Arrvaxx's BCZRCCR Build Journal
 

Current setup:

2010 370Z, 40th Anniversary (6MT), #480 born 1/19/2010 [Gallery]

PERFORMANCE and HANDLING
- Fast Intentions Twin Turbo w/Garrett GT28RSR Turbos and Bosch 650cc Injectors
- Fast Intentions Test Pipes
- Fast Intentions 2.5" Non-Res Catback w/100 cell inserts
- Fast Intentions FAST-500 Fuel System
- Specialty Z Max-6 Clutch
- Specialty Z Billet Flywheel
- CJM Racing Fuel Pump
- Setrab Series 6 Oil Cooler, 34 Row
- Tilton CSC
- Turbosmart e-Boost2 Boost Controller
- HKS Racing M Series Spark Plugs
- Swift R-spec (Installed Pic)
- H&R Trak+ DRS (15mm/20mm)
- SPC Rear Camber Kit
- Whiteline Rear Diff Bushings
- Whiteline rear sway bars
- SPL front and rear end links
- UpRev
- AMSOIL in every reservoir

VISUAL
- the370z.com Decal!
- Varis Arising II body kit (full)
- 2017 Limited Edition Recaro Sportster seats
- 180°|Custom 40th Anniversary Gray Painted Headlights
- 'Z' Illuminated Door Kick Plates
- LED Map Lights, Red
- Smoke License Plate Cover
- New Plates: BCZRCCR
- TWM Big Type R shift knob (graphite)

MISCELLANEOUS
- WeatherTech FloorLiners (I know not much of a mod but I love them.)
- Clutch Helper Spring (Thanks LMBmikeZ!)

IN PROCESS (On order)
- 40th Anniversary Plaques! (Thanks Darkpath!)

Coming soon...
- SpecialtyZ Catch Can
- Stillen AP Radi-cal brakes (6/4 calipers)
- Stillen AP Radi-cal J-Hook rotors
- Stillen brake ducts
- Enkei PF07, 19"
- Galeforce pillar!
- Roll cage
- Window tint

Title: Three hours at the dealer, zero hours on the floor.

People seem to enjoy the story of my first Z purchase so figured I would start there…trying to keep it short.

My first Nissan was a 2005 Altima SE-R and, aside from my 2007 Victory Vegas Jackpot Arlen Ness Edition motorcycle, they are all I have purchased since (2005 Altima SE-R, 2006 Quest, 2013 Sentra, 2010 370Z 40th). My ex has the Quest but I still have the rest.

My first Z memory was in the early ‘70s. A friend of my dad’s had a yellow 240Z. I never complained about being stuffed in to the ‘back’ for spirited treks through the twists and turns of rural Georgia. As a teenager in the ‘80s I spent a lot of time putting up posters of super cars so the memories of the 240Z fun started to fade.

That all changed in 2005 when I started seeing the new restyled 2005 Altima on the road. At the time I didn’t know about the SE-R but when I walked in to the dealership I knew I was not leaving without one. The only thing to grab my attention away was the 350Z next to it. Kids…the Z would have to wait.

For years we returned to the dealership for new cars and service and the joke was always ‘dad had to see if they had a Z on the floor’. I drove my ex crazy with my playful suggestions that it was time to buy one. Maybe that is why she’s an ex?

Fast forward to July ’13; I’m newly divorced and my son is turning 17 and needs his first car.

As we were pulling in to the lot we were joking that I was planning on doing all the paperwork from the seat of whatever Z they had on the floor. I then said, “I’d be funny if we came for one car and went home with two.” Haha…chuckle chuckle like I could afford a Z.

They didn’t have any Zs on the floor and as we were working the paperwork for my son’s Sentra he and I were joking about how miserable I was not having a Z to ogle. The sales guy chuckled and quite casually mentioned that they had gotten a 2010 370Z in three hours ago and that it was in detail. Said it was almost flawless. More joking than anything I pushed him for details. At some point the sales guy smelt blood in the water, joking or not, and called the person that took the car in.

