HELP! I don't want to be a SoCal Ricer
HELP! I don't want to be a SoCal Ricer
Hey guys so I will not be able to make the January meet because the Detroit Lions are on right now! 
I wanted to go because I need advice on my Z and don't want to end up in the SoCal Ricer thread. I am paranoid because I drive around a lot of those places the pictures were taken! I bought the car used so I need to fix things if possible.
So here it is a few questions with pictures so maybe I can get a little prelimenary help before gonig to a meet or getting blasted on the thread of shame.
First is my exhaust. No stamping on the mufflers and am afraid they may be ebay loud crap with no substance. There appears to be an x-pipe on there I think and most everything is welded.
Second is the headlights seem to have a gap between them and the front bumper. I am assuming the front bumber has been removed multiple times to acces the AEM intake, but was wondering if that was "normal"
Third is the wheels are 20". 275 on the back and 245 on the front. I have been seeing 19" rims all over the place and now wonder if those need to be changed out too.
Any help would be appreciated and if local maybe I can meet up with someone before I attempt to take it to a meet.
Thanks guys and pictures are below.
I wanted to go because I need advice on my Z and don't want to end up in the SoCal Ricer thread. I am paranoid because I drive around a lot of those places the pictures were taken! I bought the car used so I need to fix things if possible.So here it is a few questions with pictures so maybe I can get a little prelimenary help before gonig to a meet or getting blasted on the thread of shame.
First is my exhaust. No stamping on the mufflers and am afraid they may be ebay loud crap with no substance. There appears to be an x-pipe on there I think and most everything is welded.
Second is the headlights seem to have a gap between them and the front bumper. I am assuming the front bumber has been removed multiple times to acces the AEM intake, but was wondering if that was "normal"
Third is the wheels are 20". 275 on the back and 245 on the front. I have been seeing 19" rims all over the place and now wonder if those need to be changed out too.
Any help would be appreciated and if local maybe I can meet up with someone before I attempt to take it to a meet.
Thanks guys and pictures are below.
Exhaust looks kinda crappy. Overall it's a good looking Z IMO. Don't worry about what everyone on this forum says, do what you like. You're no where near getting put on the socal ricers thread.
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MRR rims came with the car. I honestly know nothing about them. Any suggestions on a replacement?
I have seen the Invidia exhaust. I have also looked into the nismo. Basically I don't want it to sound like I am 16. I have figured I would budget about 1500 for an exhaust.
No one has mentioned gapping from the headlights to the front number. I do need some work done regardless so if any so cal people know shops or individuals please let me know
I have seen the Invidia exhaust. I have also looked into the nismo. Basically I don't want it to sound like I am 16. I have figured I would budget about 1500 for an exhaust.
No one has mentioned gapping from the headlights to the front number. I do need some work done regardless so if any so cal people know shops or individuals please let me know
Look on YouTube of soundclips of different exhausts and see what YOU like. Buy a full catback, muffler shop specials are no good for the Z IMO. I went with the Motordyne y pipe and 3 inch single exhaust.
Oh I recommend the Nismo exhaust. Check it out on youtube... Quiet on idle, growling when you step on the gas. And nice subtle sound (non-deafening/non-drooning).
But speaking of which...
I'm looking to sell my nismo exhaust when I can get a stock exhaust to replace it. I can meet with you. I live somewhat close. Not looking to sell unti February thought.
But speaking of which...
I'm looking to sell my nismo exhaust when I can get a stock exhaust to replace it. I can meet with you. I live somewhat close. Not looking to sell unti February thought.
Last edited by SoldzMyZ; Jan 7, 2012 at 09:14 PM.
Yeah man let me know. I was listening to the Borla and Nismo exhausts. Both sound good to me. While I want my exhaust off bad it is only a weekend car mostly so I can put up with what I have for now.
Car looks okay to me. Not even close to getting on the ricer thread. The headlight gaps don't look bad at all.
Like everyone else said, the exhaust is probably the only thing wrong with it.
Do some more looking around the forums to get a feel for what you want the car to look like.
Also, think about what you want to sacrifice for certain looks. For example, you said it's a weekend car. So, you might not be too worried about being really low or having camber problems, etc. On the other hand, if you want to track once in a while, read up on the Suspension 101 thread.
For exhaust, that also depends. Do you want performance gains or just good sound? Some have both but for a higher price.
Like everyone else said, the exhaust is probably the only thing wrong with it.
Do some more looking around the forums to get a feel for what you want the car to look like.
Also, think about what you want to sacrifice for certain looks. For example, you said it's a weekend car. So, you might not be too worried about being really low or having camber problems, etc. On the other hand, if you want to track once in a while, read up on the Suspension 101 thread.
For exhaust, that also depends. Do you want performance gains or just good sound? Some have both but for a higher price.
Yeah I'd say ditch the wheels, but at your leasure. There's some good advice in this thread. Browse the forum and google images. I've seen some badass brickyard Z's on here. Get an idea of what you like, fat tires or streched, slammed or more functional ride heights, ect. Don't listen to every opinion on this forum, do a bunch of research and form your own opinion on what you like and what's gonna make you happy.
I will most likely ditch the wheels at some point. I will be honest and say I know nothing about wheels with the offsets lips etc. I am hoping to make it to a meet eventually where I can get more information and have people hate me for asking too many questions.
I think wheels will be one of the last things to replace unless I run across a great deal. Wheels look like they are going to be $2000 without tires. I want to actually place that money elsewhere for the time being with exhaust, fixing the interior, etc.
lol what is a brickyard Z? I am such a noob at this stuff. I just want to make sure I do it right.
Yeah I am going to read about the Suspension. Thought about track, but am I REALLY gonna go?? Also I have no clue about this camber stuff. I do like the look of bigger rims, but they may suck if I go to Vegas or up to NorCal so I should look into stock rims too. Think they were 18's on my car. That is what the sticker on my door says.
You guys are awesome thanks for all the advice so far
I think wheels will be one of the last things to replace unless I run across a great deal. Wheels look like they are going to be $2000 without tires. I want to actually place that money elsewhere for the time being with exhaust, fixing the interior, etc.
lol what is a brickyard Z? I am such a noob at this stuff. I just want to make sure I do it right.
Yeah I am going to read about the Suspension. Thought about track, but am I REALLY gonna go?? Also I have no clue about this camber stuff. I do like the look of bigger rims, but they may suck if I go to Vegas or up to NorCal so I should look into stock rims too. Think they were 18's on my car. That is what the sticker on my door says.
You guys are awesome thanks for all the advice so far
Welcome! Definitely read the thread suspension 101, it's stickied at the top of the brakes and suspension sub-forum. Just be warned. The rest of this forum is nowhere near as friendly as the socal area. Always research like crazy before asking questions. Good luck!