Hocus's Fairlady Z
 

I've always been a fan of the JDM life. EVO, SUPRA, SKYLINE, and of course, the Fairlady Z. I don't know what made me love the Z more. The aesthetics or maybe playing so much Wangan Midnight Max Tune:happydance: in my youth, but I think it goes back to my friends always rocking the 240sx and 300z. I'm grateful for my little Trucky I've had forever (4-cylinder Ranger <3 ). I had that truck since 2006 and we been through a lot together, I will miss you Trucky. T^T haha. Anyways, lo and behold I got lucky one day while browsing around for a car. A slightly used 2016 370z for sale!! I took the chance and got myself my first real performance car! When I picked her up she already had some little aftermarkets done on her; K&N Instakes, spoiler and shifter knob. (Also, background story a little funny too). I couldn't believe I had a car that I've always wanted!!

Of course, the mod bug didn't take long for it to kick in and I was looking for parts, upgrades, the works! I wanted "That car". I'll be honest, I'm a YouTube mechanic. I have very little experience with working on cars, hell I looked up how to do an oil change and took the longest time for something so simple. But the feeling of accomplishment was amazing! I told myself that I will turn my own wrench for this car. No shops or dealerships.

And so without further ado, here is the progress of My Fairlady.


[MOD LIST]
Nismo Carbon Shifter
NS Seibon Carbon Spoiler
K&N Typhoon
Z1 Motorsports 25 Row Oil Cooler
Fly1 Motorsports Super Street Carbon Hood
Z1 Hood Struts
Z Radiator Cap
Z1 Silicone Tubing Set
Ark-Grip Cat-Back Exhaust Kit
Berk High Airflow Cats
EVO-R Carbon handles
Akebono Big Brake Kit with StopTech pads
ZSpeed Undershround
Carbon Fiber Engine Cover
Fly1 Amuse Kit
PasswordJDM Carbon Radiator Cover

[FUTURE UPGRADES PENDING]
Status Racing Seats
Amuse Rear Strut
Status Racing Harness

[Day one]
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...00598-day1.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-beach-day.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...pportunity.jpg
I live in Hawaii by the way. Weather can be unforgiving on cars here. Sea spray, random rain, sun and of course...SAND.
Here is what's under the hood at the time I bought her.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...00574-day3.jpg And inside http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...00575-day2.jpg

[RESERVED FOR FUTURE EDITS AND PICTURES]

First upgrade I did was getting an oil cooler installed. Hawaii and this engine have one thing in common...its hot! I heard about some of the problems with the engine getting hot; but after 2012, Nissan included a cooling method to help with high oil temps. Well, I went ahead and bought the 25 row Z1 Oil Cooler.

http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...oil-cooler.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...ting-bench.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...er-install.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...oil-cooler.jpg


I thought "yea that outta do it...but it only helps when you have forward motion. Which lead to my next upgrade. I figured ventilation would be the best thing. I was looking at cutting the stock hood and giving it vents but like most people, I was feeling lazy. I went with the Fly1 Motorsports Street Hood with the Z1 hood struts. Came out great!
[Before]
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...0-oem-hood.jpg
[After]
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-fly1-hood.jpg

Next up was exhaust. I love how the VQ has a deep purring sound when running. Fortunately, I found the Ark kit on sale at the time and went with it. Totally worth it! Sounds great and gets me attention!
[WHATS IN THE BOX!!!???]
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-whats-box.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...0570-yasss.jpg
Removal of the OEM kit.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...ything-off.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...omplete-dd.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...00571-ark3.jpg

When I bought the car, I noticed the previous owner Plastic Dipped the door handles. Looked cool, until they started peeling/fading. Well, I found the EVO-R carbon handles and thought that would be dope. I didn't know how much of a hassell it was to get anything from them. After many spammed emails and forums PMs I got the part i ordered. :D
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...or-handles.jpg