I heard one side of the conversation they had over the phone, “2010, right. 40th Edition, ok.” Now, I had vague recollections of having seen the 40th color and started wondering if my joking was going to get me ‘in to trouble’. “6 speed manual.” Oh crap! See, my ex couldn’t drive a stick so I had sadly been forced to get an automatic SE-R. “15,000 miles.” That’s it? Oh no. He hung up and I asked THE one question that I figured would save me, “Yeah and how much?” “$28,000”, he said. Yup…I was in trouble.

We still had paperwork to finish on the Sentra so I tried to focus us on that. Tried. We were waiting for the finance guy so I brought up pictures of the 40th on my tablet to refresh my memory. Yup, she was gorgeous, wow. I then resolved to return in the morning once it was back from detail. A few minutes later I stopped trying to fight it and realized just how much I wanted that car and how disappointed I would be if someone else got to it before me. I always carry one check with me and I used it to provide a downpayment to hold it for ME.

The plan was to return the next morning once it was out of detail to confirm it was a flawless as they said it was.

I was planning to be at the dealer at 8:30am but had some errands that delayed me. I guess the sales guy, check in hand or not, wasn’t entirely sure if I was serious. Not surprised considering how my son and I were joking and after the night before I had just bought a Sentra. He called me at 9:30, “Are you still coming in to look at the car?” I told him that I was running late and would be there in 15 minutes. “Good, there is a shop mechanic that wants it and is kicking himself for not putting money down before it went to detail.” I felt for THAT guy because I had imagined just that happening to ME the night before.

I arrived at the dealership and she was right out front. I sat down and began the paperwork. It was kind of strange. I felt like people were watching us and the sales guy was called away a few times at first. He came back to tell me that in addition to the mechanic wanting to see if I was going to buy the car there was another guy that had seen it outside when he was dropping off his car for service that was ready to write the check. An hour later there would be another that saw it and asked if it was available. In Minnesota Zs are not especially numerous and this one was a beauty.

I drove her home a few hours later.

Been about a month now. Still finding excuses to drive the long way to places. Kids are loving that dad is happy to drive them wherever for whatever, whenever.

A few weeks ago I popped the hood and realized that I had K&N Typhoons. Saved me some cash. I have the370z.com and you good people for educating me to the point that I even knew what they were! I immediately dropped to my knees (hey-family show here!) to check for an oil cooler. No luck, haha.

Having them already did help me a lot however. I was debating between starting with Swift R-spec springs and H&R Trak+ DRS spacers or the Typhoon. So, decision made. I ordered the springs and spacers today. Oh, a SPC rear camber kit is on its way too. May not need it but just in case.

I also decided on a cat back; Fast Intentions TDX with 18” resonators. And since the lead time is so long for them I grounded my kids so that I could deny them allowance and spend the money on shinies NOW.

Last week I swapped out the standard clear bulbs in the map light-thing for red LEDs. I had read a post by someone who did the same thing and commented about a hot spot. Makes sense considering most LEDs point in one direction. I came across a bulb that has one pointing ‘up’ and four that point out. Chose red and am very pleased. (Link to bulb)

http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...lights-car.jpg

Fun day! Got my 'the370z.com' decals! Didn't fully get the directions so screwed up the first so good thing there were two. Need to buy another.

http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...promote-yo.jpg

I also got a smoke cover for my front license plate. I live in an area with more suburban cops per square mile than boob jobs. Trying to run without a plate on the front would be an expensive exercise. I'm hoping that a smoke cover will not get too much notice. I'm leaving the rear uncovered hoping that might be the difference between a fine and a stern talking to.

Before:
http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...late-cover.jpg

After:
http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...late-cover.jpg

One month 4 days and I have loved every moment of the car and the community.

I started out by trying to decide whether to start modding the visuals or performance. In the end I decided to start with the performance. Might sound silly but working the exterior felt wrong. The idea made me think of all the crappy Hondas I see kids drive around. My Z deserves better.

