Good evening,

It's been a few years. I hope you all have growth in positive ways. Since I've been working a job that pays six-figures, I have been wanting to get back to my Z that is my pride and joy.
I have actually done a few things since, I know I haven't always kept up with the build as it progress but I'm almost at a wall of actually finishing it which is crazy thing to say in the world of car project.

While I am in real-life still working on a house, house is no joke in California even with good money, I want to resume my project and share it here. I don't even know where to start, but somewhere anywhere is a start, so this will be a lengthy post most likely.

Let starts here,

The brake pads that is OEM in the rear 4-POT SRT Brembo pads have thin out, I have ordered Carbontech Brake Pads for a nice cool $180. Jeep Dealership quoted me $550 for OEM Brembo pads.... which is silly. (I forgot to take pictures but it was just pads...) While I was ordering pads, I figured I'd buy some front pads even if they were still good after some few years of work which I say it must be true that larger pads and larger rotors have a longer lifespan compared to the smaller size brakes.

Anyway, I found some Endless MX72 brake pads for the AMG 8-POT in the front for a whopping $700 odd dollars. I really wanted the best but really wanted a taste of that "Endless" braking power. Unfortunately, I was not successful and checked Endless for the rear SRT brakes which they did not offer. So, all in all, I am still waiting on my Endless brake pads to land from Japan. Been about 2 months since I ordered and given the whole back-order ordeal... however since I was already "in there" as many of you heard. lol

I went ahead and ordered a full set of 2-piece Z1 Akebono rotors. I have all the rear installed, and I'm just waiting for the Endless pads to come in the mail to do everything in the front. I really don't have a lot of time on my hand since the government owns them now but I want to be efficient as possible.

I forgot, I also did the rear axles HUB bearing with new OEM ones since I was getting a sign and symptoms of the death wobble.



You have to excuse my 18 year old paint.

 

The Powerhouse Amuse R1 Titan y-pipe cracked in the middle... I like to believe I want to fault my older brother while I lent it to him while his EVO X was down for bad DCT for the 2nd time. (Stay away from EVO X DCT folks)

So you guys tell me... if it looks repairable. I do know one titanium welder near Loma Linda in CA and I'm sure it'll be at least $200 to $300 worth of work to fix. I bought a Tomei y-pipe for $500 for the meantime. I have them side by side.

Tomei on the left, Amuse on the right. You can clearly see the Amuse is older in age, but you can also see that the designs alone, the Amuse is actually more free-flowing if you look at them side by side. I am really wanting to rock the Amuse y-pipe and stay true to the "Powerhouse Amuse"



The damages sustained.



Let's look at something "positive" to look over the dismay. Look, a overflow/oil catch tank. I bought this setup from a Turbo Z locally who's running a performance shop who seem to have a strong liking to billet everything. I paid $400 for the kit, and I will display a picture of it install at a later date. It's already on the car and boy... it really makes a huge difference! The EVAP system is very restrictive and with this, it just keeps pulling and pulling on the highway. It breathes so much better. I haven't dyno the Z.

Not pictured is also the Z1 cooling plate which is also installed, just a simple "thin" metal that does the job... it's better than the raw metal I think.



I deleted the windshield reservoir tank since I don''t have windshield wipers.




Moving on, I am now running the Recaro SPG Pro Racer seat for the driver side. I strongly like this more than the SPG Profis.
Missing from this photo which the Z is now equipped is a Pioneer NEX double-din stereo which replaced the OEM radio stereo for touch glass panel. It's very clean!
Also missing is the Nismo floor mats and Works Bell Quick Release with the Works Bell Flipper add-on. (I think I will sell the Works Bell set-up and revert to the Spraco Quick Release since it is lighter and not as common as the Works Bell one.)

 

So, right now I'm doing a lot of suspension parts buying right now...

I didn't know Soul Function sold out so I'm having trouble. But I was able to get the mid-brace pictured below... I also just ordered the following and pending for delivery.
- Z1 Front Subframe Chassis Brace
- Z1 Rear W-Chassis Brace
- Z1 Rear Subframe Chassis Brace
- Z1 Steering Rack Solid Bushings (this should be interesting!)

