DDM Project 370Z

DannyGT · 06-29-2009, 10:51 PM

Are u planning on sticking those side skirts on with nothing else ? I would think it throws off the lines of the car because you get that uneven look. Like when someone throws on a huge front bumper with no side skirts...ehhh not good.

Other than that, I love what your doing with the car, great job!

M.Bonanni · 06-29-2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyGT

Are u planning on sticking those side skirts on with nothing else ? I would think it throws off the lines of the car because you get that uneven look. Like when someone throws on a huge front bumper with no side skirts...ehhh not good.

Other than that, I love what your doing with the car, great job!

Yeah haven't quite decided on a front lip yet but eventually one will go on. The side skirts are pretty subtle, but if they look out of place with the stock front/rear bumpers I will take them back off and save them for when I get more body pieces.

DannyGT · 06-29-2009, 10:56 PM

I'm not exactly crazy about it, but that top secret front lip might go well with those sides...

...would love for someone to release a complete accent kit as streamline as those sides are!

M.Bonanni · 06-29-2009, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DannyGT

I'm not exactly crazy about it, but that top secret front lip might go well with those sides...

...would love for someone to release a complete accent kit as streamline as those sides are!

Not really looking to get a super crazy expensive lip that serves no aerodynamic function to just beat up on the track. It will either be cheap and look good to where I don't care about replacing it every so often when it gets too beat up, or it will be strong and functional. Trying to work with a few different companies to get them to do a front lip/splitter combo that will provide function and form.

Caravanshaka · 06-29-2009, 10:59 PM

agree with that Danny! Would be nice for a subtle lip kit all around that is styled like those skirts.

travisjb · 06-29-2009, 11:12 PM

You and I are thinking alike on front splitter... I'd err towards getting the cheap/disposable kind at least initially until I get serious about trailering this car

M.Bonanni · 06-30-2009, 02:43 PM

Break in on the Carbonetic 1.5 Way LSD is finally complete! Can't wait to track test it next month.

SPC Performance front upper control arms went on the car this morning as well. The install was a little bit more of a pain in the *** than I had hoped, but could be due to my coilovers. The bolts holding the arms to the body of the car were too long to come out. The hit the spring, so I had to un-do the sway bar end link and top three bolts on the coilover and lower the coilover out of the top mount so I can move it around and get enough clearance to remove/re-install the bolts. Camber adjustment on the SPC arms is a bit crude and not the easiest to adjust because its hard to find the necessary tool that fits up in the crowded wheel well area with enough clearance. Not to mention the bolt is 27mm which is a large size which most don't have in their toolbox. I had to use a 27mm short socket, pivot joint socket attachment and ratchet and get it at just the right angle to be able to loosen/tighten the camber adjustment bolt. There may be a better tool for this job out there somewhere, I just don't have it in my tool box. I just pray that these arms are designed well enough to hold my camber settings under extreme track abuse without slipping. Unless I find the perfect tool to make adjustments easy and they perform flawlessly at the track, I think I will still swap them out for SPL Parts front upper control arms when they are available. I have not dialed in my alignment yet since I am leaving the car up on jack stands until my sway bars get here and I can install those. I probably wont set my alignment until tomorrow but I will probably just set it back to where it was at around -1.5 degrees until I get closer to my next track day the 1st & 2nd of August.

For those who remember, I picked up a rock on the highway a few months ago that cracked my windshield. Since then the crack has gotten pretty huge and I have spent the past few weeks calling every glass shop and manufacturer in the books trying to avoid spending the $1100 that Nissan wants to charge for a factory replacement and install. Good news is, today I found an answer as to when manufacturers plan on making a cheaper aftermarket replacement windshield. Bad news is, its not until 2010 so looks like I am stuck getting raped with an $1100 windshield replacement bill. I pray that this doesn't happen to any of you before 2010. This little setback puts a big strain on my build budget for this car so I may not be getting anything else for the car unless its a sponsorship deal for a while.

Also just registered for my next track event. The Super Lap Qualifier/N.A.S.A. Time Trials event at Auto Club Speedway on August 1st & 2nd. The race is in Fontana (SoCal) so if you can, come by and check it out! Would love to finally meet some of you SoCal 370Z guys.

Caravanshaka · 06-30-2009, 03:02 PM

that sucks about the windshield. Your insurance not cover the replacement?

Good luck with the swaybar installation tomorrow!

M.Bonanni · 06-30-2009, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caravanshaka

that sucks about the windshield. Your insurance not cover the replacement?

Good luck with the swaybar installation tomorrow!

My deductable is $1000 so its not worth the added premium to claim it.

