2004 TiAg ZHP

[S2Ace]

Hello Everyone!

Long time lurker and excited to start my project thread!

A bit of car background, I've always been into JDM cars and never really looked into anything European. In 2017, I was in search of a nice wagon to serve as my road trip/adventure car and discovered the E46 Touring. I fell in love with the platform after purchasing a 325XIT. I also discovered the ZHP at the same time but couldn't justify owning one since I already had a "fun" car (2016 STI) at the time. So I became a wierd lurker here and kept an eye on the market.

Fast forward a few years to 2020 and due to an unfortunate accident, I lost my pride and joy STI. I eventually replaced her with an IS350 but it just wasn't the car for me. Amazing daily driver with lots of creature comforts but I just missed the have a manual. Cars are also getting way too big and I missed having something a little smaller. I sold the Lexus and began hunting for a smaller compact car with a 6MT. After failing to find something interesting (GR86 was at the top of my list), I decided to finally start looking into the ZHP again.

After searching for a few months and missing a few deals, I finally found the one for me and picked her up over the labor day weekend! I flew with my wife to Seattle, WA and drove the car back to San Diego, CA. What a blast! Definitely a keeper car! Plans are to keep up with maintenance and to keep her as OEM as possible (maybe aftermarket shocks/struts like Konis?). Not many photos yet as a I was rushing home to pick up my dogs (dropped them off suddenly with friends to make the flight to Seattle).

Picking her up in Seattle
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52339101087_faab61dfda_c.jpg

Rest stop at my folks home
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52340488670_f9d2e4283a_c.jpg

Washing off the road grime at home
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52339101062_e927bcd0d5_c.jpg




Some photos of fun cars past:
2021 IS350: Comfy as heck but also pretty boring. Thought it was a more mature move but just ended up not liking it...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51889974718_2cd37a2575_c.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51953966037_4f33b804a3_c.jpg

2016 STI: The first car I ever purchased new and paid off. Called the dealership to place an order the moment I was promoted to a full time position from an intern. Still upset that she's gone from my life.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51052080923_71e639c2c9_c.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52339131662_e24182d81f_c.jpg

[jiggz]

Welcome to the forum. ZHP looks nice, I think I remember seeing that one listed here locally in Seattle.

My old ZHP is living it's best life just north of you in LA in a garage full of other E46/E9x BMWs. I tried to buy it back a few years ago for my teenage daughter but the guy wasn't selling.

Anyhow, enjoy! You still have the E46 touring?

[fredo]

Congrats ! Your ZHP looks great. How many miles on the clock ?

[S2Ace]

Welcome to the forum. ZHP looks nice, I think I remember seeing that one listed here locally in Seattle.

My old ZHP is living it's best life just north of you in LA in a garage full of other E46/E9x BMWs. I tried to buy it back a few years ago for my teenage daughter but the guy wasn't selling.

Anyhow, enjoy! You still have the E46 touring?

Thank you! Sadly no, the E46 touring was sold when I moved to a smaller apartment and did not have space to work on anything. Replaced with a 6MT Crosstrek which then got replaced by a 4runner (my 2nd dog got a little bigger than I expected).





Congrats ! Your ZHP looks great. How many miles on the clock ?
Thank you! 97K at the moment. I actually purchased it from BaT (I believe you posted the car in the for sale section).

[Galapolis]

Congratz on the ZHP and welcome!

This is more for advanced users who are already familiar with the E46 platform but might be worth checking out if you've already worked on your previous Touring and are now considering suspension stuff for the ZHP: http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?23374-BUDGET-PERFORMANCE-SUSPENSION-GUIDE-(Ultimate-E46-OEM-SACHS-Setup)

[fredo]

Thank you! 97K at the moment. I actually purchased it from BaT (I believe you posted the car in the for sale section).

I remember now. :thumbsup

[johnrando]

Congrats, and welcome!

Sent from my SM-F936U1 using Tapatalk

[S2Ace]

Minor updates. Just keeping up with maintenance items over the past 2 weeks:

-Fuel pump
-Rebuilt the DISA valve with GAS kit
-Purge valve (threw an SES light)

No pictures for the above 3 items since it was raining and I just wanted to get things done.

