What did you do with your Z today V (ON TOPIC DISCUSSION ONLY)

filip00 · 01-14-2024, 11:03 AM

Took my diff out and prepared for shipping to the specialist who will install a shorter final drive for me!

filip00 · 01-15-2024, 12:16 PM

Sent the diff and the 4.08 final drive for a trip to get mated. To dull my car's pain, I treated the leather with Meguiar's aloe vera leather care, the interior now smells godly.

Kzonts · 01-21-2024, 02:31 PM

Adjusted my ramps so I could change the oil. Also just finished up the last data log for Seb @ Specialty Z. Tune is done

markesc · 01-31-2024, 04:29 PM

Nice work!

I have some ramps - have not used YET - hoping I don't get crushed!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kzonts

Adjusted my ramps so I could change the oil. Also just finished up the last data log for Seb @ Specialty Z. Tune is done

markesc · 01-31-2024, 04:51 PM

Finally took the time to rip out the stock headlights and put some time into them!

I went with:

Morimoto D2S 5.0 projectors
Krylon Fusion Satin Black to go over the chrome garbage
Krylon Fusion Metallic Dark Metal to go over the bezels
Morimoto RetroRubber Butyl Glue
Nissan 370z to D2S 5.0 / G5 Brakets
Diode Dynamics HP5 LED Pure White 194 bulbs

Tools:

Morimoto SealSplitter - This is the best $14 spent for headlight work!! Get one!

Compression Clips - These help when resealing
Large white Zip Ties - These also help when resealing

These lights are a F'n nightmare... everything takes 3-5x longer than anticipated... Memorable moments include - little stupid things like the drivers side headlight removal has these awkward plastic clips from the wire harness into the side of headlight...the headlights barely fit in oven!! and resealing them = takes a few shots of in the oven + pushing clear lens + tightening zip ties, then back in oven, then adding screws, tightening...

For those wanting to embark on this adventure - just beware: plan to have several days off work - I took 4 days because I'm old/slow!

Day 1 = Bumper drop/headlight removal/disassembly of all parts
Day 2 = Painting bezels/country club chrome - 24 + hours to outgas/dry - I let them sit in the sun both outside and inside the house
Day 3 = Re-assembly/reinstall
Day 4 = Refinish external housing - 600-800-1000-1500 grit, 3m hard plastic and lens finish (this you MUST use on a buffer/drill - you WANT HEAT!!!) - once done - you'll have a CLEAR lens!! If you don't - then keep buffing!! If the lens is hazy - do not "just" spray the Meguiars finish. Final step: Alcohol wipe, then Meguiars headlight finish....

Now I finally have that Acura Tsx/S2000 clear cutoff... I am running some old bulbs but once I update those I'll get everyone a photo of the cutoffs...

Here is the finished light:

I was going to put some Morimoto profile pivot strips with the super strip covers over them so you're not looking at a WHITE LINE... however I wanted them horizontal mounted like the Supras... and well... just ran out of time to mount them properly and they do not flex/bend AT ALL to make the curve towards the parking light... so those are sitting here doing nothing...

If I add everything up - including the profile strips I didn't use - and trips to the hardware store - I think I spent about $450 roughly... still better than $1450 for the Morimotos...

This is really a time vs. $$$ thing... If you have time - do the retro - if you're rushed - bite the bullet and get the morimotos or try to drive a second car and send your lights off in the mail and have someone else do them.

markesc · 01-31-2024, 05:01 PM

Also updated the ugly stock side markers...to the Morimotos

And the Morimoto Tails:

markesc · 01-31-2024, 05:02 PM

3rd Brake light installed with tails...

cv129 · 01-31-2024, 05:14 PM

Oh very very jealous of your new light combo!!!

I’ve contemplated doing my headlights, but never gather enough courage nor skills lol. Someday if I feel crazy enough, I may send them to Lightwerk or some shop for surgery.

I love the Morimoto taillights too, thought about a pair for the wife’s car. I just deeply wish the turn signal strip is wider/thicker.

Congrats on the lights upgrades!

markesc · 01-31-2024, 05:27 PM

Thanks!! 10 years of looking at the Chrome lights = hit my breaking point!!!

It's really not "difficult" just more - time consuming. If you have another vehicle to drive to work/etc... then I say go for it!!!

Oven 230 degrees for 17-19 minutes = boom - pulls apart! Just be careful when pulling apart that you don't rip the housing off the running light section...

Otherwise - it's easy - have plenty of space, organize all your parts, take photos... If you want to save some $$ you can go with the Sti-R glass replacement for $57

Taillights - totally worth it - they're MUCH brighter than the stock lights!! I'd say just running - are as bright as the stock lights when you have foot on brake! 3rd brake light is also stupid bright!

Quote:

Originally Posted by cv129

Oh very very jealous of your new light combo!!!

I’ve contemplated doing my headlights, but never gather enough courage nor skills lol. Someday if I feel crazy enough, I may send them to Lightwerk or some shop for surgery.

I love the Morimoto taillights too, thought about a pair for the wife’s car. I just deeply wish the turn signal strip is wider/thicker.

Congrats on the lights upgrades!

Kzonts · 01-31-2024, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markesc

Finally took the time to rip out the stock headlights and put some time into them!

I went with:

Morimoto D2S 5.0 projectors
Krylon Fusion Satin Black to go over the chrome garbage
Krylon Fusion Metallic Dark Metal to go over the bezels
Morimoto RetroRubber Butyl Glue
Nissan 370z to D2S 5.0 / G5 Brakets
Diode Dynamics HP5 LED Pure White 194 bulbs

Tools:

Morimoto SealSplitter - This is the best $14 spent for headlight work!! Get one!

