AlWakRa 370z's Journal - PW from Qatar
 

Hello from Qatar.

First let me introduce myself, I am Ali. Not a new member, but I was on standby mode. I have my 370z for nearly a year now, I was making sure that I would get used to it (driving an auto exclusively for over 8 years) before changing any screw in the car.

Now, I opened this post to make my plan, discuss it, and share my modification progress, instead of opening multiple posts to ask about how my parts look. I warn you, it wouldn't be a fast build. I like to have my time in doing anything and everything. My plan is to make the Z prepared for the street or track, we can say like a Porsche GT3, which can be a streetcar and track warrior.


So needed new way to present my part list :)

My Current Setup:

Engine:
Fast Intention TDX 12” SS Cat Back Exhaust System
Motordyne LT-XYZ with Helmholtz resonators
Stillen Long CAI Gen 3 with AEM filters
Uprev tune
Z1 Solid Engine Mounts
Nismo Veruspeed Oil Filter
Castrol Edge 0w40

Cooling:
Fast Intention 34 Row Oil Cooler Kit
Z1 Power Steering Cooler
Z1 Radiator Cap
Mishimoto Performance Aluminum Radiator
Z1 Silicone Radiator Hose Set
Nissan Thermostats 21200-4W000
MOTUL Multi-ATF Power Steering Fluid
MOTUL MoCOOL Radiator Coolant Additive

Fuel System:
CJM Road Race Fuel Pump
CJM Fuel Pump Hat

Transmission & Driveline:
OS Giken HTR2CD Clutch Kit
ZSpeed CMAK CSC Delete for OS GIKEN Clutch Kits
RJM HD Master Cylinder
Z1 Stainless Steel Clutch Line
Z1 urethane gear mount
Redline MT85
Castrol SRF
OS Super Lock LSD
SPL Solid Rear Differential Bushings
Z1 High Capacity Differential Cover Kit
NISMO Final Drive Gear 3.9 38100-0B66A
OS Giken Super Lock LSD Gear Oil 80w-250

Handling & Tires:
Zeal Function-X plus coilover (Hard) by Endless
SPL PRO Front Upper Camber/Caster Arms
SPL TITANIUM Rear Camber Arms
SPL TITANIUM Rear Traction Arms
SPL Eccentric Lockout Kit
Whiteline Sway Bar Set
SPL Rear Sway Bar End Links
SPL Front Sway Bar End Links
Z1 370Z / G37 Aluminum Subframe Bushing Collars
SuperPRO Control Arm Lower - Front Bush Kit
SuperPRO Control Arm Lower - Rear Bush Kit
SuperPRO Control Arm Upper - Inner Bush Kit - Double Offset
SuperPRO Trailing Arm Front Bush Kit
SuperPRO Trailing Arm Rear Bush Kit
NISMO 370z Body Brace Kit
Toyo Proxes R888R 265/30R19 Front 295/30R19 Rear

Brakes and Wheels:
Z1 2 Piece Akebono Front Rotors Sprinkle Slotted
Z1 2 Piece Akebono Rear Rotors Sprinkle Slotted
Stillen Front Brakes Air Ducts
Z1 Brake Master Cylinder Brace
Z1 Premium Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Castrol SRF
Carbotech XP10 Front XP8 Rear
Rays Volk Racing ZE40 Diamond Dark Gunmetal 19x9.5 +22 & 19x10.5 +22
Z1 Hub Centric Wheel Spacers 10mm rear
ARP Extended Wheel Studs
Muteki SR48 Open End Lug Nut Set - Red

Exterior:
Zspeed undershroud cover
Fujimura Auto Diffuser CF

Interior:
TWM Short Throw Shifter + TWM Gear Boot
Tommykaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob
RJM Fully Adjustable Clutch Pedal System
YAW sensor switch



Waiting to be installed:
Trackspec Motorsport hood vents - full set
Mine’s Air Intakes Ducts