A few cosmetic items showed up today:
-Replacement fender liner (original tore from highway debris during Seattle -> SD trip)
-Front plate holder delete

https://i.postimg.cc/wMZnC5jt/IMG-20220913-172826.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/LXycTFd3/IMG-20220913-172833.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/mkt0ppBf/IMG-20220913-175432.jpg

10 minute front plate delete turned into a 2 hour job after finding a weird device sitting behind the old front plate bracket
https://i.postimg.cc/66Ps4Kf9/IMG-20220913-181002.jpg

Turned out to be a Laser jammer for a K40 system...took a while to figure out what it was since the labels were old and worn away. Explains these tucked away cables.
https://i.postimg.cc/tCnKhcBF/IMG-20220913-182912.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/vBHRfHKm/IMG-20220913-210004.jpg

Front plate delete finally done
https://i.postimg.cc/XYMTxgPm/IMG-20220913-210805.jpg


Didn't get to this today but dash cam wiring using home link connector:
https://i.postimg.cc/K8nCWMSz/IMG-20220913-211926.jpg


Next up for maintenance:
-Cooling refresh kit from FCP. Previous owner did some work but replaced as they failed. I hate having to drain the radiator every time so I decided just to order the kit and to replace most of the system. Some of the older addressed items (lower radiator hose) was done more than 10 years ago...

-Clean ICV valve (some bouncing of the RPMs at cold start)

-Diff mount, Transmission Mount, Trans oil and diff oil change

[BMWCurves]

Looks great! I wish the front plate delete/relocation was as easy on coupes as they are on sedans

[Will]

Congrats, the car looks great!
Looking forward to the progress, especially the dash cam and wiring!

[t.er]

Welcome and clean car! Also damn that's quite the rats nest of wiring for the laser jammer

[S2Ace]

Thank you all for the kind comments so far!


Looks great! I wish the front plate delete/relocation was as easy on coupes as they are on sedans
One of the biggest reasons I picked the sedan over the coupe is the ease of working on things (ex. headlights! I refuse to bake anymore headlights open haha)


Congrats, the car looks great!
Looking forward to the progress, especially the dash cam and wiring!
D'oh! I'm terrible at keeping journals since most of the time I just want the car back together again to go for a drive. I'll go back at some point and snap some photos but the connector I purchased just connects to the homelink for power.


Welcome and clean car! Also damn that's quite the rats nest of wiring for the laser jammer
Yeah it was quite an adventure relearning how to take my dash trim apart again...at least it's gone for now! Hopefully no more quirky wiring!

[S2Ace]

Nothing fun yet...more preventative maintenance (sort of!)

9/18
Replaced the cooling system with the FCP euro kit. No leaks so far but learning the BMW bleeding procedure was an interesting process. Was second guessing myself for a few days but the coolant level has stabilized after 2-3 days of driving and no leaks or overheating, woohoo!

Also took the time to crawl under the car and inspect all the suspension components:
-Both forward diff bushings have cracks
-Rear diff mount has cracks
-Very very slight oil weep at the differential inspection cover (noted by previous owner). No dripping on the floor yet. Just a wet look at the bottom of the differential

At least I can probably knock all three out at the same time and reseal the diff as well. Not looking forward to dropping or lifting the diff back up

-Shocks and struts on their way out...probably have to look at replacement sooner than later. I can see some leaking at the front struts and the rear shocks are just a little bouncy. Deciding between going OEM again or KW V1s. Anyone have experience with the reinforcement plates and how much height they add?


9/26
CCV Replacement. During one of the test drives, i noticed oil weeping out some of the valve cover grommets. I had the same issue on my old wagon and believe the CCV has failed creating too much pressure and forcing oil out of areas that shouldn't? I haven't noticed any additional oil after cleaning but decided on replacing the CCV anyways. It was still the original unit so it had to go... Also bought a spare valve gasket set just in case (Previous owner had the gasket replaced along with a new cover) but hoping to save it for a VANOS reseal. I can feel the stutter at higher RPMs.

