w0rM's J0urnaL

w0rM · 06-22-2013, 10:57 PM

I've been putting off starting one of these threads for too long. So, off we go...

HOW I ENDED UP WITH MY Z

In April of 2012 I pulled into a Royal Nissan in Baton Rouge, LA in my 350z to take a passing look at the 370z out of pure curiosity. I ended up test driving a black automatic. I was pretty impressed. The only thing I didn't like was the paddle shifters. Unfortunately, at the time they didn't have a sport model with a 6 speed so I wasn't able to try one out.

A few days later, I decided to try another dealership to see if I could find one to test drive. I found one at another dealership so I decided to stop in and drive it. That's where I first saw the gunmetal color and I fell in love. They didn't have the sport model on the lot so I drove the manual gunmetal I saw.

I felt like a complete newb trying to drive it but after a few minutes I got the feel for the clutch and I was hooked.

I decided to see what I could get for my 350z. To my surprise, this other dealer offered me 18,000 for my 350. That's almost $2k more than I paid for it so I was interested. I told them if they could find me a gunmetal manual with the sport package, I'd buy it. Within a couple of days they actually found one in New Orleans.

Long story short... they gave me the runaround on the pricing so I pretty much gave up on the whole idea of getting a 370z.

Then I spoke to my friend who worked at Royal Nissan. He said he could get the car the other dealer found for me. So, we sat down and worked on a deal. I ended up agreeing to a deal to get the exact Z I wanted for $300 over invoice.

I bought the car on May 5th, 2012 and took delivery on the 6th. Here's a picture of my old baby and my new baby side by side on pickup day.

CURRENT MODS

Fast Intentions CBE with 12" Resonators
Work Emotion CR Ultimate 19s
Swift Springs
SPL Rear Camber Kit
Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob
Pioneer AVH4400 BT
Zenclosures 10" Speaker Box
JL Audio NexD XD400 Amp
Polk Audio DB 6501 Component Speakers
10" Boston Acoustics Sub

w0rM · 06-22-2013, 11:03 PM

The first thing I did was install my spacer from my 350z on my 370. I think I had around 100 miles on it at this point.

Then it was on to the tinter... 40% is the legal limit in Louisiana so that's what I went with on the sides. The back window you can do 12% so it's nice and dark back there...

w0rM · 06-22-2013, 11:18 PM

The next thing I did was get a decent stereo with Bluetooth put in. I just can't live without a good sound system. I settled on the Pioneer AVH4400 BT. Plus I picked up a Proclips iPhone mount to go along with it.

Then it was on with the real mods...

After listening to about 857 YouTube videos, I decided I couldn't live without an FI exhaust. I watched the member used parts forum religiously for weeks before I found one from Mr. Squeeze $950 shipped. It was non resonated but I ended up swapping mid pipes with KaienZ34 to get a 12" resonated midpipe. I was happy and all was good with the world.

I hand polished the scratches out before I got it installed. It took a couple of days but it was worth it. It looked like brand new when I got it installed.

My usual installer did the dirty work...

Once I had it in, I made the comparison video I wish someone else had made before I bought one...

Jasonle · 06-22-2013, 11:21 PM

Liking that exhaust! Nice build so far

w0rM · 06-22-2013, 11:27 PM

Next, I picked up a set of Swift Springs and Berk HFCs. I actually never installed the Berks and ended up selling them a couple of months later.

Since I'd spent pretty much every penny I had at this point, all I could afford was a can of Plastidip so I got down to business with backing out the emblems and door handles...

w0rM · 06-22-2013, 11:35 PM

Next it was back to the sound system. I had some sound deadening put in along with a Zenclosures box for a single 10" woofer, a 400 watt JL audio amp and a Boston Acoustics 10" woofer.

No pictures of this stuff but trust me, it sounds awesome!

At this point, I really started missing the Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob I had on my 350z so I started looking for a decent price on one. As you may have guessed, that never happened. I said screw it and bought one anyway. I got super lucky and found one online that was in stock. I ordered it and had it a week later.

After tearing my stock shift knob into tiny pieces in the process of taking it off, there it was in all it's glory...

(cue singing angels)

w0rM · 06-22-2013, 11:41 PM

Then a few weeks ago, I convinced myself that my car absolutely must have new wheels... MUST HAVE!