Now, at the time I didn't think about doing the cat converters when I installed the catback exhaust. I learned how after months of driving can make it a pain in the butt to take off (all the salt water in the air here T^T )
The forms general conspicuous was to install Berk HFC. :D It was during this process, I learned about the mythical "Demon Bolt"....F$#% That bolt! I keep it with me in the car to remind me how much of a pain in the *** this car can be haha T-T
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...0582-berk2.jpg http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...0585-berk5.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...0583-berk3.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...0586-berk6.jpg

That damn bolt man. so much oil and socket extensions just for ONE BOLT! Hearing that "snap" as the breaker bar finally gets the twist. Awesome!

I kept looking for my next upgrade and I wanted to get rid of the stock brake set. I wanted something that would help with future performance upgrades and I figured getting the Big Boii Brake Kit would help. I wasn't dropping money into Brembo or Wilwood when the Akebono do just as well. Thanks ConceptZ for helping get the calipers powered coated :D :D :D
Not going to lie,this project scared me I didn't know much about bleeding the lines and thought the pads were suppose to sit a certain way. Thankfully digging the right channels on youtube helped, though I wasted time at the shop one weekend to get no progress.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...7-dsc04566.jpg
Goofing around at the shop =3=
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...591-gooofy.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...9-dsc04570.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...0-dsc04571.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...ear-brakes.jpg

One of the coolest things to happen was meeting up with the VQ Inc group out here. Started with meeting the club president one day while admiring his 350z. I started going to groups, meeting people and eventually getting my place with the group. I look forward to entering shows with them in the future. ^^
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...100594-vq2.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...100595-vq1.jpg
Putting the Letterman on.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...100596-vq3.jpg

Squad Rolls deep:happydance:
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...602-squad1.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...603-squad2.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...604-squad3.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-roll-deep.jpg
Just an FYI, that 300zx has a RB26 swap. Super dope!

Nice write up! The Z is looking good!

Nice Job!!! Keep it going!!:tup:

Thanks for the love fam. Haha, will have to go back edit that first post though.

So I got around to trying to install the Amuse Kit from Fly1 the other day. I had some time and figured I try to see what i can do. I learned I need a 1/2in drill bit and a dremel. Will try to get it to fit better next time. But here is the Front bumper going up! Hope to continue this section more later, but work is going to be getting more time constraining and personal life.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...662-amuse1.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...663-amuse2.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...664-amuse3.jpg

No work on the car this week. Too much going on with work. We had a 4th of July show where I'm at and I got to enter the show (＾▽＾) I wasn't going to participate in the judging. Here's a picture. I got quite a few comments about the brakes though. (Will add some of the group if you are all interested)
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...show-shine.jpg

I saw that Password JDM was having a sale and I wanted to get some more Carbon aesthetics in the engine bay, but Holy Cow! Either I don't know what I'm doing or this fitment is just bad. I feel I shouldn't have to cut the part or into my car just to get this to fit properly. Will be returning this one. (I looked around on forums but don't see real answers on how to get it to fit, some are just lucky and others I can't ask, due to not logining over a year+) Kinda disappointed in this :(

The middle section doesn't fit at all. I have to cut that thick plastic up front, which I feel I shouldn't have to.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...e100657-pw.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...100658-pw1.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...100661-pw4.jpg

I bought the same part.No way it would fit.No cut out for windsheid washer fluid.Ect,Ect.I did use it but cut off most of the top half.

I had made a lot of CF stuff but takes a lot of time making mock up,molds,trimming ,clearing and sanding.
Wanted to get car done.I had started to make one but wanted to finish car quicker.
Part did not fit.Was disapointed. Pic of how I trimed out.
I'm with you,should not have to cut.

Appreciate the inputs man. I got in contact with them and they swear it should fit with slight adjustments. I'm trying one more time before I request a refund. Also, love your build man. I wish to get to that level of work on my car in the future. Novice here, but i want to turn my own wrench as best I can. !!

