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Bought "Brand Used" tires, Federals RS-R 285/30 in the Rears. I like more meat, and realzied the /30 was too short. I can fit 2 fingers in the wheel gap. Will go for 285/35 or 275/40 next time. I really wanted to know if I can do 285/40/R18. I'm on factory arms, need to pick up some SPC again.
Picked up a set of take-off 07-08 Nismo shocks/springs over the weekend ($175 for it all, with a claimed 65k miles on them when removed - no signs of leaks from the shocks) - will install them at some point as I have at least 2 bad shocks (likely more) on mine. Last weekend I got a set of OEM catalytic converters (got the pair for $125, they were take-offs with 25k miles on them when removed) - so when I get the time to replace the exhaust I'll be all set from the manifolds to the back (I have all low-mileage OEM take-off parts to replace the CarX special that the previous owner put on there) .
Today was really nice for a Tuesday here in Wiesbaden, Germany. I took the Z to the local carwash and gave her a detailed bubble bath. Afterwards, I laid down 2 coats of spray wax. It felt great when I was driving her home.
Today was really nice for a Tuesday here in Wiesbaden, Germany.
I miss Wiesbaden! I spent a lot of time there on business in the late-90's/early-00's - it was always nice to walk around the Fussgängerzone after work, especially during the Weihnachtsmarkt.
Back to the thread - last night I installed a newer radio so that I could make handsfree calls and listen to podcasts. A speaker upgrade will follow this Winter.
I miss Wiesbaden! I spent a lot of time there on business in the late-90's/early-00's - it was always nice to walk around the Fussgängerzone after work, especially during the Weihnachtsmarkt.
Back to the thread - last night I installed a newer radio so that I could make handsfree calls and listen to podcasts. A speaker upgrade will follow this Winter.
Not to be that guy, but while going through a radio install any reason you chose something that dated? Plenty of options out there with far better features (Apple Car Play/Android Auto) for roughly $200. With a speaker upgrade you'll also want something with decent pre-amp outputs and a full band EQ.
I was just curious since you referred to it as a "newer" radio (I guess newer than the factory at least).
Not to be that guy :snip: I was just curious since you referred to it as a "newer" radio (I guess newer than the factory at least).
The radio is a Pioneer FH-X731BT from 2016. And, I will certainly want something with Android Auto/Carplay capability at a later date.
I have a lot of projects at the house that have priority over those on my rides, at the moment (unfortunately). But, since I was going to be driving the Z this whole summer season, I wanted to at least get Bluetooth for handsfree calling and an Aux input I could use. I had a mobile electronics installation side-business from 2005-2016, and I still help out friends and family with their install needs. During that time, I installed a number of these similar Pioneer radios as a good, basic, Bluetooth-capable radio. I never had complaints on these radios from my customers, so, when one popped up on FB marketplace for $40 (complete with the wiring, remote, and microphone...and actually, the net cost was $20 after I sold off the Chrysler radio mount kit and wiring adapter that came with it) - I figured I could at least put this in for the meantime until I get around to upgrading everything else. Surprisingly, this radio does have a separate subwoofer pre-out, and it's EQ does have settings at frequencies across the band (not just bass/treble control).
It will hold me over for now. I do need to get a Panavise mount and phone holder, though, so I can use Android Auto on my phone while driving, in the meantime.
The radio is a Pioneer FH-X731BT from 2016. And, I will certainly want something with Android Auto/Carplay capability at a later date.
I have a lot of projects at the house that have priority over those on my rides, at the moment (unfortunately). But, since I was going to be driving the Z this whole summer season, I wanted to at least get Bluetooth for handsfree calling and an Aux input I could use. I had a mobile electronics installation side-business from 2005-2016, and I still help out friends and family with their install needs. During that time, I installed a number of these similar Pioneer radios as a good, basic, Bluetooth-capable radio. I never had complaints on these radios from my customers, so, when one popped up on FB marketplace for $40 (complete with the wiring, remote, and microphone...and actually, the net cost was $20 after I sold off the Chrysler radio mount kit and wiring adapter that came with it) - I figured I could at least put this in for the meantime until I get around to upgrading everything else. Surprisingly, this radio does have a separate subwoofer pre-out, and it's EQ does have settings at frequencies across the band (not just bass/treble control).
