BigJames Posted August 17, 2017 Share Posted August 17, 2017 (edited) I thought I'd start a little build log for my latest car, a 2005 Z33 35th Anniversary edition (I believe) that I picked up on Sunday. I've already bought a few upgrades for it and will try to keep this up to date with my progress as I get back on track after 5+ years of missing it. Anyway, (as I mentioned in my introduction thread) I bought this Fairlady Z fairly cheap because it is a little rough around the edges and so hopefully I won't end up getting precious about it. The reason I got it was to drive hard and so I have to keep telling myself that! That's how the car sat when I got it home. I did some digging around in an attempt to find out the original spec of it (I'm always curious about this for some reason) and I found out it was a 35th Anniversary Edition. according to http://nissan.epc-data.com "02/2005 35th Anniversary with ETC system (toll card), 35th Anniversary high rev engine related items, 35th Anniversary special seats & TV Nav system" The first thing I ordered was all new fluids and filters from Opie Oils so I can service it this weekend. Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 5W-30 Nissan Oil Filter RED LINE High Performance Synthetic MT-85 75W85 GL-4 Gear Oil RED LINE Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90 GL5 Motul RBF 660 I then went to see my old colleagues at Driftworks and picked up some goodies... HSD Mono Pro coilovers, steering wheel, boss and quick release along with gear knob. I always replace the stock wheel and gear knob in cars since I like to get them feeling just right (i.e. the same as all the cars I own :D) Gearknob fitted - it's pretty heavy but works great for me. Today I installed the NRG short hub, Quick Release gen 2.8 and Nardi Classic 340mm with perforated leather. I was really unsure about the wheel because I usually prefer the Deep Corn 350mm but that has an 80mm offset so would be too close to me with the qr boss. This worked out perfect in terms of reach and the car drives great with the 340mm wheel! I should add that I think I'll need the QR to aid with getting in and out of a fixed back bucket seat since I'm not the smallest chap! Whilst I was at Driftworks I also ordered a KAAZ 2 way LSD which arrived with them yesterday. I'm just waiting to get it booked in with DW neighbour, Dynotorque. Hopefully Craig can install it for me next week before my first drift day with the car on the 28th at Rockingham. I also bought a Corbeau Pro Series 1 XL seat from Grand Prix Racewear which should arrive tomorrow (couldn't fit it in the Z33 with a passenger!). Then today I ordered a Buddy Club seat rail, Hel braided clutch hose and D1 Spec GT Drive throttle controller from @Tarmac@TarmacSportz. I'm a bit dubious about the throttle controller but since it is advertised as removing the throttle limiter in 1st, 2nd 3rd gear that may actually be helpful when drifting so I'll give it a try. I'm currently on the look out for some wheels, and have my heart set on some Enkei NT03s (there are some for sale on here but I'm waiting for a PM - otherwise I'll have to order some from the states). I also have the option of 2 pairs of Work Emotion CR wheels, black and white, but it's not exactly what I was after - although they are available and reasonably priced. After that will be a new clutch/flywheel which I think I'll go for a Nismo Coppermix if I can source one easily enough. I also want to get a nice exhaust since the VQ35 sounds ace! Currently weighing up my options and looking at some single exit systems but not liking the prices so much! Tomei Expreme Ti is amazing... but I may have to find a cheaper alternative! Edited August 17, 2017 by BigJames 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarmac@TarmacSportz Posted August 18, 2017 Share Posted August 18, 2017 I've got a new flywheel on the way that I want someone to abuse so when your ready give me a shout and I will be able to do you a bundle price. Seen this zed on Facebook and it looks like a nice example, we do plenty of wheel options too including enkei but not listed on the website, if you need any help just holler on here, email or Facebook Chris 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted August 21, 2017 Author Share Posted August 21, 2017 (edited) Buddy club rail arrived along with throttle controller and clutch line from TarmacSportz. I forgot to order seat mounting bolts so have ordered some, along with wheel spacers from my friends at Driftworks which should be here tomorrow. I also have a harness and other safety bits arriving this week ready for Rockingham on Monday. I also ordered a Harness Bar from GCFabrications which I expected to arrive today but no word yet. I attempted to install my coilovers on Saturday but ran into a seized nut that I couldn't undo with my limited experience and tools so I'm having my local garage have a go at it on Thursday, then LSD install on Thursday. New wheels should arrive on Thursday 2 of them will be delayed due to late shipping from USA so maybe they won't make it in time for the drift day :S Ordered some AD08R 245/265 tyres today that should arrive this week. Almost got everything now, but need to find time to start installing it all! Edited August 23, 2017 by BigJames Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted August 23, 2017 Author Share Posted August 23, 2017 HSD Monopro Coilovers are now on, along with the harness bar and new engine and gearbox oil. I haven't decided on a final ride height yet because I need to wait until the new wheels are fitted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted August 24, 2017 Author Share Posted August 24, 2017 Today I went to DynoTorque in Birmingham to have my KAAZ 2 way LSD installed by Craig. He's one of the top V8 guys in the UK, particularly the LS range and has even swapped one into an Z33... Once it was installed I had the SUPER boring break in session. Luckily the chaps at the NEC let me use their car park for 30 minutes of figure 8s at low speed to break in the diff. Glad that doesn't have to be repeated any time soon! When I got home I had a few packages waiting, firstly from Demon Tweeks - a Takata harness and fire extinguisher which should both be installed tomorrow, along with the seat. My new Advan AD08Rs arrived - 245/40/18 front and 265/40/18 rear. And finally my wheels arrived from Tire Rack in the USA... well, the rears have at least - still waiting to find out when the fronts arrive. It COULD be tomorrow, probably next week. Enkei NT03+M 18x10.5 ET30 for the rear. Fronts will be 18x9.5 ET27. I've always wanted a set of these, and couldn't help but drool when I unboxed them! I went out for a drive to test the car today and it looks like my clutch isn't going to last the day on Monday at Rockingham so now I'm in a bit of a rush to find a solution... