My 350z Build/Drift progress thread...

[thyfartismurder]

Get down to the three sisters next year!

 

[richie_k83]

Get down to the three sisters next year!

Absolutely, nice easy drive there from my house, so will be there a lot more.

Got to do a few novice days first though as I haven't driven there before.

 

[richie_k83]

Cage is in, just needs drilling and bolting to the floor.

Sabelt Deep Steering wheel is in too.

Big tidy up to do now, trim carpets and throw a lick of paint down in the back...​

 

[richie_k83]

Update time. Gearbox rebuild is complete and seems to be working as it should (for now...)
Roll cage is in and all the rear metalwork has been painted and wiring tidied up.

Must get some padding on the cage for the old noggin too asap.

Took the opportunity to get her out the workshop for a scrub, as its not been washed since pod a few months back.

Really must get that door sorted for 2020...​

 

[richie_k83]

Been a while since I have posted anything on here. Not much done on the car, other than driving it more on the road when I can.

Ordered an eBay spec Bride gear stick Gaiter for like £6, not bad in fairness and matches the Brix seat,

Also went for wheel alignment again. last time, the rear Camber bolts were all seized up, so took the opportunity to replace them when the gearbox was out.
However, the re-visit turned out to be a waste of time, as the rear toe is out and cant adjust it much without throwing the Camber out. They suggested I get some adjustable toe arms, so snapped a set up from DW today...

Also booked my first novice day at Three Sisters the 29th May. First time drifting there and hoping to make it my local circuit as its only an hour up the motorway for me.
Plenty of time to fit new tyres, Camber arms and do an Oil change...

​

 

[Adam-MGTF]

interesting read. Just got myself a z33 after years in older nissans. great car for the money. especially once the elecronic stuff is unplugged.

Bit of advice if I may... stop spending money on the car and go get loads more seat time I had been drifting 5 years before I had a car I'd spent as much on as you have on this lol. Its a super cool car. But the best nut to tune is the one behind the wheel

 

[richie_k83]

interesting read. Just got myself a z33 after years in older nissans. great car for the money. especially once the elecronic stuff is unplugged.

Bit of advice if I may... stop spending money on the car and go get loads more seat time I had been drifting 5 years before I had a car I'd spent as much on as you have on this lol. Its a super cool car. But the best nut to tune is the one behind the wheel

Yea, definitely good cars for the money, still dont see too many drifting though.

No worries on the advice. I have in the past dumped heaps of cash into cars and then barely used them, so swaying away from it. Luckily this car came with a lot of decent parts, so other than the cage (which i need to drive with my mates at 3S), seat and wheels, I've not bought anything else for it (LSD was free)
Unfortunately the only thing that holds me back is fitting days in around work and family life

 

[richie_k83]

Well, hope everyone is enjoying the isolation. Me, still at work as normal for now. Might as well make use of the lift and get those arms fitted up.

​

 

[Magic21]

Nice project. Like the new wheels

 

[richie_k83]

Nice project. Like the new wheels

Thanks dude,

 

[richie_k83]

Self isolation boredom setting in. Had a crack at removing the fog lens from the rear lamp, 5 minute job. Into the Oven for a few mins to split the light,

Popped the reflector out, and stuck back together whilst the glue was still hot.

Cleaned the rear lamp bowls out whilst there,

Chucked it back together,

Got rid of the 350z badge and a few stickers too. All helps tidy the back end up a little.​

 

[Badham]

Spot on work man

I've just got myself a standard 350 so I cannot wait to get my build going

Mines an 05 plate......so just need to figure out how to disconnect all the electrical wizardry stopping it from going sideways (and weld the diff obvs)

You'll have to let me know how many wheels and tyres you can cram in the back on your next drift day.

Keep up the good work ✌

 

[richie_k83]

Spot on work man

I've just got myself a standard 350 so I cannot wait to get my build going

Mines an 05 plate......so just need to figure out how to disconnect all the electrical wizardry stopping it from going sideways (and weld the diff obvs)

You'll have to let me know how many wheels and tyres you can cram in the back on your next drift day.

Keep up the good work ✌

Good man, they are cracking cars, atleast so far for me anyways.

Electronics wise, i unplugged the Traction control switch on the dash, by the door. Unplugged the G-Senor that's under the Centre console and lastly, cut the ABS fuse under the bonnet to disconnect that too. (its a 2 piece fuse, shared with the starter motor, so make sure you chop the right part out!)

