Old Lady to Young Lady Part 12

I was assigned for an outstation work trip down the south of my country. The trip would be around 250 km, one way and usually takes around 3.5 hours. I decided to drive my Nissan Fairlady Z and test how it would serve me on a long-distance trip. Actually, this would not be the first long-distance trip because I bought the car from the most northern point of the country but it was in terrible shape. So, this time it would be a proper test. I had some fun traveling south and learned several things. I found out that with its high weight, the 350Z's have a cruising speed of 190 km/h. Also, the acceleration of the Naturally Aspirated, V6 engine is very linear and easy to be done. I had a few cars tailgating me and I did not even have to downshift. I could accelerate easily in the sixth gear to get away from them. It was overall an exciting experience and the 350Z is a really nice and fast car to drive. I even reached the speed of 2However, it was very tiring in the Nismo sports seat on a trip like this.

 On the way back to my home, I had an issue with the 350Z. Out of a sudden, I heard a loud thunk and my exhaust note sounds weird. I quickly stopped at a petrol station and looked under but I could not see anything. When I start my engine, it sounded different too. I immediately called my workshop, Redsun and asked if they were available. I was already near my home, so I might as well visit to have my 350Z checked. When I arrived, the mechanic checked thoroughly with a flashlight and found the problem. It was one of the downpipes that broke, causing an incomplete path for the exhaust gas. The right way should be exhaust manifold, downpipe, mid-pipe, and muffler but now the gas comes out from the manifold. Half the gas flows all the way to the muffler at the end but the other half flows out in the engine bay. The owner of Redsun said I was lucky because the downpipe was still intact with mid-pipe and not fallen out of the car. There I was worried how much a new downpipe would cost me but it was just an easy fix.

As you can see from the photos above, the downpipe had a flange on each end. The flange that was supposed to connect to the manifold broke and still attached to the manifold end. Meanwhile, the flange to connect the mid-pipe is still fine. All there is to be done is to weld the broken flange back to the downpipe and it will be finished. I had the honor of the owner, himself welding for my 350Z. Luckily, he did not charge a premium price for his involvement. The gasket had to be replaced as well from a burn. In the end, it cost me little and everything was back to normal. I had a scare but I was glad everything was solved easily. Thank you, Redsun for saving my wallet and 350Z.

Ridiculous Prices

One day, my friend showed me 2 cars on his phone and asked for my opinion on those. One was a Lexus CT200H and another one, I have forgotten. Judging from the way he drives (which is like a demon), I do not think those suited him at all. Then he told me, it is actually for his girlfriend/fiance. When I was out with them, she told me she wants a car that has a not too big engine that produces 200 horsepower and cheap to maintain. I was surprised by her requirement because she was so specific and knows about cars. Normally, 200 hp can be easily produced by a turbo engine but she specifically said no turbo cars because those are noisy and I suspect my friend was behind this idea. After thinking hard, I suggested them to look for either a Toyota 86 or a Subaru BRZ. The exterior is modern and sporty, it has a 2 liter engine (low road tax), rear wheel drive, could be maintained like your regular car and comes in automatic transmission for the ladies. Since both manual and automatic transmission have 6 gears, the difference is not too big. All these combination means its attractive to both my friend's fiance and on the weekends, he could bring it out for a wild drive. It also helps that the 86 and BRZ are relatively cheap for a sports car, which is good for my friend's wallet. So, my friend, being lazy, asked me to look for one.

While driving, I did noticed a few places with nice JDM sports car for sale and I went to take a look. At one place there was a Honda S2000. First, a little information on the S2000 in Malaysia. The market price for a used unit starts from Rm 145,000 cash. It is expensive due to being extremely rare to find one for sale and those here are mostly the pre-facelift, AP1 models. The one that I saw is a white, AP1 with Amuse GT1 Full Wide Body Kit, J's Racing carbon hood, a hard top, Rays Volk rims and a GT wing. It also has both the facelift AP2's, front and rear lamps. I think the suspension and exhaust system are modded as well. The list of mods will definitely increase the price of this S2000 and it is sold at RM 178,000. Although the S2000 has a legendary engine that revs up to 9000 rpm, I absolutely think that the selling price is ridiculous. Not even with all the above mods, especially the wide body kit, do I think it is worth it. Only the rich could cough up this amount of cash but I think they would rather buy something more luxurious. Regular JDM enthusiasts like me, could only dream of driving and if ever so lucky, to be able to afford a S2000.

