so I just got off work a couple days ago and was driving down dillingham when all of a sudden I hear this loud scrapping noise. so I pull over and take a look under my wheels. to my delight, my v1 lip was wedged underneath my front wheels. I seemed to have lost 1/2 of it a while back but the rest of it looked like stripped bamboo. also my front bumper looks like **** from what I'm guessing was the movement friction between the lip and the bumper. I'd guess that the somewhat frequent scraping on the bottom of the lip caused the screws to go through the holes. so now I've got to decide whether to buy a new lip (probably just a urethane v1) , a whole new bumper (like a nismo v1 or v2), or say screw it and just get a new IS350 or GS350 (I work for servco so I'm sorta obligated to buy toyota/lexus, otherwise I might be looking at the new G35). I realize fixing the front bumper isn't a major thing, but I've been thinking about getting something more practical for a while. I'd definately miss the power and the manual trans, but I could definately use the extra space right now. plus if I do go with a new lip or aftermarket bumper then I'd definately be doing a clear bra after the repaint, which would make for a somewhat pricey fix for me ($1000+ for parts, paint, clear bra).

I know, I know. its a personal decision. I'm really just talking to myself here, but I figure at least I'll give this board some activity.

 

If you can get a great deal on an IS350, then go for it. Acceleration is comparable to the Z. Handling is quite good for a sedan, especially with the "VSA" disabled. Space is adequate; although the back seat spaces are still limited. Interior comfort is much better. It appears from your thoughts that you really need the extra space.

I had to face the same decision when I needed more space and a more practical car. The S4 fit that requirement. Acceleration is comparable to the Z. Handling is quite good for a 3800 lbs sedan. Interior is top notch.

I still miss the Z, but the S4 satisfies my needs for now.

Oh BTW, I forego getting the Z06. It was a hard decision, but I wanted to upgrade my kitchen and baths for the new Condo Unit, as well as planning to revamp my entire furniture outfit and entertainment center when the unit is completed. Guess that's where the money will go for now.

Good luck with your decision.

 

^thanks. either way its really just that I want to decide now what I really want to do. I can't stand driving around with my car looking like ****. then I can just repaint the bumper for an easy $250, sell it and buy a new car (although I'd have to wait a little while for the 07 model lexus vehicles to become available for employee purchase, which sadly might be a few months). or just get in on that nismo v2 replica GB they've got going on. choices, choices.

 

I have the same line your talking about. When I got rid of my V1, it was pretty bad. Then I installed the Hasemi, the same thing happened. I don't care much about my front bumper, so I just leave it as it is. It doesnt really bother me.

New cars are fun. More space is nice. But I would probably keep my Z. I hate making payments, so I would keep the Z because my loan is almost over.

Let us know what you decide

al

(fdao is alive!!)

 

NNNooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!


As a G owner, I have to say get a G. However, unless you get the sedan, it is still a bit impractical if you intend on using the back seats a lot. Either of the Lexi are good, but a bit too bland for my tastes. You'll be happy with any of your three choices.

And as far as the I work for.........thing, that doesn't mean squat (you could always go for a Scion ).

 

I know, I know . Had to do the responsible, "mature" thing

 

Bruddah Allllllll,

Yes, I'm still around . You broke my heart when you damaged that Hasemi Lip

 

Hehe, I swear I heard your heart break when the lip cracked. Maybe it was just the fiber. I've never got around to fixing it. The cars soo much easier to drive around without a front lip, even though its lower now.


But yeah, I have an entire bodykit that'll probably never go on now.

 

yeah. but mine is really fugly. I mean there are deep scratches along the entire bumper. I don't think rubbing compound will do the trick. white is such an easier color to manage on a car for so many reasons. speaking of your hasemi lip, do they even make that anymore? I've never seen anyone else with that lip (even on this forum). I feel you on the car payment thing. I'm nearly done too, and it would be nice to not have to make payments for a while. idunno what to do. I did ask if I could still get in on the nismo v2 replica GB. that might be sweet since I haven't seen anyone else here with that.

 

yeah, the new G will definately be worth taking a look at. however I doubt it'll be able to beat the discount I'd get on the lexus. I mean basically I'd be getting an IS350 for the msrp price of an IS250 since I'm an employee.

 

yeah I saw your Z at the mall last weekend. it looks way lower. did you go with different springs or coilovers? I totally understand about the lip being a PITA. it feel so much easier to drive around now that I'm not worried about scrapping it or bottoming out. thing is I just feel like the lip makes such a difference in appearance.

 

If not the V2 group buy, why not the Shine Aero Project V2 bumper? That thing looks damn flexible. If you get the V2, I think you'll have to get at least some sideskirts. If not, it might look a bit funny.

I cut my s. techs with a hacksaw.

 

^no way? you cut them? your kidding me right? oh well, either way it does look good.

I'll have to take a look around for a pic of a Z with just the nismo v2 bumper and see how it looks. you might be right. the GB on the FRP replica is done, but the vendor said he just started a new one for an ABS plastic version which would be better for me anyhow. BTW is anyone on here possibly interested in the nismo V2 replica? if so perhaps we can get a slight decrease on the shipping cost if we combine our orders.

 

I dunno if its just me but I like this kit at the moment. Its clean and simple and best of all its urethane.
http://www.thezstore.com/page/TZS/PROD/LNP02/50-1705

 

If someone does ABS front and sides, I might be interested.

Seth, that kit looks pretty cool too, but it lacks something...I can't put my finger on it. Maybe its the crappy wheels.

 

Lexus is nice.. i would go with that since you got that discount an kinda considering something else.. but remember you can always turn around from all that and get an Evo yo..

 

so I guess I went the other way for now seeing as how I just bought new rims and coilovers, but with the great deal 350weezee gave me I just couldn't pass it up. speaking of which, anyone want to help me install those coilovers w/ edfc? I'll buy the beer...

 

you can buy my front bumper and side skirts

 

Nice. Where will you be installing them? I'm not too sure about the EDFC wiring, but I'm sure Mike is an expert at that.

I'm off Monday and Wed (yeah, weird days), I can help you one of those days.

Al

 

^thanks for the offer al, unfortunately I'm working weekdays right now. I might have to wait a little while to do it so maybe I can enlist your help when I get around to it. did you install you coilovers yourself? what settings do you have yours on right now? at least now I won't have to be shame to park my Z next to yours at the mall