What up everyone. I've been lurking since I got my Z a couple of months ago, but I'm bored so I might as well say hi.

A little about myself. I'm an Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer with the US Army, currently stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. I'm new to the area, so if anyone lives around here, hit me up. All my shop guys couldn't give two ***** about what they drive, so I'm kinda on my own, heh. Which sucks, 'cause I love cars. Period. Import, domestic, I don't care. Racing, drifting, cruising, wrenching, whatever. When I'm home and the wife is at work, I'm in the garage wrenching on something.

Now my car. 2005 Base Z with about 86,000 miles. My end goal is a solid weekend drifter. I'm not trying to go pro or anything, drifting is just what I like to do when I hit the track. Mod list isn't very long yet, just a JWT popcharger, V+ UIM, and a set of Berk test pipes (well, and a new heavy Blox shift ****, but I don't really count aesthetic things as mods), but that is changing quickly.

Mod goals:

Welded diff
Stance SS+ coilovers
SPL rear camber, mid, toe, and trac links
SPC front camber kit
25mm front/30mm rear spacers (just for an inexpensive tuck)
Stoptech slotted rotors/Hawk Pads
SS brake/clutch lines
Semi-solid diff, trans, and engine mounts
Oil Cooler
HKS Hi-Power knockoff
ECU reflash
Bucket seat
Deep steering wheel
Harness

So yeah, I hope I get to meet some new bros here to kick it with. I don't have many pictures of the car (not really worth looking at, lol) but here's a couple.

 

Looking good. I also like that Mini Cooper sitting there in the garage.

 

^^ Hah, yeah that's the wife's. Just a Clubman, not the S (unfortunately).

 

Welcome! I know how it feels to not be around cars..... I moved from SoCal to Iowa. Culture shock! But I hope to make another move within a year.

Sounds like you have a pretty decent idea of where you want to go with the car, however, you're all over in my opinion. You want SPL stuff but you also want HKS knock off? And Welded diff? I can tell you from PERSONAL experience even with the VLSD that driving a base in the rain can be TERRIFYING since there's no electronic assist. if this isn't your daily then whatever do it up! But, again imo, you could drop the cash for a good 2 way or even a 1.5 way.

Welcome again to the Z World.

 

I wouldn't waste any money on breather mods. The engine is pretty much maxed out already. Spending 1k for 10-20hp is pretty much a waste. If you're just drifting you wouldn't even need those.

 

Welcome and congratulations.

 

I understand where you're coming from, but there's a method to my madness. I consider suspension components one of, if not the most important thing to my car. These pieces have to hold tight tolerances under extreme stress for extended periods, so I want quality, durable parts. The exhaust, however, just needs to flow and stay in place. It's gonna get dented, scraped, and jacked up. So why would I spend $1200+ on it? Because it sounds better? I don't really care too much how it sounds, as long as it does it's job. I'd just roll stock, but mine is rusted and rattling, and in my one exception to function>form, I like the way the Hi-Power looks. As for the diff, I'm on a budget, and I can pick up an extra open diff to weld on the cheap and swap out on track weekends.

 

I get ya. I only have what I have because I've found them used for a good price, and like I already said my exhaust is a pain so it's getting replaced.

 

A Base model is terrifying to drive in the rain?????????? I've had my Base for over 10 years and have yet to be terrified.

 

I feel ya. I just worry that your rep exhaust may end up costing you due to rust since it may not be quality stainless plus fitment issues during install.

I just wanted to know reasoning. Do your thing chicken wing.

Ever been to San Diego during downpour with nearing the wear bar rear tires? Yea. 3 spins in 4 lanes and an exit lane in decent traffic. I was going MAYBE 60 in 6th and just started spinning. Funny now-terrifying then

 

I've never driven with the tires almost to the wear bars so I have never had a problem. With tires that worn, I suspect most any car could be terrifying to drive in the rain. Keep the car properly maintained and there shouldn't be any problems.

 

There was plenty of tread, just an onslaught of rain and tons of cali oil slicks. Hydroplaning is NOT uncommon in SD. Especially with summer tires. Ans since it rains every 331st tuesday, I had another month + on the tires.

Thanks for the hindsight advice though, dad