I didn't know anyone ran underglow anymore...I hadn't seen it done in years!! Build is awesome bro!!! Kutgw!! :tup:

Well everyone, it's been a while. Out to sea for a bit and work has been busy lately. I won't be on here for a while, duty calls. But I will try to upload some of the progress on the car that I'm getting done before I leave. I just got these in today, look forward to installing them in two weeks (Going back to mainland for a bit to see family). Shout out to Saikou Michi for making a quality product!!!

http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...catch-cans.jpg

Nice Progress.:tup:

So, while I was away for a bit I got some work done on the car. I've had the amuse kit for a while now and was hoping to get it done before I deploy. While at work by buddy recommended me Kerfoot Garage for all the work. I met Ethan (amazing 350z, yall have seen it before!) and got to making plans. He's kept me updated on the progress while I was away and his skills are awesome! Big shout out for all the work at Kerfoot!

I dropped the car off with the kit and the parts got sanded and fitted.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-rear-bump.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-rear-bump.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-rear-bump.jpg
Apparently there was some fitment issues with the rear and side skirts.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...side-skirt.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...side-skirt.jpg
Ethan said he had to trim and add some fiberglass to the skirts to make them fit right.

Here are the parts painted. They look phenomenal!! I can't wait to see then finally product. I'm off today and hoping I can meet with him to install them.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...5-img-0144.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...6-img-0145.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...7-img-0146.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-561547078.jpg

FINAL
Again, I can't thank Ethan Kerfoot enough for making this car look this amazing. The quality of work is outstanding!
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...1355-front.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...01354-rear.jpg

Here are some pictures from today. I just wasn't looking for amazing photo skills, just wanted to show off. I was going to link the High Res. pictures, but I'm feeling lazy. =__= sorry all

Really wish that sign wasn't there. Amazing artwork!
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...asnt-there.jpg

Dat Rear Doh
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...01371-rear.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...hine-boiii.jpg

Oct 2016 vs 2018
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...pportunity.jpg

http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...01369-2018.jpg

very nice

Appreciate it man!

WELL! It's been some time! ᕕ( ՞ ᗜ ՞ )ᕗ Finally back from deployment and glad to be back in home ! ᕕ( ՞ ᗜ ՞ )ᕗ (I missed you Hawaii!) Had some adventures and got to see some amazing ports! Thailand, Oman, Djibouti, Seychelles, Bahrain, and Palua! Hope to visit some of these again!

Some cars seen else where.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...67-bahrain.jpg
Fastest car on Seychelles boiiiii
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...lles-scene.jpg

Anyways, prior to coming home I setup some orders for some goodies to myself ! Didn't see the fine print of the wait time for parts from japan (ﾉ･д･)ﾉ︵ ┻━┻.

I got to installing the Oil catch cans from Saikou Michi. Here's some pictures from the install. (Car was sitting for a while so she dirty under the hood.)

I order Spectre 3/8 clamps and HPS 3/8 silicone hoses for the setup. Not an extreme not worthy upgrade, but I wanted to add some extra finesse to the car.


http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...761-layout.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re102763-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-hooked-up.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re102764-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re102765-a.jpg

Started the car up and everything seemed fine. Not use to hearing a hissing sound from I guess the pressure in the lines??? I dug around the forums to see if that was normal and made sure my lines were all tighten and nothing from the site glass. My RPMs weren't acting up so I guess everything is in good order.

Of course I had to make sure I installed the parts right and make a stop at the beach for all my "hard work."
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...each-visit.jpg

More to come.... :D
[EDIT for extra car pictures]

Nothing fancy today lads, just an oil change. 6qts (Thirsty!) I got the sway-bar and endlinks at the house, just was to lazy for install today.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...705-125112.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...705-130308.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...705-130315.jpg

Can you drive fast in HI? Was in Maui a couple of weeks ago, saw one Z and thought to myself, that car is suppressed. Nice progress on your Z btw.

