mehsoarer's 2-Week Daily Driver Build
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Hello all. New to CL and my name is Chris - from Simi Valley, CA
Im a Nissan 240sx fanatic (7 builds and counting) and have just recently purchased an SC400 to have for a Daily Driver. For those of you who are also S-chassis buff's, im MEHSILVIA on Zilvia.net and Nico (Vert) forums.
My goal was to find a nice comfortable daily that would afford a few luxuries (Leather, auto, working AC - lol) and still quench my appetite for MODS! Since i cant seem to leave anything in stock form.
I picked up a 1992 SC400 beginning of April this year, and immediated placed orders for some necessities and goodies.
And after about 2 weeks of time spent on the car, here is my build:
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3561.jpg)
MAINTENANCE:
First things first, i ordered a complete Timing Kit
And while i was at it, did a complete tune-up with Brand New:
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3566.jpg)
Then onto the goodies . . . . . .
INTERIOR:
As much as love the TAN Leather, the Dark Brown accents/trim just had to go!
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3581.jpg)
So with a little research here on CL, i learned about and picked up a few cans of SEM
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3578.jpg)
And went to work on everthing that was Dark Brown
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3583.jpg)
I even went as far as to paint the upper dash pad, center console trim, steering wheel, shift ****, emergency handle and the Carpet.
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3610.jpg)
Then, staying with the whole Black/Tan two-tone, i decided to clean up the weathered seat trim and back panels
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3606.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3614.jpg)
Next was the sound system - with Blown speakers and stock headunit, i decided to do a simple upgrade
Kicker 4" speakers for the doors and rear deck, and a Kicker 10" sub
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3593.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3594.jpg)
When i pulled the rear speaker tray, i noticed the grills were stained and faded.
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3584.jpg)
So with some more SEM & some fresh new speaker cloth, i got it cleaned up real nice.
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3590.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3591.jpg)
I then ordered the Metra Single-Din install kit, a JVC KD-S36 headunit (bluetooth, HD Radio, Ipod control) a small 300watt amp for the Sub.
The steering wheel (though painted) was a little rough, so i ordered a Genuine Black Leather wrap
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3599.jpg)
And then ordered Black Leather cover for the center console/arm rest and an Emergency Brake boot
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3612.jpg)
I think it turned out just beautiful!
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3668.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3669.jpg)
BRAKES:
For the Brakes, i simply:![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3586.jpg)
SUSPENSION:
Since this is a Daily Driver, i decided on researching a set of comfortable and affordable Coilovers for the SC
Ended up ordering a set of BC Racing Coilovers from CircuitMS with custom 12k/8k spring rates
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3656.jpg)
EXHAUST:
Since this was not about performance, and budget needed to be kept in mind, i decided to research a cheap axle-back exhaust system. After some simple searches, and the review of youtube clips, i decided to order the Top Speed Pro-1 set from eBay
For $270, im very impressed with not only the sound, but the quality
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3602.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3666.jpg)
EXTERIOR:
Some simple dress-up touches
I had my eye on these wheels for some time, and stumbled onto a set that was posted up on Zilvia. They didnt fit the guys S13 too well.
MRR GT-1 in Chrome 19x8.5 & 19x9.5 with brand new Federal 595s 225/35 & 245/35's
And here she sits . . . . . .
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3665.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3663.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3667.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3661.jpg)
Thanks and Enjoy!
Im a Nissan 240sx fanatic (7 builds and counting) and have just recently purchased an SC400 to have for a Daily Driver. For those of you who are also S-chassis buff's, im MEHSILVIA on Zilvia.net and Nico (Vert) forums.
My goal was to find a nice comfortable daily that would afford a few luxuries (Leather, auto, working AC - lol) and still quench my appetite for MODS! Since i cant seem to leave anything in stock form.
I picked up a 1992 SC400 beginning of April this year, and immediated placed orders for some necessities and goodies.
