I'll be hosting a tech day on Saturday, February 4th at my house in Golden for anyone interested.

With expert guidance from our local 350Z head-techie and all-around car guru David (dkmura), we'll be going through a 'how-to' demonstration on changing the differential fluid change in the Z. We'll also talk about and possibly demonstrate various other tech items that go beyond your simple oil change (although we can certainly talk about that too.) For anyone going to the La Junta track day in a few weeks (or any track day, for that matter), this will be a good time to stop by and talk/learn about some of the things that are involved in maintaining a 'heavy-use' vehicle (changing brake pads, checking wheel bearing condition, etc.)

Feel free to come out if you want to learn how to do some simple (or not-so-simple, depending on your level of mechanical inclination) work on your Z, or just come to hang out in the garage with some fellow Z owners and start making plans for those upcoming summer drives!

One word of caution, though: this will be something of a 'show-and-tell' session to demonstrate some of the maintenance items that you can go home and do in the comfort of your own garage, and learn something about your Z in the process. If you come out expecting to get free mechanical work done on your car, you'll probably be disappointed.

We'll be getting started at 10:30 AM on February 4th. For anyone interested, shoot me a PM and I'll send you directions to my house (it will be helpful if you mention what part of town you'll be coming from.) I'm looking forward to seeing everyone on the 4th!

Gary

 

I would be there but I'm working that day. Also I'm going to try to get the La Junta day off but doubtful.

 

Glad to see you putting something like this together before the track days arrive. Too bad it's all the way out in Golden, us SoCO boys need to have something like this closer. I probably won't make it, but I might have nothing else to do and show up anyways
Will

 

Well, I may be able to come. I would love to learn some more about my car, the most I have done is replaced the brake pads.

(I may also need some advice in determining if my car / brakes / tires are track worthy).

I will keep an eye on this thread to see if this get together will continue.

Chris

 

Just an idea, but what about turning it into a barbeque with it? Someone bring the braughts, someone else bring some drinks, chips, beer, etc... wrench on some cars, swap some diff fluid and whatever else you have planned, Gary and David you guys are exempt since you're hosting/teaching, but if everyone else brings at least one thing, that would be cool. I'd drive to Boulder for a barbeque any day. Hell, I've driven to Albuquerque for a barbeque (trust me... it was a damn fine barbeque) Could be a good time. Not trying to hijack your plans, just thought I'd throw it out there.
Oh.. another thought, the mechanical operation of an open diff vs one with a limited slip can be pretty tricky to get without being able to see it, do have enough room to jack the back end up on a Base and a VLSD, it might be interesting for some to see the rear end in action. Obviously the diff is encased, but you can see the halfshafts spin free and get an idea of what happens in a turn that way. If you guys need some cool pics of open and LSD schematics let me know, I could e-mail them to ya or something for some handouts if you're interested. I know you guys are top notch in everything you put together and you've it all planned out well, just like the track days, but if there is anything I can do to help, let me know.
Will

 

Ummmmmmmmmm............I won't be there. Thats too early for me, and I was expecting you to use my car for all this.





Just kidding, I think I can show up.
Mudd

 

Gary,
That sounds like a great idea. I'll plan to be there. I hope to get my new wheels and tires mounted that day and then come to your place, so I might be a little late. I have an interesting saga concerning new wheels for my Z. I've had one new set that didn't fit and I'm trying another but am going to 18" rims this time. I may have a set of Khumo tires for sale if things go according to the new plan. Let me know directions to your place and I'll be sure to be there.

Thanks,
Craig

PS: I could bring my new, home-built electric brake bleeder if you are interested.

 

The get-together will happen no matter how many show up...my diff fluid needs to be changed regardless, and David suggested that it might make sense to invite others to learn about the process of doing this while he's helping me out.

It's a bonus that this gives everyone a chance to get together and catch up during the off-season.

 

That's a good idea about the BBQ. Unfortunately, my grill was destroyed in a wind storm last year and I have yet to replace it. The best I can offer is to haul the super-sized George Foreman grill out to the garage to grill up some burgers/brats/dogs, etc. So if anyone wants to bring something over to grill beyond the typical burger (I've got plenty of those), feel free.

As for the demo on open diff vs LSD, I've definitely got the garage space to do this. I'll let David weigh in on how we could work this, but I've certainly got the room. And Will, if you have some documents that make this stuff simpler to discuss, feel free to bring them up if you're able to come. Hope you're able to make it, as we've got to have our annual discussion about how 'there's no way that Fernando Alonso will win the World Championship this year, and we'd be foolish to bet that he would.'

 

Craig - Feel free to bring the brake bleeder; I'm curious to take a look at it, and we can surely make the time for you to demo it, as I'd like to see it in action. And I'm curious to hear about your wheel saga, too.

 

I'll put it in and maybe we can bleed some brakes if anyone needs it. Should be quick and simple with the new toy.

 

LOL!! I forgot all about that. Oh man, did ANYONE pick Alonso, I think Craig was talking up Schuey and you and I were looking for Kimi to have his year (which he showed beyond doubt he was the quickest driver in F1 but horrible reliability kept him down) and.... I don't think anyone else was even seriously mentioned. That's too funny. If you want to, PM your e-mail address and I'll send you some pics and stuff you might find useful for this.
Will

 

I originally wanted Schuey but we decided that was too much of a sure thing so I chose Jensen Button. At least Schumacher finished third. Considering he had a miserable year and finishing third wasn't bad. There are drivers who would consider that to be a career highlight. I think this year I'm going to go with Kimi and give JP the nod for spoiler. I thimk Aloso has too many distraction on his plate this year. Do you think Flavio will forgive and forget the deal with McLaren? Of course there is always Sato and Super Aguri to consider!!!

 

I'd like to attend the tech day.

I don't think Sato has much of a chance. Of the 9 races he actually finished last year, his best finish was 8th.

 

i think jarno trulli is the biggest sleeper. he didn't win last year, but he's a consistent qualifier, which should soon turn into more podium finishes

 

I guess the cynicism and irony just didn't come through. Sato is nothing more than a bad driver on a team owned by a former bad driver. I would expect them to be in competition for last place on the grid. A match for the former Minardi team, now owned by Red Bull. The driver I'm most interested in is Ruebens. It will be interesting to see how he will do outside the shadow of Michael. March is almost here and all questions will be answered.

 

Sorry to interrupt the chit chat.

I will be there Gary more then likely for awhile. Can you get us some directions, or just an address. I know the area over there well and will find it from the address. Just PM me if you want, that way you won't have the groupies just showing up for you.

Mudd

 

Sorry Brian, I thought I sent you a PM the other day when I was working through the list. I could easily have screwed up, though...this computer thing is still new to me. I just sent you a copy of the PM I'm sending out, so let me know if you don't get it. As for groupies, just make sure you bring the Milk Maids!

Everyone who has indicated interest on this thread so far should have received a PM from me with address and directions. So if anyone on this thread hasn't received theirs yet, please let me know.

 

I would be interested in meet up for a tech day. Please PM directions. I live in Northglenn, just off of 104th.

 

Very nice of you to put this together. I pretty sure I can make it but might be a little late. PM me your address from I-70.