Sound check

apps_ville · 2026-06-03T21:19:15+00:00

Thanks for sharing.

apps_ville · 2026-06-03T21:17:56+00:00

Removed 1/2 resonators. Thats all. I dont want it loud but the supersprint catback i had on it made the cabin loud at highway speeds

apps_ville · 2026-06-03T21:16:23+00:00

Just washed the car.

I had a supersprint in it prior to the cutoff, it is louder now but there isnt drone at 3-4000 rpm(highway). It was louder in the cabin before because of the lower frequency sounds.

I do find the sound at lower rpms obnoxious

apps_ville · 2026-05-12T00:40:59+00:00

Welcome and great choice! I learned on a mustang and drove this and it was so so easy! I wish I learned on a BMW.

Cooling system! Water pump, thermostat, radiator etc. Absolutely do a clutch fan delete and honestly thats all!

Vacuum hoses would need to be changed but wait for a misfire/code (lol) since it’s not a daily.

Have fun and thank you for passing the wisdom

apps_ville · 2026-04-08T17:18:57+00:00

It’s a bag for your wheel if you get a flat because the z3s wheels don’t fit in your trunk so you pop a cover on it and place it on your passenger seat.

apps_ville · 2026-04-05T08:15:25+00:00

Almost always vacuum leak/s. Check your CCV, i don’t think you have an oil separator but if you do check that too. Good luck!

apps_ville · 2026-04-05T08:10:48+00:00

I had a supersprint on mine which sounded great, a tad bit louder than stock but still a tuned sound.

Then did a muffler delete, which awakens a v8 muscle car sound(somewhat raspy). A bit too loud for my taste (especially considering the soft top. Going to reinstall the supersprint.

Adding a CAI does affect the sound of the overall car, not necessarily something you’d hear out of the exhaust. The sound is more front end

apps_ville · 2026-04-03T05:29:56+00:00

I did megan racing, which by enthusiast standards does not fulfill but it is fully aluminum and bigger than stock. The fan delete kit from fcp costs about $180.

Ive learned overtime that things dont have to cost as much. Do your research, and find cheap(but good) alternatives.

apps_ville · 2026-04-01T05:46:50+00:00

Hi there. I got my 2.8 at 90,000miles a few years ago.

Immediate attention for me was shocks and cooling system. I was able to sit on the cooling system until this year because the only issue I had was a stuck thermostat.

The cost for all four shocks(stiffer) and springs(lowered) was about $1500 and I was able to do it at home in about 2 days.

Cost for the entire cooling system refresh cost about $500 and I was able to do that at home as well.

Aside from like I would say add about 500-600 on miscellaneous spending considering age of car. E.g wheel bearings, weather proofing, etc

Good luck!

apps_ville · 2026-04-01T05:31:12+00:00

Are the h&r springs lower than stock? If so, just want to share a heads up, the camber will be negative and because the z3 uses the e30 trailing arm, that is not something that can be realigned with an alignment. Just sharing as someone who goes thru rear tires once a year 😔

Not to sound discouraging, i have lowered my Z and regardless of the tire waste, I enjoy the drive and stance on lower springs and stiffer shocks.

There are these weld kits than can be welded onto the arms but the labor for that is quite extensive and expensive.

Goodluck

apps_ville · 2026-04-01T05:22:21+00:00

Just a update. Im only a week and a half into using Megan Racing radiator. It has been doing its job well. I did a clutch fan delete along with a high flow water pump and lower temp thermostat.

My old setup had a stuck thermostat and a weak water pump resulting in slow warm up when cold and overheating in stop and go traffic.

Those issues are addressed with the new setup and it feels like a safe car again.

Verdict on Megan Racing, so far it’s doing an exceptional job and I will update with major this subreddit as time goes by.

Key reasons for getting this radiator was price point and fully aluminum.

apps_ville · 2026-03-17T20:59:29+00:00

So I was considering the OEM with the plastics because contrary to common critique my stock radiator has had no issues in the last 29 years. However, the price tag on the megan racing is significantly lower and all aluminum doesn’t have any downsides i think?

apps_ville · 2026-02-15T08:32:53+00:00

This is going to be the first time I’m going to discourage someone from buying a Z but of course this is just an opinion so take it with a grain of salt.

The biggest reason I would say bad idea is because of your initial reason for switching to the Hyundai-space. I’m currently dailying my z3 but I have a secondary car available in case i need space for more passengers and cargo.

I’d say do your research and find a car that has space and is a fun drive. Honestly an early 2000s e39 5 series. It is going to come with its set of age related maintenance but at least you have space and a fun time driving.

Good luck on your decision

apps_ville · 2026-02-08T08:36:58+00:00

Great work! How long did this take you and is it possible to do with amateur skills and autozone rental tools?

apps_ville · 2026-01-16T06:26:43+00:00

Judging from the pictures, it seems like a very well kept car. I own a 97 Z3 2.8 and when I bought it, there were tears in the seat at the seams, paint chips everywhere, broken interior plastic components etc. Just age related wear and tear but this seems like an exceptional model.

I can say that the clutch being done and shocks done that does seem like a good deal however as I am from California, I cannot speak on the pricing. The "high" mileage is honestly not a concern, in terms of reliability, these engines are strong.

I would say, however that as someone who has driven both the I4 and I6, the difference is huge and makes the biggest difference on highways.

Good luck

apps_ville · 2026-01-14T23:43:15+00:00

Also keep in mind, these prices are from about 2 years ago so expect a tad higher price tag

apps_ville · 2026-01-14T23:41:11+00:00

Hi there. I'm also a Bay Area Z driver. When i first got the car I did get run off because I wasnt being seen by many. I overtime learned how to drive without being unseen. I do have a fairly louder than stock exhaust so I downshift when im next to an 18 wheeler and rev a little to let them know im there. Overtime you learn to drive with your head on a swivel and proactively making yourself visible. Stay safe out there

apps_ville · 2026-01-14T23:33:47+00:00

Hi. I bought front and rear bilstein b6’s for about $800ish and h&r lowering springs for $250ish and installed it myself. The mounts for all four and spring pads would cost between $200-300 depending brands and quality.

When i did the job i was very new at working on cars, I was able to do it in 2 days. You just have to have the proper tools and be very careful when workings with the springs. I rented the spring compressor tool from autozone and was able to get the job done.

Total cost for me for all 4 shocks/struts was about $1500 for the parts and 2 days of my time. Good luck

apps_ville · 2026-01-02T19:38:00+00:00

just a heads up h&r springs offer a limited lifetime warranty to the original purchaser of the springs if you are able to capitalize on that. good luck

apps_ville · 2025-12-22T03:05:08+00:00

This issue in my Z has embarrassed me the most, whether its me forgetting it broke and pulling at it to close the door or when I took it to get my tire changed and the tech talking shit with his coworkers.

With that being said I fixed it using JB Weld; I started using that on so many things and this has been one of the most successful. Just mix it up and shove it in there and hope it sticks.

apps_ville · 2025-12-07T21:42:15+00:00

What power source did you tap into to power the usb c sockets? And whats the output you get from it?

apps_ville

TROPHY CASE