SPEEDELEMENT Nismo 370Z Build Progress

SE

I had another build thread on here, but since it was lacking some updates, I figured I'd start a new one.

We took delivery of a 2010 Nismo back in March of 2010 as a project to highlight some of our product offerings. This is primarily a street driven vehicle that eventually will see some track usage. The main goal is a JDM-inspired track/show build. We want it, first and foremost, to be fully functional, but looking nice isn't out of the question

As she sits now (3/2011)-




CURRENT MODS:

ENGINE
- F.I Long Tube Headers PG. 1
- AEM Dual Cold-Air Intakes PG. 1|

INTERIOR
- Custom Subaru Homelink GENTEX-453 mirror PG. 1|CLICK FOR DIY
- JDM Nismo Goodies PG. 1
- R35 GTR Push Button Start TRIPLE'S DIY
- Nismo GT Titanium Shift Knob (write-up pending)
- Recaro Pole Position Racing Seats (Red Velour)/Recaro Steel Sidemounts (write up pending)
- Custom Roll Bar (write up pending)
- Willans 5-Point Camlock FIA harnesses

EXTERIOR
- SpeedElement Custom Matte headlight housings PG. 1

SUSPENSION
- A'PEXI S1 Coilovers (no writeup)
- SPL Rear Camber Arms (no writeup)

WHEELS/TIRES
- Volk Racing TE37 Matte Black 19x9.5 +22/19x10.5 +12
- Bridgestone Potenza RE11 265/35/19 (F) 305/30/19 (R)


**FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK FOR BUILD STATUS/UPDATES!!**
GrayGhost

SE

Homelink mirror- I found an awesome one from a seller on Ebay that matched the stock amber instrumentation PERFECTLY



DIY here:
DIY: Homelink install in a Base/Nismo

SE

So while I'm having some down time in between new installs, I thought I'd share my newest JDM goodies with you guys. I wasn't expecting this to come in until at least Monday but the FedEx guy came earlier than the tracking said.

Billion Radiator Cap


Nismo Registration Holder



Nismo Carabiner


Moonface-R Magnetic Drain Plug


I also got a small Nismo tool bag...no good pics of that unfortunately. I know this is a small update but I'll be updating this soon with more parts!!

SE

I love the construction on these. It's been a while since I've seen quality welds on an exhaust manifold. Too many shops use machine tig or slather chrome all over their welds, making them look cheap. Fast Intentions really did a great job on these.





The stock driver's side manifold was a complete pain in the ***. Not only did we have to remove the steering linkage, a whole mess of hard coolant line and hoses were in the way. We had to raise and lift the car numerous times to figure out the best way to access the bolts.




After a few busted knuckles and tools, we finally managed to get both stock headers out. It took us about 4 hours to take them off, another 1.5 to get the F.I LTH on the car and bolted up. So about 4.5hrs total install time. I do regret not wrapping them though. Time to take them off again



Just kidding.





Sound wise, there's not a big difference between these and test pipes, however they do definitely make more power. There's a little more RASP, but nothing totally nasty sounding. I like a little bit of rasp in the exhaust note. Construction, as mentioned earlier, is top dollar. These look miles better than anything else offered on the market currently (Stillen, PPE, etc). Cost-wise, I'd be hard-pressed to pay full retail on headers given the gains aren't as large as most other bolt-ons, however I got these at a good price so I think my dollar was well spent.

Overall a 9/10 for build quality, construction, and power delivery.

SE

While I had the car on a lift, I decided to make a little more use of my time and install some more stuff.

I didn't take very many pictures of this install and actually had every intention of turning it into a DIY. But honestly, I was a little disappointed with some of the problems I encountered. You would think that after doing a header install, an intake install would be a cinch.




The main issue I am having is the included washer bottle does not fit due to the added ducting on the Nismo bumper support. This is where it is supposed to sit-




I know it's a relatively simple fix but I'd rather not cut it unless I really have to. I'm planning on calling AEM on Monday and asking if they're planning on making a different washer reservoir/mounting area for the Nismo models, or if I should just cut it.

I also have a rather annoying sound coming from the passenger side intake tube that only happens at WOT. I did a long tube header install at the same time, but it's unlikely that the culprit could be these as fitment/flex was all verified on a lift. The only possible scenario I can think of is that the included brackets/rubber mounts do not allow for enough flex to accomodate the moving engine, or the intake piping is hitting a metal area of the radiator support during engine movement.

It's not all bad though. Fuel economy has improved over my previous setup (just test pipes). Again, I don't know if this is due to the FI long tubes or the intake but I'm averaging about 20mpg compared to my previous of about 17. Intake powdercoat color is almost an exact match with the PG paint, just a shade darker. And the combination of the AEM intakes with the FI long tubes made a huge difference in low through upper mid range power.

SE

We are starting to offer this service to our local customers- custom matte painted headlight housings. Please feel free to let me know if you are interested in doing this. We can also custom paint them with PPG/DuPont paint to match shrouds/housings/etc to your liking.





And a mounted picture-

370zNismo66

Sweet Mods! Looking forward to seeing your progress..

docaam

looks good

__________________
Old 370Z SOLD but not forgotten
370Z 40th, G37s, S30 RBZ, Hakosuka Skyline

Viera

coming along very nicely...

Jamaica

keep it going.

TongMan

Nice. I saw both your 370z's at Wekfest.

Red__Zed

hot.

SPOHN

Very nice. When is it going to hit the dyno? What exhaust are you going to run?

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theDreamer

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Jamaica

White amuse looks good