Project: Nismo roadster
Project: Nismo roadster
After many years (10) on the Maxima forums, posting about my heavily modified 05 Maxima, I decided it was time to change direction. I was looking for a convertible car that would supplement my Maxima. After looking at Miatas, and Boxsters, I started looking at convertible 350Z's. Last weekend, I became a Z owner after finding a car that was within my budget and condition.
The car was a black/black 2005 350Z Roadster automatic (yes automatic!!). It had high miles (179,000) and big a$$ 20" black rims. But it drove beautifully and that was good enough for me.
When I got her home, I checked it over to make sure there were no glaring problems. I decided to replace the big heavy 20s right away. i found some 35th anniversary rims and tires and did the swap. What a big difference in appearance and driving comfort. The road noise was quieter and the car just felt better. The 35th A rims are just very attractive rims and it brightened the car up nicely. They are also EACH 7 lbs lighter than the 20s.
While looking for rims, I found some original virtually unused Nismo Z seats. Unfortunately, the seller was in Vegas, about 230 miles from home.
While in Vegas, the Z bug began nipping at me. I noticed the seller's 08 Nismo Z had the front bumper missing. He said he was turning his car into a drift car and was having a bar built for the front. I asked if he had the original (silver) Nismo bumper and he said he did, and he showed it to me. After more $$$ changed hands, I stuffed the seats AND the bumper in my car and headed home with my loot.
I immediately installed the seats, which are fabulous. I did lose the heat
and power, but they look great, they feel great, and they are very rare.
I also removed the "350Z" rear badges and removed the paint on the "Z" part of the side badges.
After acquiring the Nismo front bumper and Nismo seats, I realized that I wanted a Nismo roadster. I have always loved the Nismo Z, but they never came in roadster version. I located a rear Nismo spoiler and acquired that last night from a former Maxima forum mate. This is the lower, smaller spoiler (I think there are two versions) which looks great on a roadster.
I also located an original rear Nismo bumper that is close to my house, which Im planning to pick up later today.
I also did not like the sun worn center console - soooooo, I replaced that too with one that is a darker silver and looks rather striking in contrast to the black interior.
Problem areas
1. Convertible top - the tonneau cover opens but the top does not close on its own. I hope the motors arent bad.
2. Passenger door handle - the outer passenger door handle does not operate the door. I imagine the linkage is bad.
3. The navigation door does not work. I spent many hours last night working on this when I swapped consoles. The door works when attached to a 9v battery but when attached to the car, it doesnt work. I kept it in the open position and I suppose I can live with that.
4. The front parking lights dont work. Im guessing bulbs.
5. The headlights need adjusting.
Pics to follow.
The car was a black/black 2005 350Z Roadster automatic (yes automatic!!). It had high miles (179,000) and big a$$ 20" black rims. But it drove beautifully and that was good enough for me.
When I got her home, I checked it over to make sure there were no glaring problems. I decided to replace the big heavy 20s right away. i found some 35th anniversary rims and tires and did the swap. What a big difference in appearance and driving comfort. The road noise was quieter and the car just felt better. The 35th A rims are just very attractive rims and it brightened the car up nicely. They are also EACH 7 lbs lighter than the 20s.
While looking for rims, I found some original virtually unused Nismo Z seats. Unfortunately, the seller was in Vegas, about 230 miles from home.
While in Vegas, the Z bug began nipping at me. I noticed the seller's 08 Nismo Z had the front bumper missing. He said he was turning his car into a drift car and was having a bar built for the front. I asked if he had the original (silver) Nismo bumper and he said he did, and he showed it to me. After more $$$ changed hands, I stuffed the seats AND the bumper in my car and headed home with my loot.
I immediately installed the seats, which are fabulous. I did lose the heat
and power, but they look great, they feel great, and they are very rare.I also removed the "350Z" rear badges and removed the paint on the "Z" part of the side badges.
