First Mods
04-13-2009, 08:29 PM
#1
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: VA
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First Mods
Well the time has finally come! I have fought the mod bug successfully for about 1.5 years but I have to give in 
I am starting to think about buying parts for the Z as it has been in stock condition for far too long. I was wondering what people around here have started off with? I was actually thinking about starting off with some nice coilovers (BC Racing). I currently have an exhaust in the mail but you can't just stop there. My Z is my daily driver but I do not drive it in the winter.
I am starting to think about buying parts for the Z as it has been in stock condition for far too long. I was wondering what people around here have started off with? I was actually thinking about starting off with some nice coilovers (BC Racing). I currently have an exhaust in the mail but you can't just stop there. My Z is my daily driver but I do not drive it in the winter.
04-13-2009, 08:40 PM
#2
New Member
iTrader: (68)
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: McDonalds - NOVA - DC/MD/VA
Posts: 4,121
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
BC Coils are alright - you can get better ones for the money spent in my opinion. However, you're on the right track. Bolt-On's don't do that much for the money - better to save up for a turbo instead.
However, you can always improve on your handling, but I suggest learning it in its stock form before you tweak with it. But if you want a suggestion on coils - don't cheap out on this upgrade because it's a night vs day mod. Instead of a 1k set of BC Coils... you might notice you'll only need a set of springs and shocks if you're just looking to lower your car with moderately improved handling. Coils are for people who actually play with the adjustments for corner balancing and track duty. Daily Drivers don't need coils, it would be a waste of money because you can accomplish the same thing with a nice set of upgraded shocks/springs. But if you really insist on a set of coils - save up a few hundred more and get some Bilsteins.
While you're down there, I would look into sways and endlinks.
However, you can always improve on your handling, but I suggest learning it in its stock form before you tweak with it. But if you want a suggestion on coils - don't cheap out on this upgrade because it's a night vs day mod. Instead of a 1k set of BC Coils... you might notice you'll only need a set of springs and shocks if you're just looking to lower your car with moderately improved handling. Coils are for people who actually play with the adjustments for corner balancing and track duty. Daily Drivers don't need coils, it would be a waste of money because you can accomplish the same thing with a nice set of upgraded shocks/springs. But if you really insist on a set of coils - save up a few hundred more and get some Bilsteins.
While you're down there, I would look into sways and endlinks.
04-13-2009, 09:54 PM
#3
^ agreed, IMHO the hotchkis stage 1 spring/sway combo is the perfect street setup.
I'd keep an eye out for a nice set of wheels here in the local used section, but if you are looking for something more low budget, you can't go wrong with a Popcharger.
I'd keep an eye out for a nice set of wheels here in the local used section, but if you are looking for something more low budget, you can't go wrong with a Popcharger.
04-14-2009, 03:18 AM
#5
Registered User
iTrader: (35)
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Virginia Beach, VA.
Posts: 2,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
+1 on going FI and/or concentrating on suspension mods. There are some NA mods you can do that "look nice", and "sound cool" but they really aren't going to produce any real bang for your buck.
04-14-2009, 03:33 AM
#6
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Hamsterdam, Baltimore
Posts: 3,797
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Spend 200 for an HPDE. Or give the 200 to Abui and have him show you. Unfortunately we havent gotten to the bottom of which would be better so just buy both.
04-14-2009, 05:22 AM
#7
Registered User
Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: VA
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for the input. In a few years down the road I plan on dropping some coin and going the turbo route. However I would like to have a garage to store the beast in when that happens and I am a few years away from that still 
I agree 100% about the suspension mod being critical. Back in the day on my old honda I had a pretty bad (cheap) setup and decided to upgrade and I have to say it felt like driving a different car all together! I would like to do things right from the start this time around. Right now my car is my daily driver but I would also like to enjoy a track day or autocross event once in a while.
@ Jgrizzle I would be bitter about that as well. Hope all works for the best man.
I agree 100% about the suspension mod being critical. Back in the day on my old honda I had a pretty bad (cheap) setup and decided to upgrade and I have to say it felt like driving a different car all together! I would like to do things right from the start this time around. Right now my car is my daily driver but I would also like to enjoy a track day or autocross event once in a while.
@ Jgrizzle I would be bitter about that as well. Hope all works for the best man.
Trending Topics
04-14-2009, 07:30 AM
#15
New Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Odenton, Maryland
Posts: 2,711
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was thinking $3500 plus the labor of having Dave uninstall it. I also would sell the UTEC for around $600. Could probably work out a deal on the fuel system + injectors and pump as well if needed. Or just sell the car as is for $18000 or so.
Last edited by bigslim350Z; 04-14-2009 at 07:33 AM.
04-14-2009, 07:57 AM
#19
New Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: BEHIND YOU!! BEHIND YOU!!!
Posts: 8,735
Received 208 Likes
on
155 Posts
I'll be serious for this one moment [puts serious look on 
] but before the VQ gets turbo'ed doesn't it require some internal work to the engine components? In the latest issue of DSport magazine [Randyl Dawn's on the cover*] it says "A known weakness of the VQ35DE engine is its connecting rods. Up to 400 HP, the stock VQ block performs reliably. Increasing the power output any higher risks sending a rod out the side of the block" (p.73)
So before telling this guy to buy turbos, shouldn't someone mention engine upgrades and THEN go turbo?
[*BTW, I've been purchasing alot of car mags lately and developing a really bad case of Yellow fever
] [puts regular look back on
]
] but before the VQ gets turbo'ed doesn't it require some internal work to the engine components? In the latest issue of DSport magazine [Randyl Dawn's on the cover*] it says "A known weakness of the VQ35DE engine is its connecting rods. Up to 400 HP, the stock VQ block performs reliably. Increasing the power output any higher risks sending a rod out the side of the block" (p.73)So before telling this guy to buy turbos, shouldn't someone mention engine upgrades and THEN go turbo?
[*BTW, I've been purchasing alot of car mags lately and developing a really bad case of Yellow fever
] [puts regular look back on]
