This is my Zed, there are many like it but this one is mine

[Loki]

Hi there, welcome to my build thread. I've been the proud owner of a Zed for the last 6 months and despite some odd little issues I'm very happy with my purchase, though there're things I feel could be improved. So I decided to start this thread so you guys and girls can ride shotgun along with me. Hopefully we'll all learn something along the way.

 

Okay, let's get to the good bit; My Zed

 

05' DE 81K

GT Spec/Rays with Tan leather option

Gunmetal Grey

Manual

Bridgestone Portenza S001 F225/R245

Tesco Momentum 99

[Sim]

Look's great

[Loki]

As you can tell this isn't the start of the project, so I'm going to bring you up to speed.

 

The Nismo bumper was on the car when I bought it, fairly sure it's a replica, definitely fiberglass and in all honesty it could do with a respray at some point. It also has a strange upwards curve to the bar across the grill, reckon the square plate is to hid this intentionally because it isn't a imported car, I will be swapping back to a shortened standard plate soon.

 

The side skirts I know very little about, bought off ebay second hand and resprayed. I do like the look of them though, they remind me of the skirts on the 370Z. What I do know is that they are moulds stuck onto factory sills, which is why they're not quite flush.

 

Rear spats are the G35 style from Tarmac sports and needed the rear bumper painted when they were fitted.

 

Lastly the exhaust, this is a Maganflow B1 with high flow cats (that have switched on the engine management light so essentially de-cat), resonated cat back. Before it sounded like a fast Nissan but now it has a much lower growl to it when I've got my foot down but still quiet in traffic which is exactly what I wanted. This was also second hand from ebay but cost under £450.

 

 

Edited April 15, 2021 by Loki

[Loki]

20 minutes ago, Sim said:

Look's great

 

Thanks 😁

[Loki]

One of the best things about buying a new car is the nice little surprises the previous owners leave for you, I'm joking of course, it's a nightmare. Checking service history can minimize the risk, but it's no guarantee, it seem my car was owned by a cable tie junkie because they're everywhere, including being used to attach the side skirts to the car.

 

The most alarming was when I found out the engine undertray was held on by them, especially so because I'd paid for a premium pre-purchase inspection by "clickmechanic" which should of involved the car to be lifted and checked underneath. According to the seller the guy was more interested in taking it out for a burn (can't blame him but still) then giving it a proper once over and didn't look underneath the car at all. He did give me some decent bartering tips though but I don't think I'd recommend them. Go with either AA or RAC, they are a little pricier but probably better service.

 

It wasn't just the ruined undertray he missed either, the rear W brace looked like it'd taken more hit's than a blind Tarzan and resulted in an advisory at the last MOT for rusting away. My mission this week was to get both replaced.

 

I realise these aren't the sexiest of mods but necessary ones and a opportunity to drop a gram or two off the old girl.

 

First I when with a aluminium under tray from Tarmac sports, from what I've read they are a little lighter than stock and add better rigidity to the front bumper, or I could be taking out my rigidity...

 

https://www.tarmacsportz.co.uk/nissan-350z-aluminium-undertray.html

 

I also replaced the W brace with a Ultra Racing one that adds more stability, fits without modifications and has a solid one piece design according to their blurb. My hope is it lasts, it is powder coated so should be fine and was cheaper than the OEM option.

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142958499407

 

Lastly since they were under there I had the gear box fluid changed and added some Moly Slip to help with problems going from 1st to 2nd especially when cold. I have to say It has made a huge difference, there is still a very slight knock, used to be more of a clunk but definitely happier with it now. Here's the thread.

 

 

This is more of a update post than anything else but I do have other more exciting mods planned for the next few weeks, which I'm looking forward to sharing with you all. So stay tuned and thanks for reading.

Edited April 24, 2021 by Loki

[SH23]

Can I ask what you were charged for gearbox oil and Molyslip? I am getting mine (brand new to me) MOT/inspected on Tuesday and considering asking them to do what you did as they're under there anyway. Is it something you need pre-arrange do you think?

[Loki]

17 hours ago, SH23 said:

Can I ask what you were charged for gearbox oil and Molyslip? I am getting mine (brand new to me) MOT/inspected on Tuesday and considering asking them to do what you did as they're under there anyway. Is it something you need pre-arrange do you think?

