Project: 2010 solid red roadster

DeusExMaxima · 08-24-2021, 08:44 PM

Hi everyone - I owned a highly modified 05 Maxima and most recently an 05 350Z roadster with all the 07-08 Nismo coupe bits on it - complete interior, exterior suspension, engine bracing, frame dampers (or is it dampeners?) etc. I sourced all OEM Nissan parts except the rear spoiler was a replica.

Anyway, it has over 219,000, and is getting a bit "long in the tooth" so to speak. It runs beautifully, but a fender bender with an old lady who shouldn't be driving caused me to decide it was time for something newer. When I bought the car in 2014, I really wanted red but black was fine. Now, my mission was to find a red 370Z roadster. Initially, I wanted a 6 speed with Navi and sport packs. I determined the 7AT was faster, and had paddle shift, and that the sport pack had super heavy brake rotors (30 lbs each!!) and that the Navi was outdated.

Sooooooo, after scouring the country, I found a nice little cream puff of a car 110 miles from home - a 2010 red roadster 7AT touring with 47K miles and in virtually perfect condition. Zero dents, a couple of little scratches on the tonneau cover, no rock chips (!!), some faded leather on driver seat left bolster and thats it. It smelled great too. The top had that last 5th bow issue but they all seem to have top problems. More on that later.

All the fluids looked fresh, and air filters were clean. Tires have life left, top in great shape, headlights not faded.

I want to drive it a bit before I jump into the modding. However, there were some obvious things to be done. I didn't have floor mats so I got some mats from theZstore in Orange, CA with matching red Z logo. Love em. Replaced the silly antenna with a 4 incher from Autozone that looks factory. I removed the front license (illegal here but ask me if I care...no i don't) and found some great hole plugs from Autozone. I also swapped the white license plate LEDs from my 350Z which look great, in place of the boring yellowish ones that were in the 370z.

There are soooo many directions to go with the car but after some research, my initial thoughts are:

Exterior: 2015+ Nismo bumpers front and rear, and side skirts maybe, smallish rear spoiler (not the duck tail), JDM tail lights, paint inside chrome of headlights, light tint for windows and clear for windshield to reduce UV sun rays.

Interior: Red GTR start button, white interior LEDs and GTR clear lense covers and then option 1 - Nismo steering wheel, and M35/M45 AT shift knob or option 2 - Custom carbon fiber/leather steering wheel, carbon fiber shift knob, and a couple of carbon fiber bits like shifter surround and inner door handle areas. The stock radio seems fine but it needs a bluetooth plug in to the Aux to stream music from my phone. I want to have modern Navi and backup camera. The Garmin 65 is nice and big (6.8" ) and would fit in place of the silly compartment above the radio, with the addition of a Garmin back up camera.

Performance: OEM Nismo exhaust with dual output Y pipe (increase in power but not much louder) or Stillen true dual, possibly a short ram intake, maybe lightweight pulleys. A tune would be good too. For rims, the factory 18s are light, but a set of 19s would be nicer, possibly 2015+ rims. I like the style of the Ferrari California turbo rims with the split spoke star pattern. Savini SV F3 or Ferrada F8-FR5 look similar.

I want to get back in SCCA Solo II (Autocross) on an occasional weekend. I have a set of square 350Z Track edition rims I may use for this - super lightweight at under 19 lbs each.

Any suggestions, thoughts, feedback would be appreciated.

Red Voodoo · 08-24-2021, 10:18 PM

I would recommend an oil cooler and oil pressure gauge if you're going to spend any time hanging out in the higher RPM's. Idk... You might be OK at auto-x events, but I understand that track days come with their limitations.

I have 40k on the clock, so I'll probably be getting the transmission fluid changed out (the manufacturer indicates that the 7AT is maintenance free; I find that hard to believe). Maybe something to think about.

So many options to add horsepower and torque, if you're into that kind of thing. Otherwise, I'd put my money towards suspension and brakes upgrades, especially if auto-x is an interest.

I'm a novice compared to some others on this forum, so they will be of greater knowledge.

ZontheRocks · 08-25-2021, 09:11 AM

Glad you found a car you enjoy!

