t too appealing to me either. I didn’t want to stay N/A because then I would be Rickdogg Jr. lol. Not that that’s a bad thing Rick as you probably have the sickest 350Z I have ever seen.
While searching the forums I came across Scott at Violent Racing Technology (VRT). We got to talking and he filled me in on the JWT Twin Turbo kit. Well after about an hour and a half on the phone with VRT I was convinced. JWT was the way to go. Near instant boost and has amazing torque numbers. Both of which are awesome for the track. What made the decision even easier for me was that the guys at VRT are avid track racers as well so I knew that this setup could hold up to the abuse.
So the next day, the wheels went back on and the Z was put on a trailer headed for San Diego! Early Sunday morning I drove down to VRT with the Z in tow. I got there and was greeted by Scott and Mike from VRT. They were just as excited to see my newly stripped 350Z as I was running around their shop like a crack head……….on crack lol. (writers block). Then it was out to lunch and back across the desert. What a long day that was.
The next day I called up Scott and told him my newest decision that I thought about all the way home. I wanted a built motor. I have always had this motto; “Do it once and do it right, because doing it twice always costs more.” So true to my motto I decided the built motor was the way to go with its CP Racing Forged Pistons, JWT Cams, Pauter Rods, and much much more. Oh and of course the JWT Clutch and Flywheel will be installed as well. Before you know it I was getting these pictures in my email…
Chapter 3 coming soon!
Chapter 2: The Big Decision
My car still on jack stands, but now naked, I started to order some parts for the car. I decided I needed a more aggressive coilover setup so I sold my Tien Flex w/EDFC and picked up a set of JIC FLTA-2 coilovers. This decision came after talking to a few companies at SEMA about their products. Then I knew I had to tackle the camber issue. The front was an easy decision with the Cusco A-Arms, but the rear, I had a little more trouble deciding on.
I started to think about if I was going to stay N/A or go with forced induction. My major hang up was that I didn’t like the idea of lag with turbo setups and centrifugal superchargers. So I started researching the Stillen superchargers because they offer a no lag, roots type blower. The only problem was that it wasn’t capable of much power for the price. Having to buy a new hood and strut tower brace wasn’t too appealing to me either. I didn’t want to stay N/A because then I would be Rickdogg Jr. lol. Not that that’s a bad thing Rick as you probably have the sickest 350Z I have ever seen.
While searching the forums I came across Scott at Violent Racing Technology (VRT). We got to talking and he filled me in on the JWT Twin Turbo kit. Well after about an hour and a half on the phone with VRT I was convinced. JWT was the way to go. Near instant boost and has amazing torque numbers. Both of which are awesome for the track. What made the decision even easier for me was that the guys at VRT are avid track racers as well so I knew that this setup could hold up to the abuse.
So the next day, the wheels went back on and the Z was put on a trailer headed for San Diego! Early Sunday morning I drove down to VRT with the Z in tow. I got there and was greeted by Scott and Mike from VRT. They were just as excited to see my newly stripped 350Z as I was running around their shop like a crack head……….on crack lol. (writers block). Then it was out to lunch and back across the desert. What a long day that was.
The next day I called up Scott and told him my newest decision that I thought about all the way home. I wanted a built motor. I have always had this motto; “Do it once and do it right, because doing it twice always costs more.” So true to my motto I decided the built motor was the way to go with its CP Racing Forged Pistons, JWT Cams, Pauter Rods, and much much more. Oh and of course the JWT Clutch and Flywheel will be installed as well. Before you know it I was getting these pictures in my email…
Chapter 3 coming soon!
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: BAY AREA, Nickel and Dime
NICe!!! yes that motto is good "DO it once, and do it RIGHT" good descision about the built motor!! even tho u have "turbo" ur motor cant handle high boosting..when u need tat extra HP...cant wait till i see Chapter 3!!! keep it up man! and keep posting!
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,954
Likes: 2
From: North Las Vegas
Chapter 3: While at VRT
So my car is now at VRT in San Diego and my garage feels empty even though the IS300 sleeps there while the Z is gone. So what happens when you don’t have your 350Z to drive? You buy more stuff for it! The following is what happens when you live by the motto stated in Chapter Two.