 

I had a couple of other things done at the same time and I took in my own fluid so couldn't say how it was exactly, but do know it's not a big job. The actual fluid change is probably only a ten minutes. Like a oil change they will just drain the sump, adding the fluid is different because you need to pump it in because the entrance is on the side instead of the top and they might need to do a "run in" drive to make sure the Moly Slip mixes properly.  

 

Whether or not it needs to be pre-arranged depends really, do you have a appointment time or do you drop it off in the morning and pick it up at the end of the day? Appointment might not give enough time to do the job if other MOT's are booked after yours or the car lift is needed. if you drop it off and pick it up later, I'm sure they can do the work providing they can get the fluid. Best bet is to phone them tomorrow, just to give them a little notice about what you want doing and they'll be happy to help.

 

I'd imagine that you'll be looking at half hours labour, the change needs 3 litres of Nissan's own brand high performance transmission fluid, I paid just over £50 from ebay for mine but garages are going to charge more and will need to order it from Nissan, who may or may not have stock but at worst it'll be the next day. Moly slip is about £10-15 but again add on a little for the garage's cut.

 

All in I'm guessing you'll be looking at anything from £100 to £168.

 

£15-30 Labour

£65-80 Fluid

£20-25 Moly Slip

£25-33 VAT 25%

 

If you interested in knowing a little more about servicing the Zed then this video's really useful.

 

 

 

Edited April 25, 2021 by Loki

[SH23]

5 minutes ago, Loki said:

 

I had a couple of other things done at the same time and I took in my own fluid so couldn't say how it was exactly, but do know it's not a big job. The actual fluid change is probably only a ten minutes. Like a oil change they will just drain the sump, adding the fluid is different because you need to pump it in because the entrance is on the side instead of the top and they might need to do a "run in" drive to make sure the Moly Slip mixes properly.  

 

Whether or not it needs to be pre-arranged depends really, do you have a appointment time or do you drop it off in the morning and pick it up at the end of the day? Appointment might not give enough time to do the job if other MOT's are booked after yours or the car lift is needed. if you drop it off and pick it up later, I'm sure they can do the work providing they can get the fluid. Best bet is to phone them tomorrow, just to give them a little notice about what you want doing and they'll be happy to help.

 

I'd imagine that you'll be looking at half hours labour, the change needs 3 litres of Nissan's own brand high performance transmission fluid, I paid just over £50 from ebay for mine but garages are going to charge more and will need to order it from Nissan, who may or may not have stock but at worst it'll be the next day. Moly slip is about £10-15 but again add on a little for the garage's cut.

 

All in I'm guessing you'll be looking at anything from £100 to £168.

 

£15-30 Labour

£65-80 Fluid

£20-25 Moly Slip

£25-33 VAT 25%

 

If you interested in knowing a little more about servicing the Zed then this video's really useful.

 

 

 

Brilliant reply thank you so much for the info! I was struggling to find much guidance on the labour times, seems to be quite standard then.

 

Will definitely check out the video.

[Loki]

Now the initial issues with the Zed are resolved it's now time to bolt on some bits and get the motor in optimal condition for a future remap, and maybe gain a pony or two.

 

So without further ado let's get into it.

 

Firstly, servicing a few bit's can go along way when your wanting push the limits on a dyno, it definitely won't hurt.

 

 

HP-1008 K&N Oil Filter fits Nissan 350Z 3.5 V6 2003-2009

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381713555729?fits=Car+Make%3ANissan|Model%3A350Z&hash=item58dfe6a111:g:OUUAAOSwXN5amm6l

 

DENSO IKH16TT IRIDIUM TT SPARK PLUGS

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/163183041006?epid=19026917692&hash=item25fe7799ee:g:3u8AAOSwP4FaCrNW

 

HKS Super Air Filter

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/303349669616?fits=Model%3A350Z&epid=26035665498&hash=item46a10c9ef0:g:XdwAAOSwmlZfF-QX

 

Castrol Edge 5W-30 LL 4L 4 Litres Full Synthetic Car Engine Oil Titanium FST (4.7 Lt needed)

 

(Massive link, just search it)

 

Since the garage already had some of the engine bay disassembled because of the spark plugs, it was the right time to gain some BHP

