evest

Agreed - it's making the judgement on the mindset of the other driver that counts. A bit of friendly 'performance comparison' can be fine in the right conditions as you say but, IMO, as soon as it becomes a competetive 'race' - it's time to knock it off.

+ 1 on not taking the bait fella I remember when I first got my Zed - coming off a roundabout onto an empty dual carriageway and thought "why not" - fish tailed it but fortunately maintained control. Cold road, cold tyres and stupid person at the wheel - me! Anyways, glad it happened in a way - learnt a lesson; respect for the car and for the road conditions. Had my fair share of provocation for racing too - and pleased to say I don't bother with it. Too many people out there have watched films like "fast and furious" and think it's clever to race on public roads. It isn't. It just gives performance car owners a bad reputation and ultimately ends up with people getting hurt.

Agreed. Here is my solution! http://www.370z-uk.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=42577&start=0&sid=970a6af1003a8c3b3c63652631d86527 Admittedly it doesn't do much to protect against the heat soak around the cone filters, but at least with a bit more cold air getting sucked in it helps to mitigate the effects.

Here you go mate http://www.350z-uk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=40171&start=0 Personally I love the look and sound of it!!

PM sent

The paint shield is something the bodyshop would do for you after the respraying, I think it can be right away since they heat cure the paint and lacquer, but I'm no expert on it!! Prices vary but I guess it would make sense to get it done at the same place whilst the bumper is already off the car. Sorry I'm not sure on the cost.

Thanks Martin! Will check out the recommended thread Not had any suspensions parts replaced yet - although the various topics being raised at the moment got me thinking that a thorough inspection might be a good idea...

Hi folks, A general advice request if I may... I'm into the 80K's now having had my beloved Zed for just over 2 years (it's a '53 plate). Pleased to say she seems to be running just as well as when I bought her at 45K! As it's getting warmers I've started embarking on some maintenance lately. Done the normal engine oil change and have recently cleaned out the throttle body (which has produced quite an improvement on ignition!), and am set to replace the gear and LSD oils shortly as I'm not so sure when these were last done. She's already had a new clutch and flywheel about 6-7 months ago and a new exhaust system about 3 months ago. I was wondering if anyone could advise me on the sorts of things I might look out for at this stage of the cars life that the normal servicing schedule might not pick up? There are no particular things concerning me at the moment - just wondered about other people's experience with similar mileage? All input much appreciated, Cheers!

I have the 2003 - 2004 manual on CD. I know you're after 2005, but if mine is any use to you I'll make a copy and post it to you - pm me if your interested.

Got a couple of stock rear Nankangs in the garage; only 1000 miles on 'em if you're interested?!?

Has the coolant level dropped again? That would obviously indicate a leak. If not, then problem elsewhere - is the radiator fan working when you are stationary? Somebody with more technical knowledge will hopeful assist further!

Do correct if I'm wrong...: cruise control is a labour saving device that provides constant SPEED, not constant throttle. So if you go up and down hills, the cruise control will adjust the throttle for you to maintain the desired speed - same as you would with the pedal, so fuel consumption will be similar? If you kept constant throttle, your speed would surely vary with the gradients? My top tip! - when approaching heavy motorway traffic, tuck in behind the big rigs - they always seem to trundle along at a fairly constant speed - rather than the stop/start, lane jumping, fuel quaffing madness you find in the other two lanes.

I think the police usually give you that option (if available) in the post along with the speeding ticket? Depends on the constabulary - each area has its own rules but it's generally for people who have 'unwittingly' crept over the limit. Unfortunately for doing 45mph in a 30mph zone they probably wont offer it because it's too far over the limit. I think it's usually along the lines of 10% + an extra 3-4mph.

Clearly you have impeccable taste! Good choice - I'm sure it will be a whole new brand of fun! The advice on here helped me a lot when I bought mine. Good luck!

The police are really cracking down on driving offences everywhere. I used to be in the "they should be out catching 'real' criminals" camp, but I admit my attitude has changed - mainly because I had to go on one of those speed awareness courses (which TBH are actually quite well run) myself a couple of years ago (yep - works van too!). When they flashed up the stats for the number of people killed and seriously injured on the roads each year, and how much it costs financially - I suddenly understood why so may resources are being aimed at this area. Bit unlucky with the white lines though - it's not always that easy to see where your overtaking rights end until you're in the middle of the manoeuvre. You're right to tell your insurers ASAP.