Past Parts:
Fast Intention (300 Cell) High Flow Cats replaced it with LTH
R2C Short Ram Intakes Sold before installing
Evo-R Front Lip 3 pieces - Center CF - at the end it didn't arrive "-_-
Michelin Pilot Super Sport 255/40ZR19 & 295/35ZR19
Bridgestone Potenza RE71-R 275/35ZR19 & 285/35ZR19
Winmax W6.5 brake pads front and rear



Future Plans:
Throttle + Upper + Lower Plenium mod
Rebuild Coilovers with Stiffer Springs
2014 Nismo Front Fascia
APR Front Splitter
Ings+ Rear Wing type 3 low base
Side blades :confused:
Full Slicks
18 inch wheels

Looking at:
JWT Stage 2 Camshaft


NOT Current look of the car, will go for photoshoot after finishing the car.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1652/2...090860c6_b.jpg


To Be Updated Occasionally :p

So, my story begin when I was in my third year of college, I bought a brand new G35 sedan. After a year, the 370z arrived our market; I liked the car and thought about changing my G for a Z. After deep thinking, I thought the G was the more practical and better DD (specially that I wanted a manual). I daily drove it for 6 years without having any major problems.

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3189/...64fa4d88_o.jpg

After I graduated and started working, I felt I wanted a new car, I want a sport car, being luxury is an addition. I went to every car dealer across the country, and at the end, I was weighting between a Carrera S and M4. Waited for the M4 to arrive locally and the price to be set, guess, $120k price tag. Are they serious?? I felt it is unreasonable at all, the Carrera S -which I think is the better car- was nearly the same price and I could buy a pre-owned for less. So, I waited for the right pre-owned Carrera to appear.

After sometime of searching, I heard a lot of stories from Porsche owners about how bad their service center, I started to see other cars, and I crossed by the 2014 Jeep GC, I started to like it, they made it better than 11-13 model in every aspect. Yeah I know it is a very different car, but sometime I think irrational, I thought this way "it’s nice to have a SUV after all that time with sedans". I went to the dealer, checked the prices and the trims available, and bought a full optioned Summit.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...akRa/DDDDD.png

Decided to mod the G after all this time, slowly planned for my parts and how I will start with it. Suddenly, a Z popped up, I looked at it, a 2010 with around 8k mileage, outside and inside colors are perfect, Manual!!! After two days, the car was sitting into my home. Better late than never.

Now that is how it looked when I bought it.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...t/IMAG0117.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...t/IMAG0118.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...t/IMAG0119.jpg

So, I started directly with removing the stickers on the car (as the previous owner is the one who installed them and it's not a GT version), but left the 40th anniversary plate :tup:

https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5561/...864444a2_b.jpg

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3922/...b12b4313_b.jpg


and here my DD and fun car :)

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...t/IMAG0128.jpg

So some of the points I want to discuss as a beginning:

Would the Wilwood CMC work with our cars? I see it lister for HR 350z.
Should I go for Endlinks from the beginning or I could pass them for the time being?


and I should go to sleep, I have work tomorrow.

Updated second post.


After some more research, I found that the CMC will not work, or to be precise will have issues with ABS module.

Endlinks, until now I am not sure if I should go for them now or later (as I will not start any track days until January). Already have them installed

It has been a long long long time before updating :rofl2::rofl2: nearly a year break

happened a lot since I posted this thread, so just to have it updated, shortly after posting this thread, I received some parts from both Fast Intentions and Z1 motorsport. They are the following:
- Fast Intentions Catback 12" resonators and HFC.
- Fast Intentions 34 row oil cooler.
- R2C Short rams.
- Z1 SS brake and clutch lines.
- Whiteline swaybars.
- SPL front and rear endlinks.

So, I went to the nearest shop and installed what I could install there.

