Was up to 2300 last night, only got the front new rotors on and my xp10 track pads on. And an oil change. Another late night in store, getting ready for the weekend

 

Work starts this morning switching out PE TT SS exhaust manifolds for cast iron ones. Took me forever to get a set new; so I determined they would be better used on the Z than in my shed. Wish me luck.

 

GOOD LUCK

 

Good luck

I sprayed down bolts and started spraying troubled spots with cider vinegar last night... Operation deconstruction, I will also need luck on my side...

 

If removing my Injen SES exhaust and re-installing my NISMO S tune is any measure, it will be bad. It took me the entire labor day to do on jack stands, due to frozen SS bolts. Not a single one came off easy. In comparison, it took about 1 hour or less to put on the NISMO. I still feel like I was in a bar fight based on bruises and scrapes and sore muscles. I am paying a shop to do this exhaust manifold job, as I am feeling my age. I still remember replacing a clutch on a Datsun B210 on the street [by the curb] in Chicago by myself, I was told the engine / trans had to be pulled as a unit and clutch replaced outside the car, well, I managed to do it by pulling the trans from the rear, using my chest as a trans jack. My first experience working on a Japanese car. I don't think I can do that kind of stuff anymore. lol.

Forgot to mention it was winter and there was slush everywhere. Surprised I didn't get frostbite or trenchfoot.

 

I'm slightly redneck. I'd have taken a Sawzall to those exhaust bolts. Lol. But I'm glad I read this because that's my next mod and I'll make damn sure to have fresh blades handy.

 

I did use a sawzall with a carbide tip blade that supposedly can cut stainless and even cast iron. Best I did was half way through and then was able to twist them off using a breaker bar and a fence post. lol

 

Dude you got my luck. Lol.

 

I took a day and a half to get one lower control arm bolt out of a Honda one time. It was seized up inside the bushing and probably one of the most miserable mechanical experiences of my life. lol

 

O man o man... I had a miserable time getting my oem exhaust off, I ended up using a grinder and sawzall and just cut and drilled and it took all day... I still need to tackle my catalytic converters, I have had the new ones in my basement for almost a year...


As for today... Well I understand the feeling the age because I feel like I got dragged down the road by a garbage truck for a few miles... But progress was made...

And mad weight savings



Exhaust system off



Sway bar off, what a *****



Diff out




Next week maybe I'll get the subframe out if my knees and back recovers from the day...

 

Nice!!

 

Good stuff, Mike! I don't remember the diff you're putting in...

 

What's all that brown stuff all over the metal? Don't think I've ever seen that here in California

 

Im just changing out the bushings, going to clean up my rusty mess while its apart and pretend I live in California...

I have a almost new open diff I was going to maybe put a different limited slip into but my oem one seems fine for now.

Rusy bolts are super fun.

 

Man. I feel you. 5" wirebrush on a drill will be SO much better if you're not upside down. I'm lucky, got my Grandpa's bench grinder w a steel brush. Good luck, Sir!

 

Finished reassembly after installing a new timing chain set, only awaiting fluids and detail.

 

Beat the f out of it on the track. Oh and almost crashed. good times

 

That engine looks so fresh and so clean... how did you tuck all those wires out? Like bedamn thats how it should have come from the factory.

I cleaned up some bushings today, what a pain in the A$$ still not done ran out of daylight and battery power... Cleaned up the rust a bit also...

I also took off my W brace... Cut the arms off my old W brace and put that on so I have an extra spot structurally sound to help hold the car up...

Thats about it for today.

 

Swapped the full Nismo suspension last weekend... Wound up getting too good of a deal to pass up on the wheels to go with it this weekend. Tires are meh (and I need to source some touch-up paint), but I'm doing my research to order a solid set of tires in a few weeks.



I'm seriously okay with the end result. I can't wait to go back up to the Dragon in November. So excited.

 

TZ, if you enjoy the mountain switchbacks and have the time, I've got a route for you. My fil lives in Highlands, NC and the roads in and out are awesome and unpredictable for 1st timers. I made a route for you. Starts in Clayton, GA. Enjoy!
Or, you could easily take the Wahalla exit off 85N.