SMOKEYV35

I had a Cobb accessport for my mazda MPS which allowed map switching, full control over all parameters and some cool features like flat foot shift and launch control.n Aside from the FFS and LC, the only maps I ever used were a 'valet' map which limited the car to 0psi boost and 4000rpm and 60km/h - used it once when I left the car at a panel shop. Also had a security map which you load on and it renders the car unstartable until you remove the map, great if you're going away on holidays. Even if they get the keys it won't start. Other than that I just had it set to the most aggressive tune based on my mods. On a V35 where a tune nets about 20rwkw gain at best, I can't foresee any circumstance where you would need to 'tone it down'. It's like the sport button, who ever actually switches that off??

You're right! They look identical the to the ones I had on my 1993 Lexus ls400. I knew I had seen them before. From memory they are also on a certain model corolla - cant remember which one. Edit: false alarm....they're not the same I checked.

This is all I can see......

Which video are you referring to?

Yeah - my plan was to buy a black 4.8is, big exhaust and number plates 'PANZER'..... The 4.6 is actually a stroked 540i motor hand built by Alpina, it is supposed to be as quick as the 4.8 with a much better sound track, but the parts are very expensive and applicable to that model only so you're guaranteeing yourself a bad time if things go wrong. Don't get me wrong, the 530 Msport was great, but as a daily driver, reliability issues were starting to concern me. Sold up and bought Jap again. Have yet to be let down by a jap car. Back OT!

Why don't you just go to Clark rubber and buy a sheet of suitable thickness high density foam or rubber, a steady hand and a craft knife would get you around the mystery?

E53 x5's have their issues. Cooling system mostly, but same problems that plaque the e39 5series as a rule. The V8s are howlers but they will do around 20L/100km round town and on top of the cooling woes get issues with oil leaks in cam covers and valleys, plus timing chain issues. Steer clear of the straight 6 - although a good motor, underpowered for a car of this size and will net you similar economy to the v8 anyway. If my e39 530i msport felt slow, I imagine the same engine in a car this size would be dismal. The diesels are the pick, and do about 9l/100km, but as with any diesel, any repairs when they do have to happen will not be cheap. Add a euro price tag and it can be rather daunting. Still, a 4.8is is on my bucket list. Nearly bought one before this car, went as far as getting an LPG kit quoted up ($5k for vapour injection and hidden tank) G

And smash a $1200 front bar into the concrete until something gives? Unless you measure 'manliness' by the ability to break things, then I dunno how that would 'manning up'? Not really constructive input but thanks for dropping by.

Where are you purchasing from, Jason? I am keen on a stillen box

Your point? Anyone can drive in to the garage and wind their coilovers down til the threads run out, but if you can't get the car back out of the driveway, what's the point?

For a full FBSS kit with self levelling (required to be legal) and signed off by an engineer, burning customs or tubular suspensions will quote you around 8k depending on options. There are universal kits that require cutting and welding of struts, running air lines into the cabin (vs electronic valves)etc, but it's a big job and ultimately you get what you pay for. I used to spend a lot of time on VIPstylecars forum when I was into that scene, and planned to bag my ls400. The ksport kits, surprisingly, have an ok rep. But most people end up putting better compressors on, upping the line size and going to electronic management, so you could maybe get away with for 5k......if you install yourself, and it won't be roadworthy.

I would almost double that.

Thanks Terry, i might experiment with a bit of wood first, see if that sort of solution would work for me. Would be a good 'inoffensive' addition to the street scape though.

I've got one of those rubber lips, not fitted yet - how do they stand up to the scrapes? do they start looking ratty after a bit? if it was my house i'd reconcrete it, or at the very least drill a ramp on. But......I can't. I might have to ghetto rig some boards up and just slot them under when I go in and out.......and start whoring myself to afford a cup kit.

That looks like a better size than the ones I have found, where did you get that from Terry? And cost?

I'll take a pic of the driveway and you'll understand why that won't work.......well, not without being noticeable.

That's what I'm talkin about! Good idea. Where can i get that stuff from (and don't say my local playground haha). Clark Rubber maybe? Alex, those things you posted are from a company called Bridgit - they cost like 300USD for a section and weigh 100kgs, imagine the postage! Good suggestion though. Maybe you can check out your neighbors to see if it has a brand?? Might be a local supplier??

Yeh intake in theory are a great idea but in practice amount to little more than extra induction noise and something to look at when you open the bonnet (to impress your mates and cops). I've got the JWT pop charger and a carbon fibre Z-tube - it sounds mental, but I have noticed with these consistently hot summer temps and 99% of my driving being in stop/start traffic that my fuel economy has dropped off massively. Getting around 380km's to a tank where I used to get 450km (probably some A/C partly responsible). I am sure it's because of the heat soaked engine bay, and the hot air that the pod filter drawn in is causing the car to run super rich. I know it's the case because my car sounds like a V8 supercar on overrun.....popping and cackling on decelleration. Anyway, i think best is a Z-tube and bolt it up to the stock airbox with a nice high flowing panel filter - not an oiled type. By running the Z-tube you'll give the air a cleaner path, and eliminate the resonator box which will give you some more induction noise. The airbox will keep the heat out. The nicer panel filter will probably replace a dirty existing one and let it breathe. If you want the show-off factor and simply must be parted with your money, buy the Stillen or ARC boxed setup.

Far as I can see your options are 1) keep driving on it, clock up the 1000km's using the bedding in technique - see if it stops. 2) if that doesn't work, drain fluid, replace with recommended CVT fluid - see if it stops 3) if that doesn't work - drain fluid again, keep it in a container. Drop box and investigate - see if it stops. 4) if that doesn't work - clutch dump time*. Got a video of me doing a 1st to 2nd* gear burnout if you want guidance. *SMOKEYV35 does not recommend or condone these activities in real life.

that's probably a fair approach. I'll just play dumb if someone complains. Those metal sheets are not cheap though - $100's of dollars - and the last time i 'obtained' one I nearly broke my back trying to lift it onto the back of Hilux - they weigh a metric tonne! Anyone have one laying around or know where I can get one on the cheaps?

Heres the link to the Phantom Cup Kit group buy. http://g35driver.com/forums/suspension-vendor/422096-phantom-air-cup-kit-suspension-now-offered-statik-performance.html The vids of it in action are pretty impressive, nearly 6-inches of lift....couldn't help send him an email to see what it would cost to get a kit to Australia.

Sh1t yerrrr! Seriously though - can anyone think of something lightweight and temporary to throw down that will hold the weight of a car.

that would rank a distant place in terms of options, slightly in front of selling up and buying a 4WD. In order to overcome the obstacle I'd probably have to raise it higher than stock.

Yer, i really don't want to leave it on the street overnight. I have had two cars keyed in the past and it's heartbreaking not to mention expensive. I have seen some 'loading ramps' made from lightweight aluminum that are used to load mini excavators/bobcats etc onto trucks - but they are about $400.....bit exxy. The other idea I had was to get one of those plastic speed humps you see in car parks - i reckon if i put it in just the right place it might help 'hop' the front bar over that part of the drainage dip. They cost about $70 - and I could probably get that past the council as it's not a trip hazard.

I'd love to - I've seen someone has recently released G35 cup kits for about 2k undelivered. But maybe I should have been more specific and said i need a 'practical and affordable solution'