So I got to thinking, with all of this power at hand, my speeds at the track were going to be considerably faster. This opens up a whole new labarynth of things that need to be addressed. First and most important of these issues is safety. Although I already had a roll bar and harnesses, there was still MUCH room for improvement in the safety aspect. I kept having flashbacks of my last track day where I watched a brand new Lotus Elise burn to the ground. So it was off to SummitRacing.com to buy another mod that you need, but hope you never use, a fire suppression system. This three nozzle system sprays into your engine bay, cabin, and rear cabin at the push of a button. The best part, the flame retardant is clear and leaves no residue so your vision isn’t blocked while trying to get out of the car, and cleanup is a lot easier. Then I started thinking about the airbags…with the harnesses keeping me in place, all the airbags will do is come out and punch me in the face. Then I got excited because airbags are heavy and that means I can get an aftermarket steering wheel. So to Momo I went, and on my doorstep a few days later was their “Fighter” steering wheel.
After my safety spree the boys at VRT brought up a very good question. With all the extra speed I will have entering braking zones, will the OEM Brembos be enough to last an entire weekend at the track. Probably not, which is why I am now a proud owner of an AP Racing big brake kit.
Next came a pretty obvious decision. I need some bigger tires. The solution…18” Nismo LMGT4’s powdercoated flat black wrapped in Nitto NT01 tires, 275/35/18 Front, 315/30/18 Rear. The secret lies in the offset and the profile of the tire people. No fender mods needed.
Chapter 4 coming soon, but not as soon as 1 & 2 because chapter 4 isn’t completed yet.
So my car is now at VRT in San Diego and my garage feels empty even though the IS300 sleeps there while the Z is gone. So what happens when you don’t have your 350Z to drive? You buy more stuff for it! The following is what happens when you live by the motto stated in Chapter Two.
So I got to thinking, with all of this power at hand, my speeds at the track were going to be considerably faster. This opens up a whole new labarynth of things that need to be addressed. First and most important of these issues is safety. Although I already had a roll bar and harnesses, there was still MUCH room for improvement in the safety aspect. I kept having flashbacks of my last track day where I watched a brand new Lotus Elise burn to the ground. So it was off to SummitRacing.com to buy another mod that you need, but hope you never use, a fire suppression system. This three nozzle system sprays into your engine bay, cabin, and rear cabin at the push of a button. The best part, the flame retardant is clear and leaves no residue so your vision isn’t blocked while trying to get out of the car, and cleanup is a lot easier. Then I started thinking about the airbags…with the harnesses keeping me in place, all the airbags will do is come out and punch me in the face. Then I got excited because airbags are heavy and that means I can get an aftermarket steering wheel. So to Momo I went, and on my doorstep a few days later was their “Fighter” steering wheel.
After my safety spree the boys at VRT brought up a very good question. With all the extra speed I will have entering braking zones, will the OEM Brembos be enough to last an entire weekend at the track. Probably not, which is why I am now a proud owner of an AP Racing big brake kit.
Next came a pretty obvious decision. I need some bigger tires. The solution…18” Nismo LMGT4’s powdercoated flat black wrapped in Nitto NT01 tires, 275/35/18 Front, 315/30/18 Rear. The secret lies in the offset and the profile of the tire people. No fender mods needed.
Chapter 4 coming soon, but not as soon as 1 & 2 because chapter 4 isn’t completed yet.
NICE. You kept the door panels? I figured you could strip them as well and just mount the switches and door handles to the bare metal; more weight savings...
Wow, 275 seems really wide for front tires; wonder how that'll affect steering feel?
Wow, 275 seems really wide for front tires; wonder how that'll affect steering feel?
Last edited by MustGoFastR; Jan 20, 2006 at 10:46 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: North Las Vegas
MustGoFastR - That is the plan, I just have to fabricate something to hold the window switches. Also, the original tires I was going to put on there had a 285/30/18. This setup is run on most VRT cars with no rubbing or fender mods though.
ryanmac516 - The wheels are 18" x 9.5" +30. Don't ask me how a 315 on a 9.5" rim works, but it does and has been run on VRT's cars for a wile on the track. It's the 30 profile that keeps the sidewall stiff.
Resolute - Hahaha thanks.
ryanmac516 - The wheels are 18" x 9.5" +30. Don't ask me how a 315 on a 9.5" rim works, but it does and has been run on VRT's cars for a wile on the track. It's the 30 profile that keeps the sidewall stiff.
Resolute - Hahaha thanks.
