When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Ordered Nismo v3 and sides (rep) from shine auto. Currently have the v3 rear in the garage along with abs dynamics rep nismo spoiler. been rocking the v2 for a while and I've always wanted the USDM nismo kit, now its just waiting for the parts to arrive then off to the paint shop!
I resealed my lower oil pan because it was leaking. went with a heavier weight oil for my oil change 5w40. and that was about it. Next up BBK, when I get a free weekend from life.
Z got washed and quick detailed yesterday. Just passed smog today. Time to put the Mishimoto Intake Tube and fuel port block with pressure gauge back on. Yes, those are apparently not allowed in commie-fornia.
Cheers!
-Icer
finally got around to installing my steering wheel. it’s a bit thicker than the oem steering wheel but not too thick. it honestly feels great in my hands. pause.
2 weekends ago I washed, clay barred and ceramic sealed my Z. Used to take me 8 hrs to do it. I’m OLD AF now and just can’t do that anymore. So now I wash, claybar with the wash soap, dry and then use this Turtle Wax Ceramic coating…2 sprays panel..wipe on..wipe off. Takes me 3.5 hrs altogether and I feel like I am getting better protection and results than I did with Klasse all in one and glaze sealant. I add another wipe on wipe off of ceramic after 24 hrs. I did with this same process with my 2 cars outside 10 months ago and then both still bead up like crazy. Glad I finally came into 2026.
This weekend replace the old Bridgestones I had with my first ever set of Michelin Pilots. Loving them so far.
21 years in with this bad *** car. Tire guy asked me if I’d ever sell it…told him “Nope…I’ll probably be BURIED in it”. —-Shawn
I used to be a skeptic about ceramic coatings, so I kept using paint sealers/waxes. But after trying out a pro-grade coating on my Z, I've become a believer. It's been two years since I coated my Z, only doing basic maintenance washes with a ceramic top coat refresher spray. The ceramic coating is holding up extremely well. The water beads beautifully and contaminants like bug impacts or bird droppings flake off with ease. I won't say the coating is performing like new, there's definitely been a noticeable decline with the ease of contaminant removal. When it was freshly coated, a light rinse with my pressure washer would remove 99% of all contaminants, now I'd say only about 60-75% is removed during a basic rinse. Not bad, but not fantastic either. What I really love about ceramic coatings is that they are safe for plastic and rubber trim. You can use it on virtually every surface of your vehicle's exterior without worrying about discoloration of plastics & rubbers. This will prolong the life of plastic headlight lenses, window trim & seals, and wiper cowling.
That being said, I'm still very impressed with how well a professional ceramic coating lasts. Two years of basic maintenance washes without any serious touch ups or re-coats is pretty damn good. I think later this year I'm going to strip it back and do some light paint correction (polishing) and recoat the vehicle because I'm a little obsessed with keeping that depth and luster in the paint.
Cheers!
-Icer
SPM' Z looks great! I just did paint correction and ceramic coating myself on my Porsche, and it was decent but not pro-level done.
I made a big update on my build thread for the Z. Received many parts to get ready to do a AT-to-MT swap all while swapping in a new 3.7 HR engine this weekend.
Still looking for a clutch assembly and MT shifter trim but otherwise, I have everything ready. Getting excited.
In the past two days I have replaced 4 tires and did the headlight conversion. Now got to clean it up and get ready for the ImportExpo car show here in Atlanta Ga.
Be ready to to make some relief cuts in the radiator core support to fit the Koyorad. The lower brackets that support the AC condenser are larger than the stock rad, causing fitment issues. You can either clearance the core support with a dremel or shave the brackets on the rad side.
Cheers!
-Icer
Thank you, I'll see how they fit once I'm that far in. I had to order some ARP bolts for the flywheel/pressure so that will slow me down.
The hybrid engine and the 6MT arrived.
VQ37VHR bottom block, paired with the VQ35HR heads. I already have the front end of the Z opened up. Today I'm supposed to do the driveshaft, pull out the wiring loom, motor mounts and undo the exhaust which I believe should be it,
Bought some replacement rear springs and a huge trolly jack so I can replace the rear springs as there has been advisory on them from the MOT centre for a year now
I also got some ball joints for the front , but I will probably save the ball joints for my mechanic to do , as I don't have the tool to press the joints in or out.
Out of curiosity, what's wrong with the springs? I've never really heard of those going bad unless you've been in an accident and there's a crack. Usually, it's the struts that get replaced since they have a limited lifespan.