Look into the roadster issues ASAP, if yo are not already familiar. You will want to keep ALL EYES on top mechanisms that can go bad (currently no consistent fix once damage is done).

DeusExMaxima · 09-07-2021, 07:09 PM

I added a red GTR start button with red Nismo ring trim. Very cool.looking and brings a bit more red inside. I also removed the "370Z" badges off the rear to clean up the rear end.

In a spirited drive up the local mountain, I saw the oil temperature climb to 260 degrees. A big oil cooler will be in my future, due to hot local temperatures and Spirited drives either in canyons or at auto cross.

I noticed the AC seemed to be blowing a bit warm.I bought a can of R134a with the gauge on it. Then I proceeded to overcharge it. After letting some freon out the AX cools beautifully, even in 100 degree weather with top down. I bought some evaporator fin cleaner and sprayed it through the grill. I noticed that the bottom part of the condenser condenser has some flattened cooling fins. When I remove the bumper in the future, I can do several things. I will install and oil cooler and maybe an auto trans cooler, I will straighten the fins of the condenser, I will remove the headlights to paint the inside chrome trim, and I will add cooling ducts to the air boxes.

Regarding, intakes, I have been reading about CAI vs improving stock air boxes with drop ins and post MAF silicone tunes. It seems that the stock boxes with designed pretty well and are not a point of restriction. Is this true? It seems the arguments for CAI vs. Stock boxes never ends and people swear by both.

For exhaust, I'm still thinking OEM Nismo exhaust with H pipe replacing the Y pipe and HFCs.

I can't figure out how to post pics.

DeusExMaxima · 09-11-2021, 12:33 AM

Today I had the leather seat bolsters repaired. They needed dye and sealer so I had it done. They look new now.

Rodd · 09-13-2021, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeusExMaxima

Today I had the leather seat bolsters repaired. They needed dye and sealer so I had it done. They look new now.

Sounds great, I love my red Roadster and also thinking of bringing some red inside, so I should start with the red GTR button as well . Upload some pictures if you can. Just click the small paperclip icon and upload from there.
Cheers,

DeusExMaxima · 09-17-2021, 11:14 PM

I installed a carbon fiber steering wheel. It's from Vivid Racing and has white stitching. I may try to put a red stripe at the top. I'm not sure how it's done on carbon fiber...paint...vinyl?

DeusExMaxima · 09-21-2021, 10:06 PM

Installed vinyl red stripe decal on steering wheel. Hopefully it lasts.

DeusExMaxima · 10-22-2021, 09:38 PM

I have some parts coming in....a carbon fiber M45 shift knob and the H pipe and B (mid) pipe from a 370Z nismo. I may run it without the muffler, with stock muffler, or with rear resonators. I don't mind a bit more noise thsn stock, but not into the racket that some of these cars make. Also thinking of installing my gunmetal square set of 350Z Track rims. They look great and weigh 18.6 lbs. I'm not sure the offset will work with the 370z. Anyone try 350z rims on?

cv129 · 10-23-2021, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeusExMaxima

I Also thinking of installing my gunmetal square set of 350Z Track rims. They look great and weigh 18.6 lbs. I'm not sure the offset will work with the 370z. Anyone try 350z rims on?

See below.

350z nismo wheels on 370z?

Those are great wheels, too bad it’s a little narrow for z34. There was an OG member here using a widened (cut, widened, welded) version of those wheels on his track used Z34.

DeusExMaxima · 11-02-2021, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cv129

See below.

350z nismo wheels on 370z?

Those are great wheels, too bad it’s a little narrow for z34. There was an OG member here using a widened (cut, widened, welded) version of those wheels on his track used Z34.

Seems like spacers would work for offset. My Track edition wheels are a square set so the front would likely be ok. The rears would probably need about 20mm of offset.

I got my Nismo B pipe and h pipe installed, with no resonators. It is louder than expected but not bad. It only gets loud at higher RPMs and if you mash the gas pedal. The general consensus is that this gives about 9-10 hp and the other hp of the Nismo is due to a tune. I plan to do a YouTube video so you can hear the sound.