Amuse GT1 Full Wide Body Kit

Super Long and Super Low Nose

On the same day, I went to another place where I spotted 2 JDMs. The first one was a Subaru WRX STI Version 10. Many people did not know that the version 10 came in 2 manual and 1 automatic variants. First, there is a JDM version that has a 2 liter engine with a twin scroll Turbo and only comes in 6 speed manual. Then, there is a version that has a 2.5 liter engine with a single scroll Turbo instead. These 2.5 liter models came in either a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed automatic transmission. Surprisingly, both engines make the same amount of horsepower but I heard the 2.5 liter engine causes a lot of trouble. Besides, the different engines, the JDM models gets more equipment. The one I saw was a white, pre-facelift, non-widebody unit, with automatic transmission. This particular one lacks Recaro seats and Brembo Brakes (Front 4 pot & Rear 2 pot), which is something I would want in my car. It was selling at RM 110,000 and to me that is a cheap price for a fun, turbo, AWD car. However, I prefer the sedan version and hope to buy one in the future if prices goes down.

Beautiful multi-spoke Rims

At a distance, I saw a FD2, Honda Civic Type R, parked behind. When it was launched in 2008, it caught the attention of JDM enthusiasts, especially the Honda fanboys. It is a front wheel driven (FWD) sports car with the legendary K20A engine and a 6 speed manual transmission like most previous Type R models (EP3, DC5). As it combines a 4 door sedan with Honda Racing tech for the first time, it became popular even until today. It provides convenience (big boot and rear seats) and a sporty drive in one package. That is why the market price for a used FD2R is not only high but also very stable over the years. It is also the last model to feature a Naturally Aspirated, VTEC engine because the later Civic Type Rs adopted a turbocharged engine instead. All these solidifies its selling price starting from RM 110,000. In my opinion, this is overpriced because it has a similar price to the above mentioned WRX STI. Although, the FD2R is fairly quick for a FWD and comes with equipment such as Brembo Brakes and Recaro seats, it certainly is not a WRX STI. If both prices are the same and I have to choose, the FD2R will not be my choice. It might be a tad bit ridiculous to choose 225 hp over 300 hp.

Lastly, I went to another car dealership to look at what my friend was looking for, the Toyota 86/ Subaru BRZ. When I arrived, I felt I came to the right place because there were around 5 units available. This place however, sells unregistered or reconditioned cars that are imported from Japan and mostly in stock condition. The unit that caught my eye was a red one from the photo below. At first glance, it looked like a Toyota 86 because of the 86 front bumper but I noticed the emblem was Subaru. When I looked closer, the headlights was different than the white 86 next to it. Then, I entered the red one and was greeted by the interior of a BRZ. It was a manual variant and had a lot of red bits here and there. As 7 out of 10 86/BRZ in Malaysia have automatic transmission, you could imagine how a manual variant is a nice find for me. The price range for a unregistered unit is around RM 120,000 to RM 160,000, depending on the manufactured year and if it has some mod. This price range is out of my friend's budget of below RM 110,000 and I advised him to get a used unit instead. After viewing all these different cars, I felt I would pick the WRX STI over the 86/BRZ anyday. The WRX STI is cheaper to buy and have the same road tax but is more convenient (4 doors > 2 doors) and is more powerful with its turbo and AWD. The only downside is the different in age. 

Old Lady to Young Lady Part 11

I have been having difficulty with my Nissan Fairlady Z's car alarm system. There is a security measure where I have to step on the clutch pedal and turn the key when I want to start the engine. Sometimes, I could not start the car even though I stepped on the clutch. This results in me having to open and close the door, and lock and unlock the car multiple times until it starts up. Other times, the remote control just would not work, no matter how many times I pressed the button. One fine day as I was trying to get inside the 350Z to go to work, the door would not open. I pressed the remote many times but the door handle was still lock. I figured it must have been the alarm system but when I went to the passenger side, the door was opened. I climbed in from the left side and opened the driver side door from the inside and it worked. The outside door handle must be broken. Thus, for the next few days, I had to go in through the passenger side and stick the key inside the ignition and roll down the driver side window. Then enter from the driver side by opening the door from the inside.