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...518_102327.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...610_110333.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...610_111213.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...611_133009.jpg

Just extra video for cold start, I like how it sounds now, and I feel it got more torque now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKv3Y1UISr8

Later on, received more parts

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...831_135817.jpg

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...1_135742_1.jpg

Joined the group buy for this

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...6_172751-1.jpg


And I just received these today

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...4_120318_1.jpg


Now trying to figure the better tire size to accompany them, will follow back after installing them on the car, which I don't know when :shakes head::shakes head:

Some photos from last August in Germany, I feel like showing off a little loool

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1461/2...030ffbc0_h.jpg

This was in Adenau, one of the nearest cities to the Green Hell

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1550/2...f4ba0ac9_h.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1615/2...7368e902_h.jpg

From Mercedes Benz Museum and BMW Museum respectively.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1635/2...05c277a7_h.jpg

Was quite lucky to have this as a rental car :rolleyes:


Lastly, I found a photo from one of the track days I attended at Losail International Circuit

http://i1093.photobucket.com/albums/...64811551_o.jpg

Latest Updates:

Finally received my tires to be installed with the new wheels.

;)

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1652/2...090860c6_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1617/2...92c81312_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1478/2...25e71f7f_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1708/2...61ce92b9_b.jpg

Looks good!

Thanks Masterbeatty and congrats for being the first one to replay here XD

New photos for the wheel at day time

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/...b78df25b_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/...e2521038_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7631/...a1f4a035_b.jpg

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/...fa2863be_b.jpg



Extra: video for my best lap last track day at Losail International Circuit.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NakAU8BhwXg

Hello again in the slowest build on the planet :rofl2:

Much is going right now, dropped the car at the shop for the installation of

Stillen Long CAI Gen 3 with AEM filters
Motordyne LT-XYZ with Helmholtz resonators
Fast Intention 34 Row Oil Cooler Kit
Z1 Stainless Steel Clutch Line with Motul RBF600
Fujimura Auto Diffuser CF
TWM Short Throw Shifter + TWM Gear Boot
Tommykaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob
Z1 2 Piece Akebono Front Rotors
Stillen Front Brakes Air Ducts
Z1 Power Steering Cooler
Z1 Radiator Cap
Replace Differential Oil with Motul Gear 300 75W90
Putting new Motul RPF600 Fluid for brakes and clutch
Replacing Power Steering fluid with Motul multi ATF

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475433557

And these are the MD LT-XYZ installed

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475433557

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475433557

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475433557


Those will have to find a new home

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475433557

FI HFC


We got a small issue with Headers oxygen sensors length but will try to solve it by trying to cut it and attach longer wires, these things aren't easily found here at the other half of the earth :shakes head:


Will follow with more progress tomorrow.


Thanks.

More progress here

The following has been installed

Stillen Gen3 CAI
Z1 Front Rotors
Z1 Power Steering Cooler

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475530323

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475530323

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475530323


We are still working on the headers sensors, one of the sensors is stuck to the headers and I may end up ordering new Denso sensors, Also, I may order fast intentions LTH hardware kit for the wires just in case the one we are using isn't compatible.

When I left the shop they were installing Fast Intentions Oil Cooler and I will pass by tomorrow as I expect to finish everything except the sensors issue :)

More progress

Another look to the MD LT-XYZ (Z1 clutch line could be seen)

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690749

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690749

The final look of the Stillen Gen 3 in my bay

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690857

:icon18::icon18: the tape wasn't enough LOL, but I have additional tape on order.

Again Z1 Front rotor with Stillen brake ducts

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690857

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690749

Fast Intentions 34 row Oil cooler (left) + Z1 power steering cooler (right)

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690749

Installing CF rear diffuser (the only visual part this time)

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690749

AAAAnd TWM short throw shifter with their gear boot and TK Hebibibi gear knob

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690749

Final look on the car

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690749

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1475690749

Nothing changed except for the front stillen brakets, Z1 rotor and the rear diffuser


Unfortunately I couldn't take the car home as there is still some small issues

1- We couldn't take one of the Pre-cats sensors out from OE headers. I ordered new Denso Sensors P/N 2349036. Also, MD replayed that I will need 20G wires to extend the sensors wires, which are ordered instead of the generic wire we are using.

