sk tunes his 370z

mr_sk · 08-12-2011, 02:07 PM

TITLE: should be, "sk mods and tunes his 370z" heh.
RENAMED: Project: sk

Note: This is my first attempt a journal ever, so please lower your expectations now. heh.

Yassss ... welcome to my moding (& tuning) journal. I have plans for this car, over time and I'm going to document the companies I work with, the products I purchase and the overall experience and joy I get from moding my car.

I'm also going to provide details as to why I decided one mod or company over another and the experience I have w/the local tuning shops and my dealer.

If you are interested in the background of how I got to be the owner of a 2011 Black MT Z Sport, you should probably start by reading this thread.

New guy, moving from an S4 to 370z?

That thread is cool, because on page 1 I'm the owner of a B6 S4 and by page 4 I'm the owner of a new 370z! heh.

Stay tuned, more to come ...

Reviews
Detail Addict (Various cleaning products) : sk tunes his 370z
Savage Auto Sports (Clear bra install): sk tunes his 370z
Vinny Tens Racing (19 Row Setrab cooler): sk tunes his 370z

Milestones:
[9/1 ~500miles]: HKS Drop-in
[9/3 ~600miles]: Clear bra
[9/3]: White license plate bulbs, rear hatch.
[9/11 ~1200]: 19Row Setrab/Stillen oil cooler, Ester oil change, FRAM filter @ VTR
[10/1 ~1500]: Headunit (Kenwood DNX-7120 + Ipod cable &) installed by BigAudioFan
[10/8 ~1700]: FI LTH & AAM 2.5" CBE installed @ VTR

Mod List:
[Arrived] Detail Addict full wash,wax,polish set of products!
[Arrived] Z1 Post MAF hoses
[Arrived] 2 V-LEDS 6K WHITE 194 13 LED LIGHT BULBS 158 168 2825
[Arrived] 2 HID 5K WHITE SMT 5 LED LIGHT BULBS 1895 53 57 182 BA9s
[Arrived] boofsquire roofrack
[Down/Waiting] FI 18" Res CF CBE

For Sale
[FS] NOAH car cover

Wish List
[] UpRev tune / Dyno
[] Stillen Underdrive Pulley
[In talks w/member] 18" stock rims (for winter)
[Need to research] Tires for stock rims (for winter)
[] Dress up bolts: http://www.z1auto.com/prodmore.asp?m...ne&prodid=5845
[] Mirrors: http://www.z1auto.com/prodmore.asp?m...or&prodid=5379
[] CF Engine dress-up: http://passwordjdm.com/CarbonKevlar-...tes-C2179.aspx
[] Coil overs
[] Rims (Love this setup: hdskull's Magnetic Black Z)

Bumped List
[N/A] Motordyne M370 intake manifold (This thread is a beast, still waiting to see a definite answer: The Motordyne M370 Intake Manifold)
[N/A] Stillen Short Shifter
[N/A] Stillen G3 CAI

Goals: My goal for the car is
1) Retain warranty (as best I can, heh)
2) Get more power
-- Let me elaborate a bit. I'd prefer more low end power, I don't need peak gains, I don't 0-60 redline every stop light. So power in the lower rpms would be nice. And gaining tq is more important than gaining hp, though I don't want to loose any hp, heh.
-- I'd also like to improve the exhaust note. I like a nice rumble, more on the exotic side.
3) Look 100% stock on the outside (same rims, possibly lower but I live in NYC so...)

Update:
Oh, heh, ok, since Triple's:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple's

Here are some pics:

This is a picture (partial) of the camera bank I have setup a home. In total I have six and I'm actually expanding the system (replacing these w/HD cams over the coming months). These keep a 24/7 watch on my Z (and rest of my house, heh).

Here's the Z, from above (right corner image), I've got two motion lights and the camera is in the back, heh.

Now, for some pics of the Z (which I literally just walked outside and took since Triples called me out, heh):

Red__Zed · 08-12-2011, 02:15 PM

In for updates

6MT · 08-12-2011, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_sk

Yassss ... welcome to my tuning journal.

Tune or modify?

mr_sk · 08-12-2011, 02:18 PM

Already, after driving my car only 100 miles over the course of a week, my oil temperature is nearing 220. During this driving I've kept the car under 3K almost always. I've done no hard driving at all. I want to baby it for the first ~500 miles.