So I decided to add K&N Typhoons (which to my surprise I discovered the car had-wahoo!). I justified lowering her with Swift springs because with the visual appeal also came, what I am told, better handling. Decided to at the same time add spacers since lowering without them didn't seem to look right. Oh, and a camber kit for the rear. Finally, I ordered FI cat backs which also combined performance improvements with visual and audio appeal improvements. The springs and spacers go on this weekend and the exhaust this fall.

I'm probably going to drive to Z Days and when I am there pick up a Z1 oil cooler which I want in before spring so that I can run my first track.

So with all that decided my thoughts have been tending towards the exterior. Early on I was drawn towards the more showy. But as I spent more time looking at my 40th I started to let her tell me who she was instead of telling her who I thought she should be.

The 40th exterior color is gorgeous and doesn't distract from the car's own physical beauty. The interior is also the same way. Yes, it is red but it is not Nismo red. There is an elegance living in the car's sports car lines.

I think that is why as time has gone on I am being more and more drawn away from kits like the Amuse and more towards the Nismo. I know a lot of people don't like the Nismo but I think a lot of that dislike comes from the lips and skirt add-ons that people get. Personally, the stock Nismo body feels right to me. Some say the Nismo is too clunky. Well, the Z does not have Italian styling. Nor is it a true clunk like an American muscle car. The Z is somewhere in between and I think that is reflected in the Nismo design.

But boy do I like the Fujimura front. Wow. However, the Nismo front with brake ducts might be the answer.

Regardless of body, I've had the paint scheme firmly fixed in my mind for some time. No...I am not changing the 40th color (that's just...wrong) and I am not changing the rims. But I have an idea to subtly add color that I am really excited about.

Oh, and I've also decided that 2014 will be the year of the FI twin turbo! Haha.

I took the first image from Glokwork's album so I could show the two front end options I am thinking of side-by-side.
http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...a-pictures.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...rake-ducts.jpg

I had planned on a series of detailed posts on my spring, spacer, and camber install but decided to just boil it down to this: Took over a week, broke a shock, Swifts rock. :icon17:

But seriously...Swifts are amazing. How a spring can soak up road imperfections one minute and keep the wheels on the ground as I dive hard in to and out of a corner the next is a thing of beauty. I didn't mind the stock springs (sport) until cornering. Any kind of imperfection in the road and I felt like a jumping bean.

I also installed SPC/Eibach rear camber arms and toe bolts but I did not bore out the lower control arm to add additional range. The shop was able to get my alignment within factory specs without it which was good.

This week is going to be a good week for presents! I have my Passport 9500ix radar detector (red LEDs of course), 40th Anniversary plaque (thanks Darkpath!), and new clutch helper spring (thanks LMBmikeZ!) all coming!

*Edit: Stuff came!
http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...-installed.jpg
- and -
http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...yes-please.jpg

just droppin' in to keep an eye on it! I just got my 40th and was trolling for ideas! :)

while I'm here! Can you tell me any details on the wheel spacing? That's something I'd like to do for sure. :)

....edit #2. :) and where do you find red led's? Those are SWEET!

Hey man and congrats! The 40th is one sexy car.

The bulbs can be found here 194 LED Bulb - 5 LED Wide Angle Wedge Base | Miniature Wedge Base LEDs | LED Car Bulbs | Super Bright LEDs. They come in seven colors. You can also replace the hatch bulb with these and a dozen others.

My wheels have 15mm spacers in the front and 20mm in the rear. I plan on taking some pictures in a bit so will edit this post. I am seriously considering moving up to 20mm in the front. Maybe I will take a 20 off the rear and put it on the front and take a pic.

Struggling to get the radar detector direct wired to the fuse box. Really showing my lack of electrical experience. But I figure as long as my hair isn't smoking I am making progress. :)

*Edit: Finally! Got a fuse tap and all is good. it's been two weeks and I love the detector.

