Who are M45 Owners?

[jagvet]

Good guess, but I have never had either a Jag or a Vette. I did spend a few years in the Navy JAG Corps (long before anyone thought of turning it into an often unintentially comedic TV show). So long ago that NCIS was still NIS. I have owned a 455 CID Olds Cutlass Salon and an Acura Integra, sort of opposite ends of the size scale. The Acura by the way went from 25 MPG to 30 overnight and stayed there when I switched it to all-synthetic oil at 45k miles.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I remember all the hoopla about the "wall" designer. I haven't had a chance to get back to see it myself. Everyone I know who has gone to the wall has said pretty much the same thing as you did......its very sobering.

Last I was in DC the metro was still being built.

So Chevron has the real deal?? I thought that was ad hype. I know you are right about the different alcohol additives. One just suspends the water, the other actually lets you burn it off. I have never been able to find the right one either in the local parts store. We can definately use that stuff in CT where condensation is an issue. During winter months the recommendation is don't let your tank get less than half full.

I am going to scout out where my local Chevron station is. I don't recall seeing one around. Mobil and Shell seem to dominant my area.

Speaking of gas, since we seem to have a nice ice storm coming, today is a good day to get some of the Chevron gas for the car and the generator.

I have never seen 93 up here. All we have is 87, 89, and 91. Maybe Chrevron has the 93? I'd like to try some of that.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Larry,

Every post you make I keep looking at that beautiful M with the custom wheels. My M came with the factory wheels and sport tires. It didn't take long to get some serious scratches on the factory rims as the tires didn't have the rim guard on them. I have since put Blizzack snows on all 4 which are just awesome for traction on ice and snow.

What I was thinking was in the spring to mount a set of good high performance tires that I have not decided on yet, but put them on custom rims.

Any info you can give me on yours I would appreciate. I am sure after this winter ends my factory rims will look even worse. I used to garage the car all winter...........but then thought why am I denying myself the pleasure of driving this car all year.

Thanks.........

Thanks.

[jagvet]

From your comments and others, I was surprised to learn that 91 octane is apparently widely available in some areas. My guess--and it's only that--is that this is function of both brand marketing decisions and the EPA balkanization of the gasoline market with numerous required locale-specific blends. 93 is widely sold in the DC area by Chevron, BP/Amoco and others. 91 I could not find, even at Exxon and Mobil stations. The top grade for a given brand almost certainly has better additives. We still have a few Sunoco stations around, but I don't know their current octane offerings. In the not-so-old days, Sunoco offered 6 or more grades, all the way from an 86 sub-regular to a 94 (which I used in the 455 CID Olds). Haven't seen 94 anywhere in ages. Of course, there's always 100 octane avgas (but it would probably be a felony nowadays to put it in your car, even if it were compatible with the engine). BTW the general aviation folks are also upset by the ethanol scam, primarily re safety issues. The Experimental Aircraft Assn (the Oshkosh folks) is fighting an Oregon law mandating ethanol in general aviation aircraft fuel.

[sr79labrat]

I am 23 and work as a financial planner. I have 1 yr towards ASE cert, but decided I didnt want to work on cars for a living. I went through the VICA program in HS and had a blast. Reading this I have to say I get a kick out of all the good ol boys! It is funny that you guys are the ones that have bought this car! Was it the marketing??? I think so...the Intelligent Muscle Car! hehe Funny that most of "us" seem to be wrenchers of some sort either old or new school. From my list of current cars that would include me. I enjoy all of the technology from old to new school. The 79 Firebird keeps me in touch with the basics for now. Though I am tempted by the thought of twin turbos and fuel injection in the future. So yes, I know what points are, and I have fancy MSD points. haha The interesting thing is that I read another article today off of Yahoo that was talking about how peoples cars define their personalities. I read most of the article...sadly the list did not include Infiniti. Maybe we are a rare breed! One can say that to drive an M45 you must have had/ have some success so it makes me feel better reading those articles. Anyhow, that is it. I am a diehard gearhead!

Cheers, Kyle

[lfj2025]

The wheels were bought at my Infiniti dealer. You can get them at a number of places. They are ASA St4 chrome. The dealer gave me the Infiniti center caps which I machined the ASA centers and inserted the Infiniti caps.I can email you close ups of the wheels if you want.

I have an extra set of Infiniti center caps for sale.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Kyle, Kyle, Kyle,

Follow your heart. I did not and got an MBA in finance. I should have gone to a good engineering school or some of the exellent tech schools. If you come at as a certified BMW mechanic you can easily make $100-200K for doing something you like.

We all get to be "old guys". But I think if we did what we wanted to do and not chased the money we would be a lot happier today.

Not to say the money is not good. And because of it we can afford to buy some of these higher end cars.....and talk BS all day long about them, but I still recommend going with your gut as to your career.