Cleaned the ICV and TB while in there
https://i.postimg.cc/G2302spV/IMG-20220925-132332.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/tRZbVWkG/IMG-20220925-132345.jpg

I was today years old when I learned that the cap can be used to hold the straw...I've been reusing the tape for years...
https://i.postimg.cc/x8b6T0LB/IMG-20220925-132507.jpg

Disassembled everything ahead of time on sunday while waiting for parts to arrive on monday. Decided to break open the old one to see what goes on in there. Assuming the diaphragm got stuck during one of my cooling system test drives (I did do a few short trips....)
https://i.postimg.cc/G2XWsh82/IMG-20220925-144458.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/XJq2mKqj/IMG-20220925-144503.jpg

After replacing the CCV, not sure if it was my butt dyno but the throttle response feels like it's improved...? I don't have to give it as much input for 1st and 2nd. Could just be also not driving her for a few days lol.

Here's a couple of phone photos from the long test drive after the CCV replacement. God I love the side profile of E46s:
https://i.postimg.cc/YSbndDpD/IMG-20220926-195601-01-01-01.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/0Q4ts6Kp/IMG-20220926-195619-01-01.jpg

Should probably dust off my camera at some point...
Thanks for following so far! Hopefully I get to do some more interesting things at some point. Hoping to take her on a spirited drive at some point in the next few weeks.

Planned next major maintenance items (in no particular order):
-Drivetrain fluid change
-Diff bushings/mounts
-VANOS reseal
-New suspension (?)

[johnrando]

Nice werk.

Sent from my SM-F936U1 using Tapatalk

[S2Ace]

No maintenance photos to add but here's the updates so far:

10/3 - Reseal VANOS and anti rattle kit. New valve cover gasket set

10/8 - Replaced the final stage resistor unit

10/13 - MT Fluid drain and fill

Upcoming:
-Ordered diff bushing set and transmission mounts



Took a long drive since it's been sitting in the garage all week (rotating cars since wife is working from home). Here's a couple of phone photos:
https://i.postimg.cc/ZntvTz8Q/IMG-20221014-124723.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/gJ66F2ZR/IMG-20221014-124450.jpg

[BADCLOWN]

Those are great pics!

[S2Ace]

Another small update! Dropped the pumpkin for Halloween!
-Replaced the front and rear diff bushings/mount (cracks everywhere!)

-Resealed the output shafts and the inspection cover since diff was already out and not expensive to reseal. Didn't have the right socket to remove the input shaft so left it alone since there was no leaks

-Replaced the transmission mounts

Reading threads online made the job seem a lot harder than it actually was. Everything came out smooth and went back in smooth. Hardest part was just bringing down and lifting the rear diff back up. Car drives a lot more smoother now and the rear end clunk has disappeared! Getting closer to finishing up maintenance to a level comfortable for me and hopefully move on to more fun things.

https://i.postimg.cc/V5Q2y3cm/IMG-20221023-165744.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/R0gr3swL/IMG-20221023-193717.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/vmYFZFxm/IMG-20221023-193726.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/W3zB0GnL/IMG-20221024-190419.jpg

The near 20 year old paper gasket was frustrating to remove...thank god they aren't made anymore.
https://i.postimg.cc/4yhjSXqW/IMG-20221024-193811.jpg

[Vas]

That gasket is the worst and so is the smell of gear oil.

Any leaks from the oil pan?

[fredo]

Well done, man. The differential and transmission mounts are on my radar.

[S2Ace]

That gasket is the worst and so is the smell of gear oil.

Any leaks from the oil pan?

Luckily, no! Previous owner had it replaced a few years back. On my list of things to keep an eye on.

[S2Ace]

Absent for a while as I was holding off on purchases until black friday...managed to get a cheap H&R touring cup kit to hold me over until coilovers. Purchased a sent of strut reinforcement plates and the rogue engineering RSM as well.

List of things replaced:
-Original headlight bulbs replaced with OSRAM Laser
-PS cap o-ring, original fluid
-Xenon level sensor connector

Found the xenon level sensor unplugged and tried to replug it in. Seems like years of being left open to environment caused the connector gasket to swell and tear. Connector seems to be a generic TE connector and found a dodge caravan harness that had to same connector. For anyone interested, 68018956AC is the PN for the connector. Costed $10 instead of $40 for the OEM BMW. I depinned the new wiring and just used the connector housing from the dodge harness.