And after about 2 weeks of time spent on the car, here is my build:
SC400 with 174K
Seats were in decent condition (tear in the rear seat)
Carpet was stained
Drivers door panel broken
Speakers Blown
Water pump leaking
Calipers painted Gold
Few dings dents and scrapes
****ty 18" wheels
Seats were in decent condition (tear in the rear seat)
Carpet was stained
Drivers door panel broken
Speakers Blown
Water pump leaking
Calipers painted Gold
Few dings dents and scrapes
****ty 18" wheels
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3561.jpg)
MAINTENANCE:
First things first, i ordered a complete Timing Kit
Timing Belt
Timing Belt Tensioner
Timing Belt Idler Bearings
Water Pump
Thermostat
Thermostat Gasket
Cam Shaft Seal
Crank Shaft Seal
While doing the install, i found two more issues with the cooling system, and ended up replacing both the Water Outlet Pipe (it had a crack) and purchased a brand new OEM Radiator (broken overflow nipple).Timing Belt Tensioner
Timing Belt Idler Bearings
Water Pump
Thermostat
Thermostat Gasket
Cam Shaft Seal
Crank Shaft Seal
And while i was at it, did a complete tune-up with Brand New:
Spark plugs & Wires
Caps & Rotors
Drive Belt
Coolant Flush (Duh)
Oil Filter & Oil Change
Transmission Fluid Flush
Differential Fluid Change
New Battery
Caps & Rotors
Drive Belt
Coolant Flush (Duh)
Oil Filter & Oil Change
Transmission Fluid Flush
Differential Fluid Change
New Battery
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3566.jpg)
Then onto the goodies . . . . . .
INTERIOR:
As much as love the TAN Leather, the Dark Brown accents/trim just had to go!
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3581.jpg)
So with a little research here on CL, i learned about and picked up a few cans of SEM
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3578.jpg)
And went to work on everthing that was Dark Brown
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3583.jpg)
I even went as far as to paint the upper dash pad, center console trim, steering wheel, shift ****, emergency handle and the Carpet.
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3610.jpg)
Then, staying with the whole Black/Tan two-tone, i decided to clean up the weathered seat trim and back panels
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3606.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3614.jpg)
Next was the sound system - with Blown speakers and stock headunit, i decided to do a simple upgrade
Kicker 4" speakers for the doors and rear deck, and a Kicker 10" sub
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3593.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3594.jpg)
When i pulled the rear speaker tray, i noticed the grills were stained and faded.
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3584.jpg)
So with some more SEM & some fresh new speaker cloth, i got it cleaned up real nice.
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3590.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3591.jpg)
I then ordered the Metra Single-Din install kit, a JVC KD-S36 headunit (bluetooth, HD Radio, Ipod control) a small 300watt amp for the Sub.
The steering wheel (though painted) was a little rough, so i ordered a Genuine Black Leather wrap
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3599.jpg)
And then ordered Black Leather cover for the center console/arm rest and an Emergency Brake boot
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3612.jpg)
I think it turned out just beautiful!
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3668.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3669.jpg)
BRAKES:
For the Brakes, i simply:
Flushed all of the fluids
Painted the calipers Gloss Black
Installed Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines
And Ordered new rotors and pads
Painted the calipers Gloss Black
Installed Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines
And Ordered new rotors and pads
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3586.jpg)
SUSPENSION:
Since this is a Daily Driver, i decided on researching a set of comfortable and affordable Coilovers for the SC
Ended up ordering a set of BC Racing Coilovers from CircuitMS with custom 12k/8k spring rates
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3656.jpg)
EXHAUST:
Since this was not about performance, and budget needed to be kept in mind, i decided to research a cheap axle-back exhaust system. After some simple searches, and the review of youtube clips, i decided to order the Top Speed Pro-1 set from eBay
For $270, im very impressed with not only the sound, but the quality
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3602.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3666.jpg)
EXTERIOR:
Some simple dress-up touches
Satin Black on the emblems
Side Windows Visors
And a Rear Window Visor
WHEELS/TIRES: (the finishing touch)Side Windows Visors
And a Rear Window Visor
I had my eye on these wheels for some time, and stumbled onto a set that was posted up on Zilvia. They didnt fit the guys S13 too well.
MRR GT-1 in Chrome 19x8.5 & 19x9.5 with brand new Federal 595s 225/35 & 245/35's
And here she sits . . . . . .
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3665.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3663.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3667.jpg)
![](http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww175/350sxVert/SC400/IMG_3661.jpg)
Thanks and Enjoy!