After a very long search... I mean seriously, I probably spent 2 weeks looking at wheels every day for hours... I found the Work Emotion CR Ultimate and fell in love. I ordered a set from Rav Spec with some extras cash I had from a side project I had just completed. I just got them installed on Monday 6/17... damn I love these things...

More to come!

SS_Firehawk · 06-23-2013, 12:33 AM

Digging the rims. I was close to ordering a set... Bought floors for the house instead

GaleForce · 06-23-2013, 06:32 AM

Looking good

stogey420time · 06-23-2013, 08:23 AM

I thought the screen name looked familiar from 350zmotoring... looks good br0, awesome upgrade.

w0rM · 06-23-2013, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SS_Firehawk

Digging the rims. I was close to ordering a set... Bought floors for the house instead

My girlfriend is starting to look at me intensely when I order new mods for the Z. Might have to buy a few things for the house before my next mod.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stogey420time

I thought the screen name looked familiar from 350zmotoring... looks good br0, awesome upgrade.

Hey stogey! How've you been?

Z_bro · 06-23-2013, 10:14 AM

So clean...

blackcherry20 · 06-23-2013, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w0rM

Once I had it in, I made the comparison video I wish someone else had made before I bought one...

Best vid ever. TY!!!

sigh. Love the deep notes on the FI.
Mad money toward tires this summer, next: mad money for FI

Just FYI: we had simultaneous buy dates....only i took mine home w me on May 5 2012!!! Awwww! We are kinda like siblings!!!

w0rM · 06-23-2013, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackcherry20

Just FYI: we had simultaneous buy dates....only i took mine home w me on May 5 2012!!! Awwww! We are kinda like siblings!!!

We're like fraternal twins!

stogey420time · 06-23-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w0rM

Hey stogey! How've you been?

Been good br0, I see you've been busy

Looks good, how low is the drop with the swift springs?

06-22-2013, 10:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
w0rM A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,198 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 35	w0rM's J0urnaL I've been putting off starting one of these threads for too long. So, off we go... HOW I ENDED UP WITH MY Z In April of 2012 I pulled into a Royal Nissan in Baton Rouge, LA in my 350z to take a passing look at the 370z out of pure curiosity. I ended up test driving a black automatic. I was pretty impressed. The only thing I didn't like was the paddle shifters. Unfortunately, at the time they didn't have a sport model with a 6 speed so I wasn't able to try one out. A few days later, I decided to try another dealership to see if I could find one to test drive. I found one at another dealership so I decided to stop in and drive it. That's where I first saw the gunmetal color and I fell in love. They didn't have the sport model on the lot so I drove the manual gunmetal I saw. I felt like a complete newb trying to drive it but after a few minutes I got the feel for the clutch and I was hooked. I decided to see what I could get for my 350z. To my surprise, this other dealer offered me 18,000 for my 350. That's almost $2k more than I paid for it so I was interested. I told them if they could find me a gunmetal manual with the sport package, I'd buy it. Within a couple of days they actually found one in New Orleans. Long story short... they gave me the runaround on the pricing so I pretty much gave up on the whole idea of getting a 370z. Then I spoke to my friend who worked at Royal Nissan. He said he could get the car the other dealer found for me. So, we sat down and worked on a deal. I ended up agreeing to a deal to get the exact Z I wanted for $300 over invoice. I bought the car on May 5th, 2012 and took delivery on the 6th. Here's a picture of my old baby and my new baby side by side on pickup day. CURRENT MODS Fast Intentions CBE with 12" Resonators Work Emotion CR Ultimate 19s Swift Springs SPL Rear Camber Kit Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob Pioneer AVH4400 BT Zenclosures 10" Speaker Box JL Audio NexD XD400 Amp Polk Audio DB 6501 Component Speakers 10" Boston Acoustics Sub __________________ \| SOLD September 14th, 2013 \| My Build Journal Last edited by w0rM; 06-22-2013 at 11:51 PM.