At first I was not in a hurry to fix this problem but then I was told I had to travel to another state for work. This seems like a good opportunity to take my 350Z out for a spin and enjoy the long highway (around 600 km round trip) but I would have to fix my 350Z. So, I have to replace the door handle quick. I contacted both Redsun Motorsport and a parts seller that specialize in 350Z parts to get an estimate. Lucky for me, the seller has a used one in stock. After consulting with Redsun on the price from this seller, I went ahead to visit the seller. The drive itself was 30 minutes but it took less than 10 minutes to replace the handle. There is a hook-like plastic component inside the handle that broke and you have to change the whole handle as that part could not be repaired. Redsun told me I should be careful with the handle and from now on I will only hold the door instead of the handle after I pull it. I was surprised that such an important part is made of plastic and could easily broken. Nissan should have designed this better.

Original with the broken part

New (used) Handle

After the handle problem was done, I was in a good mood and I remember that there was a bit more I need to do before the work trip. There is a car accessories shop near my office and I decided to drop by. This particular shop just opened few months ago and I have been wanting to visit. One important thing that I need to change is the wiper, in case it rains. The original one was a bit short and the rubber had came out. I am going to buy a longer one so that it could wipe more area. While I was waiting, I thought of something that is needed to be done on my 350Z. The previous owner wnet and chopped of the radio antenna that was sticking out from the rear fender. That is why I could not get any radio reception. Another thing is my fogged up right headlamp. I decided to ask the cost to defog my headlamp and install an indoor radio antenna. It was cheap and I went ahead and got all of the above done. The indoor antenna is just a small bar, the size of a long ruler and the guy had to remove the center console and join the wiring to the touch screen. I wanted to stick the antenna where the rear view mirror was but wiring was not long enough. So, it is now by the A pillar, stuck on the windscreen.

New Wipers

Wiper Brand

Left: Radio Antenna on Rear Fender, Right: Missing Radio Antenna (Mine)

Location of Indoor Radio Antenna

Removing of Center Console

As for the headlamp, there are a few processes. First, the perimeter of the headlamp is secured with masking tape. Then, the surface of the headlamp undergoes some wet sanding down with 3 different grades of sandpaper. Lastly, with some smoke producing contraption, the surface of the headlamp is coated with the smoke. Just like magic, the fog lifts up immediately. Clearing the surface and returning the headlamp to its clear glory. My headlamps are finally matching now. The best part is the total cost to install the antenna, defog the headlamp and new wipers are just a little above half of the cost of replacing the door handle. So much done but at a fraction of the price. That is what I call worth it. I definitely like the service and price at this accessories shop. I might come again for other installation like a new alarm system and the gear shift indicator I bought a year ago. 

Old Lady to Young Lady Part 10

It has been one year and two months since my ownership of a Nissan Fairlady Z began. When I bought the 350Z, it is a 15 year old car and to me, it is important to have it running and performing as it should when new. So, I had a plan to rebuild the 350Z, where the first year will be focused mainly on the mechanical and performance side. The next year will be focused on the exterior looks and hopefully, focus on the interior during the third year. After spending a lot of money and some time last year in Redsun Motorsport, I can say that most of the problems that occurred are now solved. I am glad that it is in good running health and this year, I can now focus on the exterior as planned. I have been planning what I would do to the 350Z in terms of looks since last year. Firstly, the whole body kit (including front and rear bumpers, side skirts and spoiler) will be changed. Then, a change of color with new coats of paint and lastly, the rims will be changed. I already have a particular set of body kit that I like but not for the rims. I want a rim design with many spokes and in gunmetal color but it is difficult to find the right width and offset that suits the 350Z. I would find the right design but the wrong size and vice versa while searching online.

Rays GT30 rims Refurbished

Initially, I wanted to get the rims after I have done the body kit and change of color but things did not go according to my plan. I was searching online and found a set of rims with the right size and the design was acceptable with many spokes.  I sent a text message to the seller and was surprised that this was my friend. We started to talk about whether the rims would fit my 350Z and what can he do for me on the price. He gave me a discount and said he will send the rims to have it refurbished at my expenses. I told him I would consider but then the clutch pump incident happened. I called him, telling him I spent some money on the repair and could not buy the rims for the time being. He told me he already sent the rims to refurbish and I knew I have no choice but to go on with the deal. After a month, I was told the rims were done. I head over to the tyre shop on a Saturday after work and I brought a set of Rays wheel nuts that I bought some time ago. The old nuts were mostly rusty and of a smaller size, which requires a special adapter to unlock the nuts. The Rays nuts come with 4 pieces of special lock nuts but I received only had 19 pieces from the factory and the seller told me he would claim one piece for me. So, I thought why not just use 19 pieces and 1 old one just temporarily until I receive the other one.