I chased the money........did very well. Now I am retired at 54 with stress issues, high BP and a host of other physical ailments. Was it worth it.......yes for the money.........but no overall all. I can afford a $50-100K car but can I drive it like a young man of my age should be able to? Yes, but I need to take many meds to do so.

Don't follow my route. And if you are in anyway associated with GE....get out now before they kill you.

[sr79labrat]

First off, I really do appreciate the advice! I take it every bit as kind as you meant it. I feel like there is more to it though. This is not to come off as a young punk just as what it is.

You know how this little thing we call life goes.... Basically I went to 2yrs of big boy school, and decided that school was not for me. Not that it really ever has been, but I have a huge dislike for school and always have. I guess at the time my dad made me the offer of being able to work with him and get liscensed. I would have to say it is actually a really great place to work. I only have minor complaints, but I would feel as if I would have those at every job/career. I am 4 yrs in and have 3 liscenses so far. The money has been great as you said. The last 2 yrs have been 50K plus years which is pretty good considering the demographics I am working with. Each year goes up...which is the best part! My plan is to retire early or maybe work 8-2 when the market is open here...then do the things I like with cars. Having 30Kish in the market right now should put me where I guess I feel as if I want to finance my hobbies through work, and I can also establish some pretty good contacts through my "day job". I cant lie that I wish I could have a seperate life sometimes...to be the single, wild, do whatever I want type of guy. dont we all though??? The truth of it is that I am married, help run a financial planning biz, and have expectations that I have to meet most days. The last part is that I guess I felt as if God had led me here to be where I am for the time being as well. All big decisions in my life are made with the Big Man. It is a good life like this, but I can see where the stress can get to you.

That is most of the rest of the story. Hope it was not a bore~! Have a great weekend guys! Kyle

[myother45isalesbaer]

Hey,

Not boring and you are not a punk at all. I read your post several times.

My only point was make sure you do for a living what makes you happy. Sounds like you are. Just don't get to be 20 years in and have your mind start telling you this is not what I really wanted to do, but I did it for the money.

Hope you have a very happy life. Like to hear from you somemore.

Karl.

[myother45isalesbaer]

That M looks really good. I like the fact you took the M badge off. I was thinking of doing the same thing.

I won't deal anymore with my local.........cheating Infiniti dealer. But thats another story. Do you know where I can go to get a look see at wheels like yours or similiar to?

The idea of having to retro-fit the bolt covers does not appeal to me. Are wheels out there you don't need to do that?

[lfj2025]

http://i162.photobucket.com/al...1.jpgh ... al...3.jpg

Here are some close ups of the wheels. The Tire Rack has them. The size of the center cap on wheels vary by manufacturer. Hope this helps.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Thanks..............your car is awesome looking in black. I have the grey/silver color because that is what my wife wanted. I didn't really care much........but found out my color is common. I would have liked black or red. Oh......well........don't much care as when I am driving all I see is the hood anyway. I really hope these bad boys start to appreciate in value.

The 2003-04 M's are rare and just AWESOME!!! I have had many people come up to me and ask.............what is that car? I am taking the "M" off the back as you did. HA HA to anyone who asks now!!!!

[lfj2025]

I am always amazed at how many people don't know what my car is or think it's new.

[myother45isalesbaer]

I kind of like that. These are rare in numbers. I have only seen one other from travels to Canada to NJ. I have been looking hard too.

It's a sleeper. Looked closer at you wheels. Still like them a lot.

Most people don't know very much about cars.....they see a Viper or a Rolls and go nuts. I like the way this hangs back a bit. Just got my insurance bill. It costs me less to insure the M than my wife's tiny Ford Focus.

AWESOME..........I just love it.

[jagvet]

Whether you keep the M badge or not, be grateful that Nissan/Infiniti decided to go with the current American/European fashion and use letters and numbers. I'm not sure about the current M, but I looked up the official name of the prior generation M in Japan--the Cedricke! Seems the Japanese are keen on what we would consider dorky names. For example, the now defunct Infiniti J30 was the Leopard J Ferry in Japan. I'm not making this up: I saw the order forms obtained by a US diplomat stationed in Japan.

[myother45isalesbaer]

Yes, I heard and read that too. Wouldn't those be odd names to be driving around with on your car in the US? I was read the M was originally the "Gloria". That would have to go.

Don't see many M45's of any year. Maybe leaving it on is better. I'm too lazy and cheap to take it off anyway. Just thought it was a cool idea at the time.

[szh]

The Y34 chassis (in our 2003 and 2004 M45) is used in both the Nissan Gloria and Nissan Cedric in Japan (and some other markets too, I presume).

The Y50 chassis (in the 2006+ M35 and M45) is the Nissan Fuga in Japan.

Yes, I prefer the numbers too ...

Z

[myother45isalesbaer]

My good friend............you seem to have a wealth of Nissan info. I appreicate you sharing it, but I must be honest with you. I am only interested in the M made between 2003-2004.