Probably not everyone's cup of tea but my wife did get me a new shift know as a Christmas present. The taller "anatomic" shift knob (PN 25117896884). While the ZHP stock knob has a great weight and shape, I could not get used to the shortened height. Getting the gear into 5th felt like a reach and the most annoying part was not being able to use the armrest comfortably (I paid for a car, I want to use all of it! lol). The anatomic shift knob keeps the same weight and shape as the zhp knob while just slightly raising the height. Now I can shift comfortably with the armrest down. Also my first time removing a BMW knob...should've moved my face further away lol....
https://i.postimg.cc/QCsRfb8B/PXL-20221204-011214147.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/zvj46gvx/PXL-20221204-011523442.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/T2J8pZ0n/PXL-20221204-064318138.jpg


Progress with H&R Touring cup kit:
https://i.postimg.cc/ZR6GPgSt/PXL-20221204-063950512.jpg

Getting the springs compressed is incredibly frustrating...will be taking it to a shop with a better compressor. Will hopefully complete the job by tomorrow and get some pictures in.

Also noticed that the new SACHs strut mounts seems to be a bit taller than the original, similar to this thread:
http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?18009-PSA-check-replace-your-strut-mounts

The PN on my oem strut mounts seem to be different. Anyone know the difference between 31336770568 (listed as original E46) vs 31336760943 (original on my ZHP)?
https://i.postimg.cc/brT6jqvz/PXL-20221204-091642521-2.jpg

Is this the true cause for the height difference or is the rubber really worn down like suggested in the above thread?

[Vas]

The strut mount compresses overtime. Similar to the engine mounts.


However (SACHS 802-066)from the z4 can be used on the e46 to lower the front by 10mm

I usually order lemforder brand strut mounts.

[S2Ace]

Long time no update due to family visiting over the holidays...

Completed the H&R cup kit install along with reinforcement plates/mounts (went with rogue engineering for front and rear). Instead of taking the springs to a shop, decided to just purchase a spring compressor since I seem to use them often. Worked like a charm and much sturdier than the rental ones from auto stores!
https://i.postimg.cc/8zPhQm3K/PXL-20221207-012152426.jpg


Was wondering if the springs even did anything with the addition of the reinforcement plates and new strut mounts (Cup kit was rated for only a 0.75" drop). I can't fit my regular jack underneath the front bumper anymore so it definitely did drop. I really wanted to keep the car near stock height so this is perfect for me!
https://i.postimg.cc/KzLTrqkz/PXL-20221208-010802870-2.jpg


Tried to restore the driver side leather seat. Should hold up for now until I can replace the front seats with something else.
https://i.postimg.cc/HLF5MDLR/PXL-20221222-052815194.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/fTsc5Nvh/PXL-20221222-052818759.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/hGXThPKV/PXL-20221222-092518706.jpg


Also found this today while fixing the rear bumper sag...thought it was from someone's rear license plate screw but looks like it was hit multiple times. Bastards..... probably expected of a daily I guess. Any suggestions for future repair would be appreciated!
https://i.postimg.cc/CxPbFfpF/PXL-20230114-185701985.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/xTPK44sN/PXL-20230114-185854263.jpg

[S2Ace]

Finally a weekend with good weather and some time for a drive. Dusted off the camera in case I found a good location to stop, which I did! Was at a dead end road that lead to a closed lot (seemed to be closed for a few years according to google)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52726577613_0c9fe740d8_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52726577823_20ab7fac64_h.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52726512795_bcfdc3798c_h.jpg


Few other updates:

-Oil light has been going off but weirdly I couldn't find any leaks. Oil level hasn't been noticeably going down (always in the middle) so thought it might've been the oil level sensor. Bought a new oil level sensor and oil change kit and voila! Leak was at the oil level sensor :facepalm
Looks like it's just been collecting in the subframe reinforcement.

-Replaced a few PS hoses and the reservoir.

-Replaced the RTABs with these beauties and finally got an alignment. I didn't realize they offered a free tool loan which really helped since I didn't want to spend another ~$100 on another tool...:
https://i.postimg.cc/VNtWnhVJ/PXL-20230210-012307093.jpg

[Will]

Car looks great! and nice find on the electrical connector (68018956AC)! How'd you find it? What did you use to clean and restore your seat bolster. It looks pretty good.

Thanks for documenting and sharing your projects.

[S2Ace]

Car looks great! and nice find on the electrical connector (68018956AC)! How'd you find it? What did you use to clean and restore your seat bolster. It looks pretty good.

Thanks for documenting and sharing your projects.