2- The intakes tube wasn't enough and I don't think it is a huge issue, new tape is on the way.

3- Also not an issue, Redline MT85 has been ordered to change the gear oil.


Hopefully, next week I will receive everything, will drop everything in the shop and will let him finish the car, and I will go to tune the car later on in the same week or after.

Sweet Build man! Keep it going

Thank you Tenny. Hope things will be faster in future :)

Still waiting for the parts.

So today I will receive the rest of what I had needed to complete the installation. I got 2 new pre-cat sensors, 20 gauge wire (as MD suggested), and heat sleeve for the wires. I hope that I will receive the gold wrap as well today, but I don't think it will happen.

As soon as my mechanic starts work, I will check for the nearest appointment for tunning.

Also, I prepared my self for the track days with Garmin Vibe XE Auto Bundle and Vbox Sport.

Received the car today, I missed the car and the manual gear :)

Tomorrow will tune the car on a heartbreak Mustang Dyno lol

My first startup of the car after the mods, sorry for the dirty car :p it was parked there for more than a week waiting for parts.

sounds nice AlWakRa

Thank you Scott, Yeah I liked how the tone has been changed from the HFC and I feel the car is a bit quieter at idle.

Anyway I got tuned and the tuner was excited about the results, it will follow when I upload the video and photos.

I had a problem with the video editing so I am just writing the results for now until I sort it out.

We got a baseline dyno with the parts installed on a very low reading Mustang Dyno, I got 268whp and 230wtq. After tune, the result was 300whp and 260wtq. Comparing it to other cars on his dyno, my car posted the highest HP and TQ for a bolton 370z on his dyno.

He had tuned a different 370z with HKS CBE, FI LTH, and Stillen Gen3, posted 294whp and 240wtq.

I wanted to take a comparison graph before and after tune but the system was having issues with it :confused:

Evos every where :eekdance:

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1476960609

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1476960609

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1476960609



Dyno Videos



This shows that we had 300 previous run but tried again directly to get TQ numbers correctly.

More laps from trackdays @ Losail International Circuit, but not pushing to the limit.





Not sure why Garmin OBD2 accessory not working properly.

After the last two trackdays I realized that I should got coilovers and CJM RRP earlier. So, I made a short list for what to buy.

- Coilovers (need to decide soon on which one)
- SPL Front Camber Arm, Rear Camber Link, Rear Traction Link, Lockout kit, and x2 Adjustment Wrench. (anything more needed!!)
- CJM Road Race Pump.
- CL Brakes RC6 pads front and rear.
- Z1 2-piece Rear Sprinkle Slotted Rotors
- Clutch Flywheel Combo (not sure of brand)
- RJM Clutch Pedal
- RJM HD CMC
- ZSpeed CMAK CSC Delete
- Zspeed 370Z V2 Alumninum Engine Splash Shield
- CJM Active Baffle Oil Pan.
- Powertrix addon spoiler.
- Side blades.
- Front lip, should see options available after not getting the evo-r front lip.

I think these what I should go with in order.

So, currently waiting for some parts to arrive,

Z1 Solid Engine mounts and urethane gear mount
ZSpeed under shroud cover
RJM clutch pedal and master cylinder
SPL front camber arm, rear camber link, traction link
CJM Road Race Fuel Pump

Still looking into buying

Carbon Signal addon spoiler
Zeal Function X coilover


Also, had a change of mood at the track taking my daily driver and what an experience, I has been amazed at the performance out of the box, being completely stock and very heavy car, to match my 370z time while getting used to it, beating it by 4 seconds when I pushed it.