Red Voodoo · 11-03-2021, 02:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeusExMaxima

I also removed the "370Z" badges off the rear to clean up the rear end.

10 extra horsepower. Guaranteed!

DeusExMaxima · 11-05-2021, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Voodoo

10 extra horsepower. Guaranteed!

Mainly weight savings but a bit more aero.

DeusExMaxima · 11-05-2021, 08:38 PM

Carbon fiber M45 shift knob and custom suede shift boot.

DeusExMaxima · 12-01-2021, 01:44 PM

I installed a custom e brake a.k.a. hand brake handle as the OEM piece is plain. I had it made with carbon fiber to match the other cf bits, silver trim, and suede boot with lt grey stitching.

08-24-2021, 08:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
DeusExMaxima Base Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Southern California Posts: 80 Drives: 2010 red roadster Rep Power: 6720	Project: 2010 solid red roadster Hi everyone - I owned a highly modified 05 Maxima and most recently an 05 350Z roadster with all the 07-08 Nismo coupe bits on it - complete interior, exterior suspension, engine bracing, frame dampers (or is it dampeners?) etc. I sourced all OEM Nissan parts except the rear spoiler was a replica. Anyway, it has over 219,000, and is getting a bit "long in the tooth" so to speak. It runs beautifully, but a fender bender with an old lady who shouldn't be driving caused me to decide it was time for something newer. When I bought the car in 2014, I really wanted red but black was fine. Now, my mission was to find a red 370Z roadster. Initially, I wanted a 6 speed with Navi and sport packs. I determined the 7AT was faster, and had paddle shift, and that the sport pack had super heavy brake rotors (30 lbs each!!) and that the Navi was outdated. Sooooooo, after scouring the country, I found a nice little cream puff of a car 110 miles from home - a 2010 red roadster 7AT touring with 47K miles and in virtually perfect condition. Zero dents, a couple of little scratches on the tonneau cover, no rock chips (!!), some faded leather on driver seat left bolster and thats it. It smelled great too. The top had that last 5th bow issue but they all seem to have top problems. More on that later. All the fluids looked fresh, and air filters were clean. Tires have life left, top in great shape, headlights not faded. I want to drive it a bit before I jump into the modding. However, there were some obvious things to be done. I didn't have floor mats so I got some mats from theZstore in Orange, CA with matching red Z logo. Love em. Replaced the silly antenna with a 4 incher from Autozone that looks factory. I removed the front license (illegal here but ask me if I care...no i don't) and found some great hole plugs from Autozone. I also swapped the white license plate LEDs from my 350Z which look great, in place of the boring yellowish ones that were in the 370z. There are soooo many directions to go with the car but after some research, my initial thoughts are: Exterior: 2015+ Nismo bumpers front and rear, and side skirts maybe, smallish rear spoiler (not the duck tail), JDM tail lights, paint inside chrome of headlights, light tint for windows and clear for windshield to reduce UV sun rays. Interior: Red GTR start button, white interior LEDs and GTR clear lense covers and then option 1 - Nismo steering wheel, and M35/M45 AT shift knob or option 2 - Custom carbon fiber/leather steering wheel, carbon fiber shift knob, and a couple of carbon fiber bits like shifter surround and inner door handle areas. The stock radio seems fine but it needs a bluetooth plug in to the Aux to stream music from my phone. I want to have modern Navi and backup camera. The Garmin 65 is nice and big (6.8" ) and would fit in place of the silly compartment above the radio, with the addition of a Garmin back up camera. Performance: OEM Nismo exhaust with dual output Y pipe (increase in power but not much louder) or Stillen true dual, possibly a short ram intake, maybe lightweight pulleys. A tune would be good too. For rims, the factory 18s are light, but a set of 19s would be nicer, possibly 2015+ rims. I like the style of the Ferrari California turbo rims with the split spoke star pattern. Savini SV F3 or Ferrada F8-FR5 look similar. I want to get back in SCCA Solo II (Autocross) on an occasional weekend. I have a set of square 350Z Track edition rims I may use for this - super lightweight at under 19 lbs each. Any suggestions, thoughts, feedback would be appreciated. mmmm likes this.

