Newbie Planning
 

Hello forum. It's nice to be here. I hope this post is in the right place, let me know if I need to move/cross-post it.

I bought my 370Z 2 weeks ago. This is my first sports car to own and suffice to say, I am thrilled with it. The Z is a monster. That being said, I can't resist wanting to make some simple mods to it in an effort to make it stand out a little bit from the crowd, but I'm unsure about where to start and what direction to take the thing. I'm not racing or competing with it, so I don't want to spend a fortune (i.e. stay away from exotic paint and forced induction for the time being) - I just want to make it stand out a little bit and be a little ahead of stock in terms of performance.

Starting point:
- 2009 370Z Touring
- Automatic transmission
- Black on Black leather
- This is my daily driver, so nothing that's going to severely jeopardize reliability or keep it out of commission for install for more than a few days.

Here are my thoughts:
1. 3M paint shield of some sort - I've read a bit about (and confirmed for myself) the wicked thin paint on these things. I think this is just a good investment.
2. Headlights - I have found the work of 180 Custom (if you're reading this, I sent you an email, but haven't heard anything back yet) on here somewhere and love the way it looks. I'm thinking matte black out the whole lights. Any other color suggestions?
3. Exhaust - fairly simple and quick modification that will change my sound a bit and provide a slight boost in performance.
4. Intake - I'm looking at the Stillen Ultra Long tubes for this.

That's what I'm planning right now, but I'd love to hear other's thoughts about their customizations/project planning.

What other things should I consider doing on this car?
What products/brands would you suggest for some of these parts?

Thanks for your input and I look forward to hanging out around here.

I think the best bang for the buck are ERZ HFC and NST Pulleys( I haven't got these yet, but I've read the increase in throttle response is very noticeable). Both these mods can be had for about $600 not including labor if you cannot install them yourself. Good luck with your mods!

under carriage glow neons and strobes will definitely set you apart.

Stillen intake
Fast intention CBE+HFC
NST pulleys

should be enough but then again what IS your budget for the mods

Since this is your first sports car, I would suggest that the first thing you do before spending money on add ons should be to "tighten the nut" behind the wheel:driving:. What I mean is that you should investigate performance driving classes in your area. A few sessions with a competent instructor on a track will teach you how to get the most out of your car and more importantly will show you the safe ways to wring all of the performance from your Z that you can. Check out SCCA or other sanctioning bodies where you live. It won't cost you that much and it will surely be worth whatever you pay for it.

AZ Roadster

the 370z is my third Z, and i just started investigating this very thing yesterday, hoping to get out of it what you point out.

Glad to see another DFW Z. I still only see a handful of other 370s from week to week. I'd say you're already set apart from the crowd just by owning one. But sounds like you got the mod bug :) Congats on your new ride.

NeedforZ talk to Vipor or theDreamer, both are from the DFW area.

Not exactly what I had in mind...

I am doing some reading on the forum about pulleys. Seems like a pretty easy mod and decent return for the money. Any reading you think would be good to learn about this would be much appreciated. I'm really green and will read anything you throw at me!

I'm looking to spend about $1K the rest of this year and maybe double that next year. It's still a new car, so I'm not running to do anything this instant.

This seems like great advice and I am going to look into it. You mean to tell me a decade+ of playing Gran Turismo hasn't prepared me for spirited back road driving?? :tiphat:

@ NeedforZ:

Can you recommend some shops around DFW? I live in an apartment and can't do any work myself (yet...), so I need some place reliable for parts and service.

Thanks so much guys! Please keep the advice coming!

List (roughly in order):
1. Paint shield: Venture Shield was recommended to me in a PM. Any others?
2. Headlights: Waiting to hear back from 180 Custom.
3. Pulleys: Doing some research on them. Would appreciate any and all input.
4. Exhaust work: Favorite setup around here?
5. Intake work: Still leaning toward the Stillen Gen3 Ultra Long Tube.

you have a HU yet? do that. stereo sucks on the z.

No, mine's got the Bose system and it's plenty to keep me satisfied. I'd rather spend money in other areas.

Most people have gone 2 roads...

Performance or Asthetics

Performance - CBE, HFC's, Intakes, Pulleys etc.

Asthetics - Wheels, Headlights, CF, Spoilers/Lips, Stereo


Its which ever is more important to you right now. If you're only looking to spend $1k, then I'd say go CBE. It will give you a nicer tone if you want it to sound right.
Or if your into asthetics, look into maybe modding your headlights, or painting something to make it more original.

It's all up to you, thats the beauty of being the one with the keys. :tup:

My cheapest and easiest first mod:
-LED's for the interior and rear license plate.
http://www.the370z.com/body-interior...your-370z.html

oh ok...

hummmm... since you have the exhaust, i guess it's only natural to get a injen intake. then lower your supsension on KW's or something down the road just for kicks... get some 15mm spacers for front 20mm for rear... tune your KW's to match the new foot print... should be a nice ride.

Well, I don't really have an exhaust picked out yet - there's a ton of choices to sift through. I'd love some recommendations.

F.I. No questions asked. There is a list on page one of all the previous customers, several have posted reviews of the ordering/installation/customer service/product. And all of which just scream this exhaust rules.

I have noticed a lot of FI support around here. How would I go about evaluating an exhaust system (i.e. what is the difference between the resonator choices on FI's systems?)?

The overwhelming support for the FI system seems to make it a no brainer with Stillen being the main competition (mostly because I'm slightly familiar with them).

The area that I feel like I most need help with at this point would be pulleys. I understand that with an exhaust, you select between brands/models based on sound, looks and power. With something unseen like pulleys that are hidden from view the majority of the time and relatively simple, how do you choose between the brands? Or are they all pretty much the same and you're just looking for the best deal you can find?

Thanks for the feedback guys!

There are 2 or 3 different brands of pulleys out around here now I believe. And all of the owners of each brand have done both DIY Installs and reviews, or had shop installs and reviews. So again, the search feature is your friend. Just check in the Tech area and read some of the different threads on UD Pulleys. Pulleys, as with any other thing you do with your car, should be treated as the most important part, and only the best will do for you. And that should encompass several things...

Quality/Reliability, Cost, Manufacturer Credibility, Any other people who have it and their thoughts, Hardness of the install, how much a shop would cost to install it. etc. etc. And when it comes to deals, this place is the best one to find them. Hands down. :tup:

I sent a few messages to 180 custom and haven't heard anything. Probably switching to MR Works.

When I was choosing exhaust, I used youtube to search video's of different 370z exhaust systems. There are quite a few on there. It's good to figure out that particular sound you want, and go from there. I choose Stillen dual Catback, I really enjoy the deeper power sound it puts out.

You just have to remember that alot of videos on youtube arent of the highest of quality, so it will give you an idea of what they sound like. But it won't be nearly as Good as how it will really sound.

Good point. Mine isn't near as epic as the video was, but I still love it. :driving:

Best bet is to find someone who lives near you who has different things done, and listen to theirs up close.

put it this way bro. Ive said this to a lot of newbies..do stuff to ur car that makes you happy..not what some guy on the forums is telling you to do...again..its YOUR car..do research find something that you like and put it on your car...theres a reason we are fortunate to have forums..because to research upgrades for our Z.

Hint hint search button type it in and I guarantee you..80% of your questions and concerns will be answered.