Hello folks,

I'm at a bit of an impasse and wanted to get opinions and please only constructive criticism I have a 2004 350z Touring. Love this car and I love this forum. I have about two grand I want to put into it at the moment. My goal with this car is to keep it looking nice and simple and not draw attention to it. The only thing I've done so far is put on a GReddy SE exhaust, new competition clutch and tore out the Bose system. No matter what choice I decide upon with the $2 grand, I will be installing an Injen CAI.

Existing issue:

I have been told I will soon need new rear tires.

The front bumper is chipping and generally needs a new paint job. Been quoted $700 plus another $1000 for a clear bra.


Choices:

1. Paint job for bumper and have a clear bra put on
2. New rims and tires. 19" Varrstoen (It's a DD and I like the rims)
3. New Suspension / strut bars
4. Purchasing the OEM Brembos and purchase new Rotors / SS lines / Pads etc.

I need help from the community. I'm concerned with improving performance and having the car still look in good condition without drawing attention to it with the modifications, I also would hate to double down and pay for things twice. (which is why I'm leaning towards tires and rims) but if anyone has sound reasoning to go another way I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

 

Suspension before wheels

 

Maintenance before anything

 

$1000 for a clear bra? IIRC, mine was around $300.

 

I'll make some suggestions within your budget, however
I need to know if you're a DIY kinda guy

 

I am a DIY guy to a degree. I will be doing the Injen myself and I have a very mechanically inclined coworker who has an older Z he is restoring with a complete shop at his home. I am hesitant to do anything major but I'm patient and willing to take the time to do something myself (it does offer a greater sense of accomplishment to do something like this yourself).

 

Varrs are yucky, oem wheels would be better with good tires.

 

You do state an option I hadn't thought of albeit in your own way.

I could simply purchase tires for the Z and spend the remaining money on any number of the other choices. The rims on the car do have some rash from the previous owner but are in generally good condition. My only concern is I do want to have them replaced and now seemed as good as time as any.

 

If you need tires, get those first. Skip the Varrstoen and go for the Brembos.

 

New tires and fix the front bumper FTW. If you have any money left start saving for the brembos.

 

I may end up going this way. Realistically I have the cash to do everything but the women is finishing her doctorate and we want to replenish the savings account. And the pesky roof on the house needs some work

 

Well then it's a no brainer. Get new rear tires and fix the roof

 

So I think it's going to come down to just getting two new rear tires and investing in new suspension with of course still taking care of the maintenance on my roof

 

Hunt Craigslist ... You'll find everything cheap eventually.

 

they have spoken.

Suspension.. maybe even just the hotchkis set up w springs and sways.
a few $75 a pair spacers on your OEM wheels
new tires
maybe a new front lip and a bumper tuck if you dont mind.. looks great and its free.
youll be at about a jkhtsc

 

Purchase some tires from tirerack 300-500 then some new bc coils from a vendor 900-950 shipped then the 500+ left towards brembos later on

 

do the roof yourself and save more money its not that hard

 

So I did get a quote for the roof! it's only $900 so that's good. I'm heading to the performance shop tomorrow with a friend and we're going to take a look. I've been on tirerack.com almost all day today getting info and prices. I'm thinking of tires and rims and forgo the Injen and add front and rear sway bars. I'm so indecisive!

I appreciate everyone's input and I think this option gives me a good balance of needed maintenance, aesthetics and performance. In the end I know it's my car and I want the end result to be something I'm proud of and happy with.

Thanks again everyone and I'm extremely happy to be a part (although small) of the community.

 

I'd invest in some performance bolt ons for the female...sorry It was a wide open comment. Only thing I could offer since she worked so hard for the doctorate. Good advice from above.

 

..and with that I think this thread has come to the end of the road. OP, good luck in whatever you decide.

/THREAD