Paul Ashbacher - 2013 Nissan 370z on Airtekk Air Struts

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Paul Ashbacher

2013 Nissan 370z on Airtekk Air Struts

Instagram: @thatblack370

Photographer: @nbhd_media (Stance Auto Media Team, DM him for private shoots)

I'm from Albuquerque, New Mexico, but have been in Denver, CO for the past 15 years.  I'm a Retail Store Manager and spend my off time doing car things, hanging out with my fiancé and our pets, playing video games, and travelling whenever possible.

What or Who got you into Cars?

Initially, video games.  Need for Speed Underground, Project Gotham Racing, Forza, I played them all.  The car scene in Denver is pretty welcoming.  I didn't really know anybody in it when I bought the Z, and one night a friend and I were going to a restaurant and it just so happened to be the final stop for a rally that one of the local groups was hosting.  I met several new friends in the car scene that day and have continued to make them through networking, social media, and even just cruising around the city.  Cars were even the ice breaker for my current fiancé and me. She drove an eclipse when I met her.  Overall I couldn't be happier with the scene here or what I've gained from it, the past 8 years have been the best of my life.

Why this Car?

I remember the first time I saw a 350z when they first came out; I was running to the bank for work and it parked as I was walking back to my car.  I fell in love with it and knew one day that's the car I wanted.  Unfortunately, it was way out of my budget at the time and I had other priorities, but after a few promotions at work I started looking for a new car and ended up buying the 370 brand new in 2013.  It was exactly what I was looking for; black on black, manual transmission, quick, and amazing styling.  

Why did you build this Car?

I had bought the 370 with the intention of having fun with it and making it my project, and I've done just that.  To be honest, I never thought I'd go this far with it, and I'd be kidding myself if I said I was going to stop now.  I'm proud of how it's turned out so far and I look forward to keeping it around for a very long time.

What does it feel like owning this Car?

I'm an introvert; expressing myself through my work and things that I'm passionate about comes easier to me than social interaction.  With that being said, the car has been my main outlet for years now and it definitely gets a lot of attention on the road!  It's always cool to go out for a drive and get the "thumbs up" and see people take pictures/video as I'm out cruising.  It does attract some unwanted attention as well; I'm not going to race everyone.  If it looks like it'll be a good one, maybe, but not in busy traffic.  There's a time and a place for that stuff.

Advice/Tips

If you plan on keeping it stock, look for a Nismo.  If you're going to build it, get a base or a sport.  The 2012+ models have the stronger gallery gaskets that plagued the earlier models, so even a higher mileage one is a better option than an earlier model year. If you're looking for power, just go straight for a boost.  Don't bother with bolt-ons.  You won't get what you're looking for and will spend more money, in the long run, chasing your goals.

Bags>Coilovers>springs, for the same reason 

Look at Ecutek or HPTuners if you're planning on tuning with the stock ECU, they have way more features than the other competition, Your CSC will fail, it is extremely common in these cars.  Do not replace it with another OEM one, upgrade it with one of the many options available.  

What makes your Car Unique?

Z's aren't nearly as common here in Colorado as some of the AWD alternatives, so they stand out on their own.  What stands out most about mine is the aesthetic; the wheels are amazing, the colour combo is perfect.  The carbon fibre is in all the right places.  The exhaust system isn't one that's widely used and it sounds deep and aggressive, and the Android setup inside is loaded with features that most people would never think of.  

If you enjoyed this Car why not read this ONE HERE

Spec List

Engine/Drivetrain:

• AAM Twin Turbo System
• AAM 3" True Dual Exhaust
• AAM R-MAF Sensors
• 4 bar MAP Sensor
• Radium Fuel Hanger Surge Tank with Walbro 450 fuel pump/Aeromotive 340 surge pump
• ID 1050x injectors
• CSF Triple pass radiator
• MOCAL 34 row oil cooler
• Turbowerx oil scavenge pump
• Z1 CSC Elimination kit
• Spec Stage 3+ clutch and aluminium flywheel
• Quaife Differential
• Tuned with Ecutek RaceRom

Exterior:

• Seibon BD style hood
• Seibon SR style lip
• ZSpeed aluminium undertray
• APR GTC-300 Wing
• Custom headlights from Retrofit Source
• Evo-R mirror caps and door handle covers
• Opt7 Underglow and engine bay lighting
• Carbon Fiber Emblems 
• Tinted tail lights

Interior:

• Workshop 12 Brainiac tablet setup
• AudioControl Matrix Plus Line Driver
• 1000w mono amp
• 10" subwoofer
• 1000w 4 channel amp 
• Clarion component interior speakers
• 3gs customs dual pillar pod
• Innovate SCG-1 Boost controller/AFR Combo gauge
• Prosport JDM oil pressure gauge

Wheels:

• Weds Kranze Cerberus II, plated copper
• 19x11 front/19x12 rear

Suspension:

• Airtekk Air Struts
• Accuair management
• Z1 Adjustable Front upper control arms
• Z1 rear camber arms
• Z1 rear subframe bushing collars
• Bellwork Differential brace
• Whiteline differential bushings
• Motordyne Front and Rear Sway Bars

Who did the work?

I've done a lot of the work myself, things like audio/visual, brakes, radiator, coolers, scavenge pump and most recently the fuel system but if it involved removing the engine or transmission I've taken it to a couple of mechanics that I trust.  I've also had help from some great people I've met along the way, they've taught me a lot over the years and I like being able to pay that forward whenever possible.  I don't understand the tuning aspect of it, so that's another thing I leave to the professionals.  Special shout out to @g35illclass for all that he's done to help me with the wheels and suspension!  

Future Plans

Plans for the future are to get the pump gas tune wrapped up and then getting it tuned for E85, then to take advantage of all the other features Ecutek offers.  I've got some Seibon side skirts on order currently, should be here next month.  After that, I'll be looking at upgrading the interior, especially the seats and my trunk setup.

Looking for a new club? Have a look at the ones featured on our site HERE

Groups/Clubs

I highly recommend the Zmile Crew (@__Zmile) to any Z enthusiast.  There's not a ton of Z's here in Colorado; they're not the most practical choice of car for this climate so Zmile has really stepped up to bring us all together and that's great to see.  Great group of guys (and girls) with some awesome builds who love to get out and drive.

What do you get from the car scene?

It has introduced me to so many people I would never have otherwise met, and I've made some great friendships over the years as a result of it.  Through those connections, I've scored some great deals, seen some insane builds, learned a ton about cars, and have been able to share what I've learned with others to help them along as well.  It's so much fun being a part of a scene that appreciates their cars as much as I do.

Dream Car

Mclaren P1.  I used to watch a lot of Top Gear and I remember that as being the most insane car I've ever seen

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