What I have on hand waiting to be installed,
- Soul Function Mid-Brace
- Torque Solution Billet Tranmission Mount
- BDE Billet Motor Mounts

I am personally kinda nervous to install motor mounts.... I don't want to spend hours swearing and cutting my knuckles up. lol
But I do have the Z1 belt that I need to install and a reman alternator to install (no longer needed but maybe, I bought it thinking it was bad but turned out my redtop battery was BO so I bought another redtop and I have the Z1 coil packs)




You have to ask yourself, this is a lot of car for a daily. It sure is and with my job, I can't drive this Z daily. So I was very fortunate to be able to afford a 2014 Porsche Panamera as my daily driver. I drove it for almost two years before something tragic happened.

This was the 1st day I bought it. It rode like a dream and the quality of parts does not disappoint. The PDK is very smooth and the boat of a car felt heavy but never sloppy or slow. It was quick thanks to the PDK it came with. I almost fell asleep because of the luxurious quality on my way home after a 14hr+ work shifts. Let me just tell you that when I bought it at 68K miles to 124K miles, the only work that it needed was your typical oil changes and tires was just a brake job which I did myself with parts costing about a little over a grand. I called Porsche and they quoted like $3K per side!!! Which I think they meant to say per axles but they said they have to change the brake calipers also which is silly. Did it myself, and no I didn't replace the brake calipers. Only brake pads and rotors. Of course euros hardwares are all weird so I spent a good day buying all kinds of elusive tools and sockets before going at it.


Then on that month of December, 2024 came the electrical fire that broke out on my way to work. I lost the car along with whatever I wasn't able to save which I lost those ray bans... but hey I saved all my uniform and equipment for work... I was upset it happened since I just bought P ZERO tires on Porsche Sportlines wheels that I went out of the way to secure. I'm personally glad I didn't lose more than that.... my insurance paid for the car in full and I am still waiting on a check for the remainder which still hasn't came in the mail yet... starting to have some doubt it was even sent but they won't do direct into my bank.

*I lost my hardwares bracket for the Soul Function mid-brace in the fire, if anyone knows anyone or have a spare please let me know*



Since then, I have been daily driving my "poor man Porsche" and since I was worried about another fire, I bought TWO H3R 2.5 fire extinguishers (it was about $200 each) for a peace of mind and equipped it to this car. On top of that, I also have the Elemento fire extinguisher (it's a 60 seconds CO2 emitting flare-looking thing) I'll have pictures at a later time.

It's been a long time since owning this car, but I am determined to finish this build. The paint is really just shot and not worthy going to any shows. But I did save the body kit for LAST for a reason. I am one to back up the look with performance. This is how my 350Z looks today.

I am determined to complete this project before I buy another car to maximize spending money. When I finish this build, I will probably... get a Porsche Taycan. I have toy the idea of driving a Corvette C6 for a daily car for a year or two. But I don't know.... I am trying to be reasonable but live life. I do miss the Porsche but figured I'd get the nicer sleek Taycan.



Tomorrow, I should be picking up some SPL Billet arms for the Z. The traction and camber arms. I'm going to replace my Z1 arms with SPL arms.
The SPL Front Upper Control arms and SPL Mid-Link arms is on my mind.... but it's so pricey. If anyone has one at a discount, let me know.
I am looking into endlnks F/R set.

I was thinking of buying more chassis braces but I don't know if they truly make a difference. I think I have enough but we'll see.


Lastly, the only thing I have left to buy besides some misc items are as follow to complete this build:
- Complete Titanium Hardwares Kit
- SPL FUCA and SPL Mid-Link Arm (maybe?)
- Swaybar F/R Endlinks (buy P2M or Z1 ones?)
- Studio RS-R Rollcage (after the body kit)
-Black DEPO Headlights
- MCR Twin Canards
- Powerhouse Amuse Full Kit (prefer used)
- Amuse style hood with aero catches


The Z has 193K miles. I wanted to run a full Amuse setup with the headers and back. I lost the bidding war on the Amuse Titan headers on Japan for $1.2K vs new which is $5.6K USD. The engine is healthy, however the transmission is giving me signs it might be due soon so I'll prepare for a manual transmission swap when it fails. I am also going to prepare to have a 5.0L V12 1GZ-FE engine on standby for an engine swap into the Z. I have been following the 1GZ-FE V12 engine for a few years and met someone who has done a V12 engine swap into the Z. I don't expect it to be easy but by then, I should have a Taycan or something to drive around in to afford the downtime. You tell me if I'm crazy for the engine swap because I may not be sane anymore. I just want this Z to be "different" and "cool" from the other Z. I do like the turbo noises... but a V12 is so different. I'm just worried about the weight distribution.

