I've had a few modified cars since passing my test but never documented what's been done to them and whilst I'm not a skilled photographer and eloquence is definitely not my strong point, I figure I'd give it a go. So here goes. . .
Friday 13th July 2018 I took the plunge and bought my GTR. I traded in a W204 C63 for it and whilst the AMG was a great car I never really felt like I bonded with it. M156 engine is a masterpiece and sounded great but it kind of felt like you sat on it rather than in it and couldn't hide it weight when pressing on. It was also difficult to tinker with; opposite 'problem' with the GTR as you're spoiled for choice in regards to parts.
Here it was after getting it home:
It was left standard (come with a Miltek Y-pipe from Nissan) for a good few months whilst I got used to how it drove only adding a couple of little things. Import racing BMCS, bonnet dampers, Forge header tank, 316 undertray hardware and I added some sound deadening. It didn't really need the deadening but I had the stuff and I quite enjoy doing it so went for it regardless.
It made more of a difference than I thought it would. Covered the door skins and added some 10mm closed cell foam behind the door cards too. The boot is still to be done but that's the easiest bit to do.
Fast forward a few months to March 2019 and I managed to pick up a LM Superstock intercooler for a decent price. Fitted it in a few hours on the drive without any drama. Two people needed to remove the bumper without damaging the front wings but it's a simple job for anyone thinking about giving it a go themselves.
April road trip through the highlands
Fast forward to June 2019 and it was due a service. I did the man maths and figured it'd be more cost effective to have it tuned at the same time as the service (because reasons...) so, I did.
I called a few places in the UK and the best feeling I got was from ACSpeedtech. Andy had plenty of time to answer my many questions and didn't try and go for the hard sell so I went for it.
It got it's service and I had a few parts fitted:
ACS intakes with K&N filters
Speed density kit
LM AT Power 72mm throttle bodies
Asnu 1050cc injectors
And Ecutek v7 tune.
I decided against dowpipes at this time because I didn't want the noise, smell or MOT hassle and at this point of tune not needed.
Runs 1.35 bar boost and around 630/640 bhp if I recall correctly. It's pretty quick.
August 15th was my first ever track night with the GTR. Good group of guys, mostly friends of friends, were all spot on and it was mostly fast BMWs with a couple of Mclarens, 911 Turbo and some more track focused cars.
The Datsun performed flawlessly. It got pretty hot quickly but I kept an eye on the temps and come in after a cool down lap each time the temps started to creep up high and the brakes didn't last as long as I thought they would before fading. I kind of feel I missed a trick because I never timed any of my laps! The guys there were lap time daft but It never even crossed my mind I was just enjoying the car and getting used to how it was on track. It was a great night and it even managed a solid 6mpg :-D
A few days later whilst washing the car I found lumps of Dunlop stuck to the wheels. Must've got a good amount of heat into them:
September/October 2019 I bought some more parts.
Fitted a 90mm GTC exhaust in September which was totally unnecessary but sounds nice and will be required later if (when) I decide to go for more power. Again, a really simple job to do yourself on the drive.
Friday 13th July 2018 I took the plunge and bought my GTR. I traded in a W204 C63 for it and whilst the AMG was a great car I never really felt like I bonded with it. M156 engine is a masterpiece and sounded great but it kind of felt like you sat on it rather than in it and couldn't hide it weight when pressing on. It was also difficult to tinker with; opposite 'problem' with the GTR as you're spoiled for choice in regards to parts.
Here it was after getting it home:
It was left standard (come with a Miltek Y-pipe from Nissan) for a good few months whilst I got used to how it drove only adding a couple of little things. Import racing BMCS, bonnet dampers, Forge header tank, 316 undertray hardware and I added some sound deadening. It didn't really need the deadening but I had the stuff and I quite enjoy doing it so went for it regardless.
It made more of a difference than I thought it would. Covered the door skins and added some 10mm closed cell foam behind the door cards too. The boot is still to be done but that's the easiest bit to do.
Fast forward a few months to March 2019 and I managed to pick up a LM Superstock intercooler for a decent price. Fitted it in a few hours on the drive without any drama. Two people needed to remove the bumper without damaging the front wings but it's a simple job for anyone thinking about giving it a go themselves.
April road trip through the highlands
Fast forward to June 2019 and it was due a service. I did the man maths and figured it'd be more cost effective to have it tuned at the same time as the service (because reasons...) so, I did.
I called a few places in the UK and the best feeling I got was from ACSpeedtech. Andy had plenty of time to answer my many questions and didn't try and go for the hard sell so I went for it.
It got it's service and I had a few parts fitted:
ACS intakes with K&N filters
Speed density kit
LM AT Power 72mm throttle bodies
Asnu 1050cc injectors
And Ecutek v7 tune.
I decided against dowpipes at this time because I didn't want the noise, smell or MOT hassle and at this point of tune not needed.
Runs 1.35 bar boost and around 630/640 bhp if I recall correctly. It's pretty quick.
August 15th was my first ever track night with the GTR. Good group of guys, mostly friends of friends, were all spot on and it was mostly fast BMWs with a couple of Mclarens, 911 Turbo and some more track focused cars.
The Datsun performed flawlessly. It got pretty hot quickly but I kept an eye on the temps and come in after a cool down lap each time the temps started to creep up high and the brakes didn't last as long as I thought they would before fading. I kind of feel I missed a trick because I never timed any of my laps! The guys there were lap time daft but It never even crossed my mind I was just enjoying the car and getting used to how it was on track. It was a great night and it even managed a solid 6mpg :-D
A few days later whilst washing the car I found lumps of Dunlop stuck to the wheels. Must've got a good amount of heat into them:
September/October 2019 I bought some more parts.
Fitted a 90mm GTC exhaust in September which was totally unnecessary but sounds nice and will be required later if (when) I decide to go for more power. Again, a really simple job to do yourself on the drive.