Left: Installed new rims without wheel cap. Right: Rays Dura-Nuts (Missing One from Beginning)

When I first saw the rims, I was wowed by what a great job the shop did to refurbish the rims. The chrome outer lip was polished until shining and the spokes were painted. This is a big contrast from the original set of rims where the chrome lip was dull and paint on the spokes look less shiny. It took a few hours to remove the original GT-S rims, remove the tyres from the rim, install tyres on the new GT30 rims and install the new rim. I have to admit, I was nervous on how my 350Z would look like with the new rims. There are some similarities between these 2 sets of rims. Both sets are of the same brand, RAYS, both are a three-piece design with chrome outer lip and both have similar colored spokes. The only different is the amount of spokes but later on, I found out that the offset for the front is different for these 2 sets. While the original rims could clear the front Brembo calipers, the new rims could not and have to use a 5 mm spacer. Next, I realized that the GT30 rims do not have wheel caps. I asked the tyre shop to remove the wheel caps on the GT-S, so I could put those on later. The end result I would say, was spectacular. Just a minor change and I could feel the sportiness of the 350Z has increased. The Ray wheel nuts complements the rims very much. Now my challenge is to sell of the old rims and hopefully spend that money on body kits. It is not easy to sell rims with this size and offset.  

One of the Wheel Caps that required work to install it. 

Original - Rays GT-S rims

New - Rays GT30 rims

Old Lady to Young Lady Part 9

After the last visit to Redsun, I now know the cause of my Nissan Fairlady Z's left headlamp's problem.  The headlamp unit had water seeping in and caused the ballast and ballast cable to short circuit. I asked Redsun to search for the parts but at the same time I will be searching online. I started looking on an online trade website and managed to find a seller for the headlamp. Since the condition of the unit is not good, I might as well change the unit as well. I met the seller and was surprised that I was getting 2 left headlamps for the price of 1 and at a cheap price. One of the headlamp was perfect, had all the bulbs but ballast was missing and had some signs of old age. The other one could not be used because the housing was ripped. A few days later I found someone selling used ballast with ballast cable at a cheap price. I bought it and brought everything to Redsun to have those fixed. At the end of the day, the price for all the parts I bought is only 10% more than what Redsun was going to charge me for just the ballast. I would say I did pretty good and had a steal on the price.
It took around 1 and a half hours to remove part of the front bumper and install the left headlamp.

2 for 1 - Left: One with ripped housing, Right: Perfect replacement.

                             Perfect (Front) - No chip, No crack                                Perfect (Back) - Ballast missing

Used Ballast with ballast cable

On another note, right from the start of my ownership, I noticed that the headlamp is quite dimmed when the lights are on at night. I was told that the pre-facelift models' HID light is not bright enough.
I wanted to change to the facelift ones but now I know it was because of the tinting on my headlamps. So, I asked Redsun to remove the tinting from my right headlamp, that was done by the previous owner. However, by removing the tinting, there is a sticky residue from the adhesive that causes the headlamp to blur. The mechanic then rubbed some brake fluid and it started to clear a little but it went bad when he changed to car polish instead. I do not have the time to send the 350Z to have its headlamp polished. I will just have to drive it as it is, temporarily. Now, it looks bad during the day but at least both headlamps work well at night and it is brighter now without the tinting. I won't be mistaken for a motorbike when I tailgate someone. Next thing I should do is have someone look at the headlight and polish it so it could be clear.

Just removed tinting and rubbed with brake fluid

After brake fluid and car polish

On another note, if you remember, previously I bought a petrol cap that I have yet to install. I finally had the time for some D.I.Y. and got it installed. It was not an important repair but it was an eyesore. Every time I pump petrol, I had to find somewhere to put the petrol cap, which is annoying. This task only required an Allen key wrench and 5 minutes to remove the metal plate. At first it looks difficult because the C-shape opening is behind the flipping mechanism. So, the petrol cover has to be loosen as well. It is much better to the eye and more convenient now. I am satisfied. Not every repair or mod has to cost a lot to be a good mod.

Old 

New

Left: Broken cable, Right: With cable