Thank you for your time.

See you this week with those pictures.

 

I just acquired a complete set of SPL arms for the rears and a brand new in box SPL Front Upper Control Arms in box (not pictured).
I got carried away and seized a deal along with some SPL lockout kit, Swift springs even though it was pricey overall. I just need some SPL Endlinks or maybe settle on the Z1 Endlinks? They seem to hold up from what I'm seeing around.

If anyone has anything here, feel free to DM for a sale.

- Complete In-depth Titanium Hardwares Kit
- Swaybar F/R Endlinks Set (Maybe Z1)
-Black DEPO Headlights
- MCR Twin Canards
- Powerhouse Amuse Full Kit (prefer used)
- Amuse hood with aero catches
- Studio RS-R Rollcage (after the body kit)
- Any brace that goes in the "lower-rear anti-roll bar".

 

SPL Front Upper Control Arms, this is a very nice quality finish. The weight of this is sturdy and gives me a lot of confidence that it will withstand tons of abuse and the weight of the car easily. I expect this piece to outlive the car itself frankly.

 

Today, the GT-R door hinges came in today. I thought it was going to be a quick install but seems like I have to tear down the door card again. Maybe I should look into speaker upgrades since the Z has 193K miles. It has the Bose OEM amplifier.

 

Sorry for the delay, so I had to take time out of my day to replace the driver's side door after my little sister backed into it in a rush. I've replaced it with a driver's door that is not the same color black but it's smilier enough to get away for the time being until I order the full Amuse kit for paint.

Installing the door was a massive pain in the back. I would recommend installing as a shell first then add the extra components into it as it's a fairy heavy door.




Installing the last door link with the OEM GT-R links so it won't attack my passenger as it does to me. An improvement with the little mods that counts. Only $50 from Japan.



I have a lot of packages waiting to show off but I wanted to show this one that I think is going to be a game-changer. A 2-way KAZZ LSD with a 3.69 final drive installed, now it's ready to be dropped in.
It'll go with my Z1 diff cover and the bushings I have here. Just waiting for the Z1 removal tool so my life will be a little easier on the install. Speaking of waiting, still waiting for Endless Japan to ship out the AMG Endless pads

 

best mod, gtr door stoppers.. hands down lmao.

that aside,, wtaf happened w that p car, did u figure out the source of the fire?

 

Literally just did the GT-R door checks on my Z last weekend while I was putting in new window motors. Should have done it years ago! What a difference...

Just recently came across your build, but it looks like it's going well. Always nice to see a 350z getting proper attention and quality parts/work put in. Looking forward to future updates.

 

It's the little details, you know. Thinking about those Z1 hatch poppers and hood damper struct but I don't know... hmm.
Thank you, this Z has been a long project of mine. I'll tell you this, it only taken so long when your lady won't let you funnel all the money into it. I'm almost on thin line to finish it off this year.

The door is making me work harder on pulling and pushing the door. I am missing the auto-closing feature but this would be better this way so I'm not rushing all the time to hop out of the seat.

As for the fire, there's a recall on the electrical shortage from the A/C blower motor. I took it into the dealer to get it serviced but the cause of the fire is unknown, it had bit of miles but has been really reliable to me. I miss it and really think I shouldn't get another Panamera. I like to move up level, so Taycan but they're still dropping in prices on the used market so I'll get a beater car for two grand or so.

 

Suffered a blowout. Sidewall was chewed in and had to replace the pair… costly repair.



Looks great on a flatbed as well.


New Toyo R888R 305/35/R18 pairs the following day at the tire shop in Fontana.

 

I have been stockpiling parts for several weeks and I’m off for 4 nights. So that being said I’ve tackling on a big project pictured below.

I’m still waiting on brake pads from Endless Japan which holds me back on the front 2-piece rotors but I’ll wait that out. Rears are all done.

