My 2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster Project

Factory Equipment:

Touring Edition with 18" factory wheels, heated leather, 6 disc Bose system, TCS and homelink rear view mirror.

Current Modification List:

Injen Cold Air Intake 

Carbon Fiber Radiator Cooling Plate

Carbon Fiber Engine Cover

Megan Racing Test Pipes (Polished 304 Stainless Steel)

Shine Auto / Central 20 Rear Spoiler in Redline

USA Spec - IPOD Controller for factory stereo

June 2008

The Solara and the 300ZX Turbo projects are gone. The Mazda RX-8 is now the wife's daily driver. (Aside from the Jeep)

I purchased this future project car in June 2008. I searched the web specifically for a Redline Roadster with leather, 6spd and navigation. I'm not pickey! LOL.

I found two. One in Santa Fe, NM and one in Orlando, FL.  I spoke with both sellers and liked the attitude of the one in Orlando. Very up front and honest. He supplied me with additional info to help with the decision making.

Here are the seller's photos: For the car in Orlando.

I flew down to Orlando with the wife and daughter. We booked a suite at Mike Ditka's resort next to EPCOT. I highly recommend it!!

Although the seller was a dealer, it was a very small shop. I checked the underside for any damage or water marks. (In case it was a Katrina car or a salvage job.) Very clean and no rust in unusual spots. The right rear bumper must have been sprayed on some time since the reflection is not very sharp. I didn't see any damage from a rear collision so I went forward with it. I'd plan to replace the front and rear bumpers at some point anyway. Here it is at the dealer.

We negotiatied the Z became mine. We stayed a couple day and the wife flew back home. My daughter and I made the 1,100 drive back at a leisurely pace. (At EPCOT. The daughter is already tired of me taking pictures of the car - LOL)

I picked up an Injen CAI from my buddy Mike T. I had that installed a day later. The only problem, Injen welded the MAF flange upside down. (Buggers!) I had to cut off the flange and reweld it 180° out so the MAF would face the correct direction.

August 2008

End of August is the annual Elmhurst Illinois car show at the local Toyota dealer. When I had my Solara, it was tradition to hook up with my friends from SolaraGuy.com and hang out for the weekend. Now that I have a Z, I had to park across the street from the show. The Z doesn't look any different on the outside. But I installed the IPOD controller for the long drive to Chicago, the Injen Intake, the Carbon Fiber cooling plate and engine cover. Next year, I hope to look more modified.

Sticking out like a Whore in a Church

Here are the parts I put in:

The pipes look like this. (These are from a vendor) Eventually I'll take pics that are actually on my car.

Just prior to the Elmhurst Show, I debadged the trunk and replaced the long factory antenna with one from a Honda S2000.

Typical to many early 350Z roadsters, the top developed a tear. Just to the lower corner of the rear window. Many Z owners have seen this. The only fix, aside from the Ghetto Tape I was using is to replace the entire top.

Replacing the canvas is a huge job for two persons. I found a local my350Z.com member who was selling the complete top, motors and frame. I picked it up motors, frame and all for $500. Not a bad deal.

Here are install pics. Yes my plate says "Phreak" - LOL

I get interesting looks from women. My wifes gets honks from truckers.

 The New top.

I've arranged a deal on a used spoiler. Here's a pic of it on the current owner's ride. He has the rear bumper that I want. All in good time. I will have one.

September 2008:

XCeedspeed.com's Fall BBQ car meet. It turned out to rain like cats and dogs. The die hard members showed up. (About 50 cars)

December 2008:

Michigan Winter sucks. It starts in the last 1.5 months of Fall and goes well into Spring. Four days into the official winter season and I'm done with it.

I started the car up to recharge the battery and burn up settled condensation. OK I just missed the car so bad that I needed to hear it again. I have a new spoiler for it. (See right pic below.) I just laid it on the trunk. It's not attached yet. I'll wait till spring to attach it. I want to make sure the 3M tape sticks properly.