Had a great time with Lance from Next Level Performance and a ton of MNNI (Minnesota Nissan/Infiniti) people at the Dopery Convention in Minneapolis yesterday. I think everyone really enjoyed the "Find the turbos" game. Seriously, the Fast Intentions set up is so stealth. The only give away that my car is boosted is the intercooler, even with the hood up.
Now the update:
Until now I have been spending most of my time thinking about performance modifications and taking advantage of a few visual 'deals' like the 40th gray headlights that I got from another forum member. But really my focus has been where the car's performance was going; what was I going to do with it when I was behind the wheel. I always new that I wanted to track it. Not an autocross or drag guy. And the twins cemented that this car was going to perform as good as it looked and it was not going to be a pampered tiger.
The Varis Arising II kit was a big a decision as the turbos and cemented the overall look. But until this weekend I hadn't worked out a lot of the details that I think make a beautiful car a real work of love.
- Varis modification and color: I agree with most people that the Varis front is very busy. I'm going to see if I can take out the center vertical bar. I think that will allow you to focus deeper in to the opening and to the intercooler. That focus should help balance out the vents...which for the record...are 100% functional IF you have the vented hood and fenders. My cooling concerns are a thing of the past. For paint I am going to paint the kit 40th gray (Duh! I don't think a 40th should -ever- have its color changed.) with a 40th red strip where the blue is today on the company's photos. I think the red line will work to define the bottom of the car at all angles and add another distraction from all the vents in front. Should have everything ready for a coming out party at ZdayZ.
- Wheels: I've really been struggling over wheel selection. I don't want to swap out the 40th rims. I really like them. But they are not wide enough to track 604hp. I've decided to keep two sets of wheels: 40th for daily driving and TE37s in matte/flat black for shows and the track. Since the car is just as much a track car as a show car the show car is going to have to give in to 19" wheels instead of 20"s. Going 9.5" (275s) front and 10.5" (305s) rear with Hankook R-S3s.
- Coilovers: Leaning towards BC RM Types...you know...Because Race Car (duh).
- Brakes: Going BBK. Racing Radi-CAL by STILLEN with J-hook rotors. Expensive as hell but they are sexy (see show car I love you too) and the J-hook rotors are a great idea (besides being sexy as hell).
- Full Cage: Yeah, I'm doing it. Why spend the money to just put in a roll bar when I know that I want to club race the car? Screw it...full cage but painted black and as stealth as I can get it. I'll be looking for a shop that thinks they are up to the challenge next winter.
- Racing Seats: I have to check the rules but I think I can do two piece seats in club racing Time Trials. The key here is they will be custom made with leather to match the 40th red interior. Another pricey spring item.
- Stillen Brake Ducts: Really? You're going to make me say it again...fine! Because Race Car.
- Sways: Yes hollow don't weigh as much but solid are well, solid. Whiteline sways front and back.
- Misc Finish details: Saw a lot of great finishing details yesterday at the Dopery Convention. Awesome dressup bolts, stainless steel reservoirs, and engine bay paint schemes. Yes, yes, and yes please. These will be great winter items to keep me from going insane.
There we go. There are a few small things I left out because I think they will be cool surprises. But that's the bulk of it.
Body kit and wheels will be done by ZdayZ guaranteed. Coilovers and sways should be. Brakes might be. I really want them to be but they are pretty expensive so I'm not sure I can swing it all that fast. If not they will be first for spring, then seats for summer, and cage over the winter of '15.
'16 will be about enjoying my efforts...and starting a 240Z project for my then 18 year-old-daughter.