flashburn's 370Z Journal, Project: FlasHBurN Commences!
 

I've been slacking off and wanting to make a journal for a while, so here we go!

Goal:
Ultimately I want to do 3-4 HPDE's a year, along with possibly some AutoX mixed in. I also use this car to commute about 70 miles a day so I want to stay N/A. I'd like to do my first HPDE around the end of this year.

I'm going to keep the list of modifications limited to performance, and not mention any of my aesthetic modifications or audio gear. I solely want this journal to be about my journey into the world of motorsports.


http://www.ericz.net/images/1st-small.png
http://www.ericz.net/images/4th-small.png

Current Modifications:

• Fast Intentions CBE with 18" Carbon Fiber Canisters
• Fast Intentions Non-Resonated HFC's
• K&N Dropin Filters
• (gone) Cobb AccessPort with Canned AAM Tune
• H&R 15mm (front) and 20mm (rear) Wheel Spacers
• Hankook 265/35/19F and 285/35/19R
• SRPracing Pedals (+10whp!)

Future Modifications (Soon!):

• Stillen G3 CAI (Sitting in my house now)
• UpRev Osiris with E-Tune. I'm ditching the Cobb AP under the 100% satisfaction guarantee they have. If they don't want to support the 370Z then I don't want to support them.

Future Modifications (~6 Months):

These are the mods I need to have done before I do my first HPDE.

• Oil Cooler (Not sure on brand/size yet)
• Brake Pads (Dedicated Track Pads)

Future Modifications (~1 Year):

• S.S. Brake Lines, probably these Z1 Braided Stainless Brake Lines
• Motul RBF 600 Brake Fluid (while I'm already replacing the lines)
• Rotors
• Dedicated Track Wheels + Tires. Hoping to snatch up a set of Base 18" Wheels from someone for cheap.
• Sway Bars

Future Modifications (Not Definite/Distant Future):

As always, open to suggestions if you guys think of any other parts I should get.

Photos:

Videos:

I had the exhaust, HFC's, and spacers installed professionally. However, my goal is to do all future mod's (within reason) myself. Currently I do not own too many tools that are required, so I plan on building them up over time. My first mod is going to be the Stillen G3 CAI's that I bought used from another member here. I'm going to be buying a dremel and a torque wrench for that install, I have the other tools needed for this job already.

Anyone have any recommendations for a torque wrench? I really don't want to pay the $80+ Lowes and Home Depot are charging for one. Amazon has a bunch of them ranging from $30 to over $100. Preferably I'd like to spend no more than $50.

Great start. The intakes are really easy to install. Just follow the instructions. The stillen instakes are super easy to install.

Would this be a decent choice for a Torque Wrench?

Amazon.com: Michigan Industrial Tools 1/4" Drive Click Torque Wrench 20 - 200" lb: Home Improvement

I keep seeing all different size drives (1/4", 1/2", 3/4", etc), which should I be looking at? Not even sure what the drive size means.

The drive size is the size sockets that will fit the wrench onto the square part of the wrench. That wrench has a 1/4" square on it, so you will need sockets with a 1/4 square fitting, or an adapter piece.

Ah okay, I had a feeling that was it. I'll check my current sockets, but I'm pretty sure they are 1/4".

Will 20/200ft-lb be a good enough range to do anything I'm going to need to do with my car?

The axel bolt(s) will possibly require more, im not sure about anything else. My suggestion is to go with a smaller range and buy maybe 2 instead of one, it will be more accurate that way.

Not sure exactly where you are looking, but maybe like 25-100, and 80-???

Just figure out what you need for the job, because that 20-200 might be to big to get into certain areas. If it is a cost thing buy the one you need now, if it isnt then break it down so they over lap by about 20ft/lbs.

Its been a while since i have really needed one so i apologize if my numbers are off in advance.

Cool, thanks for the info. So it looks like I need 38ft-lbs for the engine brace, and 80-90ft-lb for the lugs. I'll look for one with a smaller range then. When (if) I need one with more torque I'll buy it then.

Hmm, I can't seem to find one with a smaller range that isn't $90+.

check out Harbor Freight, they've got decent tools at very competitive prices. that's where I got my torque wrench. It's a 1/2 " drive though.

PS--I don't believe the 18" stockers will clear the Akebono brakes, I would just use the stock wheels for the track and pick up some nice ones for the street or get a set of different dedicated track wheels.

Okay, I'll check out Harbor Freight.

I've heard others say that they have used the stock Base wheels with the sports brakes successfully. I'm hoping that this setup would work fine, since people tend to sell the base wheels + tires for around $800 shipped usually.

Wow, the Harbor Freight ones are pretty damn cheap:
$19.99 for 1/4" 20-200ft-lb
1/4" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench
$24.99 for 1/2" 20-150ft-lb
1/2" Drive Click Stop Torque Wrench