06-22-2013, 11:03 PM	#2 (permalink)
w0rM A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,198 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 35	First Mod The first thing I did was install my spacer from my 350z on my 370. I think I had around 100 miles on it at this point. Then it was on to the tinter... 40% is the legal limit in Louisiana so that's what I went with on the sides. The back window you can do 12% so it's nice and dark back there... __________________ \| SOLD September 14th, 2013 \| My Build Journal

06-22-2013, 11:18 PM	#3 (permalink)
w0rM A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,198 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 35	First "Real" Mod The next thing I did was get a decent stereo with Bluetooth put in. I just can't live without a good sound system. I settled on the Pioneer AVH4400 BT. Plus I picked up a Proclips iPhone mount to go along with it. Then it was on with the real mods... After listening to about 857 YouTube videos, I decided I couldn't live without an FI exhaust. I watched the member used parts forum religiously for weeks before I found one from Mr. Squeeze $950 shipped. It was non resonated but I ended up swapping mid pipes with KaienZ34 to get a 12" resonated midpipe. I was happy and all was good with the world. I hand polished the scratches out before I got it installed. It took a couple of days but it was worth it. It looked like brand new when I got it installed. My usual installer did the dirty work... Once I had it in, I made the comparison video I wish someone else had made before I bought one... XiP likes this. __________________ \| SOLD September 14th, 2013 \| My Build Journal Last edited by w0rM; 06-22-2013 at 11:22 PM.

06-22-2013, 11:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jasonle A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: St. Louis Posts: 3,509 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 25	Liking that exhaust! Nice build so far w0rM likes this. __________________ 2009 Nissan 370z/2003 Honda Soccer Van Shineauto Amuse Body Kit/UAM Fenders/Bc Br Coilovers/Topspeed Exhaust/Racing Hart Wheels and More My Sexy Beast

06-22-2013, 11:27 PM	#5 (permalink)
w0rM A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,198 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 35	Getting low and dark Next, I picked up a set of Swift Springs and Berk HFCs. I actually never installed the Berks and ended up selling them a couple of months later. Since I'd spent pretty much every penny I had at this point, all I could afford was a can of Plastidip so I got down to business with backing out the emblems and door handles... __________________ \| SOLD September 14th, 2013 \| My Build Journal

06-22-2013, 11:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
w0rM A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,198 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 35	Next it was back to the sound system. I had some sound deadening put in along with a Zenclosures box for a single 10" woofer, a 400 watt JL audio amp and a Boston Acoustics 10" woofer. No pictures of this stuff but trust me, it sounds awesome! At this point, I really started missing the Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob I had on my 350z so I started looking for a decent price on one. As you may have guessed, that never happened. I said screw it and bought one anyway. I got super lucky and found one online that was in stock. I ordered it and had it a week later. After tearing my stock shift knob into tiny pieces in the process of taking it off, there it was in all it's glory... (cue singing angels) __________________ \| SOLD September 14th, 2013 \| My Build Journal

06-22-2013, 11:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
w0rM A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 2,198 Drives: 2015 Corvette Z06 Rep Power: 35	Work Emotion CR Ultimate Then a few weeks ago, I convinced myself that my car absolutely must have new wheels... MUST HAVE! After a very long search... I mean seriously, I probably spent 2 weeks looking at wheels every day for hours... I found the Work Emotion CR Ultimate and fell in love. I ordered a set from Rav Spec with some extras cash I had from a side project I had just completed. I just got them installed on Monday 6/17... damn I love these things... More to come! Z_bro, brucelidat, GaleForce and 3 others like this. __________________ \| SOLD September 14th, 2013 \| My Build Journal

06-23-2013, 12:33 AM	#8 (permalink)
SS_Firehawk Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Tampa Posts: 4,142 Drives: 13' Magma Red Nismo Rep Power: 7334	Digging the rims. I was close to ordering a set... Bought floors for the house instead __________________ Old Car:GTM TSC'd 550whp / 410lbft tq @ 11.88PSI New Car: Under Construction

06-23-2013, 06:32 AM	#9 (permalink)
GaleForce A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 21,749 Drives: Varis Arising II Rep Power: 51864	Looking good w0rM likes this. __________________ >>>GaleForce's Build<<< >>>FaceBook @3GsCustoms<<<>>>Instagram @GaleForce370z<<< Varis Kamikaze-Z

06-23-2013, 08:23 AM	#10 (permalink)
stogey420time Base Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Kemah, Tx Posts: 119 Drives: 3fiddy z Rep Power: 16	I thought the screen name looked familiar from 350zmotoring... looks good br0, awesome upgrade.

06-23-2013, 10:14 AM	#12 (permalink)
Z_bro Track Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: The Bay (Concord) Posts: 566 Drives: Custom Blue Z Rep Power: 14	So clean... w0rM likes this. __________________ I collect the souls of fallen Z's.... A.K.A I want your part out!