JBD's Daily

[jbrentd]

jbrentd submitted a new Garage:

JBD's Daily


Read more about this garage here...

 

[jbrentd]

Just wanting to use this to track the progress of this FX35 that I purchased a couple weeks ago.

This is not my first Infiniti. We leased a black '08 FX35 for a few years and really enjoyed it. Historically, I'm an Audi nut and I must admit that it feels a little weird driving an Infiniti, since I've been in Audis for the past 11 years and 4 cars. I decided to trade my A6 in because it was starting to feel like a bit of a ticking time bomb with the potential for some high priced repairs on the horizon.

Future plans are:

• Maintenance
• Window tint for the front windows
• New Smart Key Fob (only came with one)
• OEM rear subwoofer
• Roof rack for my Yakima cargo box
• 20" Wheels/Tires (OEM if I can find any)
• Maybe some lowering springs

Anyway, here are some pics of her...

 

[jbrentd]

Just for sh!t's and giggles...some previous rides that have occupied my garage.

2007 Audi A6


1991 Audi CQ


2001 Audi A4 Avant


1996 Audi A4


1995 YJ


2011 JKU (Wife's daily)


2006 LJ (Son's daily)


Our previous FX35

 

[myron02]

Love the old 2 door audi, and the A6, I wanted one of those before I got the FX, I was just scared of the maintenance and parts going bad on it

 

[jbrentd]

Love the old 2 door audi, and the A6, I wanted one of those before I got the FX, I was just scared of the maintenance and parts going bad on it

Thanks. Of all of the cars I have sold, the Coupe Quattro is the one I miss the most. Here's what she looked like when I bought her.



The A6 I owned was a 4.2L V8 with OEM air suspension. I was faced with the decision to spend a bunch on issues that were starting to show up (leaking airbag, carbon fouled intake, AC issue, etc., etc.) or trade it in.

 

[myron02]

yea see those kind of issues I was scared off on the A6, those are the issues I don't have on the FX. I love most euro cars but I am just chicken shit scared of fixing them haha I am cheap like that.

But that coupe looks amazing after you were done with it, great freaking job on that. I remember in the 90s when I loved in Europe, if you had one of those you were the MAN!!! haha

 

[jbrentd]

So, I've spent way too much time looking at wheels today. I found the CARiD site and like the selection they have. Has anyone ordered from them? Are they good to go? These two sets are calling my name...

Niche Verona (20x9 et+35)


Dub Push (20x8.5 et+30)


I see a lot of you are going with 22" and 24" setups. However, I would like to only go up to a 20-inch wheel. Any concerns that wheels like these would not look right with OEM-ish tire sidewall and ride height? I was able to find this picture via google.

 

[Eothain]

IMO, a wheel that open in design looks a lot better with a BBK. Also, I would seriously consider dropping with at least springs. It looks 1000% better than stock height and the handling/ride performance is well worth it.

 

[jbrentd]

IMO, a wheel that open in design looks a lot better with a BBK. Also, I would seriously consider dropping with at least springs. It looks 1000% better than stock height and the handling/ride performance is well worth it.

Given my track record, I'd say there's a decent chance of a drop coming in the future, but not coilovers. Just something mild.

As for brakes, not sure I'll pony up for a BBK. Has anyone tried finding a caliper bracket that will work with the stock calipers and a larger rotor? My A4 had A8 rotors and TT caliper brackets. Everything else bolted right up like normal. I've only had my FX for a little over 2 weeks and I already miss the Akebono pads that were on my A6. It's amazing how little brake dust you get with those. At a minimum, the pads will be be going on soon.

 

[jbrentd]

Updates...

Got the front windows tinted to match the back.
Bought a spare smart key fob and uncut back up key on eBay ($43). Dealer only charged me 1/2 of labor to program and cut it ($57).
Installed a Proclip mount for my iPhone 6.
OEM rear subwoofer will be delivered today.

Also, I have found some OEM GT-R staggered wheels for sale locally. Anyone know what a good price would be for them?

 

[Eothain]

Also, I have found some OEM GT-R staggered wheels for sale locally. Anyone know what a good price would be for them?

CBA or DBA? What condition? What's he asking?

 

[jbrentd]

CBA or DBA? What condition? What's he asking?

One set is about an hour and a half away and he is asking $1900 with 80% tires. I'm trying to see if he would be willing to separate the wheels, but he didn't like my $800 offer. lol

Another set is about 3 hours away and he wants $1000 for just the wheels.

Both sets are DBA and like new.

 

[Eothain]

I'd say the $1000 is a good price if they are in good shape and you don't have to ship.

 

[jbrentd]

Kind of having an internal struggle on whether or not to pull the trigger on one of these sets of GTR wheels. My concern is the amount of poke I'll have on the rear wheels with the stock suspension. I know if I lower it, the car will natural fix some of that with camber, but I'm not sure I want to lower it. The best pics I can find of GTR wheels on a stock FX are below (@phluphlu). Let me know if you have others.

 

[FXist]

Love the GTR wheels, wish I could find a set

 

[myron02]

that's not that much poke at all. Doesn't even look like it pokes

 

[jbrentd]

Yeah, the appearance of poke seems to change from picture to picture, depending on the lighting. Here's another one I found (@Lerry@ARKperformance). Based on my measurements, it would be about 0.5". That looks about right from this pic.

 

[gto]

Do it!
Then lower. Car should have come with these, it's such a natural fit.
Also opens you up to Summer tires

 

[FX4BR]

I've never really been a fan of the GT-R wheels on FX's. Maybe it's because I like larger wheels, but they just look too small to me.

Side note: I have the Dub Push wheels you listed above. I love them, but I've realized that I need to do a wet/glossy tire finish because the wheels are extremely glossy. Couldn't be happier though with how they look.

 

[jbrentd]

I've never really been a fan of the GT-R wheels on FX's. Maybe it's because I like larger wheels, but they just look too small to me.

Side note: I have the Dub Push wheels you listed above. I love them, but I've realized that I need to do a wet/glossy tire finish because the wheels are extremely glossy. Couldn't be happier though with how they look.

Yeah, your wheels look great! Good info on the glossy finish and I tend to agree. The tire size you went with really fills the wheel gap without going lower. Did you notice any low end performance degradation since the larger tires essentially change the final gear ratio? Probably not since they're not too far off.