My Ride

[2JZNOSHT]

Hey guys ive been on here for a while now but havent really introduced myself. My names Dave and i live in Perth. I bought my Aristo back in July 2006 but didnt have everything sorted or have it on the road until Nov 2006. Anyway ive had it for a few months now and everything is going really well. Below ive listed mods and put some pics up too (was used as a wedding car for a mate).

Mods:

Full custom Cypher Industries twin system exhaust with twin cannons on the rear

HSD "HR" Height and Damper adjustable coilovers

Greddy Profec B Spec II Electronics Boost Controller

Greddy Turbo Timer

HKS Intake Pipe

HKS Air Filter

Nardi Leather Steering Wheel

Workmeister Trafficstar 19" Rims (9.5" front, 10.5" rear)

Planned mods:

Microtech ECU

Bosch HEC105 External Ignition Coils

[christodav]

Great looking ride man!

I am considering those HSD coilovers. What is your opinion of them? Did you experience the standard struts before they were installed? Difference?

Chris

[2JZNOSHT]

Hi Chris, thanks mate.

When the car came over it had the original struts in but springs had been changed to aftermarket ones (not sure what). The original shocks were completely stuffed so i didnt really get an idea of how a standard Aristo "should" drive and handle. But now that ive had these HSD Coilovers in for a while now im very impressed. They ride very well almost like standard even when very low like mine. The damper adjustment also allows alot more tuning to get the suspension to respond just the way you want.

I highly recommend them and the guys at Otomoto are great to deal with. Ill also be looking into the KKR cooler they supply very soon!

[Tones]

Very nice aristo dude!

couple of questions, whats the noise level of the exhaust system? im looking at changing but really dont want something to loud and annoying as my rx7 more than takes care of that :P

also how come your thinking of the microtech? im thinking about the haltech because it has the ability to control the vvti alot easier.

and last one is who did your suspension install? been to wilkinsons for some springs and they want one of my struts for a week to custom make something, so it looks like its the hsd coilies for me now...

will have to catch up on a cruise sometime in perth.

[christodav]

Tones,

With all due respect. VVTI? The JZS147 2JZ-GTE engine does not have vvti. Not untill the 2nd Gen Aristo which we can't import under SEVS. You are getting mixed p with something else.

Chris

[2JZNOSHT]

Chris is right... The JZS147 never came out with the VVTi engine.

Tones, when i was thinkin of gettin my exhaust i went through the same thoughts... I wanted it to perform and give the flow i needed but without some of the nasty "throaty" noise ive heard on a lot of supras. So i spoke with my workshop about it and they came up with a really good system. Sounds nice and deep and loud on the gas but at idle and just cruising around its perfect. I recently went for a drive down south and you hardly notice it when cruising around 110km/h.

The biggest reason im going for a Microtech is that i used one in my last car (R32 Skyline) and i loved it. Gave me all the control i needed to fine tune the engine. Plus they are accurate and reliable! Ive again spoken with my workshop and they know a way to piggy-back it with the standard computer so that the standard computer will still run the auto gearbox.

Just as a side note, if any of you are looking at the Greddy E-Manage Ultimate full plug and play computer with JZS147 adaptor harness I have one for sale... I originally bought it late last year as i was going to use it because i thought a Microtech wouldnt work. But now i know it will so thats what im going for. There is nothing wrong with it its brand new with a few months warranty still left. Let me know if you are interested.

Dont bother with custom springs etc. because the price you will pay for them will be double the price of normal aftermarket ones so you may as well just buy coilovers straight up. I did the suspension install myself, its quite an easy job if youve done suspension before. Ive been working on cars all my life so pretty easy for me. Ive now had the suspension in and out of the Aristo about 4 times! Im gettin quick at it now.

Hope this all helps...

[christodav]

I did the suspension install myself, its quite an easy job if youve done suspension before. Ive been working on cars all my life so pretty easy for me. Ive now had the suspension in and out of the Aristo about 4 times! Im gettin quick at it now.

Given that I am reasonably good with a spanner and my old man is my mentor, I think I could install the coilovers myself as well. The olny issue I fear is the fact that I don't have a hoist so it would be one corner at a time. Am I correct in saying that this would also be a pain in the butt in terms of adjustment?

How long did it take you the first time? I am just considering taking it somewhere and getting them to do it.

Chris

[2JZNOSHT]

Yeh im lucky in that my workshop allows me to use their hoist when i need to. The first time i did it i probably spent 3-4 hours doing it. But now i can pretty much swap suspension over in about 1 to 1.5 hours (using a hoist!).

Few things to keep in mind:

Front suspension: Take care not to damage brake and abs lines. The abs lines can be unbolted and shifted to the side to avoid any chance of damage.

Rear suspension: On either the left or right hand side, undo the sway bar link. This allows more movement of the hub up and down to get struts in and out easier.

That should help you out!

[Tones]

Yeah, sorry guys about the vvti thing. still pretty new to this whole pistons buisness. been into rotaries for a long time now haha..

2JZNOSHT: Found out today that to get some pedders springs and shocks would cost me $1700 installed.... i couldnt beleive it. think i might just go the coilovers.

[christodav]

Tones,

I have been looking around too and I am convinced that the HSD coilovers are the best value for money.

Chris