3rd Gen Protege/MazdaSpeed/P5/MP3 General/Maintenance Discussion for 1999-2003.5 Models Only (BJ Chassis)

Japan trip coming up... any JDM parts I should get?

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Old January-10th-2005, 07:41 AM
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Um, the Silvia was sold here as the 240SX, the big difference (other than some styling details) being that the Japan market car (Silvia) had a different powertrain than the ones we got. Specifically, we got stuck with the same torquey I4 found in the Nissan pickup truck, while in Japan you could get an engine (though smaller in displacement) that kicked some serious **** due to a highly tunable turbo setup. Also, the car has great dynamics, due to its RWD layout and suspension done right. I have driven a few of the US models, both first and second gen cars. They are a ton of fun, and though the handling is great, I also remember the feel of the steering, brakes, and the shifter being quite nice. The crummy thing is, they are tiny inside. You don't sit in one, so much as wear it. Due to the rise in the popularity of drifting, these cars have been "discovered" by the sport compact community in a big way, but they are just as much fun on the street as a daily driver.
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Old January-10th-2005, 08:10 AM
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silvia

that sounds like a cool ride. I owned a couple of 240z's in high school/after fast& good looking car. The 71 had aftermarket cam w/ 3webbers & a header. The suspension was stock besides koni shocks. A friend of mine had a FAIRLADY-Z. This car was right hand drive. I believe it was from japan. The mirriors and headlights were funny looking. I remember it was pretty quick in stock form. This was a long time ago. I graduated HS 16 yr's ago

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Old January-10th-2005, 10:45 AM
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I graduated high school a decade ago, just about. Time flies when you are having fun! Everybody knew someone that had a Z. I knew one guy who had a 240Z, and its brakes went out. Went right through a barb wire fence, and ended up in some farmer's field. Another had a 260Z, and it was totaled when it was slammed by a drunk, only a week after getting rather nice alloy wheels and tint. So sad. Then, my friend Jeff owned one of the first 300Z's, and it was basically a rolling stereo of sorts. Yeah, they are cool cars.
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Old January-12th-2005, 09:39 PM
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That's pretty damn cool that you are goin to Nagoya that is my father's home town. If you could I wouldn't mind a 99' Nissan Skyline R-34 GTR V-Spec II. That is if you have an extra 70 or so large you wouldn't mind spending for a guy you never met. Anyways, have fun and enjoy it man. I am actually goin to that area along w/Shizoka, Kyoto, Kanezawa, and possibly Hokaido too. I may have to go to Tokyo to see the well known Wangan Highway. I know of a lot of street races that happen there. Well have a safe trip and enjoy the women, automobiles, and especially the food.
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Old January-12th-2005, 09:50 PM
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FocalFlareES,

Don't miss Kyoto if you've never been. It is an absoluetely beautiful city. There are tons of ancient Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, and traditional Japanese gardens. It is worth taking the bullet train to, and spending a weekend there. Especially in the fall (autumn colors) or in the spring (cherry blossoms everywhere). a lot of Japanese people have told me, that those are the best times to visit the city.

This time, I don't think I will make it to Kyoto. But, I will be going to the south island of Japan (Kyushu). Ought to be fun. I've never been off of Honshu (the main island) before.

As far as the Skyline goes, I don't think it would fit in my suitcase. But maybe you can swing it in your travels.
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Old January-12th-2005, 11:02 PM
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Hey, see if you can score any cam sets....grab a few sets of "j-spec cams"....the exhaust cams especially. You could easily make baxck 2-3X's your money..

in all honesty though,...if you get over there and can get some cams let me know ASAP and I'll wire you some money.
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Old January-13th-2005, 12:37 AM
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Phantom's idea with the car models is actually an awesome idea. If you see any White Familia Sedan models (that look like mine but w/o the black on hood) over there, bring me back one... I'll pay you top Yen.
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Old January-13th-2005, 08:22 AM
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Originally Posted by FlyinHawaiian071
Phantom's idea with the car models is actually an awesome idea. If you see any White Familia Sedan models (that look like mine but w/o the black on hood) over there, bring me back one... I'll pay you top Yen.
Protege models...any style, any color!!!
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Old January-13th-2005, 09:39 AM
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^^^^^^ Good call Karen
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Old January-13th-2005, 11:33 AM
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You see now, juddz, how you have opened Pandora's Box!
If you don't return bearing J-spec gifts and models, there will be a lot of haters on this forum!
Matty's right about the exhaust cams, though. You could make a few bucks off that one.
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Old January-13th-2005, 01:38 PM
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How did this thing go from a "what little trinket can I get for my car that will fit into my suitcase" to a "what volume of stuff will I be able to cram past customs and distribute among my buddies in the forum"? I've got a big heart, but a little suitcase. WWJD?
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Old January-13th-2005, 02:21 PM
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Originally Posted by juddz
WWJD?
Pack an extra bag???



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Old January-13th-2005, 05:11 PM
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Call me when you've got everything crated up & ready to go--I'm a freight forwarder, lol.
Can't sneak it past customs, though...
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Old January-13th-2005, 07:56 PM
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Originally Posted by FocalFlareES
If you could I wouldn't mind a 99' Nissan Skyline R-34 GTR V-Spec II.

Personally i'd prefer an R34 Gt turbo (gotta love RWD.) but i'd settle for either!

Have fun Juddz, make sure you check out the local races and try to get some pictures!
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Old January-14th-2005, 07:46 AM
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....can you get an ulcer from too much guilt?
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