I took a look back at my build thread today and realized it's been almost 7 months since I've updated it, I guess I do a lot more posting on Instagram and Facebook since its so much easier. Regardless this is going be one long winded posts to get everyone up to date on my build. I also want to apologize in advance for grammatical errors
I'm writing this whole thing on my iPhone and I hate auto correct...
Since the last time I posted a lot has happened and is happening with my car. Near the end of 2015 was honored to work with RavSpec, Mackin Industries, Brembo/ Race Technologies, Toyo Tires, Bride and many more to turn my Z into a Sema showcase vehicle. Although the changes made to my car were visual in nature, a lot of time and effort went into getting it ready and the experience was one I will not forget. Here are a few pics from that build and from Sema. Big changes included an authentic Amuse body kit, APR GTC 500 wing, Brembo GT BBK, Advan GT Premium wheels, Toyo R888 tires and Bride Euroster seats.
When my car returned I took a little break from it until I stumbled upon a used Boosted Performance kit. By mid December I was in complete 2016 build mode. Although it's not needed for installation I decided to pull my motor. I did this multiple reasons, one being I wanted to "challenge" myself. I've never done something like this with any of my previous cars and I wanted to give it a go, two I wanted to do a full out engine harness extension and tuck. To do this I figured it would be easiest to start from the motor back and with the motor out I'll have plenty of room to work with. Here are some pull progress pics. I decided to lift the motor out instead of drop it like many have done. With the entire front end of the car off it was pretty easy to do.
With the motor pulled and on a stand my minded started to race with all kinds of ideas. My car has always been geared towards low, slow and show (although that's about to change). I can't say that philosophy didn't play into my decision to delete the brake and battery compartments and do a full out shave. I for one can't weld, so I scheduled some time with a local shop to get it all done as well as a few other items I'll discuss later. The battery will be relocated to the hatch and the various fuss boxes will be relocated under the dash with access from the glove box. On the brake side ABS will be deleted and the brake hardline will be (mostly) tucked away. The AC will also be completely deleted, with the option to add it back should I hate that decision. Pics off their progress will also be posted a little later. I also pulled various pieces from the motor, including timing belt covers, etc and had them powdercoated and will be receiving a lot of purple Samco Sport hoses in the next week or so to do a complete motor and turbo kit hose and coupler swap.
Before the car was towed away for said work to be started I finally, after 6.5 months of waiting, received my Aimgain International widebody kit. I've got to admit when waiting for the kit I went through several phases of like and dislike with it. At first I love everything about it, then I saw it in person and well... I was less than pleased with it. Soon after I decided the rear bumper wasn't for me, no way no how. Then it was the front overfenders, they just don't flow with the car, they are too wide (in my opinion) and they should have followed the curves of the OEM body through headlights, or around in the case of the overfenders, and all the way through the front bumper. Check out the Rocket Bunny or Aimgain Mazda MX-5 to see what I'm referencing. Regardless I wasn't going to use them. Then it was the front bumper. To be honest I loved it and continue to love it, but at the end of the day I decided I was going to do something completely custom and hopefully unique. Here's a render.
and here's an early mock-up.
What you're seeing is authentic Amuse front and rear bumpers, Aimgain rear overfenders, Carbon Signal v2 extended vent front fenders, a custom chassis mount APR GTC 500 wing and hopefully a matching set of custom APR front splitters and side blades. I'm sure a lot of people are wondering why wide in the back and not the front. Fear not the Carbon Signal fenders will be widened about 1" and with the aggressive look of the v2 fenders it'll all flow nicely.
About the same time I sold my Bride Eurosters from Sema and placed a new order with RavSpec for the same seat in Dark Charcoal Grey. These seats are by far the most comfortable aftermarket seat I've ever sat in. They arrived to me in 2 months time.
I also purchased a set of 19" Work Meister M13P wheels with bronze barrels, bronze faces and gold hardware from RavSpec. Specs are 19x10-7 and 19x13-25. They will be wrapped in Toyo T1 Sport tires. 245/35/19 325/30/19. If the 2-3 month wait time holds true I should have them in June.
With my car at the local shop a laundry list of items have been started and will be complete in the next few days.
A new front bash bar (since the OEM has to be removed with the BP Kit). It'll be powdercoated Burgandy Grape with provisions for the BP Intercooler and Top Secret tow hook. It also have "fangs" which will peak through the Amuse front bumper. Something I missed from the OEM bumper.
A new rear bash bar, again powdercoated burgandy grape with a provision for the APR GTC500 chassis mount wing as well as tapped holes for a license plate, since the amuse bumper doesn't have any.
Mock-up of said chassis mount wing. It'll swing back for hatch access. Cut outs coming.
V2 of my front cage, this time through the dash so I can access the glove box and fuse boxes inside. Again burgandy grape.
Fender cut and reweld for overfenders.
Engine bay compartment delete and shave
And finally a new set of intake mani to IC charge pipes. 2.75" all the way through. Sorry no pics of these.
Additional items going into this build are the Carbon Signal Zedatech dash management kit, Tomei TiExtreme exhaust, Amuse titanium lugs, Top Secret titanium tow hook, Top Secret Aero Catch pins, Top Secret rear fog light CSF radiator and TiBrurnt titanium dress up kit and overfender hardware.
Up next, paint, extended the OEM wire harness and tuck. Then install the motor and turbo kit and schedule a tune. If I'm lucky she'll be on the road in July. I'll keep this thing updated.
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