Caravanshaka · 06-30-2009, 03:08 PM

ouch, ya that makes sense. claim it was an uninsured driver that threw a rock at your window, that should be good for a lower deductible

M.Bonanni · 06-30-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caravanshaka

ouch, ya that makes sense. claim it was an uninsured driver that threw a rock at your window, that should be good for a lower deductible

lol, my father in-law owns the Nationwide insurance agency that I go to and unfortunately he is very much a play by the rules type of guy so I'm screwed.

Caravanshaka · 06-30-2009, 03:28 PM

wow, your father-in-law owns it and he didn't hook you up on no deductible for the same price? definitely a play by the rules guy then!

M.Bonanni · 06-30-2009, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caravanshaka

wow, your father-in-law owns it and he didn't hook you up on no deductible for the same price? definitely a play by the rules guy then!

You have no idea.

miguez · 06-30-2009, 04:05 PM

Can't really blame him, if everyone did that the whole system would probably work much better, and premiums might even be lower.

Mike, I had asked a while back about your windshield, thanks for coming back with the info. It'd be nice to see a shot of where the crack is at and what it looks like, just for us curious cats out there

.

Awesome about the LSD, you managed to drive 700 miles pretty damn fast!

M.Bonanni · 06-30-2009, 05:52 PM

Miguez: I didn't drive the 700 miles yet, just the two 20 minute figure 8 sessions and the fluid changes that follow. I don't know if I will hit 700 more miles this month, but if not, I will just change fluid again right before the race on August 1st & 2nd, then again afterwards.

Hotchkis sways just showed up. A little to late for me to install today so they will have to wait until tomorrow.

Still waiting on:
Project Kics magnetic drain plugs (diff & engine oil)
18" Forgestar Wheels (aren't we all?

)
GTSPEC 2-Point Sub-frame reinforcement brace (Still don't know when they are shipping it to me to test fit)
Carbon side skirt things from VIP-STATUS
New factory replacement windshield

Berk Technology Cat-Back Exhaust (supposed to ship this week)

Ordering Soon:
Nitto NT05 Tires (275/35/18 front, 285/35/18 rear)
Track specific brake pads (probably Ferodo DS3000)
CCW Classic 18" Wheels (IF for some reason the 18" Forgestars get delayed more than they already have)
Upgraded power steering oil cooler

Projects that are in limbo:
Upgraded oil cooler setup (Still not sure which direction to go. Waiting on travisjb's new setup to debut)
Differential cooler kit (in the same boat as with the oil cooler setup)

06-29-2009, 10:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
DannyGT Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jersey Posts: 919 Drives: 370Z (SOLD) Rep Power: 281	Are u planning on sticking those side skirts on with nothing else ? I would think it throws off the lines of the car because you get that uneven look. Like when someone throws on a huge front bumper with no side skirts...ehhh not good. Other than that, I love what your doing with the car, great job! __________________ Performance GTM Stage 1 SC, GTM Res.Test Pipes, Invidia Gemini Exhaust, GTM HD Oil Cooler Wheels & Suspension AME Tracer TM02's 19x9.5F 19x10.5R w/ 265x35F & 305x30R, Hotchkis Sways, BC (BR) Racing Coilovers (Car Sold)

06-29-2009, 10:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
DannyGT Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Jersey Posts: 919 Drives: 370Z (SOLD) Rep Power: 281	I'm not exactly crazy about it, but that top secret front lip might go well with those sides... ...would love for someone to release a complete accent kit as streamline as those sides are! __________________ Performance GTM Stage 1 SC, GTM Res.Test Pipes, Invidia Gemini Exhaust, GTM HD Oil Cooler Wheels & Suspension AME Tracer TM02's 19x9.5F 19x10.5R w/ 265x35F & 305x30R, Hotchkis Sways, BC (BR) Racing Coilovers (Car Sold)

06-29-2009, 11:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
travisjb A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: GSO Posts: 2,803 Drives: VIR Rep Power: 190	You and I are thinking alike on front splitter... I'd err towards getting the cheap/disposable kind at least initially until I get serious about trailering this car __________________ 2009 370Z #104 For Sale

