CF736's 2017 Nissan 370z Journal

StevenSlice · 12-06-2017, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CF736

I purchased my 2017 370z base model couple on 10-13-17. I specifically bought the base model because I knew I wouldn't be satisfied with the "performance' parts that come on the other models (other than Nismo of course) and since the engines are identical in the base, Sport, and Touring models, I didn't feel it was worth the money to buy anything other than the base model.

Sad to say i bought a older model base with the same mindset. Youre going to see the crutch that is an open diff, and the dinky brakes as soon as you drive it with some authority. Neither of which are cheap to deal with for the most part.

However I am curious to see how you play this out! Ive had my 09 for a little under 6 months now and have it progressed relatively far from being a POS from the prev owner.

CF736 · 12-06-2017, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StevenSlice

Sad to say i bought a older model base with the same mindset. Youre going to see the crutch that is an open diff, and the dinky brakes as soon as you drive it with some authority. Neither of which are cheap to deal with for the most part.

However I am curious to see how you play this out! Ive had my 09 for a little under 6 months now and have it progressed relatively far from being a POS from the prev owner.

I want to get out to one of the advanced driving schools with the car as stock as it is so I can really understand how the upgrades I will eventually be doing affect the car's power and handling. I think it will be fun to see how the car progresses, knowing what it was like in the beginning.

From the feedback I have been getting so far and the reading I have been doing I think my first real performance upgrade will be wheels and tires. I know a LSD will be in the future for sure along with brakes and brake lines.

Good luck on your build. I had an 05 Corvette that I had bought used and I know your pain when it comes to trying to get a used car back up to a higher standard. I ended up trading the vette in for the new Z instead of continuing to chase other peoples abuse and misuse issues. The 05 vette parts were hard to find and expensive when i could find them.

Your Z looks good and parts are plentiful and reasonably priced. I'm looking forward to following your thread and seeing your progress.

StevenSlice · 12-06-2017, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CF736

I want to get out to one of the advanced driving schools with the car as stock as it is so I can really understand how the upgrades I will eventually be doing affect the car's power and handling. I think it will be fun to see how the car progresses, knowing what it was like in the beginning.

From the feedback I have been getting so far and the reading I have been doing I think my first real performance upgrade will be wheels and tires. I know a LSD will be in the future for sure along with brakes and brake lines.

Good luck on your build. I had an 05 Corvette that I had bought used and I know your pain when it comes to trying to get a used car back up to a higher standard. I ended up trading the vette in for the new Z instead of continuing to chase other peoples abuse and misuse issues. The 05 vette parts were hard to find and expensive when i could find them.

Your Z looks good and parts are plentiful and reasonably priced. I'm looking forward to following your thread and seeing your progress.

Believe it or not just a basic autocross or track day is all you need, just make friends with people out there and you will learn a lot.

Thanks! The car had a matte blank paintjob and the headlights were SUPER YELLOW. Now its got a gloss and clear lights after a full weekend of buffing and fun.

Wheels + Tires definitly make a huge difference. I got a sponsored deal on mine and from the base 225/245, 275/285 made the car handle waaay better. Get the sport calipers off rock auto for like $500. People hate that theyre reman'd but they work all the same. Just no shanzzy colour. Some agressive pads and either high carbon blanks or 2 peice rotors. IMO stay away from RBF600 if you get brakes and get Castrol SRF. Much better fluid, pricey, but worlds better.

LSD is on my list, but 2k is a lot to spend on a budget, so we will both suffer there

Although only thing i can say, which is a personal belief. Go back and do the tiny decor mods later. The 100$ or so youve spent on the gtr button and lights is half the price of some adjustable SPL arms. Im a firm believer of a pretty track car, but make it ride right before making it pretty :P

CF736 · 12-06-2017, 11:24 PM

@StevenSlice

cosmetic mods.... yes I can sure understand what you are saying about putting money to better use. None of my cosmetic mods were more than $40 to $90 at a time and the most expensive was the side marker lights.

It was just little stuff while I researched how to proceed. I’m seeing now though that the lip and/or splitter that I was thinking about is probably the lowest on the list of where I should start. After the feedback I have been getting up here so far I think I’m going to look at wheels and tires.

StevenSlice · 12-07-2017, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CF736

@StevenSlice

cosmetic mods.... yes I can sure understand what you are saying about putting money to better use. None of my cosmetic mods were more than $40 to $90 at a time and the most expensive was the side marker lights.

It was just little stuff while I researched how to proceed. I’m seeing now though that the lip and/or splitter that I was thinking about is probably the lowest on the list of where I should start. After the feedback I have been getting up here so far I think I’m going to look at wheels and tires.

Yeah, Aero comes after you get the car proper. Aero on **** suspension and no tires doesnt really do you any good.

Tracks in socal are all midspeed so a wing / splitter is something i need, but having proper grip overall is mui importante.

CF736 · 12-13-2017, 06:26 PM

Today I replaced the stock plastic Engine Splash Shield with the ZSpeed aluminum splash shield. The ZSpeed shield fit perfectly and shipped with more than enough mounting hardware. I think the best feature is the removable panel that will allow for easier oil changes.

My next upgrade is definitely going to be the Akebono Sport Brake upgrade. From what I have been seeing so far the stock base model 18" wheels will still fit with the larger front calipers. I'm still wanting to confirm this so I know if I will need to replace the wheels at the same time or if I can do the brakes first and keep the original wheels for now.

StevenSlice · 12-13-2017, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CF736

Today I replaced the stock plastic Engine Splash Shield with the ZSpeed aluminum splash shield. The ZSpeed shield fit perfectly and shipped with more than enough mounting hardware. I think the best feature is the removable panel that will allow for easier oil changes.

My next upgrade is definitely going to be the Akebono Sport Brake upgrade. From what I have been seeing so far the stock base model 18" wheels will still fit with the larger front calipers. I'm still wanting to confirm this so I know if I will need to replace the wheels at the same time or if I can do the brakes first and keep the original wheels for now.

Nice! Mines sitting in my garage. SoCal fires making installing it impossible due to all the ash and smoke.

I should have my akebonos installed by the beginning of the year, if anything hold off and ill tell you if they fit or not. Unless someone can chime in beforehand. I think theyll fit the rears, fronts i think youd need some spacers like crazy or 19s idk

CF736 · 12-14-2017, 05:21 PM

Had some time to get some new photos of the Z today....

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12-06-2017, 11:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
CF736 Base Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Bakersfield,Ca. USA Age: 58 Posts: 31 Drives: 17 Nissan 370z 6M/T Rep Power: 9	@StevenSlice cosmetic mods.... yes I can sure understand what you are saying about putting money to better use. None of my cosmetic mods were more than $40 to $90 at a time and the most expensive was the side marker lights. It was just little stuff while I researched how to proceed. I’m seeing now though that the lip and/or splitter that I was thinking about is probably the lowest on the list of where I should start. After the feedback I have been getting up here so far I think I’m going to look at wheels and tires.