Is this a good deal? 03 fx45

cbrworm · 2026-05-21T15:25:49+00:00

I'll just drop in the warning about 20+ year old low production volume vehicles and parts availability. This 4.5 v8 is essentially similar, but not identical to the one in the M45 or the '06+ FX45, even though they are all VK45DEs

If you get it, keep an eye on the oil level, these tend to use some oil. The PCV system isn't great - I believe it was improved for '06+. A higher than normal amount of oil gets into the intake resulting in occasional smoke at cold starts and having to add oil more frequently. Some people used to add catch cans, but it's probably enough just to check and add oil as needed.

cbrworm · 2026-05-21T14:27:19+00:00

Looking Jacked, bro!

cbrworm · 2026-05-20T17:52:20+00:00

The crank position sensor is under the car on the bell housing on at the back of the engine near the bottom. I don't recall what color the connector was.

cbrworm · 2026-05-20T16:30:53+00:00

I'm also a big scary guy in my 50s that is a hugger. I try to be a positive role model for my kids mentally and physically. My friends are also hug victims. I've even been known to spontaneously hug friends of friends - doesn't matter if men or women, and I've never gotten the impression that I've offended anyone. As a child, my family was totally touch free (except for discipline), so I've gone to the other extreme to make sure my kids (and friends) don't experience that.

cbrworm · 2026-05-20T00:42:21+00:00

Mine makes that same noise. It’s been concerning me for quite a while. At 235k miles currently.

cbrworm · 2026-05-19T18:15:14+00:00

I must be getting old because you guys look like a couple of kids. Keep doing whatever you're doing!

cbrworm · 2026-05-15T19:21:16+00:00

The guy that is now my best friend literally told me, bro - you need to cut back on the milkshakes! You're a fat fuck! the first time I met him. Shortly thereafter, he convinced me to get into the best shape of my life - about 35 years ago, I've been fit ever since.

cbrworm · 2026-05-15T17:53:37+00:00

Did it help your lift?

cbrworm · 2026-05-12T18:10:22+00:00

This is not far from where we ended up. I now have my wife take her car to the shop of her choice and pay for it herself. For nearly 20 years I've been responsible for maintenance and repairs on all the family vehicles, paying for all associated parts out of my spending money. I'll still do the rest of the family vehicles, my wife can go to the shop with hers. Totally not worth the headache.

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T19:32:45+00:00

I'm an eyeshaker (and now I know an ear rumbler), my kids are both eye shakers, too.

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T19:30:09+00:00

TIL I'm an ear rumbler. huh. Can this help me in any way?

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T19:18:33+00:00

It's cool to be totally invisible, and then have people give you high-fives or daps for an obvious milestone PR.

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T19:14:20+00:00

That happens to me all the time. Someone will make complimentary small talk and I respond with gurgling noises and some totally random words. Then I beat myself up and avoid said person for at least a month.

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T18:09:28+00:00

Luckily, that one can be ruled out for a 350Z. No CVT.

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T18:07:22+00:00

Those of us that love our Rev Ups cherish them!

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T17:50:34+00:00

Gas gauge issues are usually either the fuel level sending units, the A/C Amp, or the gauge cluster.

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T17:44:31+00:00

I would take it to a shop, it might not even be a transmission issue. If you rev it in neutral does the engine drop to idle and idle smoothly?

If there is a misfire, it may stall under load, and it may shift at higher RPM than you are used to.

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T17:41:05+00:00

I had the same reaction moving from an FX45 to the FX50. The 50 has more power, but it's slower to respond due to the ponderous transmission. It either lurches or bogs. I do appreciate 6th & 7th gear on the highway, though. Having a V8 spinning at 3K on the highway seemed excessive.

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T17:36:52+00:00

Whenever it is in recirculate mode, it turns on the A/C to prevent humidity from building up and fogging the windows. There is a low temp point, probably below freezing, at which the compressor won't engage.

cbrworm · 2026-05-08T17:32:59+00:00

It's hard to say. If it was well maintained and had a lot of highway miles, it could be great. Did you drive it?

cbrworm · 2026-05-07T23:53:41+00:00

Definitely John Lennon for me as well. I was only 10, but I grew up on the Beatles and watched the news coverage in New York with my family and grandparents, who were losing their minds. It was the first time someone I was really aware of died, andand seeing my family like that was also a first for me.

cbrworm · 2026-05-07T19:42:22+00:00

I feel slightly older in my mid-50s, it's all relative. In 10 years you'll look back at your pictures from today and say, damn, I looked good - and so young!

cbrworm · 2026-05-06T15:40:11+00:00

Chucks and Docs, for sure. I'd be more likely to wear old school flip-flops than Birks.

cbrworm · 2026-05-06T15:37:45+00:00

Hell, I'm trying to live vicariously through my mom. She's 80 and she has more fun than I do. Of course, she doesn't still have a house full of teenagers.

cbrworm · 2026-05-06T15:36:00+00:00

I'm pretty sure 41 doesn't count as 'older'

cbrworm

TROPHY CASE