I researched the forums and it appears there are countless threads discussing the oil temp problems but one thing is pretty clear - If you are experiencing high oil temps a cooler (with Thermostatic Plate aka "off-valve"? for winter) is the way to go.

Quote:

Cold oil temps are as bad as high oil temps

- someone on the forum, heh.

I plan on doing some autox and 1/4 runs, but no real "tracking" and no FI until at least 2-3 years out, so I've opted for the Stillen 19Row oil cooler: STILLEN : STILLEN Oil Cooler Kit

I'm aware of the other options, Z1 being the next runner up, but I decided stillen because the tuner I'm using has a ton of experience with them and the threads I've read seem to not provide enough evidence that one 19Row is better than the other, so I opt'd for Stillen.

Being in NY, the two Long Island dealers I've seen mentioned and recommended are Performance Motorsports and Vinny Tens. After careful consideration and perhaps going against the grain of the recommendations for Performance (they outweighed Vinny Tens roughly 2:1) I opted for Vinnys for this install. Doesn't mean VTs have won my contract for ALL work - but I decided, based on the correspondence I had with Brandon (super helpful) and the fact my dealer (Advantage Nissan) has a close relationship with them and recommended VT, I decided to give them a shot.

I've also seen praise for VT on the forums, not just criticism. Can't say I've seen any criticism for PM on the forums though ...

There's also the factor of PM not responding to a few emails I sent - ArnoldK suggested I call them, but sometimes email is just easier. I'm busy, I don't always have time to get on the phone. So VT wins a few brownie points for being damn punctual in their emails.

I have a slot scheduled for 9AM on Sat the 27th for the oil cooler install. I'm also attempting to lock in an install for later that day w/SavagageAutosports for a clear-bra install...but more on that in another entry.

mr_sk · 08-12-2011, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Tune or modify?

- heh. Both, I'm going to mod my car then have it tuned! But then again, adding better performing parts to the car is sort of tune as well, isn't it? heh.

mr_sk · 08-13-2011, 12:35 AM

So, roads of NY have lots of rocks on them ... I think it's true for the entire north east. I think I'm going to get the front and rear splash guards from The Z Store: Welcome To The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts!

Prices are fair (for the non-cf ones) and I can get them to match my paint which will save my the hassle of having to get them sprayed.

Thoughts?

Trips · 08-13-2011, 01:46 AM

FL 4Motion · 08-13-2011, 01:52 AM

IBTL!

J/K, looking forward to seeing how your new ride progresses, congrats again.

mr_sk · 08-13-2011, 10:10 AM

Updated OP w/some pics for you gentz.

mr_sk · 08-13-2011, 10:12 AM

I've also got a NOAH outdoor car cover that should be here on Monday. I ordered that from High-End-Motorsports.com Overall good price (IMO) and after searching around the forums, this may not be a $600 cover, but it should fit snug and not causing swirling due to movement, plus its outdoor. I'm using it to keep sap and bird **** off my car.

Nick911sc · 08-17-2011, 10:18 AM

Hey man looks like you have a nice list of things you're planning on doing. My only word of advice would be this, and I hope someone else can chime in because I don't want to lead you in the wrong direction.

I personally have contemplated, but have not gone ahead installing a short shifter in my Z. Our transmissions are pretty beefy, but the synchro's tend to be the cause of problems to many people who have tranny problems. Installing a short shifter could put additional stress on the synchro's which in turn could cause them to fail prematurely. And with the short shifter installed I don't think Nissan would cover the replacement under warranty.

Just my 2 cents on the issue. I'm sure everyone who has a short shifter installed will post to yell at me. But to me better safe than sorry.

toxik · 08-17-2011, 11:12 AM

think i saw your Z on sheepshead road yesterday

Nick911sc · 08-17-2011, 11:31 AM

Also, If you're more worried about low end torque I'd look into the motordyne ART Pipes as well.

NYBladeZ · 08-17-2011, 12:04 PM

Hey there fellow New Yorker. The oil cooler is a great place to start, I went with the GTM oil cooler, just make sure all your lines and fittings are tight. If you keep looking through the personal classifieds on the forum you should eventually find everything on your wishlist though I personally wouldn't go with the ARK CBE as it is way to raspy especially if you go with long tube headers down the line. I have the FI LTH's and I love them, I might have to lose them if and when I go forced induction who knows you might be able to take them off my hands.

Definitely need to keep the home security tight, you don't want to end up like the many other members on here who have lost their sport wheels.

tjlazer · 08-17-2011, 01:42 PM

Great job on the cameras, but blocking the license plate number? A little too much IMHO. No need to be so paranoid my Z friend.

08-13-2011, 12:35 AM	#6 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 14	So, roads of NY have lots of rocks on them ... I think it's true for the entire north east. I think I'm going to get the front and rear splash guards from The Z Store: Welcome To The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts! Prices are fair (for the non-cf ones) and I can get them to match my paint which will save my the hassle of having to get them sprayed. Thoughts? __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

08-13-2011, 01:46 AM	#7 (permalink)
Trips Administrator Join Date: May 2009 Location: Disneyland, Ca Posts: 8,732 Drives: 🔰 Rep Power: 10	__________________

08-13-2011, 10:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 14	Updated OP w/some pics for you gentz. __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

08-13-2011, 10:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
mr_sk Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Brooklyn Posts: 393 Drives: 2011 Z Sport MT Rep Power: 14	I've also got a NOAH outdoor car cover that should be here on Monday. I ordered that from High-End-Motorsports.com Overall good price (IMO) and after searching around the forums, this may not be a $600 cover, but it should fit snug and not causing swirling due to movement, plus its outdoor. I'm using it to keep sap and bird **** off my car. __________________ Part out thread: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-dynodash.html

08-17-2011, 12:04 PM	#14 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 20	Hey there fellow New Yorker. The oil cooler is a great place to start, I went with the GTM oil cooler, just make sure all your lines and fittings are tight. If you keep looking through the personal classifieds on the forum you should eventually find everything on your wishlist though I personally wouldn't go with the ARK CBE as it is way to raspy especially if you go with long tube headers down the line. I have the FI LTH's and I love them, I might have to lose them if and when I go forced induction who knows you might be able to take them off my hands. Definitely need to keep the home security tight, you don't want to end up like the many other members on here who have lost their sport wheels. __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

08-12-2011, 02:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Red__Zed A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: window seat Posts: 28,940 Drives: Mostly on two wheels Rep Power: 120	In for updates

08-13-2011, 01:52 AM	#8 (permalink)
FL 4Motion A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: FL Posts: 4,776 Drives: Baby Shark Rep Power: 701615	IBTL! J/K, looking forward to seeing how your new ride progresses, congrats again.

08-17-2011, 10:18 AM	#11 (permalink)
Nick911sc A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,698 Drives: 2010 Nissan GT-R Rep Power: 20	Hey man looks like you have a nice list of things you're planning on doing. My only word of advice would be this, and I hope someone else can chime in because I don't want to lead you in the wrong direction. I personally have contemplated, but have not gone ahead installing a short shifter in my Z. Our transmissions are pretty beefy, but the synchro's tend to be the cause of problems to many people who have tranny problems. Installing a short shifter could put additional stress on the synchro's which in turn could cause them to fail prematurely. And with the short shifter installed I don't think Nissan would cover the replacement under warranty. Just my 2 cents on the issue. I'm sure everyone who has a short shifter installed will post to yell at me. But to me better safe than sorry.

08-17-2011, 11:31 AM	#13 (permalink)
Nick911sc A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,698 Drives: 2010 Nissan GT-R Rep Power: 20	Also, If you're more worried about low end torque I'd look into the motordyne ART Pipes as well.

08-17-2011, 01:42 PM	#15 (permalink)
tjlazer A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Tacoma Age: 53 Posts: 2,496 Drives: Z34, R35 Rep Power: 20	Great job on the cameras, but blocking the license plate number? A little too much IMHO. No need to be so paranoid my Z friend. __________________ 2009 370Z Monterey Blue,Nismo Conversion,RE-11's, K&N Typhoon intakes,Blue Kickplates,Homelink,FI 18" CBE,ERZ HFCs,Hotchkis sways, Swift Spec-R, EVO-R Highwing, UPREV

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