08-24-2021, 10:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
Red Voodoo Base Member Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: NE Tennessee Age: 50 Posts: 141 Drives: a hard bargain! Rep Power: 6	I would recommend an oil cooler and oil pressure gauge if you're going to spend any time hanging out in the higher RPM's. Idk... You might be OK at auto-x events, but I understand that track days come with their limitations. I have 40k on the clock, so I'll probably be getting the transmission fluid changed out (the manufacturer indicates that the 7AT is maintenance free; I find that hard to believe). Maybe something to think about. So many options to add horsepower and torque, if you're into that kind of thing. Otherwise, I'd put my money towards suspension and brakes upgrades, especially if auto-x is an interest. I'm a novice compared to some others on this forum, so they will be of greater knowledge. __________________ 2010 QAB Zed Roadster \| Touring \| Sport \| Navigation K&N \| Z1 \| Swift \| Koni \| Eibach \| SPL \| SPC \| Ichiba \| Evo-R

08-25-2021, 09:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
ZontheRocks Track Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Central Florida Posts: 957 Drives: 2016 Nissan PW 370Z Rep Power: 34535	Glad you found a car you enjoy! Look into the roadster issues ASAP, if yo are not already familiar. You will want to keep ALL EYES on top mechanisms that can go bad (currently no consistent fix once damage is done). __________________ '16 Pearl White Sport \| Stillen Gen. 3 \| Motordyne ART \| Motordyne Shockwave \| ZSpeed \| Powertrix \| EVO-R \| Aeroworkz \| Nismo \| Z1 \| EcuTek \| Tuned by Seb @ SpecialtyZ

09-11-2021, 12:33 AM	#5 (permalink)
DeusExMaxima Base Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Southern California Posts: 80 Drives: 2010 red roadster Rep Power: 6720	Today I had the leather seat bolsters repaired. They needed dye and sealer so I had it done. They look new now. Rodd likes this.

10-22-2021, 09:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
DeusExMaxima Base Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Southern California Posts: 80 Drives: 2010 red roadster Rep Power: 6720	I have some parts coming in....a carbon fiber M45 shift knob and the H pipe and B (mid) pipe from a 370Z nismo. I may run it without the muffler, with stock muffler, or with rear resonators. I don't mind a bit more noise thsn stock, but not into the racket that some of these cars make. Also thinking of installing my gunmetal square set of 350Z Track rims. They look great and weigh 18.6 lbs. I'm not sure the offset will work with the 370z. Anyone try 350z rims on? cv129 likes this.

09-07-2021, 07:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
DeusExMaxima Base Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Southern California Posts: 80 Drives: 2010 red roadster Rep Power: 6720	I added a red GTR start button with red Nismo ring trim. Very cool.looking and brings a bit more red inside. I also removed the "370Z" badges off the rear to clean up the rear end. In a spirited drive up the local mountain, I saw the oil temperature climb to 260 degrees. A big oil cooler will be in my future, due to hot local temperatures and Spirited drives either in canyons or at auto cross. I noticed the AC seemed to be blowing a bit warm.I bought a can of R134a with the gauge on it. Then I proceeded to overcharge it. After letting some freon out the AX cools beautifully, even in 100 degree weather with top down. I bought some evaporator fin cleaner and sprayed it through the grill. I noticed that the bottom part of the condenser condenser has some flattened cooling fins. When I remove the bumper in the future, I can do several things. I will install and oil cooler and maybe an auto trans cooler, I will straighten the fins of the condenser, I will remove the headlights to paint the inside chrome trim, and I will add cooling ducts to the air boxes. Regarding, intakes, I have been reading about CAI vs improving stock air boxes with drop ins and post MAF silicone tunes. It seems that the stock boxes with designed pretty well and are not a point of restriction. Is this true? It seems the arguments for CAI vs. Stock boxes never ends and people swear by both. For exhaust, I'm still thinking OEM Nismo exhaust with H pipe replacing the Y pipe and HFCs. I can't figure out how to post pics.

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