You can open up in some spots, just do it wisely. The traffic in spots and how some people don't pay much attention. Usually at night is the best. I was just in Maui myself last weekend, thought man, that stretch in the middle would be perfect to fly down and Hana highway with all the windings.(if i knew the road was clear for a few miles ahead ^^) Appreciate it! I want to upgrade clutch/flywheel/CSC delete, but worried about doing that one myself.

CAR WASH DAY! Had to clean the ol' girl since I've been at the beach most of the week. She was looking dirty. I don't know if Meguiars stopped making their White Label products? Really love using that to clean the wheels. No waxing this time either. Looking to see about getting the clear coating put on the car.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...885-washed.jpg

While cleaning though, saw this on bottom. Hawaii roads too cruel. I got some touch up paint, hopefully doesn't make to big of a difference.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...i-so-cruel.jpg

*Side note*Driving today wasn't as fun either. Got some tattoo work (first ones.) They came out great!
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...87-rooster.jpghttp://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...102888-pig.jpg

Yuuuup. No luck with this car. It was right before my first car showing (well a meet-up). Would of loved to just showed her off WITHOUT any issues. Hopefully I can get her fixed before I leave hawaii. My temporary fix might be slap a vinyl sticker in the area or cut something out. I was thinking of the Deviruchi from Ragnarok. http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...40-no-love.jpg


*removed the extra brackets []*

[QUOTE=Hocus;3793894]

Dat Rear Doh
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...01371-rear.jpg

awe wow, that bites! That is one beautiful job and a gorgeous Z! This is a great pic and to me there is no other car ever made that has an a$$ like a 370Z! Takes my breath away daily! :tup:

WELL FAM! It's been a long, long time...since my last post. Moved to San Diego due to work. Going on shore duty life now (Boiii). Looking forward to it(Though not a fan of California itself). Good food, beer, and of course, all the 370z parts are easy access here in southern cali.

The car went into storage/transit and I was able to get her back, no extra damages. http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...ick-up-day.jpg

After waiting forever, I finally got my CraftSquare mirrors. Install was pretty easy! Just wish they supplied mounting equipment or use the same bolt size as OEM for install. http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103691-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103692-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103693-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...94-craftsq.jpg

Being so close to Temecula, I ordered the Status seats for the car. Heard good reviews for them and wanted to save a little money, plus I wanted to be different. Not many people rock the seats, you usually see Sparco,Bride,Braum. Love how the feel and can sit comfortably in them. Drove four hours round trip no problem :D


WHAT'S IN THE BOX
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103695-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103696-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103697-a.jpg
Took apart the passenger seat and was able to install the air-bag sensor.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103698-a.jpg
Planted Technology mounting brackets! They fit PERFECT to the car, but not so much with the seats. Only able to really line up three bolts. Installed with lock-threads. http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103699-a.jpg
Low quality picture. Parking garage is where I installed them at my new place. http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-installed.jpg

Well! More upgrades along the way here shortly. I got in contact with Charles Park out here in San Diego at PowerTrix. A buddy of mine recommended their coilovers for the car. He's driven multiple setups and these by far are the best he's ever used. So I went with purchasing the UltraLite set with 13k/11k swift spring setup.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-powertrix.jpg

I've been wanting to upgrade the wheels and tires so finally got my boxes in. 19x9.5/10.5 Work CR Kiwami with Hankook 255/285 35R19 setup.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...28-work2-2.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...27-work2-1.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...3929-work3.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...03926-tire.jpg

This last weekend, I got the setup for the car down. Drove over to PowerTrix and got to work with Charles Park. The guy's knowledge base is awesome. His work is very methodical and has a purpose. He helped show me how the installation goes and explained how/why the components work. Overall a great learning experience! If you are in San Diego area and get the chance to meet him, really good guy and helpful.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103946-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103947-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103948-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103949-a.jpg
The car looks amazing now! Definitely love the setup!
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103950-a.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...re103951-a.jpg
After the install I did a quick test drive and noticed the difference on how the car handled. Took some hard U-Turns on the street outside and was very impressed by the response. Just driving has completely changed. I highly recommend this setup. For those interested PowerTrix Ultra-Lite coilovers with 13k/11k Swift Springs.

