Chewwy's HR Progress thread
 

Hey, my name's Steve, I just bought a 2007 350Z Grand Touring a few weeks ago. I've had a few modded VW's, Audi's and a BMW in the past and was itching for something a little more fun. I work at a Nissan Dealership here in the Toronto area, and have wanted a 350Z for a while. Found this one locally and really liked it. I have quite a few plans for the car, and I will be driving it year-round.

Photoshoot from the weekend after I bought it, stock.

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....6d33d25086.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....9e52b4b03d.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....877294364f.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....ee5fe06e4b.jpg

Mods (so far):

Installed:
-Stop Tech Pads
-Stop Tech SS Brake Lines
-Shorty Antennae
-Stillen Gen. 2 Long Tube Intakes
-JWT Clutch Kit w' Lightweight Flywheel
-Zspeed Concentric Slave
-Wilwood Clutch Master Cylinder
-Tomei Duracon Shift Knob
-ARC Titanium Cooling Panel
-Z1Motorsports Master Cylinder Brace
-JDM Clear Bumper Markers
-Nismo 380RS Gas Pedal
-Nismo Titanium Shiftknob
-Wiper Delete
-Zspeed V2 Undershroud
-Motordyne Shockwave TDX2
-Enkei RPF1 SBC 18x9.5/10.5
-Project Mu Super Lock 7 Lugnuts
-Swift Spec R Springs
-Energy Suspension LCA & Compression Rod Bushings


Much more to come, Follow the progress below!

Found a used Stillen Intake for sale locally. They were a little dirty when I picked them up so I bought a K&N Recharge kit and cleaned em up.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....845556c204.jpg

Filter before and after one wash. I washed them twice, then oiled them.

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....8559d75865.jpg

I was blown away by the difference in intake noise. Must-have mod for sure! I haven't taken installed pictures, I'll update with pics soon.

Last week I was driving home from work and the clutch pedal dropped. I brought the car in the shop this week and we found the pressure plate failed. Just my luck.

This morning I went to my local Z shop, Whitehead Performance, and placed my order:
-Jim Wolf Technology Clutch Kit with Lightweight Flywheel
-Zspeed HD Concentric Slave Cylinder
-Wilwood HD Master Cylinder
-Zspeed Insulated Stainless Clutch Line

It should all be here in a few weeks. Should give the car a nice little refresh.
I'll update again once the parts are here!

Small world...just ordered some parts from Whitehead today - Nice guys there.
And welcome, car looks good! :thumbup:

Thank-you. Yeah, I was pretty happy with their Customer Service. What'd you end up buying from them?
I talked to them again today, parts should be on their way any day now.

I was bored at work today, decided to investigate the Block Heater.
The cord used to run along the drivers side fender and then down into the front bumper. It cluttered up the bay, and I know I'll NEVER use it. I had a diesel before and never used it, so I removed it. :dunno:

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....a12f5e2685.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....83084d1e2e.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....7f7a005636.jpg

Engine bay is a little dirty, it's on the to-do list once I get the clutch kit in.

More updates soon!

Quote "Yeah, I was pretty happy with their Customer Service. What'd you end up buying from them?
I talked to them again today, parts should be on their way any day now."


Nismo hub bolts - Canada post jerked me around for 4 days from Toronto and that's expedited parcel - 2 hundred damn miles

Canada Post can be slow as molasses if it feels like it!

Placed an order with Z1Motorsports for a Tomei Duracon Shift Knob and a Zino sticker. Came in last week. Put the sticker on this weekend. Will put the shift knob on Wednesday on my day off.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....a65a4ff2d0.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....8b017b91a2.jpg

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....110ac8cbfc.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....b74d14b5b3.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....2cb3e16fec.jpg

The Parts arrived for my car last week and it's all buttoned up, was out driving it this weekend, it felt great. I added Stop-Tech SS Brake Lines at the same time. Car feels Great! Can't wait for the break-in miles to be over so I can really push it!

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....a7d1f91949.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....1bb6e2ddb5.jpg

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....959a45a625.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....5533906890.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....c1d3b2e2c3.jpg

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....61a7083e18.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....8d5b39394e.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....a7339c047a.jpg

Very Nice!, and welcome :thumbup:

Thank-you, it's a work in progress. Lots to come.

Installed my Tomei Shift Knob and Z1 finisher and threw on the Z1 Zino sticker last night.
Played around with it a bit before removing the factory plastic circle clip under the boot and then everything fit together nicely.