Thank you! Hmmm...I don't recall how actually I found the connector. Usually involves just google page hopping. As for the seats, I went with a colourlock dye and filler kit.

[S2Ace]

A few updates since I last posted. Again, sorry for the terrible photos. Most of the time I just want to finish up the job and get the car back on the road.

-Xtrons headunit
Finally got a new headunit on! Can't live without android auto....
https://i.postimg.cc/yNBvBJjK/PXL-20230529-043415036.jpg

-Euro tails, side markers, and front turn signals

Mini story and first parts ordering headache under the ZHP ownership! The original amber turn signals were leaking so I figured it's a great time to go euro clears. I placed an order on Turners for a set of the ULO front turn signals. OEM must mean good quality right? WELL I received a set of front turn signals in ULO boxes but they looked nothing like the images on the website. Fitment was awful and the gasket immediately began to peel after removing them from the box.

Photo of the fronts when I received them. Looked mostly okay from the front. Was wondering why the front turn signal bulb was removed from the passenger side light which should have been my first red flag. Turns old the housing was molded so poorly the bulb socket would not lock into place.
https://i.postimg.cc/L54csCVH/PXL-20230312-184257392.jpg

Separated gasket
https://i.postimg.cc/44BC0GJn/PXL-20230312-192238554.jpg

Notice there are NO markings on the housing. The website and the original turn signals have at least a marking indicating which way to turn the bulb holders. The only time I see examples with no markings are depo lights or random chinese lights. Funny enough I had a set of temporary DEPOs and they fit waaaay better than these ULO(?)
https://i.postimg.cc/GtMZTFMv/PXL-20230312-203630438.jpg

I believe someone probably ordered the ULOs and returned them to Turners with cheap chinese lights? But if they did, I'm surprised Turners would sell returned items as new....This was definitely a -1 for me with Turners especially since I have to pay return shipping on these.

The 2nd time around, I decided to give Turners one more try and ordered their GENUINE Front corner lights. They were backordered until June which I was fine with (ordered DEPO fronts in the meantime since I already installed my OE side markers). Waited for probably 2 weeks with no updates and then I received an email informing me the price was now doubled instead of the advertised price...-1 again for taking so long to inform me about a price hike AFTER I placed the order. Canceled and decided to risk the ULOs again but from FCP this time (FCP was out of stock the first time). The FCP ones were definitely much better and came with all the correct markings...Anyways, will probably not order from Turners or the whole ECS umbrella for a while....

No nice photos yet of the new lights but here's a few I snapped while changing the brake lines to stop techs. Even gutted and on a lift the E46 looks amazing.
https://i.postimg.cc/DZX943qP/PXL-20230421-041816906.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/wvkKg8Lf/PXL-20230421-041831750.jpg

-New stoptech brake lines + fluid
No photos really or story here. Finally decided to replace the lines as the rubber on the fronts were cracking and falling apart.




-M56 Valve Cover

Noticed the car was getting worse mpg, feeling sluggish, and losing oil again...Checked the valve cover and noticed it was leaking from the top again. Checked the CCV and noticed plenty of oil going to the intake. Guessing the CCV failed again even though it was the "OE" Supplier kit from FCP. Decided to just go the M56 route like on my old E46 touring just in case the plastic cover was damaged. Fingers crossed but this definitely improved power and mpg.

After an hour of scrubbing with Simple Green HD
https://i.postimg.cc/qB8LmYFN/PXL-20230525-032015315.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/0jqCkdz5/PXL-20230525-032033668.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/FzbwGbCf/PXL-20230527-055357419.jpg

Seemed like a shame to toss the old beauty cover...so onto the wall of things it goes!
https://i.postimg.cc/R0yr0Zn0/PXL-20230527-234730720.jpg

[S2Ace]

Had a nice sunny day to myself, so took a drive and some quick photos! M56 Valve cover also looks dry so that's some good news...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52951572279_b100dec560_h.jpg


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52951572264_f51982c39e_h.jpg

[S2Ace]

Replaced the M56 Diaphragm and cap with a paris/argyride cap.

