Author Archives: Justin Fox

Big update today: Last night I read the fitting instructions for the Motordyne Plenum spacer which strongly suggested to work on a cool engine as hot engines do funny things to aluminium. Since the bolt tensioning is such a major factor in installing the spacer correctly I packed the car up with all the tools I’d need for the install and parked the car in my Mums garage overnight.

Today, despite a huge hangover (Jamie and Richie came around last night, much wine, Jeff Buckley DVD + Richie and I had a 2 hour Jam session too) I got to work on it:

Hood liner, interesting huh? The engine’s behind the front axle for better balance but I wouldn’t call it in the middle.

This is used all over the engine bay, again, interesting.

Spacer installed. I’ve seen a lot of installation pictures online and most people have a lot of dirty gunk in here but mine was squeeky clean which makes me feel good that the low km’s the car has done are most likely genuine.

I went for the thinner 5/16 kit which is geared towards low down and mid range and said to gain 11HP-13HP (1HP less than the thicker 1/2″ spacer).

Washers and longer bolts. The kit was impressive. Came with everything and then some (even spacers for your strut brace to clear the engine cover). New bolts, washers, loctite, you name it.

The instructions were clear. I used a torque wrench to do it right (you can get this Kingchrome one from Bunnings for $70-ish). The diagram shows the order in which I had to tighten everything up. First 40 in/lb then again at 80 then a few select bolts at 100 in/lb.

I also replaced the panel filter:

The old one (left) looks aftermarket? I’m not sure, looks pretty damn good to me construction wise. It’s clean too. The K&N’s rubber frame was a lot softer though and I’m sure it would get a better seal because of it.

You can see the panel filter. The “Power Duct” writing feels pretty aftermarket for an OEM intake!

I test drove the car and instantly felt a difference in response and noise too. A lot of people said they lost power initially until their ECU adjusted (automatically), not the case for me. There’s more growl, it’s not that loud but it’s there and there’s more response everywhere. It’s awesome.

I was going past the beach and I got whistled at by my mail guy who had a parcel for me (he knows me well as I get so many things from eBay!). So funny getting a parcel right on the main beach road in front of people at the cafe (lol). It was my Z-Tube intake pipe!

Restrictive pipe top, 350Z tube bottom.

Fitment was 1000000% perfect and the extra sound is nuts! I love it.

I also got a letter from the RTA saying my plates were ready (so many things today!) so I braved the fucked up crazy queue (thank God for iPhone/internet access) and picked them up.

Junction Produce plate bolts.

Rear. How nice are those tips, again, stock. This car is so good stock!

Front. I’d love to modify the plate holders both front and back, might do that later.

Massive waves down the road today. I love living in Maroubra, so awesome.

I’ve spent the last couple of days putting together a quick little portfolio/launch pad using Stacey, a simple folder based content management system developed by Anthony Kolber.

I spent more time on the about page which reads more like a CV, that was a lot of fun.

I’ve uploaded it to my justinfox URL. You can check it out here.

The launch of the new Australian INfront inspired me to check out some of the old peeps which used to inspire me back in the day. One of the first artists I thought I’d google was “Merda”. I’ve always been a huge fan of Jay’s work and on launching his site (which I haven’t visited in over 5 years) I saw that he had just released a new skate deck. Excited I literally hit the shop and bought one on the spot to add to my skate deck collection.

The next day I got a surprise call from Jay, he’d noticed that the number I was after (deck number 75/99) had a slight blemish on it, being a perfectionist (and maybe assuming I was one as well) he asked if I wanted my money refunded, or if I’d be happy to pick out another deck (which of-course I was!). What a champ aye? I thought I’d pick out number 35 as I’m 35 this year (which also explains why I just bought my 3.5litre V35 350GT Skyline a couple of weeks ago!).

Signed and numbered.

The art glows in the dark. I’ll try to get a night shot later tonight.

Decks as art. The decks have always made a great welcome intro into the house.

A long time ago he Jay gave me one this print which I have framed in my office.

Lucky number 8 too.

Visit Merda: http://www.imerda.com

On Sunday afternoon a few Golf R32 owners got together to compare exhaust notes. Pretty funny seeing a bunch of older mature people in classy cars acting like a bunch of kids in hotted up cars.

Character!

Pirelli edition of the Golf GTi. Nice stitching, not too sure about the tyre print though?!

Frenchie’s car. Blacked out front grill with no plate holes in it (sweet!). BBS rims + Capristo exhaust.

Capristo exhaust.

The design of this exhaust is superior as it’s a true twin exhaust all the way from the cats back. The tips don’t line up too well though as you can see.

Christina’s exhaust lines up a little nicer.

Black wheels = tough.

The loud ones in the group.

What a sleeper. The ABT badge gives nothing much away if you don’t know what the brand makes…

ABT Supercharger. This thing made all sorts of loud whistling and whining noises and damn does it go. It feels just as linear all through the rev range like the stock car but it’s about 20% more powerful down low and picks up at the top where the stock engine fades.

Lastly: the sound comparo.

The Wedding planning has begun!!! Christina and I checked out 2 churches last weekend. Both were very nice in their own way, both were totally different to each other. So much to consider: Photo locations at the church, car parking for guests, seating, access etc.

Random but funny: Here’s a photo of Mr. Lock hair drying Jess’ scab (from her back operation).

Christina and I have been after some George Nelson Bubble Lamps ever since finishing the house renovations. No one makes replicas so buying the real deal was the only way to get some and at almost $900 each we never entertained the idea of buying some. We’ve tried to get some in from the states (as they’re half the price over there) but they’re not allowed to ship these internationally. It seems like the local dealer (Spence and Lyda) have some very good control over the product.

Last year Spence and Lyda had a 10% off everything in the store sale. We just happened to be in the store on the last day of the sale and they had 2 of these lamps left at 10% off. Christina was all in but I hestitated so we didn’t end up buying them. In the past year we’ve been walked into so many lighting shops and nothing we’ve seen comes close.

Last week Mum got a flyer from Spence and Lyda to let her know that their annual sale was on once again, this time with 20% off everything in store. I called them up on the morning of the sale date and they had a handful of lights in stock. I asked them if they could hold them for me but they outright refused as they were sure the lights were going to go quick. I didn’t hesitate this time though and I bought 3 of them on the phone with my credit card (ouch). 20% makes for a substatial discount but the total still hurt (a lot).

The goods.

The real deal.

We picked up 2 saucers and 1 criss cross.

I’ll call the electrician soon and get them up ASAP.

I’ve really got to make more of an effort to take photos of people, and not just food!

Friday night dinner at Ratu Sari on Anzac Parade Kingsford. Indonesian food that’ll even please Indonesian guests visiting from Indonesia. Clean restaurant too, they just get better and better.

Saturday morning brekkie at Cafe Mint on Crown St (near Cleveland St).

Just such a cool little buzzy cafe with a difference. The staff are hot, and bouncing off the walls. The food is fresh and exciting.

Saturday night Wagaya with Di and Felix. Wagaya now has a membership plan!

HELLO Mr. FELIX ALIM!

Di and Felix are newly engaged, we heard all the juicy bits (lovely). These 2 are so sweet together. Suga and I love them both.

Lazy Sunday brekkie at home. I must say I make a pretty good poached egg!

My V35 350GT is a grey import from Japan. I hear this little warning message every single time I start up the car. I don’t mind it, she sounds sexy! I’m curious though, what’s she saying (most likely something totally un-sexy, right?).