best mods for a limited budget

ImportConvert

I had the clear-bra put on my Z06 on the showroom floor. They roped it off and allowed my guy to come in and install it then and there when the car arrived.

So far, it has taken several good hits that have marred the film and sounded like a bullet impact on the inside of the car. The film is not broken and I have every confidence that the paint is pristine underneath. VERY sound investment. I really recommend the clear-bra for ANY new car, as when it comes time to sell it, your "I babied her..." claim will hold SO MUCH more water if the car LOOKS like it was babied. That means paint that isn't chipped on the roofline/hood, and a nose-clip that isn't sand-blasted.

If OP is serious, he will put a sticky tire on the car, and those will sling crap into the bodywork on the rocker-panel area, and other spots (I don't know the 370Z's "trouble" areas). Either way, the film will take a LOT of abuse off the paint. Also, if he does any kind of driving around cones, the film will keep them from smearing onto/scraping/smearing the paint.

brucelidat

Where can I go to buy/have the clear bra installed? also, how much is the clear bra? IS it difficult to remove in the future if needed?

ImportConvert

Search for a local installer with a good reputation. Mine came from 50 miles away and installed it for me. He was mobile. Search for someone familiar with YOUR car. It is easy to remove, but professional removal is recommended.

DJ-of-E

Why would you need to remove it? It's not like a sticker where you could remove it and re-install it back in.

Then again, when I was young, I didn't care about the paint of my car and had scratches and scuffs everywhere in the car.

Honestly, I'm glad my parents didn't buy me a car and that I had to buy my own used car. Cars has a lot more responsibility and hassle than realized and if I was given a new car, I would've made a mess out of it. Plus, it's a lot easier to learn about mechanics and functions on older cars than the Z.

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cossie1600

Hmmm...they all turn yellow?

I am sick of making my car perfect, the only one that will benefit is the next owner. Why am I doing the work for he/she

FL 4Motion

/\ IP is right, the clear bra is (as far as non performance mods go) hands down the first thing to do (see sig )

/\ my clear bra came w/a 5 year warrantee, our installer (take this for what it's worth) said beyond five years, you might mess up the paint taking it off to replace and I also consider the clear bra a non permanent wear item like tires, brakes etc. My plan is every 5 years just get a new one, plan on keeping this car 10 years, so two clear bra applications over the life of the car.

Def have the same guy (ie. a clear bra installer) remove it since you don't want to mess up anything accidentally and if he does, then it's on him/his $$.

brucelidat

So if I understand correctly from some things I've read on the forums, the first mod will give me the most yield. Can anyone give me some gain estimates for the following options?

1. Stillen Intake + Berk HFCs

2. Stillen Intake + Stillen or Greddy exhaust (or maybe the Top Speed Pro-1, if I hear enough good things about it to save money)

3. Stillen intake + Berk HFCs + exhaust

brucelidat

How much for Spectrum Elite shipped to 91780?

ImportConvert

Mine looks great, but granted it's only half a year old.

Just the other night, I stopped and looked at a Porsche 911TT out of curiosity. It was a 2008 model, and when I looked close, I saw it too had a clear bra. Which also looked great. I am guessing it was applied early in life, based on the lack of chips under it on the nose.

Anyway, mine has a lifetime warranty, so if it DOES turn yellow. Free replacement.

It's added value. You can easily get another $2K for a car with NO chips on the front end. Well over what the clear-bra costs. I would certainly spend $2K more on an otherwise $30K car for the one with no chips vs. the one that needed a re-paint.