Countdown Journal...90 days to pickup.
Entry #1, August 8th 2013

Woke up today after not sleeping much; thoughts of the sound of F.I. twin turbos, F.I. exhaust, and screeching tires resonating in my head.

Talked to Tony last night and we finalized my build. I'm going to ship the car to Cali in early November and pick it up late in the month.

- "The Complete Kit" (GT28RS turbos)
- Setrab Series (6) oil cooler, 34 row
- Bosch 650cc injectors
- F.I. Test Pipes
- F.I. 2.5" Non-res Catback (no emissions tests in MN!)
- Specialty Z High 5 Clutch
- Specialty Z Billet Flywheel

All that is left to make it official-official is next Friday's paycheck.
:happydance:

Countdown Journal...60 days to pickup.
Entry #2, September 9th 2013

It's been 30 days? That's great but it feels like forever and how I am going to make it 60 more is beyond me.

The only outstanding item on the configuration had been which injector to go with. I had hopes of being able to run both 91/93/100 octane and E85, switching between the two with different Uprev maps. However, Tony confirmed that you can only run one or the other and E85 required the 1000cc injectors.

I decided to just run 91/93/100 octane.

- "The Complete Kit" (GT28RS turbos)
- Setrab Series (6) oil cooler, 34 row
- 650cc injectors
- F.I. Non-res Test Pipes
- F.I. 2.5" Non-res Catback
- Specialty Z High 5 Clutch
- Specialty Z Billet Flywheel

I had originally decided to go with the GT28RS turbo because in talking to Tony he said it came up a little faster than the other. In exchange you were giving up some of the high end. Since the car is my DD and my track plans center on road courses it seemed like a good decision. Now I just need to stop watching drag videos...I'm getting hungry.

BTW: Big props to Tony. We spent over an hour on the phone last month and his number one concern was making sure that what I got was in line with my use plans. He could have sold me the upgraded turbo, larger injectors, and 3" pipes but didn't.

Next I have to decide which boost controller to go with. I have heard good things about the HKS EVC VI and love how it looks. The added bonus being that it can be mounted in the center console if you take out the seat warmer switches.

Tony and team like the Turbosmart E Boost 2 which is easier to use (or so I have heard) and less expensive. The only down side, and I know this might be stupid, is how it looks and will look in the car. That 'concern' is really silly since I had already decided that I would probably put whichever controller I decided on in the cubby...so who cares since the door will be closed. Haha.

So yeah...when the trigger gets pulled it will probably be the Turbosmart.

I've decided on gauges but am on the fence about if I'm going to get them pre-install. The set of 5 (A/F, Boost, Oil Temp, Oil Pressure, and Voltage) are $1000 and the twin pillar made by Galeforce is several hundred more. Just not sure I want to spend that last bit right now.

This weekend I decided that I needed some things to do to pass the time so...a Z1 Premium Stainless Steel Brake Line Kit, Z1 Stainless Steel Clutch Line, and Z1 370Z Hood Struts are on their way.

Lastly...I'm still on the fence about the front. I love the Fujimura so much but am concerned that it is too agressive and honestly, I question if that much open space at the front, like the Stillen, is a benefit or drag creator. I don't need to decide until next year but I'm the kind of person that likes a plan!

:driving:

You sure do keep busy w/ the mods-a-comin' don't you!? Love it!! Just glad I get to see this beast locally! :)

As for the front, keep in mind the size of the intercooler that comes w/ the FI kit is one of the largest intercoolers, so your worry about "drag" shouldn't be a worry at all, the entire hole in the bumper will just be that more "bling" for the sexy intercooler!!!

But wait...there is more! I really don't want to spend the $450 but can't pass this up! killergx001 is selling his 40th Anniversary colored 180 painted headlights.

*Edit: Swapped out picture of headlights on killergx001's car for...mine!
http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...illergx001.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...illergx001.jpg

First box of three this week. AMSOIL stuff came today.

http://www.the370z.com/members/arrva...xt-weekend.jpg

love the writing...I'm happy you're happy

keep modding

subbed :tup: