hughdogz's 2009 Base model build-up

hughdogz

Hi Guys, I purchased a 2009 M/T July 2012 with just over 45k on the odometer. This one started out in Texas, then Seattle and finally made it home to Portland. It has the Touring package with the Frost interior.

At the time, I told myself I wouldn't mod it, and just use it as a daily driver (I have two other z-car projects going already). This forum changed my mind quick.

My intro thread is here: New 370z owner 2009 MB 6MT (my 6th zcar, pics added)

Most of what I've learned over the years about performance and maintenance of Z's was possible thanks to Hybridz.org. This is where I started my first ever build thread: hughdogz's 1982 280ZX-T

My plan is to make it into a stock-looking sleeper, built for street and everyday use. Occasional visits to the drag strip or a track day are as serious as I want to get with it. Eventually, I'd love to get some bronze (?) Volk TE-37's.

I really like this forum and hope to make some worthy updates soon ! I've noticed there are a few members in PDX that I hope to meet in person someday Thanks for looking!

On to the pics..
Internet advert ... love at first sight:


Picking it up the next day:


Got it home that day:


It was difficult to stop staring at it at that night:


Sleeping next to her older sister:


Trip permitted, but no plates yet:


1st car show at Blue Lake Datsun meet (didn't enter since no mods yet):




Summer drive-in:


I can't stop staring at it in the parking garage at work during smoke breaks:


After being at work for eight hours, I didn't even get a chance to leave the parking lot, and was surprised it reached operating temp so quickly:


So far, the only mods I've done are 'ricer' ones of sticking some emblems on. Some vintage Datsun ones below the side indicators on the fenders, and a hybrid one from a wrecked Altima on the rear.

It's the only Datsun 370z Hybrid in Portland

hughdogz

Plans for next year are:

Engine and Drivetrain:
Sasha's Boosted Performance twin-scroll turbo kit

Fast Intentions exhaust and TP's

OS Giken twin clutch and CLSD, Finned diff cover

CSF Aluminum radiator

Suspension:
Swift springs
Nismo sways with SPL endlinks

Bridgestone RE-11's with 15 & 20mm spacers

This should make for a nice start.

diddy535

Droool that looks like an awesome build, can't wait to see it come together!

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hughdogz

Thanks Diddy! It feels good to be here

hughdogz

Quick update, I spent more $$ on Z1's black friday sale for the 370 than what I purchased the '71 240z for ... lol.

Waiting with bated breath for the OSG clutch, radiator, diff cover, 15/20mm spacers, SS clutch and brake lines, Nismo sways with SPL links and hood struts.

Next week I need call the local Nissan parts depot. We can order directly from the Nissan distributor near the airport if we have the p/n's ready and don't ask any stupid questions.

That list so far has oil change stuff for the 370, and internal shafts to run an LSD in a base model diff housing. Hope I don't forget to order a L28ET gasket for a competition oil pan for the 240z (engine swap side project).

Still need to order the OSG CLSD, solid CSC and find a place that can install them if I don't feel up to it. Bonus if they can recharge the A/C after the Aluminum radiator goes in. I can probably buy some R134a off the shelf, but I don't have a way to purge the system.

That's it for now ... stay warm my friends (for those of us up north )

GaleForce

Nice collection of cars and nice upgrades for the 370!

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hughdogz

Thanks GaleForce! Like many of us, I have the Z disease ... and there's no known cure ;^)

hughdogz

I've been busy amassing a grip of new parts, but haven't made the time to get anything installed yet ...until yesterday.

I took these down to Portland Speed Industries for install. I should get the Z back today

OS Giken Super Lock LSD & fluid
Z34 Sport/Nismo stub axles
Nismo finned diff cover and sealant
12mm ring gear bolts

OS Giken Twin disc touring clutch and flywheel combo
ZSpeed heavy-duty clutch slave & Motul fluid

Nismo rear swaybar (to counteract opposite corner push understeer with the LSD)
Exhaust gaskets
SPL adjustable rear endlinks!!

hughdogz

The drivetrain upgrades are definitely worth it! I can actually use the power now. The clutch is much stiffer, but not overly stiff.
There's a little more drivetrain noise due to no longer having a dual-mass flywheel, and you can hear the ~28 clutches engaging on accel / decel.
It ended up that I didn't get the rear swaybar installed...I'm probably going with an adjustable Hotchkis setup so I can actually tune it.
Anyone want to buy my Nismo sways? ...lol