SP Rides: Z Way To A Great Ride
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Kelvin Tso
Age: 30
Occupation: Student
Hobbies: Cars, computers
Year/Make/Model: 2003 Nissan 350Z
Color: Chrome Silver
Engine: Jim Wolf Technology popcharger, Motordyne 5/16-inch Iso thermal plenum spacer, Injen polished Z-tube, Mishimoto compact baffled oil catch can, Mishimoto PCV silicone hoses, Mishimoto silicone radiator hoses, Mishimoto Hoonigan oil cap, Mishimoto carbon fiber radiator cap, Mishimoto oil drain plug and ISR single GT 4.5-inch exhaust w/ resonator delete.
Exterior: Nismo V2 front bumper, Nismo V1 spoiler, Custom ABS side splitters, and G35 rear spats and Lighting (Interior white LEDs, Depo Z-LED taillights, LED under-glow).
Interior: Momo Automatico polished shifter, Nismo neck pillows, Pioneer x2600BT double din head unit, JL Audio 1000/1 amplifier and JL Audio StealthBox 10W3v3.
Suspension: Tein S.TECH lowering springs.
Wheels/Tires/Brakes: Square Wheels USA G6 wheels – 18×9.5 +12 (f/r), Michelin Pilot Super Sports tires – 245/40/18 (f), 275/40/18 (r), StopTech street performance brake pads and StopTech stainless steel brake lines.
The return of the Nissan Z was a big thing back in summer 2002. The model had sat dormant for five years and with the introduction of the 350Z, a new model was born and ready for battle testing among car enthusiasts.
Count Kelvin Tso among those who have long recognized the strong lineage of the Z, and who is more than ready to test its worth with this 2003 model.
Truth be told, Tso wasn’t initially interested in modifying his Z. In fact, he was perfectly content with using his ride solely as a daily driver. But after becoming a big fan of Cars & Coffee, where automotive enthusiasts regularly schedule meet-ups, and witnessing the beauty of modified rides, he decided that changes were in order for his Z.
And so he began his modification work at the bottom. With the poor condition of Oahu’s roadways, Tso chose function over form by installing super thick Michelin Pilot Super Sports set at 245/40/18s in the front with 275s in the rear. These meaty monsters are wrapped around Square Wheels USA G6s and, along with the Tein S.TECH lowering springs, provide the type of daily driven comfort he desires on the bumpy streets.
With the grip, Tso needed some rip, so he upped his performance by including a selection of power adders. The installation of a Jim Wolf technology pop charger along with a Motordyne 5/16 iso thermal plenum spacer and Injen polished z-tube really opens up the air intake and provides some serious pep. Combined with the ISR single GT exhaust, this car sounds absolutely wicked when roaring through the H-tunnels. The engine has been fully dressed with a selection of bright blue and carbon fiber components from Mishimoto.
The exterior of this Z is clean and understated. Visual modifications include a NISMO V2 front bumper with a NISMO V1 spoiler that has been wrapped. Custom ABS side splitters and G35 rear spats have been attached to the underside of the body for some additional pop. The headlights have been refreshed while the rear of the car features a custom set of Dep Z-LED taillights that make a serious visual statement.
The interior is sparsely appointed with the only modifications being a MOMO Automatico shift knob and some NISMO Z neck pillows. But the real flavor comes from the Pioneer x2600BT double-din. This audiophile pumps through a 1,000-watt JL Audio amplifier and a custom-enclosed JL Audio Stealthbox with 2 10s. Suffice to say, people can definitely hear this Z coming.
When Tso was a kid, he was a regular at car shows and admits to being impressed by the work those tuners put into their rides. Today, he strives to emulate the concept he learned so long ago.