I like the feel of the Tomei shiftknob. It feels more direct going into gears and doesn't get hot in the sun or cold in the winter :bowrofl:

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....416c1128c9.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....605cd7dec8.jpg

Picked up a little JDM engine bay bling the other day. ARC Cooling Panel. Someone posted it up for sale locally and I had to have it! It looks like a version 2 because it fits perfectly fine in my HR with no trimmming required.

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....060f8d85cc.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....8486a851e7.jpg

Engine Bay is sloooowly getting cleaner. I'm going to get a degreaser and spend a little time a couple times a week getting everything cleaned up. Also looking for tips on what wires/harnesses I can re-route or delete to clean it up a little more. Thanks!
https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....98a0f43fd9.jpg

The Driver's side Window Switch Finisher was looking pretty beat-up so I ordered a new one from work and replaced it last night. Night & day difference, Looks a million times better. I think I'll order the passenger one next so they match.

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....4e18b87f34.jpg


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....50b030833c.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....b5a0d1b4d7.jpg

Went for a cruise this weekend to the VQ North BBQ in Milton. Had a great time, the weather was awesome, and we had a great turnout!

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....ff11524bc3.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....53e18983e6.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....df389db78b.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....b75a9f703f.jpg

https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....9e89391fd5.jpg

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....97983b02a2.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....2fa1e42b8f.jpg

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....1edba7826a.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....42a22058e4.jpg

I stopped and took a few photo's at an abandoned gas station with a local in a white roadster

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....f4e234a165.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....8985012086.jpg

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....bae98e6198.jpg

chewwyy, Too bad it's so far (1 hour the other side of London) I would enjoy going.

Yeah from Aurora it took us a little over an hour with the 407, on the way back with the 401 it was much longer.

My Z1 Master Cylinder Brace arrived last week, I installed it last night.
Honestly, I was surprised at the difference it made. I kinda thought it was a hoax, I figured I'd buy it and try it out because it was relatively cheap. After throwing it in, it's a huge plus in my brake pedal feel. I would definitely recommend it. Bit of a pain to install, but worth it.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....1846af7cd3.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....78ef280e60.jpg

yes, my engine bay is dirty, I'm working on it... lol

https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....cf696ddf25.jpg

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....0a15a9113a.jpg

I ordered the Nismo 380RS Pedal from work, and it showed up today, interested to see if this helps my heel-toe shifts.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....ae6c99ed67.jpg

Also ordered the Clear Corners for the front bumper. Should clean up the front end nicely.

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....38bfda7d7d.jpg

Hoping to install these tonight, but if not maybe Friday.

Thanks for sharing !

Nice mods so far !

Hmm, rear wiper delete...that thing is annoying when cleaning the rear window. I'm going to take mine out this weekend #weightreduction

Thank-you! Just trying to get all the little things done before suspension and hopefully wheels next year.

I've had a few hatches in the past. I like the look of it deleted. Be sure to put a good coating of your favorite water repellent on the glass though. I use Kleen Freaks.

Put the Clear Bumper Reflectors in on Wednesday. I broke a few bolts in the process. Alot of the bolts/clips were seized together.

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....abb64db044.jpg

I'm happy with the installed look, it's subtle. They make my headlights look yellow now though :icon22:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....b2f66cc341.jpg

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....a2461675fe.jpg

Time Flies! I put 6,000KM on my car already, so I did an oil change this past weekend. I used Motul 5W-40 Sport Ester last time and decided to continue using it. This time I tried out the Nismo Oil Filter and purchased a Dimple Stainless Steel Magnetic Drain Plug. The magnet is VERY STRONG! I was advised not to put it near my cell phone or any credit cards.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....74ded21674.jpg

https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....83e35cd234.jpg

And my Wiper Delete finally arrived from Alloy + Carbon in Greece (I wasn't aware it was coming that far)
Quality piece, it comes paint-matched and matched perfectly.

** I know I still need to delete the washer. I'm working on it **


https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....c99acad29d.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....6016cc4f15.jpg


That's all the updates for now. I need to install my Nismo gas pedal yet. I bought some gun metal Plasti-Dip and the Metalizer. I'm going to paint the wheels, see how they turn out. Just a temp fix. If I don't like it, I'll just tear it off, and maybe send em away for powdercoating over the winter.


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....72d8701fe8.jpg

Make sure to spray the plasti-dip real T-H-I-C-K. Everyone I've known who used plasti-dip had a very very hard time peeling it off.

As for water repellent I just fill a spray bottle with rain-x and use that on the car, but I don't drive the Z in the rain anyways.