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chubby Ninja Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 I'd recommend before you do your first drift day you unplug the 2 plugs under the abs block. This disables abs, traction and stability controls as just pushing the button only turns off traction and the abs and stability become annoying 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted August 29, 2017 Author Share Posted August 29, 2017 (edited) Did my first drift day yesterday. I have a lot to learn but I had a blast. Car was almost faultless apart from the clutch pedal sticking. I have a new clutch and flywheel on the way soon, and will change the clutch slave cylinder + install a braided clutch line that I already have, so that should sort it for next time. Edited August 29, 2017 by BigJames Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted August 29, 2017 Author Share Posted August 29, 2017 Fitted the new wheels on my Fairlady Z tonight! EnkeiNT03+M 18x9.5/10.5". I need to lower the rear a little more, but it's getting there! Deciding on a new exhaust now... Looks like I'll be in touch with Chris at @Tarmac@TarmacSportz once I decide what I want! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
da.murf Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 Stunning! My favourite wheel ever! And I love the fact you haven't went silly offset lol! You arent moving slow with the mods anyway lol! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StevoD Posted August 30, 2017 Share Posted August 30, 2017 i have a pair of 18x9.5 NT03+M if your looking for a pair to drift on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted August 30, 2017 Author Share Posted August 30, 2017 8 minutes ago, StevoD said: i have a pair of 18x9.5 NT03+M if your looking for a pair to drift on Fire me a PM with some photos and info/price when you can bud, I'm interested for sure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted September 4, 2017 Author Share Posted September 4, 2017 New Nismo clutch kit with lightened flywheel showed up today from Osaka! Will be installed on Wednesday along with new slave cylinder and clutch fluid... I also ordered a Tomei Expreme Ti which should show up in around a week or so with any luck. Going to leave stock cats and Y pipe on and see how I get on with the noise... and if I can get on track like that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted September 8, 2017 Author Share Posted September 8, 2017 Nismo clutch and flywheel fitted. Car feels pretty great now, the flywheel isn't much lighter than stock so it's not drastically different to drive although the clutch feel is very different with the biting point being super low and not much happening until the pedal is totally pressed. I think I might change slave cylinder to a Stoptech at some point, but probably not if I can get used to the feel. Anyway, here's a shot of how the car sits now (same as before but I love the wheels :D) Next up will be installing the exhaust or new brake pads/discs and fluid. Need to have a look and see which pads and discs people recommend for street/track use. I messed up and missed out on getting tickets to Rockingham on the 24th but I'm on the reserve list and will go and take photos anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted September 26, 2017 Author Share Posted September 26, 2017 New exhaust arrived today! Tomei Expreme Ti is gorgeous and weighs almost nothing... I'm very excited to get this installed 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey_83 Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 hhhmmmm Tomei - that looks beautiful, loving this build - great skid cars 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G1en Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Loving all the mods. Wheels look great, so does that exhaust, what part of system does it replace? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davey_83 Posted September 26, 2017 Share Posted September 26, 2017 Going of the post above, the y pipe back I'd say. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted September 26, 2017 Author Share Posted September 26, 2017 43 minutes ago, G1en@waxandshine said: Loving all the mods. Wheels look great, so does that exhaust, what part of system does it replace? Y-Pipe back. I'd like to get the complete system but need to be able to pass track noise regs so I'm going to do it in stages and see how I get on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted October 2, 2017 Author Share Posted October 2, 2017 Got the exhaust installed this morning and it sounds ace! Quite loud but not too crazy. Will get some videos at some point and share them here... Also this thing is SOOOO light! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lockie84 Posted October 24, 2017 Share Posted October 24, 2017 I really love this build up to now. Great work!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted October 24, 2017 Author Share Posted October 24, 2017 I haven't updated this too much because I've been busy with work and had a niggling vibration/rattle since fitting the clutch/flywheel that needs some time to investigate. Will get it sorted soon with any luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stutopia Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Cracking build, nice tasteful and useful mods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keyser Posted October 25, 2017 Share Posted October 25, 2017 Looking good, just a few mods to start I see Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si8pny Posted October 26, 2017 Share Posted October 26, 2017 Great read, Love the exhaust and the bits you have done to it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJames Posted November 7, 2017 Author Share Posted November 7, 2017 Hoping that I won't need to, but I think I may have to sell this car so will be listing the upgrades for sale soon. Will put the car back to standard (clutch and flywheel will remain, and possibly coilovers) but open to offers on everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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