If you are cutting the rear speaker box out like me, it opens up quite a lot of space.

I drift on 18x9" wheels and can get 4x behind the seats, 1x on the passenger seat. I put the other in the boot, plus my Jack, Tools, axle stands, tool box, box full of other stuff, Camping chair, bars etc, still with the rear factory brace in

 

[richie_k83]

Drift day prepping over the last few days. Unfortunately it was all in vein, as the day has now been cancelled. Was to be expected though i guess, with all that going on.

Tyres are done,

Oil drained,

Fresh oil in,

Fortunately the date has been moved to end of June, so keeping my fingers crossed...​

 

[Badham]

Good man, they are cracking cars, atleast so far for me anyways.

Electronics wise, i unplugged the Traction control switch on the dash, by the door. Unplugged the G-Senor that's under the Centre console and lastly, cut the ABS fuse under the bonnet to disconnect that too. (its a 2 piece fuse, shared with the starter motor, so make sure you chop the right part out!)

If you are cutting the rear speaker box out like me, it opens up quite a lot of space.

I drift on 18x9" wheels and can get 4x behind the seats, 1x on the passenger seat. I put the other in the boot, plus my Jack, Tools, axle stands, tool box, box full of other stuff, Camping chair, bars etc, still with the rear factory brace in

Cheers for the info man. Sounds like you can still load then up quite well, I used to take 12 tyres in my s14a and burn through by the end of the day, but they were 5-6mm part worns. Maybe with 4 brand new tyres theyll last a while longer although I have heard 350z's shred tyres. How much use do you get out of yours?
I'm definitely getting a camping chair for drift days this time around too

 

[richie_k83]

Cheers for the info man. Sounds like you can still load then up quite well, I used to take 12 tyres in my s14a and burn through by the end of the day, but they were 5-6mm part worns. Maybe with 4 brand new tyres theyll last a while longer although I have heard 350z's shred tyres. How much use do you get out of yours?
I'm definitely getting a camping chair for drift days this time around too

Yea, fair bit of space in them once thats chopped out.

I used to take loads of wheels and part worns, but its false economy really long term wise. No consistency with old as fuck miss matched tyres.
Last time I went out to Pod, I took 4x brand new tyres and 2x part worns with loads of decent tread. (currently running 225/40 18's) I spent the morning driftng cones & figure 8's and then spent the afternoon on the Kidney track. All I used was 2x new and the 2x part worns all day. It was a dry day too. Sure I will use a lot more as skill improves and I get out on the big track.

Just make sure you give the tyres a chance to cool down, don't cook them doing doughnuts etc and you should be fine.

Camping chair is a god send when the car having a break between changes. But maybe i'm just getting old

 

[richie_k83]

Turns out its been a little over 12 months since i’ve owned this and finally got round to sorting the dented drivers door and wing. Was like this when i picked it up, but only just managed to secure the parts in the correct colour and decent price.

Stripped it all down

Sills are in pretty good shape for a Nissan. Gave them a quick brush and spray to help them last a bit longer.

Wing has seen better days

All built back up in a couple of hours. Needs a good wash and polish now.

Next job on the list is to get this sorted. Early Birthday present from the wife.

 

[richie_k83]

Made a start on the Rad today, easy enough to do.

Decided to pull the Air-con system too. Condenser is trashed, no gas in the system and one pipe broke after barely being touched, so I pulled the plug on it.
better air flow I guess.

All filled and bled pretty straight forward. Happy days

​

 

[richie_k83]

Another Birthday treat, Power steering fluid cooler.

Old one is tiny and seen better days, so decided to replace. Cheap enough job to do.

Topped the system, checked for leaks, all seems good.

Gave the paintwork a good going over too,

Paint isnt perfect, but she buffed up pretty well i think.

Will sort the Tax on Monday so I can bring her back out for work commuting....
​

 

[richie_k83]

Another treat landed today. Might as well since lockdown has saved me a small fortune on fuel and tax payments after being sorn’d for about 4 Months...

Landed on a new HKS Y-Pipe at a stupidly cheap price, so snatched it up.

The old Toyosport on is showing its age and the flexi’s are a bit beat up.

took longer to jack the car up than it did fitting it.

Its a better quality stainless steel and dual setup with a pressure balancing pipe.

Cant say it sounds any different on idle, will soon see under load I guess...​