After acquiring the Nismo front bumper and Nismo seats, I realized that I wanted a Nismo roadster. I have always loved the Nismo Z, but they never came in roadster version. I located a rear Nismo spoiler and acquired that last night from a former Maxima forum mate. This is the lower, smaller spoiler (I think there are two versions) which looks great on a roadster.
I also located an original rear Nismo bumper that is close to my house, which Im planning to pick up later today.
I also did not like the sun worn center console - soooooo, I replaced that too with one that is a darker silver and looks rather striking in contrast to the black interior.
Problem areas
1. Convertible top - the tonneau cover opens but the top does not close on its own. I hope the motors arent bad.
2. Passenger door handle - the outer passenger door handle does not operate the door. I imagine the linkage is bad.
3. The navigation door does not work. I spent many hours last night working on this when I swapped consoles. The door works when attached to a 9v battery but when attached to the car, it doesnt work. I kept it in the open position and I suppose I can live with that.
4. The front parking lights dont work. Im guessing bulbs.
5. The headlights need adjusting.
Pics to follow.
Last edited by DeusExMaxima; Jul 19, 2016 at 01:18 PM.
With 35th Anniversary rims on:
Pic of old center console on the right compared with center console Im putting it:
Pic of new center console (note the charcoal color)
Pic of authentic Nissan Nismo Z rear bumper:
Pic of authentic Nismo rear spoiler:
Sanding the rear bumper:
Pic of old center console on the right compared with center console Im putting it:
Pic of new center console (note the charcoal color)
Pic of authentic Nissan Nismo Z rear bumper:
Pic of authentic Nismo rear spoiler:
Sanding the rear bumper:
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Did lots of sanding today. Filled the indentation left by the front bumper logo after I removed the logo. I used flexible body filler. I also filled the license plate holes and various nicks. I bought some SEM flexible primer. More sanding tomorrow......
Rear bumper is primed..front bumper and rear spoiler should be primed today. Im hoping for paint this weekend....
Some other thoughts... as a new Z owner, there is a massive amount of info for modifying these cars. This is a bit overwhelming for me, since being a serious Maxima modifier,there wasnt as much product out the for the 6th Gen Max. I have some things Id like to modify in conformance with my plan for the car.
My idea for this car was comfort, performance, and fun. I have been an autocrosser for over 25 years and I did some roadracing for about 8 years. I havent done much formal racing in the last 3 years or so. But I still have motor oil in my veins, so to speak.
I would like to improve the performance of the car slightly without compromising comfort. Im thinking mild changes to the shocks if at all. I notice clunking over some bumps which could be a few things. I dont want to lower the car so I think Ill stay with stock springs. I think slightly larger anti-sway bars would make the most sense. Any thoughts or suggestions here?
Im considering adding Brembo brakes because I want to and they look great. I changed the fugly 20" aftermarket rims for some 35th Anniversary rims.
If there are any intake and exhaust mods that help performance without compromising sound, I would be interested in knowing those mods. Typically, CAIs increase sound quite a bit. My thoughts are dropping in a K & N and leave the intake alone.
I have already modified my interior by replacing the worn leather seats with factory Nismo Z seats. I also replaced the sunbaked center console with a much fresher unit. Im planning on covering the armrests with matching red cloth. I would like to have audio controls on my steering wheel. Since the 05 Z came without the controls,I believe I need and 06+ radio, and 06+ steering wheel, and I think wire harness. Are there any modifications the improve the sound system with costing an arm and a leg and without being too intrusive i.e. taking up the trunk or storage space?
Ive done some research and, as indicated earlier, the information base for the Z is overwhelming. Any thoughts or suggestions on these or any other topics would be much appreciated.
Some other thoughts... as a new Z owner, there is a massive amount of info for modifying these cars. This is a bit overwhelming for me, since being a serious Maxima modifier,there wasnt as much product out the for the 6th Gen Max. I have some things Id like to modify in conformance with my plan for the car.