Awesome!

Car continues to look good!

Very nice!

This weekend we had a group meet up with the VQ-Inc club of Cali. One of the members had a friend wanting to practice his photo skills in the rain, so we took advantage of the weather and had some fun. Love the photos! Shoutout to Marc @2istmedia on Instagram. Hope yall enjoy!

http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...6-sideshot.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...018-up-wet.jpg
Cool kids Only!
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...015-370z_s.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...04017-swag.jpg

Well, it's been some time. I haven't posted in a while due to events in life and felt it was time. Lets just say, March wasn't a fun month. I wanted to get work done on the car, but didn't want my car to be in an accident for it =_=; I got faulted though I say it was 50/50 since person speeding to get through middle lane to turn left, but Cali says it's the other drivers lane even though she pulls into that lane way before the actual entrance.
Front bumper got knocked 20ft from car into the road and other driver smacked my tire as I was merging into lane from stand-still. Damaged my steering.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...amaged-frp.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...ripped-off.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...d-steering.jpg
So I after insurance did their thing and came back with estimates I was able to get the car worked on. Alignment and steering was taken care of and I was able to get the car driving (no bumper though.) Was recommended Llyod's Autobody in Santee. I paid out of pocket for some extra work. Did not expect the love I got. No more band-aid on rear panel, dent looks like it was never even there. Front bumper is completely redone with no paint peel or chipped cracks. The damage to FRP isn't noticeable, you have to be directly on it to see the thin crack from under the paint. Really restored the car to perfection.
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...4890-front.jpghttp://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...04891-side.jpg

As for future plans. Looking at going the turbo route hopefully before the year closes. Currently working on getting the fuel upgrades first (CJM Twin pump and return system, 1050CC injectors.) I would love to have the Fast Intentions kit, but after talking to my buddy in the club who's rocking it, price tag is too heavy for the moment. (This is parts, labor, tunes, extras.) Yea, that 850hp would be glorious, but I might have to settle on something else. Looking at the Boosted Performance twin setup currently. I think it would be good for the club since we will have all levels of turbos (F.I, AAM, and BP). Lets aspiring guys see what options there are and get different opinions. http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...-side-shot.jpg
Well fam, off for a drive. ♥

=== HOLY NECROMANCER ===

It has been a long time since I've posted here. Shamelessly and embarrassing posting now T^T .

Got some catching up to do so lets start off with highlights.

Clown world started to die off some and I was able to participate in SPOCOM San Diego. I wasn't ready to show off the Z but wanted to take a chance to participate with the club. Got lots of attention as Zs in southern California aren't always maintained well. Only three of us entered that year and my buddy placed 3rd for his G35 under the Nissan/Infinity catagory.

http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...98-spocom3.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...97-spocom2.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/hocus...795-spocom.jpg

Next up was Nissfest. The club ( VQ Inc Cali ) and I made are way north to enjoy some vibes with friends and see the event. Huge venue and some amazing cars out there. Drift contest, drag racing, and shows cars all around.

**Due to pictures being HUGE I've linked them below. So if you have something like hover zoom, you can just mouse over the pictures.**

https://imgur.com/3SSpnB6
https://i.imgur.com/sTw6uU0.jpg
(https://imgur.com/Osa70df)
https://imgur.com/4F1nQD6
https://imgur.com/9xLNYBq
https://imgur.com/LEG5onQ
https://imgur.com/Bw8stE5
https://imgur.com/KyP1CvU
https://imgur.com/MkQiZO9