 

 

Motordyne Nissan 350Z VQ35DE 5/16" Basic Plenum Spacer (Claimed 11-13 (W?)BHP gain)

 

https://www.tarmacsportz.co.uk/motordyne-nissan-350z-5-16-basic-plenum-spacer.html

 

A little thread about why I choose this spacer

 

 

 

 

2006-07 Rev up Air Box with velocity stack (Claimed 5 BHP gain)

 

 

 

And just to help it breath a little easier

 

Mishimoto Silicone Air Intake Hose Kit - fits Nissan 350Z VQ35DE - 03-06 - Red (Claimed 2-3 BHP gain)

 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/154368939052?epid=3012505299&hash=item23f11b142c:g:kY0AAOSweANgS4ko

 

 

I choose this inlet pipe because it's silicon and won't be effected by heat sink like plastic and especially metal are, also it's ribbed (FHP😉) so it won't contract under load either.

 

According to to manufactures I've gain as much as 21(W)BHP not including the supposed gain from the air filter which I'm not counting since it already had a K&N panel filter in.

 

So whats the verdict now I've had chance to get some miles done, I have to say I haven't noticed much of a difference, it might rev a little easier, there's no dramatic change though, I know I'll need a remap before getting the best out of these mods and this has just been the ground work for whats to come. But I have to say I'm more excited about having the delayed throttle response in 1st to 3rd removed with the tune than I've been with these bolt on's, which to be fair with the Zeds ECU dialing out the upgrades gains, I've got pretty much exactly what I expected.

 

The remap can't come soon enough.

 

(Have my old '05 air box with K&N filter up for sale, if anyone's interested. Going to post it in the correct thread soon)

Edited May 8, 2021 by Loki

[Loki]

Big things are coming!

[Andy_Muxlow]

Very nice build thread. Keep the updates coming. 

[HEADPHONES]

Can't believe I've overlooked this thread til now.

Zed is coming along nicely.

That exhaust no way looks second hand........just TOO GORGEOUS......looks box fresh.

As for the undertray, only last week my friend discovered that the garage cut a hole in his so they could do the oil changes on his C Class without the hassle of removing and refitting it

[Loki]

On 21/05/2021 at 18:33, HEADPHONES said:

Can't believe I've overlooked this thread til now.

Zed is coming along nicely.

That exhaust no way looks second hand........just TOO GORGEOUS......looks box fresh.

As for the undertray, only last week my friend discovered that the garage cut a hole in his so they could do the oil changes on his C Class without the hassle of removing and refitting it

 

Thanks for reading, glad your enjoying the tread. Yeah got lucky with the exhaust, had been saving for a new one, then spotted that, really enjoy the sound as well, the more I modify the better it gets.

[Loki]

As promised I can finally post some pictures of my new wheels.

 

Take a look and read this after, you know you want to....

 

They're 2Forge ZF5's semi-forged Gloss Gunmetal

 

Front 18x9.0    Offset 17  8.4 kg (Approx) 255.40 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport

Rear  18x10.0  Offset 25  8.8 kg (Approx) 275.40 Same as above 

(Rears have a deeper design)

 

What makes these special is they are a rotary forged universal race wheel made to order, but to keep costs down they are designed to have custom PCD's drilled and offsets shaved instead of having to re-engineer for each individual stud patter, meaning I paid about £225 a corner for very light wheels. The weight is approx because it's what they weigh at full offset of ET35, but with the difference between the 9.0 and 10.0 being only 0.4kg I doubt it's far off. 

 

So, what do I think? Well I've had them on for a couple of weeks and I noticed the extra grip straight away, there's a almost cork screw like road near me and it's a good place to test both front and rear end grip and I can feel the extra "G" as neither end loses adhesion. Turn in doesn't feel quiet as crisp but once the lateral force is on the side of the tyre it just keeps holding on, I do think there's still grip on turn in, it's just feels numb some how, but not in a bad way because it only happens for a fraction of a second the it's back sticking to the road again. Looking forward to some wet roads to see if she still slides.

 

I will admit I bought these mainly for the looks, the OEM Rays are alright but they just don't fill the arches and it does spoil the look ever so slightly, filling those gaps is probably the best cosmetic mod for the Zed and I have to say I am very happy with the result, especially the rear end, it's such an aggressive stance.

