Erik started the transformation with a brand new VQ35DE motor with a slew of new parts to make the car reliable and safe.  Installs performed here at Fontana Nissan by Technician Guy Franzen.

We asked Erik a few questions about himself and the car, and this how it went!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUILD, AND HOW HAVE YOU MODIFIED IT?

2003 Nissan 350z Enthusiast (Z33)

Engine/Driveline

Brand new VQ35DE, Jim Wolf Technology Popcharger intake, Nismo Power Steering Oil Cooler Kit, Setrab 22 Row Engine oil cooler kit, Accusump Oil Accumulator, Stillen Underdrive Pulleys, Motordyne Engineering 5/16 copper iso thermal intake spacer, DC Sports ceramic headers, Berk Technology test pipes, Stillen Y-Pipe, Greddy Ti-C single exit exhaust, AASCO lightweight flywheel, Exedy Stage 1 Clutch, Nismo LSD (R-Tune 1.5way), Motul 300v motor oil, Uprev custom tuned by Church Automotive.

Suspension/Brakess/Wheels

Tein Flex monotube coilovers with EDFC, Cusco front and rear swaybars, Wilwood 6 piston front big brake kit, Racing Brake rear rotors and pads, Earl’s Braided stainless steel brake lines, Work Meister S-1 wheels (19×9.5 and 19×10.5), Enkei RPF-1 Wheels (18×9.5 front and rear), Hankook RS3 tires (275/35/18)

Misc.

SCCA spec chromoly rollcage (welded), Sparco Pro2000 Race bucket seat, Optima red top battery, Rear bumper tuck, Nismo shift knob, JDM fairlady emblem, JDM smoked reflectors, Autometer Tach, Auto Tecknic tow hood.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE MODIFICATION

Enkei RPF-1’s.  You gotta love the classic design, reduction in weight, and relatively low pricing

DO YOU REGRET ANY OF YOUR MODS?

Nope!

WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO GET A TACO?

$1.00 tacos at Manzano in North Hollywood

WHERE IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO DRIVE?

On public streets, I really enjoy driving through Angeles National Forest

DO YOU TAKE MID DAY NAPS?

I wish, because there are not enough hours in the day

IF YOU COULD DRIVE YOUR VEHICLE ON ANY TRACK IN THE WORLD, WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE IT?

I would love to drive on the Nurburgring

DO YOU ENJOY YOUR JOB? WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN LIFE IF MONEY WAS NOT A CONSTRAINT?

Yes, i enjoy my job very much!  If money wasn’t a constraint, I would travel with my family.

IF YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER MADE YOU CHOOSE BETWEEN HER OR YOUR VEHICLE, WHICH WOULD GET THE BOOT?

I would choose my wife of course!!!

IF YOU WON $10,000 IN THE LOTTERY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH IT?

i would purchase suspension components, some furniture, and  nice meal…hopefully $10,000 would be enought!

HOW AWESOME IS NISSANRACESHOP.COM AND FONTANA NISSAN?

NissanRaceShop.com and Fontana Nissan is super awesome!!! Great selection, great prices, great consultation, and great service!

IS THE WORLD REALLY GOING TO END THIS YEAR?

According to the Mayans yes…But i HOPE NOT!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITY AUTOMOTIVE SHOW AND WHY?

I like SEMA best.  There are so many well built cars there and its great to speak directly with the manufacturers and learn about their new parts.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO THAT IS NON-AUTOMOTIVE RELATED?

I enjoy listening to music and making mix-tapes

HAVE ANY “SHOUT OUTS”?

To the whole NissanRaceShop.com and Fontana Nissan Family! — especially Scott VanderHeide, Jerome Porter, and Guy Franzen.  I’d also like to thank CityTireOnline and Church Automotive.  Last but not least, I want to thank my beautiful wife for all of her support!

Fontana Nissan Technician Guy Franzen as he sets the final alignment before track day

Thanks Erik for being a great customer and taking the time to share your build!  You can see Erik tearing it up this year at the local Southern California race tracks!!!