Finally putting the old russian made diaphragm to good use. I purchased it a few years ago for my old e46 touring but sold the car before that happened. Almost threw it away thinking I wouldn't be back in an e46...

https://i.postimg.cc/mDns1qtB/PXL-20230616-003415136.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/ZRjYgCnF/PXL-20230616-003523704-MP.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/jdHSBxDf/PXL-20230616-012618977.jpg

[S2Ace]

Snapped a few photos from a night drive. Was scouting a few potential photo locations.
https://i.postimg.cc/wM3QjHrr/IMG-2354-1.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/65kftkfH/IMG_2355.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/MGbDs9R9/IMG-2324-1.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/SQZZF1P5/IMG-2328.jpg

[Will]

Car looks great. Makes me wish my zhp was a sedan.

[S2Ace]

Car looks great. Makes me wish my zhp was a sedan.

Thank you! Coupes are awesome too. I envy some of the quality of life features like led tails and adaptive headlights...

[BMWCurves]

Thank you! Coupes are awesome too. I envy some of the quality of life features like led tails and adaptive headlights...

Then you park in a tight parking spot and open that yacht of a door...

[t.er]

Then you park in a tight parking spot and open that yacht of a door...Omg. For some time I had 2 motorcycles and my car stuffed in a 1-car garage. Not only could I not open the door all the way, I also have a bucket seat so it was doubly hard to ingress/egress. It was like doing gymnastics

[MINIz guy]

Omg. For some time I had 2 motorcycles and my car stuffed in a 1-car garage. Not only could I not open the door all the way, I also have a bucket seat so it was doubly hard to ingress/egress. It was like doing gymnastics

I'm dealing with this right now with my subframe overhaul. I have my exhaust and rear bumper propped up against the wall like a ladder by the front of the car. The welder takes up all the space on the driver's side of the car and it's only passable around the passenger side. I totally miss my 2 car garage.

[S2Ace]

Omg. For some time I had 2 motorcycles and my car stuffed in a 1-car garage. Not only could I not open the door all the way, I also have a bucket seat so it was doubly hard to ingress/egress. It was like doing gymnastics

Sounds like my old garage...I usually had my wife exit the car first before driving in (I also had a bucket seat too...was a pain to get out of).

[S2Ace]

Installed a back up cam finally! Would not recommend mounting it here as it was a PITA. Didn't want to deal with the license plate light + camera combos on ebay but I might just go that route if this goes bad.
https://i.postimg.cc/LX8xpW78/PXL-20230630-050917052.jpg

While routing the cable, found the trunk harness frayed and in bad shape. Decided to replace it with a schmiedmdann harness (went with them since it was only 2 days shipping from Denmark!).

https://i.postimg.cc/FzBrZ2td/PXL-20230623-234820524.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/6q36CBPx/PXL-20230628-235242536.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/5yHpHCfc/PXL-20230630-033533710.jpg


Nasty license plate bulbs....
https://i.postimg.cc/mgFDd2gb/PXL-20230621-021908354-MP.jpg


Next upgrade for the weekend: New seats from an M6! Got tired of waiting for gray M3 seats... Getting an inspection from my local bagel.
https://i.postimg.cc/zB20XjZS/PXL-20230629-231544048.jpg

[S2Ace]

Seats are in! Lower back extremely happy.

https://i.postimg.cc/SRyN76sQ/PXL-20230701-044500438-NIGHT.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/N0HMgGSt/PXL-20230701-044624009.jpg

[fredo]

:like

[cakM3]

Those seats look very comfortable! Looks great :thumbsup

[S2Ace]

Not many fun updates for the ZHP as the past couple of weeks have been pretty busy. Finally starting the hard coolant line replacement. Taking my time as the engine bay is incredibly dirty and I'm afraid of something dropping into the cylinder head...
https://i.postimg.cc/nz3Ff4XF/PXL-20230826-045508668-MP.jpg

Also found this mystery cap trapped in the intake manifold. If anyone knows what this is please let me know
https://i.postimg.cc/B6n3pjMd/PXL-20230826-045603617.jpg


Since there are journals for other vehicles, I thought I would share some adventures as well! Took a week in July to finally visit Colorado for leisure. Gorgeous views! Took the family and met up with a friend for some camping and scenic adventures.
https://i.postimg.cc/BZwShCWN/PXL-20230721-141020134.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/6Qwt7jR6/PXL-20230721-144236943.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/x1L91DXF/PXL-20230721-140439601.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/90ScrcPs/PXL-20230721-171822012.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/zfj5TCSC/PXL-20230721-173455795.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/7YGxjTw4/PXL-20230721-180150232.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/rFYZDQ06/PXL-20230721-171802513.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/DwJjLLLS/PXL-20230723-230144121.jpg

[John in VA]

Also found this mystery cap trapped in the intake manifold. If anyone knows what this is please let me know
https://i.postimg.cc/B6n3pjMd/PXL-20230826-045603617.jpg
Looks like a cap for the Schrader valve on an A/C line.