My idea for this car was comfort, performance, and fun. I have been an autocrosser for over 25 years and I did some roadracing for about 8 years. I havent done much formal racing in the last 3 years or so. But I still have motor oil in my veins, so to speak.
I would like to improve the performance of the car slightly without compromising comfort. Im thinking mild changes to the shocks if at all. I notice clunking over some bumps which could be a few things. I dont want to lower the car so I think Ill stay with stock springs. I think slightly larger anti-sway bars would make the most sense. Any thoughts or suggestions here?
Im considering adding Brembo brakes because I want to and they look great. I changed the fugly 20" aftermarket rims for some 35th Anniversary rims.
If there are any intake and exhaust mods that help performance without compromising sound, I would be interested in knowing those mods. Typically, CAIs increase sound quite a bit. My thoughts are dropping in a K & N and leave the intake alone.
I have already modified my interior by replacing the worn leather seats with factory Nismo Z seats. I also replaced the sunbaked center console with a much fresher unit. Im planning on covering the armrests with matching red cloth. I would like to have audio controls on my steering wheel. Since the 05 Z came without the controls,I believe I need and 06+ radio, and 06+ steering wheel, and I think wire harness. Are there any modifications the improve the sound system with costing an arm and a leg and without being too intrusive i.e. taking up the trunk or storage space?
Ive done some research and, as indicated earlier, the information base for the Z is overwhelming. Any thoughts or suggestions on these or any other topics would be much appreciated.
Last edited by DeusExMaxima; Sep 23, 2014 at 08:35 AM.
Hotchkis sways and 06 airbox with a drop in filter is what I'm running, I have tokico d-specs with springs combo and I think it lowered my car too much where I rub often because of it even with rolled rear fenders.
Here is front Nismo bumper spot primed where the logo and indentation used to be but now is filled in:
Front bumper fully primed (the black spot is a fly!):
Im going to go over both bumpers with my last can of expensive flexible primer.
Pic of rear spoiler primed and set on the car:
It will sit lower. The attachment bolts are holding it up away from the car but it gives you an idea of what it will look like.
I have a lead for an 06 airbox. Can someone tell me the difference between the 05 and 06? Maybe if you have part numbers that would be great. Im picking it up Saturday.
Im also getting a Nismo steering wheel. Mine is worn and the seams are pulling apart. The Nismo unit has nice red stitching and perforated leather and looks sharper. It also has the audio buttons on the left side. Id like to get those working. I have the 6CD Bose. I could have gotten an 08 Nismo radio but Id lose the 6CD changer and I didnt want to lose that. Id like to hear suggestions regarding getting the audio buttons to work and have a 6CD Nissan radio.
I also have a splitter protection plate coming in the mail. It goes under the splitter and protects it from the road.
I have a lead on some Hotchkis anti-sway bars. I understand Ill need stronger end links so Ill look for those unless someone has suggestions.
Front bumper fully primed (the black spot is a fly!):
Im going to go over both bumpers with my last can of expensive flexible primer.
Pic of rear spoiler primed and set on the car:
It will sit lower. The attachment bolts are holding it up away from the car but it gives you an idea of what it will look like.
I have a lead for an 06 airbox. Can someone tell me the difference between the 05 and 06? Maybe if you have part numbers that would be great. Im picking it up Saturday.
Im also getting a Nismo steering wheel. Mine is worn and the seams are pulling apart. The Nismo unit has nice red stitching and perforated leather and looks sharper. It also has the audio buttons on the left side. Id like to get those working. I have the 6CD Bose. I could have gotten an 08 Nismo radio but Id lose the 6CD changer and I didnt want to lose that. Id like to hear suggestions regarding getting the audio buttons to work and have a 6CD Nissan radio.
I also have a splitter protection plate coming in the mail. It goes under the splitter and protects it from the road.
I have a lead on some Hotchkis anti-sway bars. I understand Ill need stronger end links so Ill look for those unless someone has suggestions.
Last edited by DeusExMaxima; Sep 25, 2014 at 01:06 PM.