It will hold me over for now. I do need to get a Panavise mount and phone holder, though, so I can use Android Auto on my phone while driving, in the meantime.
Ah for $40 in that use case it makes sense. I figured if you bought it new, that unit would not be in my radar. I thought those units only had a 5-band EQ and I think only 2 pre-amp outs (Speaker and Sub), though I'm sure I could be wrong.
The JVC KW-M740BT I picked up new for about $180 (eBay promotion at the time) has been stellar with car play and multiple amps with more than enough settings. First time using an aftermaket carplay/android auto unit in my own vehicle and I've been quite impressed. My 2018 Subaru STI really disappoints me on a day to day basis without it (they added the feature literally the year after I got mine, 2019 models).
MIL and FIL watched the little one for my wife and I so we could go to dinner for our 5 year. It was nice to be able to drive the Z. It's far from a family car lol
Second rear diffuser took a hit again, ripped out my rear bumper doing 60 MPH on the highway again.
Time to buy a new rear bumper *tabs are broken* and ditch the diffuser stuff. Perhaps a Nismo rear bumper or buy an OEM rear bumper in my color G41. I'm eyeing the 370Z Nismo rears conversion for the 350Z...
Second rear diffuser took a hit again, ripped out my rear bumper doing 60 MPH on the highway again.
Time to buy a new rear bumper *tabs are broken* and ditch the diffuser stuff. Perhaps a Nismo rear bumper or buy an OEM rear bumper in my color G41. I'm eyeing the 370Z Nismo rears conversion for the 350Z...
Indeed. It first was damaged on V-Day going out to buy flowers during heavy rain, drove to shallow water that was more then shallow and bam, it started there. Resused bumper, bought 2nd diffuser. And... again, but bumper was weak. Looking at NSM Rear, Nismo rear style, or say screw it all and get VIS Racing Superleggura w/ NSM rear? or full Superleggera. Thoughts welcome. I can't decide.
Meanwhile I came upon a set of 19x11 +15 square Volks TE37 Ultras in Diamond Gunmetal.... has some curb rash but... for $1,800 oversea; should I dare? Anyone want to buy my wheels? ha ha ha
Indeed. It first was damaged on V-Day going out to buy flowers during heavy rain, drove to shallow water that was more then shallow and bam, it started there. Resused bumper, bought 2nd diffuser. And... again, but bumper was weak. Looking at NSM Rear, Nismo rear style, or say screw it all and get VIS Racing Superleggura w/ NSM rear? or full Superleggera. Thoughts welcome. I can't decide.
Meanwhile I came upon a set of 19x11 +15 square Volks TE37 Ultras in Diamond Gunmetal.... has some curb rash but... for $1,800 oversea; should I dare? Anyone want to buy my wheels? ha ha ha
That Superleggura kit is the real panty-dropper. Personally, I do not like the back bumper. To me it looks like the molded a kitchen table into the mold, but to each his own. That being said, NSM rear on the Superleggura has my vote.
Went through some heavy rain wash on our road on the way home from work last night, and afterwards there was a dragging sound - one of the underbody splash shields had bent back and was draggin on the ground - had to remove what was left of it. I have a replacement set of splash shields ready to put on the car when I get some time.
Looking underneath, I will also need to replace the front and rear body braces as they are pretty rusted (the car was driven year-round in MI before I got it). Are there better aftermarket alternatives of these braces for the 2005 350Z coupe? Soul function or ?? I haven't spent too much time underneath the Z, yet, so I'm having trouble identifying which aftermarket braces would be replacements to the OEM body braces, vs. those that are for additional support in other areas.
EDIT/ADDITION: Thanks for the tip on the Ultra Racing braces in the post below!