It’s mainly suspension parts, I had sold my Stance parts ways ago so I picked up a second hand Stanceparts Air cup kit for the front axle. Not looking forward to the install as well as the BDE motor mounts install.

I don’t think the diff will pose too much of a challenge as it’s ready to drop in. Everything else is straightforward.




I placed an order with Studio RS-R for the rollcage for the Z. Talks about the Powerhouse Amuse Superleggera Full Kit is underway with Studio RS-R and CZP.

I have everything I’ve desired, and only missing MCR Twin cards for the Amuse kit, and titanium hardwares. I’m eyeing around for the V12 engine now as a side project for this Z now.

 

its too bad gtspec went out of business.. they made all those braces in nearly weightless 6061 hollow wall aluminum. wildly stiff, extremely lightweight. iirc all the new companies use mild steel, even my fdf aluminum chassis braces are thick and somewhat heavy .

 

Seems like most bracing companies. It was very hard sourcing Soul Functions. GT Spec was pretty much nonexistent. There’s Ultra Racing.

I’ve read that Soul and Z1 are all 6061 aluminum as well. Most being even lighter than factory. I’m honestly looking for the rear lateral bar… and fender brace. I see Ultra Racing fender brace.

If anything, it’ll look a lot nicer than factory.

So far I’ve completed most of the install but running into a wall with the motor mounts… trouble getting the top nuts off on both side. I am going to try buying a 14mm flex gear wrench.

 

i ahve the fender mount braces but tbh they are worthless for this chassis.. the older jdm stuff benefitted from them, but these newer cars dont have those issues. i had a sponsorship w gtspec so i ran them anyways lol

 

I just did them a few weeks ago.. Stubby wrench + Hex socket + Breaker bar is how I got mine done in 2 mins.. Spent 30 mins before that without success trying other ways.

 

I skipped it for now. I actually have all that. Trying still, just can’t get it to sit well and crack it loose yet. I already sense the nut almost rounding off but the stubby wrench is good for rounded bolts as well if it does happen.

i will probably visit it soon. I just learn I need to order coolants hoses and thermostat.

Where I am now….

 

Took some time but I was able to install nearly everything. I did everything but the BDE motor mounts as I literally can’t reach the top nuts. I also saved the endlinks for later when the car is on four wheels to install them.

I’m looking for 16kg swift springs for the rears.
Overall, the Z feels stout and really good. It’s one of the best handling cars I’ve ever driven.







I need to do something to be able to make room for the Stance Aircups. I didn’t have enough threading so I was thinking of either buying shorter Swift springs or find a machine shop or look online to cut this collar spacer that’s sits between the HKS top hat and the Stance Cups. It’s about an inch tall; and 22mm wide.

 

I got off the phone with Studio RS-R owner for half and hour and we’ve discussed few key details for the project for this Z.

They related the following information to me that the Powerhouse Amuse Superleggera Full Kit is actually pretty difficult to get a hold therefore pretty rare. They let me know the kit is going to be a 6 months production time, and the rollcage is 1-2 months out now.

They’re going to confirm if the wing will have a carbon fiber center deck for the wing. So far the price for the full kit is confirmed to be $10,350. Not sure if this will include shipping and taxes.

I have two color options for this kit. I’m undecided if I go white or do a matte gray.



Simliar to this, add black DEPO headlights and MCR canards.


or this color.

 

Good morning,

It’s been some time since last post. I finally received the long-awaited Endless MX72 8-POT pads, only 6 months in the making. Which prompted me to also be able to install the 2-piece front rotors as well.

Additionally, I ordered 16kg Swift springs to replace the 9kg swift springs.






Plug-n-Play, very straightforward. The 16kg is a huge improvement over the comfort of the ride now. As long as your shocks are high quality enough to handle it, it doesn’t give you that stiff bouncy ride, instead it’s just a nice firm but comfortable ride. It’s a fine balance.

In the photo, you can see the Endless pads standing out quite a bit. They will lasts me few years or longer.

I will schedule for a brake flush as it’s been a few years now. I don’t really have time for it. Still waiting for the Studio RS-R rollcage and Amuse kit. I’ll for the mean time, I need to get the Stance cups installed.