Unlucky mate. Premiums are up this year - I just renewed with 7 years NCB, no points and still copped for a £50 rise.

Cheers, PM sent!

Hi, All set to change my transmission oil at the weekend, having just picked up the correct fluid from Nissan (75w85 API GL4). However, they didn't have any crush washers for the filler/drain bolts in stock - and stated that the old ones are 'solid' and can be re-used. I thought the washers always had to be replaced when doing this sort of thing - similar to changing the engine oil? Also - they quoted me just over £100 for 4ltrs (they only sell it in this quantity) of LSD oil - seemed pricey, no? (the trans oil was £32.94 for 3ltrs) Cheers,

Trying to get my engine bay a bit blingier...! I understand that pi-thon hose locks are no longer being made, but does anyone know where I might still be able to get some - or another brand which does the same sort of thing? I need red ones. I'm also after a set of the Z logo billet caps for the fluid resovoirs, again in red (or silver as second choice)? Cheers!

Fair enough mate - each to their own I guess. Either way, if I could get away with keeping my beloved Zed for 10 years I'd be a happy man!!

I remember reading that somebody somewhere has tried it. Afaik it didn't turn out well in the end - and the obvious counter-argument is: if economy is an issue, buy a Toyota Prius! I think this is the dumbest argument going. Life isn't just all about the loud pedal. I have a roadster for the sound, handling and fun factor - why pay more than I have to to run it? It is just about the only roadster going for around £10,000 that is reliable and comfortable for people over 6'0" tall. Sure I could get some boring FWD cab but they handle badly and sound rubbish. I have had/tried MX5's, MR2 mk3's, S2000's and even the disgusting Audi TT but they are so cramped, maybe a BMW 3 series but frankly I doubt they would really be much cheaper to run anyway. If I had a spare £2000 lying around and I was pretty sure theoretically it was sound I would go for an LPG conversion straight away - it would mean I could use my 350Z every single day and not just 2-3 times a week. I'm glad so many of you would clearly turn down a £1000 a year or so saving just for the benefit of looking 'cool' on a web forum. Why is this a dumbest argument going? In my opinion it seems dumber to buy a car in the knowledge that it's on the thirsty side - and then spend a couple of grand get it modified (which is no small, or cheap mod) to suit your economy? Surely just get a car (ok - not a prius, fair enough) that ticks the boxes in the first place. And in my earlier post I demonstrated that you can save money by driving in an economical manner (which is free to do) - so I'm not promoting the 'loud pedal' either. I'm sorry if my remarks upset you or anyone - was intended as friendly banter.

I remember reading that somebody somewhere has tried it. Afaik it didn't turn out well in the end - and the obvious counter-argument is: if economy is an issue, buy a Toyota Prius!

Driving Style and here is some proof to back it up: Here are the results of an experiment I did today: Conditions: Daily commute = 52 miles (26 miles each way) Fuel = Shell V Power @ 135p/ltr Route is a mix of A and B roads plus a short stretch of dual carriageway and a handful of roundabouts. I haven't clocked average speeds but this doesn't really matter too much. My MPG average going to work this morning was 26.6, driving as per my normal style which is, er, spirited Returning from work, I made a concious effort to avoid sharp acceleration (which was hard!) and heavy braking, keeping it to 70mph on the dual carriageway, and generally driving conservatively (and probably a bit more sociable too...). I only went above 3000rpm once which was for a necessary overtake. My MPG average for the return journey was 33.1!!!!! Some sums (feel free to chip in if I've done 'em wrong!): Going on the initial MPG - I was using roughly a 2 gallons of fuel each day (outbound and return) which is 9 litres - as the petrol prices stated above this costs me £12.15 a day. Driving more economically works out at 1.3 gallons per day = 5.9 litres, which would cost £7.97 a day!!!! Savings: Daily = £4.18 Weekly = £20.90 Monthly = £96.14 (23 days worth of commuting) Modification = FREE! Not as much fun though...

Nissan will charge you in the region of a £1,000,000 for a new one. Elsewhere prices vary upto around £300 (I think) - money which could be better spent on a lighter, shinier, better sounding upgrade!! I had my OEM backbox welded at around 50K and it lasted until 75K.