[S2Ace]

Looks like a cap for the Schrader valve on an A/C line.

Perfect,thank you! Must've been an extra that someone dropped since the AC valve already had a cap.

[BADCLOWN]

I was going to say AC line as well but someone beat me to it.

More YOTA content. Love me some FJ/4runner content from other members than myself. Looks like a blast

[S2Ace]

1st fun drive after finishing the coolant hard lines! Went to a backroads drive with the local BMW CCA chapter. Hopefully I wasn't too slow....

On a side note, need new pillars (A and C but why stop there...) soon. Recommendations on whether I should reupholster or just try to find some new ones?

https://i.postimg.cc/xCMDxqFG/PXL-20231015-180055940-2.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/447JDNj9/PXL-20231015-180150253.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/g0wPhgVT/PXL-20231015-180123536.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/7ZtkbF2z/PXL-20231015-180638569-MP.jpg

[S2Ace]

I was going to say AC line as well but someone beat me to it.

More YOTA content. Love me some FJ/4runner content from other members than myself. Looks like a blast

I was thinking about doing a 4runner one...but it would be comprised of mostly family camping photos lol. We'll see....

[S2Ace]

Sunday funday! Finally took the ZHP to one of my favorite spots at Borrego Springs.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53277406162_d6aa8449cd_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53277406187_a0639d18c8_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53279068299_165710795a_b.jpg

[TXRedDevil]

Really nice ZHP! Looks like the previous owner detailed it nicely for the sale too.

[S2Ace]

Really nice ZHP! Looks like the previous owner detailed it nicely for the sale too.

Thank you! Sadly, daily driving her is taking it's toll. At least she has a garage spot.

[S2Ace]

Hope everyone is having a great holiday! My wife surprised me with an oil painting of my ZHP!
https://i.postimg.cc/Y23p1rhC/PXL-20231225-214542696-2.jpg

[fredo]

Very nice. Thanks for sharing! :thumbsup

[S2Ace]

My long awaited autosolutions shifter arrived! Any recommendations on "while I'm down there maintenance"? I only have the driveshaft giubo so far.



https://i.postimg.cc/xjM4dfyg/PXL-20240307-031620696.jpg (https://postimg.cc/pyVZGtSn)

[S2Ace]

It's been a while since I've last updated! Most of the year has been boring maintenance:
-Fuel filter, fuel sender
-Tie Rods
-O2 sensors

Finally installed my Auto solutions shifter as well! My god what a difference it makes! The first week of install I just sat in my car after work and played with the shift lever...

No photos of the install as it was a fairly frustrating install. Most of the DIY videos and guides were meant for a 5 speed. Very minimal room and was having a hard time getting all the alignment pins and bushings back in.

Now the more exciting parts! Finally got a new set of wheels and just in time as I needed new tires. I pre-ordered the Apex Arc8-RTs in 17x8.5F/17x9R. Was a little hesitant and going down to 17s from 18s but turned out pretty great! Photos don't do it justice but it has their "profile 2" concave. Isn't extreme at all like the normal 17x9s and not flat faces like the profile 1.

https://i.postimg.cc/rp6C3bHn/PXL-20241105-235855562.jpg

https://i.postimg.cc/QxtbTc5b/PXL-20241015-001146178.jpg

Passed the inspection team

https://i.postimg.cc/QC6JzML1/465674233-8908392405870393-3499311281394545055-n.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/sgG4nyTG/PXL-20241004-232354379-2.jpg


In other news, spent the last few months prepping my old 4runner for sale. Wife and I decided to finally pursue our cross-country camper build while our dogs are still young. With that being said, the E46 will probably go back to maintenance/daily driving mode again until we have the truck finished.

https://i.postimg.cc/c43fGTNr/IMG-2383.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/xjg586k8/PXL_20241008_021723839.jpg