 

 

 

 

[davey_83]

Looks really smart, not seen those wheels before - hhhmmm eagle F1 Supersport

 

The difference in feel on the front end most likely will be coming from a 225 section tyre, up to a 255. 

 

What's next? 

[Andy_Muxlow]

Nice looking wheels for sure. I have never tried goodyear tyres so can't comment on those. They suit the car really well.

[Loadmaster]

Interesting thread, thanks for taking the time to post it all. 

 

Great looking rims, spot on there.

Edited June 17, 2021 by Loadmaster

[Loki]

On 17/06/2021 at 12:06, Andy_Muxlow said:

Nice looking wheels for sure. I have never tried goodyear tyres so can't comment on those. They suit the car really well.

 

Thanks for posting and for the compliment, the reason I went with Goodyear is because of their performance in the wet. The biggest drawback of going wider is the drop off in the rain but the F1 Eagle Supersport are by far the best in this comparison/review video in slippery conditions. I'm hoping they will offset the loss from the wider track. There're also not far of the best Michelin and Continental in the dry either, possibly making them the best all rounder.

 

Check out the video it's quiet interesting if your looking into some new ultra high performance rubber, they test most of the popular brands.

 

 

 

[Loki]

On 17/06/2021 at 12:49, Loadmaster said:

Interesting thread, thanks for taking the time to post it all. 

 

Great looking rims, spot on there.

 

Your welcome, glad your enjoying it. 

 

I had been looking at some Enkei RPF1 wheels but after spotting the 2Forge, which are very similar, I thought lightness would be the way to go.

 

 

Edited June 19, 2021 by Loki

[Loki]

On 17/06/2021 at 11:26, davey_83 said:

Looks really smart, not seen those wheels before - hhhmmm eagle F1 Supersport

 

The difference in feel on the front end most likely will be coming from a 225 section tyre, up to a 255. 

 

What's next? 

 

Thanks, I am enjoying the new rubber. I think your probably right, don't know if it's something I'll just get used to or not though, but I'll sure enjoy finding out.

 

What's next? Well funny you should ask....*Spoiler Alert* It's a remap. See below 😁

[Loki]

I think the modification I've most looked forward to has to be the remap, ever since I found out about the poor throttle response in the first three gears. I don't fully understand why Nissan did this, it would make more sense if the Zed didn't have traction control but since it does, why? If anyone has any idea please let me know.

 

Not only is it my most looked forward to, it's also the one I've had to wait the longest for. I booked the appointment with TDi North in Warrington on the 15th April but didn't get in until 25th of May. They did explain that they where booked up with race cars before the new season starts and their usual wait is about 4 weeks.

 

Anyway, eventually the 25th did arrive and I jumped onto the M62 in the hope I'd be driving back a completely new feeling car. 

 

When I arrived I was met with a line of Civic Tyre R racers, a Porsche Cayman race car, TDi's own GTR and a mint black MK4 2JZ Supra, I knew I was in the right place. I do want to say I didn't get exactly what I expected, when I choose TDi, I had read that they were able to give the Zed 5 select-able maps using the cruise control switch's on the steering wheel, including pops and bangs and immobilizer maps. Sadly I was informed they no longer offer this service and that it was actually risky to put pops and bangs on the car, I've had a look round this and other forums and couldn't find out one way or another but if they don't do it any more, what can you do.

 

Okay enough rambling, lets get on with the numbers, it made 301bhp with 266.8 lbft torque, throttle response is immediate and the exhaust has even more of a growl to it and really sounds awesome when my foots buried deep in the carpet, which might explain the the poorer mpg but who buys a Zed to be economical. Over all I'm very happy, I got the 300 I was hoping for and the car rev's much quicker and just feels altogether more alive.

 

If I was to say one negative thing about about getting the remap done, it has increased my clutch paranoia, as far as I can tell my Zed has never had a new clutch and I understand these usually only last about 40k, with mine on 80k it probably should of had two by now, so it's more than due to go. Could this remap push it over then edge? I guess we're going to find out, if it does I'll use the opportunity to fit a lightweight flywheel, so the revs drop as quick as they rise.

 

Thanks for reading.