Shamaz Majid

The external antenna on my Z is broken, so when I read on this forum that there are actually 2 antennas installed (1 internal on the rear screen and 1 external), I decided to investigate. I know it sounds incredibly strange (why fit two?) but it's actually true, certainly for my Z. When you take the stereo out, there is a black cylinder like object, from which there dangle 2 cables with plugs on the end. 1 is the typical plug that we all recognise; this goes to the external antenna. The second is a very thin version and is connected to the internal antenna. All you need to do is pull out the back of the cylinder (secured by a clip), turn around the 2 prongs and push the back back in. You will have to pull the clip out slightly to push the back in but it's no big issue and is still a snug fit. Switch on the radio and voila! Works perfectly. No need to replace the external antenna. It's actually a much better solution than replacing the external antenna as I'm not sure a long thin old fashioned aerial looks very good sticking out of a low slung Z. Apologies for not taking any photos; forgot to do this in the rush to make the changes between finishing work and the sun going down! Will certainly take some the next time I have the radio out as I still need to work out why no sound from the rear speakers... Hope the antenna stuff is useful anyway.

You said it only took you 2.5 hrs for the rears? Are they effectively seat covers then, because I thought the full re-upholstery task could take days if not weeks!

They'll be using Cosworth engines according to the BBC.

Name and shame, and focus on the local press where they are based.

After much soul searching and exploring all avenues, have decided that the cheapest option at the moment is to replace the wing, bonnet and boot lid with clean second hand parts. That will leave: - 2 rear arches to be sorted. Will involve cutting and welding new metal. - 1 door skin to be replaced. 2 other doors to be repaired. - Full re-spray for the whole car, to the existing colour. That should reduce the costs considerably. Will need to get a quote first though. Does anyone know if rear arches can be bought? Someone I spoke to suggested sometimes they can be a separate part? That would be ideal.

Who are Lotus owned by these days? Are they still owned by Kia or Isuzu? Begs the question who will run the team, supply the engines and finance them.

Bought the Mobil Super S Semi 10w/40 yesterday from Halfords. £19.99 for 5L. Should be fine. Thanks to everyone for their advice.

Thanks again. Got the OEM filter at the weekend. Just need the oil!

Awesome! Thanks.

Which one of the above would be better for me? I have a NA with 98,000 miles. I'm avoiding anything fully-synthetic as it's probably too thin for an old engine and not sure if it will give any advantages.

My cigar lighter socket is not working, and on the assumption (hope!) that a fuse was blown, tried looking for it but can't find it. Found the ones for the lights etc. but not one that is obviously for this. Does anyone know where it is located? I am of course assuming that there is a fuse for the cigar lighter.

Thanks Joel.

Guys, Would love your wisdom and advice on blowovers vs. full re-sprays. I've looked through the many posts on the subject, but would be grateful if anyone can help on the following: 1. What's the difference between a 'blowover' and a full respray? 2. What are the advantages of each and when should a blowover be used? 3. Conversely, when should a blowover never be used? 4. What's the cost difference between both? 5. How much is a decent blowover? Thanks.

I'd recommend the Mitsubishi. Both are gr8, but this has a bigger engine and therefore should be less stressed. Pity the Japanese don't sell some of their best stuff here!

Some pics with the Targas removed would be nice!

Bought from Nissan this morning. £7.77 for filter and sump plug washer (inc. VAT).

I'm wondering if it could be a dodgy MAF sensor or something similar.

yep, it sure has that in droves!

Very good idea. Looks gr8.

A bit of a 'how long is a piece of string' type of question this but thought I'd give it a go. Having had the Z for a coupleof months now, I've noticed that it has OFF and ON days. On an ON day, it is smooth as silk, refined and well sorted. Drives very sweetly. On an OFF day, the engine sounds gruff, the gearbox seems to clunk between changes, and the car vibrates at speed. Generally, it doesn't sound or feel healthy. As far as I can tell, there is no relationship to the weather (i.e. damp/dry/hot) and no relationship to it being cold or warmed up. Any ideas what it could be? The performance is about the same in both moods.

Looks a good car and it's in my favourite colour. Buy it!

Nice, although he has already put 1 owner on to the log book. How many more opportunists will own the car in the next year before it finally finds its rightful owner?

I've also found that it's able to pull away from a standstill in 2nd gear with no issues.

Happened to be stuck in traffic the other day and at one point was crawling up a hill when I noticed that the car was in 5th and pulling quite smoothly at 1000rpm! I found that quite surprising and was very impressed with the flexibility. It's a NA by the way.

Only bought the car 2 months ago so not had a reason to go to Nissan. Will they want to know chassis numbers etc? Do they refuse to provide bits for imports? If they do, where else can I buy one from? BTW, how much should an OEM be?