What I figured is, having a dependable brake system is fantastic and give you confident (6 pots Brembos with 15.4 inch rotors), I didn't notice understeer, the car is balanced :tiphat: to dodge for the efforts.

tbh it made me think about the Z and all the efforts and investments in it :rolleyes: but considering cost of running on the track, this is where it fall apart, tires and brakes will wear quicker, and they are more expensive than the Z. I hope I will get the same feel after getting coilovers, better alignment and later on less staggered tires.

and here is a video from 2nd session where I got my best lap time.




aaaand no dreaded fuel starvation

beautiful car ;)

Some parts has arrived :happydance:

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1482394685

Aaand thank you Asaad :D still needs a lot of work to be perfect

Looks like it's coming together nicely!

A lot is going on Tenny :)


Received this yesterday

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1482517503





JDM :yum:

http://www.the370z.com/attachments/m....12.33-pm.jpeg

Some footage from yesterday track day, after changing my rear swaybar stiffens to max, made a huge difference in entering and exiting the turns. I was easy on the brakes as I couldn't trust them :eekdance: I think I can do less than 2:30 with my next upgrades on current tires, PSS, which will be impressive. Anything less than 2:30 is awesome as most people I saw there achieve it with better compound like R888, SportCup, AD08R, RS3 and others with less than 200 treadwear with better cars like Porsche, Lotus, M-power, prepared 86, corvette and similar cars. Unfortunately, I don't have other Z drivers who attend regularly to compare.

Session 1



My best lap

Wow! great progress so far.

So jealous of you! that track looks awesome compared to what we have here..

I was wondering, what is the best mod you've done so far in terms of value? I'm not talking about performance mods but mods that help the track experience a lot.

I tracked my car once and it was pretty good minus the fuel starvation issue, so it seems that is the best thing to fix before going back there.. but unfortunately the fix is really expensive.

The track is somehow new, opened in 2004, and it is designed specifically for Bikes. I think we are lucky we have this track, wishfully, it opens more for car track days.

As far as mods, the most beneficial mods as follow:

Oil cooler
brake and clutch ss lines with rbf600
brake pads

the starvation has a cheaper fix, fill it up :tup: but as you get faster in turns, you will experience it earlier, myself, I get it at 2/3 mark with street tires, so I needed it badly and bought it before upgrading tires.

Other mods will keep the car cooler and to use it continually, but oem brake pads are just awful if the track has fast straights, I tried different cars at track and the Z has the worst brakes, it get better with brake fluid and pads.

Other than that, swaybars could do a great job in changing the handling, I wasn't able to have less than 2:37 because of excessive understeer, changed rear sway to full stiff, and dropped 3 seconds, with room for better lap time.

Was excited today as Fedex dropped a package at my house, the moment I arrived I went to open the package as I figured it is CJM RRP.


Opened it and what a LETDOWN :shakes head: received wrong item, hopefully it will not take a lot of time to get a replacement.


http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1482666654

Very nice build and love the pics!!!

I already have the oil cooler and brake fluid, and the stock brakes were fine in the track at my amateur level. So i'm thinking i need to fix the fuel issue next as my car fuel starves at just under 3/4, which makes it a pain in the a** since i have to fill up after every 15 minutes.

Thanks, trying to get the best photos I can :)

Looks like the track you are attending has a very long right turns. Yeah I has starvation nearly at the same place as you. You can try Z1 solution which is cheaper than CJM.

I think I am getting more skilled at driving :tup: as I got fuel starvation earlier than before, maybe Nissan did it on purpose so you will know you are becoming a better driver, I am at level 13 on PSS :rofl2:

http://www.the370z.com/attachment.ph...1&d=1484652416



LOL at the noise machine in front of me :icon18:


So, called it a day after the first turn, as I am expecting to receive CJM RRP within a week and would like to keep the car ready for the work as soon as I receive it.

Nice one. The PW is just so nice and clean looking it's impossible not to love it! :)

:tiphat:

I am not supposed to say it, but I feel more attracted by my car specially with the color every time I look at it :rofl2:

And you have a nice build going over, good luck :)

So my Z is in the shop for some serious stuff :D

During CJM RRP installation we found that the stock fuel pump is broken (hat broken) which in turn is the culprit to the excessive fuel starvation I face, so I will have a temporary fix until receiving CJM fuel pump hat.