I only put on synthetic wax for now. I'd been debating between headlight covers and opti lens coating, but after experiencing sticker shock with both options I put off purchasing either. The only thing I've got that might work is clear lacquer meant for plastic model kits, but not too sure how that would hold up to the elements.

 

Headlights came out great. Reason I ask is because they will haze fast if you don't seal them back up. Buy some spar urethane and mineral spirits. Mix the urethane with the mineral spirits (get a good consistency), take your headlights off, and apply a thin coat using a folded shop towel. All can be bought from home depot. I haven't had any hazing ever since and they look like shiny new headlights.

 

How long since you did this? and car kept outside?

 

About a year ago. Car is kept in the garage but see's a lot of sun when I park it at work. I'm positive even for a car that stays out all the time, the spar urethane will hold up very well.

You can keep applying coats too if one isn't enough. Just let the urethane have a very good time to dry.

 

Hey, thanks so much for this process, looks like I'll be able to protect the headlights for cheaper than I was expecting.

 

Give it some time. If you have stock cats on, it will be quiet - almost stock sound. I have the TopSpeed test pipes mated to the Gemini. Sounds pretty good so far. I got the single wall Ti tips. I can barely see them when standing a ways back behind the car.

 

this is my concern... I want a nice deep growl but not obnoxiously loud like the fart cans.

I too have stock cats and will prob be keeping them for the foreseeable future, I may just go ahead and buy the ARK Grip after your opinion.. I certainly won't want to spend 850 for something too similar to whats I already have when I can spend few hundred more and get a louder deeper growl and IMO better looking from the rear.

Since you have stock cats.. mind posting a vid of how yours sounds? I know Smooth's sounds great since he has TPs.

 

Don't get me wrong, I honestly think the price I paid was worth the sound. Quality of the sound, that is. Initially I ruled out all exhausts that were obnoxiously loud because I'm afraid of drone as I daily my Z. That was what led me to go with the Gemini. This one definitely sounds better than stock, giving it a deeper tone at lower rpms. Accelerating sounds absolutely amazing in the cabin, just enough roar inside without the droning. All I'm saying is, I wish it was louder. Idling is near silent at this point (again, have to wait a week or so for it to break in).

If you're looking for a loud, near obnoxious volume, you're going to need a cat delete regardless of which cat back exhaust you go with. If you love the stock sound but want it nicer, this Gemini is the way to go. Just my $0.02

EDIT: Here's a video I took immediately after install, you can hear the popping sounds near the end of revs (sounds even more amazing in person)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1fdVLav0RQ

 

i love some ricer horsepowers! lol

 

I fought for 4 hours to get just 1 lower translink off ;( sadly i cant get the castle nut off the BJ. Sears trip for tools tomorrow and now im just gunna order all the bushings. Cause this is a pain in the a$$

 

what kind of hood and bumper do you have !! They're awesome. PM me if possible

 

Just purchased a new set of tires for summer use-- the NT555's. I chose it instead of the Hankook V12's because of the price I got from 4wo|nitto tire and besides I will only use these tires for street driving only.

 

Took the Z out to a local autoX event. $40 for 4 passes. It was good to get out and drive hard in a controlled environment, but each run only being ~37 seconds I don't think it was worth the money. I probably won't do another event unless it's super cheap.

It WAS great fun seeing Timmy in his daddy bought auto 2015 Camaro get lost as fuuuuuggggg though. It was my first autoX ever and I think I only missed 2 turns. This kid hit turn 1-5 and then was like: fk it I'm out.

 

Took the s-tune off and but the stock exhaust back

 

Ordered a hydro drip carbon fiber dip kit for my interior. Hopefully it's here this weekend so I can get to work on it right away!

 

Did my steering wheel restitch project this weekend. Wanted to match the other orange/silver accents I put in with the shifter boot, ebrake and door armrests. SUPER tedious and took a while but I’m really happy with how it came out.







-Shawn

 

very nice job! Did you find a DIY thread/video for this?

 

Thanks Chad. I used these two threads on other car forums as guides. Mine was a little more complicated because of using 2 colors but same principles.

http://mustangforums.com/forum/2005-...ing-wheel.html

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/vehic...titch-mod.html

Shawn

 

That looks really good Shawn! I love the contrasting colors.

Props to tackling it on your own

Andy

 

What did I do today? Had the longest drive in over 6 months and ended up crossing 98,000 miles

Looks really good, DIY Ftw