06-30-2009, 02:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
M.Bonanni The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 2,575 Drives: Fast Rep Power: 1322	Break in on the Carbonetic 1.5 Way LSD is finally complete! Can't wait to track test it next month. SPC Performance front upper control arms went on the car this morning as well. The install was a little bit more of a pain in the * than I had hoped, but could be due to my coilovers. The bolts holding the arms to the body of the car were too long to come out. The hit the spring, so I had to un-do the sway bar end link and top three bolts on the coilover and lower the coilover out of the top mount so I can move it around and get enough clearance to remove/re-install the bolts. Camber adjustment on the SPC arms is a bit crude and not the easiest to adjust because its hard to find the necessary tool that fits up in the crowded wheel well area with enough clearance. Not to mention the bolt is 27mm which is a large size which most don't have in their toolbox. I had to use a 27mm short socket, pivot joint socket attachment and ratchet and get it at just the right angle to be able to loosen/tighten the camber adjustment bolt. There may be a better tool for this job out there somewhere, I just don't have it in my tool box. I just pray that these arms are designed well enough to hold my camber settings under extreme track abuse without slipping. Unless I find the perfect tool to make adjustments easy and they perform flawlessly at the track, I think I will still swap them out for SPL Parts front upper control arms when they are available. I have not dialed in my alignment yet since I am leaving the car up on jack stands until my sway bars get here and I can install those. I probably wont set my alignment until tomorrow but I will probably just set it back to where it was at around -1.5 degrees until I get closer to my next track day the 1st & 2nd of August. For those who remember, I picked up a rock on the highway a few months ago that cracked my windshield. Since then the crack has gotten pretty huge and I have spent the past few weeks calling every glass shop and manufacturer in the books trying to avoid spending the $1100 that Nissan wants to charge for a factory replacement and install. Good news is, today I found an answer as to when manufacturers plan on making a cheaper aftermarket replacement windshield. Bad news is, its not until 2010 so looks like I am stuck getting raped with an $1100 windshield replacement bill. I pray that this doesn't happen to any of you before 2010. This little setback puts a big strain on my build budget for this car so I may not be getting anything else for the car unless its a sponsorship deal for a while. Also just registered for my next track event. The Super Lap Qualifier/N.A.S.A. Time Trials event at Auto Club Speedway on August 1st & 2nd. The race is in Fontana (SoCal) so if you can, come by and check it out! Would love to finally meet some of you SoCal 370Z guys. __________________ MikeBonanni.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MikeBonanni Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MBonanni36 Function > Form** Last edited by M.Bonanni; 06-30-2009 at 02:53 PM.

06-30-2009, 05:52 PM	#15 (permalink)
M.Bonanni The370Z.com Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 2,575 Drives: Fast Rep Power: 1322	Miguez: I didn't drive the 700 miles yet, just the two 20 minute figure 8 sessions and the fluid changes that follow. I don't know if I will hit 700 more miles this month, but if not, I will just change fluid again right before the race on August 1st & 2nd, then again afterwards. Hotchkis sways just showed up. A little to late for me to install today so they will have to wait until tomorrow. Still waiting on: Project Kics magnetic drain plugs (diff & engine oil) 18" Forgestar Wheels (aren't we all? ) GTSPEC 2-Point Sub-frame reinforcement brace (Still don't know when they are shipping it to me to test fit) Carbon side skirt things from VIP-STATUS New factory replacement windshield Berk Technology Cat-Back Exhaust (supposed to ship this week) Ordering Soon: Nitto NT05 Tires (275/35/18 front, 285/35/18 rear) Track specific brake pads (probably Ferodo DS3000) CCW Classic 18" Wheels (IF for some reason the 18" Forgestars get delayed more than they already have) Upgraded power steering oil cooler Projects that are in limbo: Upgraded oil cooler setup (Still not sure which direction to go. Waiting on travisjb's new setup to debut) Differential cooler kit (in the same boat as with the oil cooler setup) __________________ MikeBonanni.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/MikeBonanni Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MBonanni36 Function > Form Last edited by M.Bonanni; 06-30-2009 at 06:08 PM.

06-29-2009, 10:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
Caravanshaka I shake Caravans Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: north Dallas Posts: 9,517 Drives: everyone crazy Rep Power: 44	agree with that Danny! Would be nice for a subtle lip kit all around that is styled like those skirts.

06-30-2009, 03:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
Caravanshaka I shake Caravans Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: north Dallas Posts: 9,517 Drives: everyone crazy Rep Power: 44	that sucks about the windshield. Your insurance not cover the replacement? Good luck with the swaybar installation tomorrow!

06-30-2009, 03:08 PM	#10 (permalink)
Caravanshaka I shake Caravans Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: north Dallas Posts: 9,517 Drives: everyone crazy Rep Power: 44	ouch, ya that makes sense. claim it was an uninsured driver that threw a rock at your window, that should be good for a lower deductible

06-30-2009, 03:28 PM	#12 (permalink)
Caravanshaka I shake Caravans Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: north Dallas Posts: 9,517 Drives: everyone crazy Rep Power: 44	wow, your father-in-law owns it and he didn't hook you up on no deductible for the same price? definitely a play by the rules guy then!

06-30-2009, 04:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
miguez Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 359 Drives: '04 Cavalier Rep Power: 183	Can't really blame him, if everyone did that the whole system would probably work much better, and premiums might even be lower. Mike, I had asked a while back about your windshield, thanks for coming back with the info. It'd be nice to see a shot of where the crack is at and what it looks like, just for us curious cats out there . Awesome about the LSD, you managed to drive 700 miles pretty damn fast!