I have recommended to friends to buy Nissan products because of their overall reliability.........but I am a motor head. Most are happy with the Altima....had a friend that bought two on my advice. I drove both and no way would I buy one. I also have recommend Toyota's. Had one, nice car but too sedate for me. Lexus is.......oh well.......just a nice ride with no soul.

The older M's where the closest I could find to knock off Beemer's. I loved my 540i and as I have said before, if it didn't need to go to the BMW shop every 6 months, I would have never bought the M.

HP....smoking tires, getting into a tight curve and maybe doing a 4 wheel drift is my game.

So.....I need to ask.........with all your knowledge, how do I get this 300-340HP car to put out about another 100HP?

Trust me.........like some posts on this site, I am not kidding or being sarcastic or in anyway mean to be disrespectful. I just want more HP out of my machine. You seem like you know how this can be done.

PS......I don't care what wheels are on the car as long as they can take the punishment I will give them.

[Andrew224]

This question has already been posed... Check out the following thread:

zerothread/286243

[myother45isalesbaer]

Thanks. Read all the posts. Seems that motor is pretty maxed out already. To do anything more to it would make it unreliable, lessen its life and probably not street driveable.

Thanks........I am going to leave it alone.

[CakeDaddy]

The older M's where the closest I could find to knock off Beemer's. I loved my 540i.....

then maybe you should've kept your 5 series it. If you wanted a "knock off" bimmer, then maybe you should've purchased a Saab/Peugeot or something of that nature. In my opinion, the Y34 isn't a knock off any car. If you are insinuating(sp) that this car looks like a bmw then I suggest you take a trip to eye masters and up your prescription. Same class of car, but no comparison!!!! I aint mad at'cha, but you struck a nerve!


Modified by CakeDaddy at 4:38 PM 12/19/2007

[szh]

Hmmm ... I interpreted those words to mean the ability to knock out Beemers, not copy them!

They certainly do not look the same ...

Z

[myother45isalesbaer]

Mr. CakeDaddy,

And what nerve is that I hit?? I have no doubts I am going to dump this Infiniti junk I own and go back to German/English built cars.

The issue I have with all overseas built products is there is nothing new about any of them. They just copy well, but never inovate. They just take what has already been done and just make it more reliable. If there is an Asian anywhere that had an "original" idea.........please let me know what it was.

I am going back to the Germans and find a BMW 760.

I didn't run my Mitusbishi built planes into Pearl Harbor and start a war. But I am most certainly not going to forget who did. I won't forget 9/11 either. You clowns started this with the US...........and don't ever forget that we will not forget.

That includes the Germans too. What is god's name was ever on your minds to think an attack on the US would be acceptable.......or we would forget?????

[szh]

I appreicate you sharing it, but I must be honest with you. I am only interested in the M made between 2003-2004.

Okay.

I can agree with the looks aspect (since I love the unique looks of the 2003/4 M45 too), but in terms of handling, the new M does have a significant edge over our years! The suspension is more modern, etc.

For me, the uniqueness of the 2003 M look is what led me to buy it ... my wife agreed heartily! In fact, we had gone in to replace my Q45 with a G35, we saw the M45 sitting in the showroom, we both instantly decided that we had to buy it instead - without even driving it!

Lexus is.......oh well.......just a nice ride with no soul.

Agreed!

So.....I need to ask.........with all your knowledge, how do I get this 300-340HP car to put out about another 100HP?

Unfortunately, no simple or inexpensive way to up the ante on the M45. In the early days of the 2001+ Q45 (which has the same engine as our M45), there was a supercharger (may have been a turbo, I can never remember) for the Q45 offered by a company called Keuylian Motors. This would have been an awesome addition to our cars too. Unfortunately, the sales figures for the Q and M were so low that this product did not make it to too many of the cars.

Some of the Keuylian-equipped Q45's have made it onto eBay on rare occasions, by the way.

If you have the money to dabble, then a custom turbo-charger setup (and, of course, all the engine re-programming) is probably the only way to get any real power additions. This will be expensive ... probably in the $30k to $50k range at least, I would hazard to say, and more than I certainly would be willing to spend. For that kind of money, you are probably better off buying a more powerful car to begin with!

FWIW, as I recall, the Keuylian turbo/super-charger (whichever it was) was under $10k installed.

Z

[CakeDaddy]

In the interest of calming the waters, I am going to remove this post too, although it is not a flame per se.

Z

[myother45isalesbaer]

Unnecessary flame deleted by Moderator.

Z

[myother45isalesbaer]

Unnecessary flame deleted by Moderator.

Z

[CakeDaddy]

This is by far the worst car site I have ever been on. I will never be on it again..........

"Who are M45 Owners? (myother45isalesbaer)"

I think he found out "who M45 owners are". Lets see if his above quote stands true. He'll be back. lol

[szh]

Guys, please cool your jets (to use an old slang phrase)

We do not need totally unnecessary flaming ... the thread is now locked. Please do not start another related one in its place.

Z