What have I gotten myself into? XD
 

**Jump to the last paragraph if you don't want to read the backstory :p

I grew up around classic cars.. I don't mean '60s-'70s muscle cars either, I mean like your grandpa's first car kind of classic. Growing up my father owned a '39 Dodge Sedan, it was a project car to say the least and we tinkered with it throughout my whole childhood. We spent a lot of time in car shows and swap meets, including an annual pilgrimage to Iola Wisconsin. I always thought I knew my stuff between that and taking all of the advanced autos classes through high school.

Flash forward to now, I just bought my z and started thinking about all of the things I want to do with it. I started reading through the forum posts and almost immediately realized that I didn't know Jack **** about modding a modern car, I mean I know the basics but after getting into modern forced induction, electronics and all that it gets complicated. I'm sure I can figure it out, I just don't know where to start.

So I've heard everyone likes to start off with a cheap project car like a civic, should I go for that option and just play around with it until I know what I'm doing or just learn as I go with the 370z? I just don't want to do something stupid and break my z, but I'm also the DIY type. It would lose something if I just had someone else put in my mods. Any suggestions?

My personal opinion, there are plenty of great DIY guides on this forum and all around the internet. Most projects aren't that difficult to do on your own.

You can do several basic bolt on's (e.g., intake, cat-back exhaust) and be fine without a tune.

That said, the Z already has decent power and torque, so I say work on tuning the suspension, braking, and handling-- all mechanical, and most of it (except maybe tire mounting and alignment) you can do yourself if you have the tools, the experience and the time.

Springs, shocks, chassis braces, SS brake lines, better pads, lighter wheels, stickier tires, etc. Lots of stuff to do.

You can already turn a wrench and as others have stated, a lot of mods are very easy to do yourself if you have a basic knowledge of tools.
Maybe a couple of searches for things like window resets, ecu reset to get familiar with some of the more modern stuff.
Here is the DIY section for you to root around in and see whats involved in a lot of the mods.
DIY Section (Do-It-Yourself) - Nissan 370Z Forum

Its not rocket science... Just some things you will need.... I.E. a lift??

Just have faith in your self...

welcome, my vegas brother...i'm pretty much doin' the same things you're aspiring to...i've got a few major mods so far and it seems the biggest choices to make are either cosmetic or drive related as you go one by one thru your decisions...

i can tell ya, it's a heck of a car to play around with, having both beauty and power to begin with right outta the box!

enjoy...

:icon18: :roflpuke2:

You all make good points! I suppose I'll just stick to the z, read the forums carefully, ask questions when needed and learn as I go! I wish I could afford a lift, maybe in 6 months or so I'll be able to scoop up the cash to get a decent lift.

The z is the first car I've really modded. (Though I rebuilt a 280 z 20 years ago). Tuning the engine after bolt ons is the only thing you'll struggle with and you can get a pretty solid "canned" tune from Uprev for that.

Go with the Z for sure!

I might still get a crappy civic to beat the crap out of on the track though XD

I track my Z regularly. The biggest expense is tires and brake pads.
http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-p...deos-here.html

Oh I definitely plan on it after I install an oil cooler :D

You cant learn if you dont try. Like others mentioned there are very good DIYs all over this forum and the net to help. Couple tips:

1) Be clean and organized (Use ziplock bags or similar and label area of car bolts, nuts, screws, come from.)

2) Do not be afraid to remove extra parts to make more room in the area you need to work. As long as you follow the above tip.

3) Things almost never go perfect. If you get stuck take a break, drink a beer, have a nap, watch some TV. Do anything to get your mind clear, then return with a "fresh" set of eyes.

Enjoy modding the Z it is a great car.

Good tips, thanks! I think I'll start with the oil cooler DIY, Vegas heat has been getting my oil temps pretty high.. I'm sure having a Magnetic Black z doesn't help XD