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Girlfriend bought a Z yesterday...

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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 11:11 AM
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Default Girlfriend bought a Z yesterday...

and I am ready to start working on it. What is the first thing I should do? Cold air intake? New exhaust? Etc.

I am a beginner, so that is a factor as well.

Thanks
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 11:34 AM
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So which one are you.. A Knight or a Gator.

Take your pick!

Oh yeah congrats on your GF's Z.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 11:38 AM
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Default Knight

I'm the Knight. She's the gator. I tacked on UCF before she could say something. lol

I think I want to start with a cold air intake. What's the best one for the money
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 11:44 AM
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Ditch the CAI. Don't waste your money. No real added benefit (not even power) and higher chance of getting hydrolocked. The OEM intake is a pretty good piece from the faqctory. If anything swap out the filter for a high flow Blitz, or K&N and add an air duct on your front bumper.


Exhaust would be a good start. There are as many options as internet **** out there. Don't look for one that would add the "most power" because differences are small if not nonexistant.. Choose one that suits your taste in looks/sound.

If you have money... go FI.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 11:48 AM
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What year is it? The '07s have a significantly updated engine, so many of the engine mods (such as CAI) are incompatable ... but if she bought a used Z, then you'll have more options

Of course, if she DID get an 07, she'll just have to wait a couple of months for new stuff to come out ... right now it seems like the new '07 engine will get more power than the older engines did due to the improvements.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 11:59 AM
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Default 06

Its an 06 Enthusiast with ~7k mi
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:02 PM
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Default Cai

So the CAI wouldn't do much for performance, huh? Would it make the car sound better?

How hard is it to add an air duct on the front? Would I have to cut a hole in the bumper? Are there kits for this?
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:05 PM
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Rev up motor, do the MREV2 as your first mod hands down. After that proceed to the other breathing mods.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:07 PM
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Originally Posted by ZGatorUCF
. What is the first thing I should do?
...post pics of GF.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by ZGatorUCF
So the CAI wouldn't do much for performance, huh? Would it make the car sound better?

How hard is it to add an air duct on the front? Would I have to cut a hole in the bumper? Are there kits for this?

I don't know about the sound.. But i wouldn't waste my money and others on this forum are going to tell you so. If you open you hood and take a close look at the air intake system on the VQ motor you will see that the design is optimal. Not too thin or long and the filter is right at the bumper. Install the duct and you've got a much better intake for less money and more effective than the pos AEM CAI.

About the air duct check out the Varis carbon fiber duct. It looks great and is easy to install.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:12 PM
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Originally Posted by ZGatorUCF
and I am ready to start working on it. What is the first thing I should do? Cold air intake? New exhaust? Etc.

I am a beginner, so that is a factor as well.

Thanks
Nice i use to live in Oviedo, had my share of parties at UCF lol, where in TX are u now?

I say the first mod should be Wheels unless you got some already, since it changes the whole look of the car right away
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:12 PM
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On a serious note, I'd probably do the exhaust 1st. It's something easy and enhances the look of the rear end. The stock exhaust just looks so plain. BTW, are you modding this car for your own preference or does the GF want to start modding?
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:12 PM
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Get some wheels and get rid of those STOCKS... Then a HKS
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:17 PM
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I would get either rims or exhaust first, but intake and a plenum spacer would be my first choice as inexpensive mods. The JWT popcharger is a great choice and it's the most common intake around here.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:19 PM
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It's a good idea to read these threads before doing modifications to someone's car:

https://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-drivetrain/50429-new-350z-owners-read-this-before-doing-any-modifications-to-your-z.html
https://my350z.com/forum/2003-2009-nissan-350z/197329-the-top-100-common-questions.html

And modding someone ELSE's car is retarded.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Wired 24/7

And modding someone ELSE's car is retarded.


+1 I pray you have a Z too, or at least an Evo or something.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:26 PM
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lol @ you not having your own Z.......
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:33 PM
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-I'm out in Dallas, TX. Moved out here for a job.
Did you go to school in Orlando Bolaz?

-I'm modding the car for both of us. She likes fast cars and I would like to work on one.

- "And modding someone ELSE's car is retarded."
Thanks for the inspiration Wired 24/7. I appreciate it.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:39 PM
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Originally Posted by ZGatorUCF
- "And modding someone ELSE's car is retarded."
Thanks for the inspiration Wired 24/7. I appreciate it.
That's what we're here for, moral support.

Personally, I wouldn't mod a GF's car. Wife maybe, definitely not a GF. Have you priced aftermarket parts for the Z yet. You're talking about big money. Hypothetically, what if the GF leaves, then what do you do with all the time & money you've invested in her car?
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 12:42 PM
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Default Gf

Good point about modding a gf's car. However, we've been dating for ~5 years and I plan on marrying her in the near future. But thanks for the advice.

Now that everyone has weighed in on my gf situation, car situation (lack of owning my own Z), etc. can I just get some normal advice. lol

Pretty rough first day in the forum. I think my feelings were hurt.... Wait, no that's just gas from the chili I had for lunch.

Last edited by ZGatorUCF; Jul 27, 2007 at 12:47 PM.
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