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very nice build.. i got that same set of wheels except in hypersilver and their awesome.
also is that a HIC roof spoiler? if so, i got one of those on the way too man, and was actually thinking about those TOP Speed exhaust, how are they? as far as sounds? although you are 1uz im thinkin it would sound alot louder than it would on a 2jzge, anyways nice build man!
also is that a HIC roof spoiler? if so, i got one of those on the way too man, and was actually thinking about those TOP Speed exhaust, how are they? as far as sounds? although you are 1uz im thinkin it would sound alot louder than it would on a 2jzge, anyways nice build man!
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wow, amazing... any pics of the brakes paintd? what did u use to paint your seat bottoms, the same as the trim? how long did u let the stuff sit before u put it back in the car? thanks
PS. any plans for painting the front lip?
PS. any plans for painting the front lip?
Last edited by pmpdaddyt; 05-14-10 at 04:17 PM.
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very nice build.. i got that same set of wheels except in hypersilver and their awesome.
also is that a HIC roof spoiler? if so, i got one of those on the way too man, and was actually thinking about those TOP Speed exhaust, how are they? as far as sounds? although you are 1uz im thinkin it would sound alot louder than it would on a 2jzge, anyways nice build man!
also is that a HIC roof spoiler? if so, i got one of those on the way too man, and was actually thinking about those TOP Speed exhaust, how are they? as far as sounds? although you are 1uz im thinkin it would sound alot louder than it would on a 2jzge, anyways nice build man!
And it is an HIC spoiler, fits perfectly
And i am VERY pleased with the TOP SPEED exhaust. When i searched for it on youtube, all i found was BMWs, Mercs and high end cars. I thought, "well, for $270 why not take a chance"
The sound is deep and low, not raspy and loud. The tone is "just" noticeable with the windows up, and perfectly ballanced with the windows down. Not to mention its got an incredible deep growl when you step into it.
Thanks.
Yes. But i have to say the SEM applies much better to cutpile carpet, and not too well on our PLUSH carpet. Since the fibers are long and run deep, it doesnt do too well past the top layer. So constant wear will cause the tan to show through. To fix this little issue, i installed a full set of black floormats. That way all the exposed carpet stays nice and black, and the mats take all the wear.
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The seat bottoms and rear panel was also painted with the SEM. And its dries rather quickly, so everything was thrown back in within hours.
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http://stores.ebay.com/TOP-GAITERS-BOOTS
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We have a local auto paint supply shop here in Simi, so i bought it there. But i have found it online a few places.
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Yeah, i was set on the Hypersilver as well, but these Chrome ones came up for dirt cheap.
And it is an HIC spoiler, fits perfectly
And i am VERY pleased with the TOP SPEED exhaust. When i searched for it on youtube, all i found was BMWs, Mercs and high end cars. I thought, "well, for $270 why not take a chance"
The sound is deep and low, not raspy and loud. The tone is "just" noticeable with the windows up, and perfectly ballanced with the windows down. Not to mention its got an incredible deep growl when you step into it.
Thanks.
Yes. But i have to say the SEM applies much better to cutpile carpet, and not too well on our PLUSH carpet. Since the fibers are long and run deep, it doesnt do too well past the top layer. So constant wear will cause the tan to show through. To fix this little issue, i installed a full set of black floormats. That way all the exposed carpet stays nice and black, and the mats take all the wear.
And it is an HIC spoiler, fits perfectly
And i am VERY pleased with the TOP SPEED exhaust. When i searched for it on youtube, all i found was BMWs, Mercs and high end cars. I thought, "well, for $270 why not take a chance"
The sound is deep and low, not raspy and loud. The tone is "just" noticeable with the windows up, and perfectly ballanced with the windows down. Not to mention its got an incredible deep growl when you step into it.
Thanks.
Yes. But i have to say the SEM applies much better to cutpile carpet, and not too well on our PLUSH carpet. Since the fibers are long and run deep, it doesnt do too well past the top layer. So constant wear will cause the tan to show through. To fix this little issue, i installed a full set of black floormats. That way all the exposed carpet stays nice and black, and the mats take all the wear.