m-rod's 99 GTZ

**M-Rod** · 12-21-2012, 06:54 PM

Well, there will be a change of plans now that reality has kicked in. With my daughter due to be born only a month from now, building a 500whp monster just isn't in the cards. All is well though. My current engine has been damn good to me thus far, so I'm going to reward it with the support it will need in order to put it's power into motion.

First step, Fidanza flywheel. I was amazed when the box felt so light. I can only imagine how the engine must feel losing that extra weight and I'm hoping this is only the beginning.

Expect more to come soon.

**M-Rod** · 12-27-2012, 07:03 PM

And with Christmas passing, my fiancee decided she would get me a clutch for my gift. Luckily, she only set aside the money for it rather than buying me one, since she kept thinking I needed a Stratus R/T clutch kit. So, a Spec Stage 4 is in the works as of now.

Next purchase on the list: Wavetrac LSD :)

**Galantman03** · 12-27-2012, 09:38 PM

NICE DUDE! What else is in store?

**Silvertune** · 12-27-2012, 11:22 PM

Spec stage four eh? ;)

**M-Rod** · 12-28-2012, 12:27 AM

Originally Posted by Galantman03

NICE DUDE! What else is in store?

A different manifold/tb setup, and possibly cams. Silvertune is doing some R&D on a few projects that we may see tested on my car this upcoming Summer if all goes to plan.

Originally Posted by Silvertune

Spec stage four eh? ;)

I believe so. Any idea where I could source one?

**Silvertune** · 12-28-2012, 11:07 PM

Well you see, I know this guy who kind of overextended the abilities of his Spec Stage 4. It's a fully balanced setup, clamped 500 pounds but he's making quite a bit more than that...... I think I could get you a good deal. Particularly if it involves him getting a clutch sooner than later. ;)

I am quite excited for the new stuff. I wish I had time with your car to tweak a few things to perfection before going ham on the rest but I'll make due. Based on the results gained from the last upgrade, if this is anything like it we are going to see a wicked outcome.

**M-Rod** · 01-10-2013, 09:00 PM

Today, the latest item arrived. A new maf adapter with a 4.5" air filter opening. No sense in running one with a 3" opening when the 482 maf itself has a bigger opening than that. I'm just shocked at how big of an opening 4.5" really is.

**Blue3000GTguy** · 01-10-2013, 09:13 PM

12k, including car? Not too shabby. So that's about what I'd end up spending to do the same build... Gotcha. I think I'll be going 6G74 though.... Diamantes are aplenty around here in the yards... I can't wait to see where you take this car next, dude.

**Guzm4n** · 01-10-2013, 09:17 PM

That's huge!

(Now someone is going to come up in here & say that's what she said, lol)

**goodhart** · 01-16-2013, 07:22 PM

Valve cover question: I'm assuming it is water transfer graphics. Did you do it or send it out? Roughly how much did it cost? If you did it yourself, is it a pretty straight forward process?

**M-Rod** · 01-16-2013, 07:35 PM

Hey goodhart! How's it goin?

The valve cover was hydro-dipped by a fellow TGC member. His username is spd_frk. It seems to be a straightforward process from the look of it.

Here is a video I found awhile back of what I assume is the valve cover that is currently on my car.

**2002BlackDragon** · 01-16-2013, 09:57 PM

OH MY GOD!!! I fucking love the skulls!

**keith6110** · 01-17-2013, 06:56 AM

Wow that's pretty cool! I was expecting a wet sponge with some pressure lol. Really cool process.

**M-Rod** · 01-17-2013, 08:52 AM

Matt makes it look so easy. Especially with how good it turned out and also how it has held up. I was a little worried when I installed it that the pattern may discolor or burn off but it still looks as it did when it was first installed.

**SPD_FRK** · 01-17-2013, 08:56 AM

The stuff holds up really well in the engine bay. I have had that candy orange valve cover I dipped on my Eclipse for almost a year now and no issues, also have the door panel trim I did and it still holding up great.

The process seriously is as easy as it looks in the video, do a test piece first to get yourself familiar with it. Biggest thing is to let the film sit on the water surface for no less then 45 seconds and BE SURE there are no bubbles in the film as it will show in the transfer. Spray just enough activator on the film until the plastic film is dissolved and the pattern spreads evenly on the water surface.

**2002BlackDragon** · 01-17-2013, 08:58 PM

Not to thread jack this or anything, but i figured since we are talking about it i'll ask... Where would you get the supplies to try this? Looks really cool and id like to see if i can do this on some of my hobby parts.