Compression Clips - These help when resealing
Large white Zip Ties - These also help when resealing

These lights are a F'n nightmare... everything takes 3-5x longer than anticipated... Memorable moments include - little stupid things like the drivers side headlight removal has these awkward plastic clips from the wire harness into the side of headlight...the headlights barely fit in oven!! and resealing them = takes a few shots of in the oven + pushing clear lens + tightening zip ties, then back in oven, then adding screws, tightening...

For those wanting to embark on this adventure - just beware: plan to have several days off work - I took 4 days because I'm old/slow!

Day 1 = Bumper drop/headlight removal/disassembly of all parts
Day 2 = Painting bezels/country club chrome - 24 + hours to outgas/dry - I let them sit in the sun both outside and inside the house
Day 3 = Re-assembly/reinstall
Day 4 = Refinish external housing - 600-800-1000-1500 grit, 3m hard plastic and lens finish (this you MUST use on a buffer/drill - you WANT HEAT!!!) - once done - you'll have a CLEAR lens!! If you don't - then keep buffing!! If the lens is hazy - do not "just" spray the Meguiars finish. Final step: Alcohol wipe, then Meguiars headlight finish....

Now I finally have that Acura Tsx/S2000 clear cutoff... I am running some old bulbs but once I update those I'll get everyone a photo of the cutoffs...

Here is the finished light:

I was going to put some Morimoto profile pivot strips with the super strip covers over them so you're not looking at a WHITE LINE... however I wanted them horizontal mounted like the Supras... and well... just ran out of time to mount them properly and they do not flex/bend AT ALL to make the curve towards the parking light... so those are sitting here doing nothing...

If I add everything up - including the profile strips I didn't use - and trips to the hardware store - I think I spent about $450 roughly... still better than $1450 for the Morimotos...

This is really a time vs. $$$ thing... If you have time - do the retro - if you're rushed - bite the bullet and get the morimotos or try to drive a second car and send your lights off in the mail and have someone else do them.

True dedication and commitment!!! Very nice work.

markesc · 02-01-2024, 03:59 PM

Thanks!! was not 'Fun' but totally worth it... I drive 30 miles at night 4 days a week along a dark road where deer love to hangout...

I now understand why the cost is up there for those providing this as a service!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kzonts

True dedication and commitment!!! Very nice work.

cv129 · 02-04-2024, 11:22 PM

Wife booked a little exotic car track session as a gift. Now I’m all inspired to work on the Z more.

Driver side was pretty easy. Passenger side…I think I’ll either delete the washer fluid reservoir or buy a small aftermarket bottle.

Need to get a 4 to 2 inch reducer too.

filip00 · 02-06-2024, 01:29 PM

Didn't do anything with the car today myself, buuuuut, the specialists who installed a shorter final drive in my diff, shipped it today my way! Wooohoo!

abm89 · 02-09-2024, 12:11 PM

I fixed my rear endlinks. The car feels like it should again haha.

filip00 · 02-09-2024, 02:59 PM

Gotta love spamming this thread.

I received my diff with 4.08 gears installed! The specialist also took time to sandblast the housing and paint it so it looks brand new.
The only issue is....the carrier wasn't too careful with the package and this thing got bent and broken. Is it just a screw off/on piece?

01-14-2024, 11:03 AM	#6286 (permalink)
filip00 Track Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: slovenia Posts: 558 Drives: 370z pack Rep Power: 125427	Took my diff out and prepared for shipping to the specialist who will install a shorter final drive for me! EZT, cv129, abm89 and 2 others like this. __________________ ride epic drive epic

01-15-2024, 12:16 PM	#6287 (permalink)
filip00 Track Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: slovenia Posts: 558 Drives: 370z pack Rep Power: 125427	Sent the diff and the 4.08 final drive for a trip to get mated. To dull my car's pain, I treated the leather with Meguiar's aloe vera leather care, the interior now smells godly. EZT, cv129, sx moneypit and 2 others like this. __________________ ride epic drive epic

01-31-2024, 05:14 PM	#6293 (permalink)
cv129 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,235 Drives: 09 Nismo, 16 Nismo Rep Power: 163995	Oh very very jealous of your new light combo!!! I’ve contemplated doing my headlights, but never gather enough courage nor skills lol. Someday if I feel crazy enough, I may send them to Lightwerk or some shop for surgery. I love the Morimoto taillights too, thought about a pair for the wife’s car. I just deeply wish the turn signal strip is wider/thicker. Congrats on the lights upgrades! __________________ Setrab \| RE-71 \| SPL \| JRZ \| Nismo \| ARK \| Whiteline \| RacingBrake \| CJM Oil Pan \| Ti shield

02-06-2024, 01:29 PM	#6298 (permalink)
filip00 Track Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: slovenia Posts: 558 Drives: 370z pack Rep Power: 125427	Didn't do anything with the car today myself, buuuuut, the specialists who installed a shorter final drive in my diff, shipped it today my way! Wooohoo! Kzonts and ZontheRocks like this. __________________ ride epic drive epic

02-09-2024, 12:11 PM	#6299 (permalink)
abm89 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 1,386 Drives: 11 370Z \| 24 EL450 Rep Power: 64763	I fixed my rear endlinks. The car feels like it should again haha. Kzonts likes this. __________________ Complete Parts List: https://github.com/abm89/ztouge-build

02-09-2024, 02:59 PM	#6300 (permalink)
filip00 Track Member Join Date: May 2021 Location: slovenia Posts: 558 Drives: 370z pack Rep Power: 125427	Gotta love spamming this thread. I received my diff with 4.08 gears installed! The specialist also took time to sandblast the housing and paint it so it looks brand new. The only issue is....the carrier wasn't too careful with the package and this thing got bent and broken. Is it just a screw off/on piece? __________________ ride epic drive epic

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