Anyone who had done s14 zenki to kouki conversion

[joo02]

I have a couple questions to those who have actually done the S14 'zenki to kouki' conversion.

I got 97-98 240sx hood, headlights, cornerlights, fenders, grill and Omega (R33 front by VIS) bumper.

My questions are:

1. For the conversion, does one need 97-98 parts like the radiator reinforcement bar or bumper upper retainer or lower brackets? All or just one of them? Are they the same and just called different? Someone elaborate on this please!

2. If I have a non-OEM bumper, do I still need the parts from #1?

[SimpleS14]

They are probably called something else.......


but I used the front reinforcement (big bar in the front) along with the bumper bracket (thin bar that sits on reinforcement). I also used stays...which connect the bumper bracket to the reinforcement. It's also a good idea to use that on a aftermarket bumper. Because you need the bumper to sit on something.

As for upper retainer and lower bracket....didn't use them. But I might since they are hella cheap.

BTW.....they are different (95/96 and 97/98)....the 97/98 sticks out more...so that's why you can't use the 95/96 reinforcement.

[joo02]

So regardless of whether you install OEM bumper cover or aftermarket bumper, you must have the 97-98 reinforcement bar?
Is it a must for the conversion, then?
Can't I use zenki reinforcement bar???

[Jeff240sx]

If you use the bumper cover, you'll have to have the reinforcement bar. It's called the bumper support, because... it supports the bumper.
No you can't use the Zenki support, because, and GTSpecR stated, it is shorter.
Also.. if you get an aftermarket bumper, many of them (depending on style) will require severe modification to the bumper / bumper support, or removal entirely. I believe that Veilside and R33 / R34 bumpers require removal (offhand). You can do a lot of modifications to make something you don't have fit there... or just install the bumper as it's supposed to be.
Just don't hit anything.
-Jeff

[joo02]

reinforcement bar... $160
bumper foam... $150
getting the look I always wanted...... priceless

i guess im buying a new reinforcement (support) bar.... is the foam must have?? can i just buy some kinda spray foam injection? heh heh :P

[SimpleS14]

Originally posted by joo02
reinforcement bar... $160
bumper foam... $150
getting the look I always wanted...... priceless

i guess im buying a new reinforcement (support) bar.... is the foam must have?? can i just buy some kinda spray foam injection? heh heh :P

That's a crazy price for the absorber......but right now I don't have that on my car. It's only neccesary if you want a 5mph bumper. I heard that you can use insulation (heavily packed foam) from a place like Home Depot.....cut and crave it up.....and use that.

[Jeff240sx]

Huh. I don't think that the r33 bumper will go on nicely with the support bar. Boosted had to customize his pretty well to use the support bar. I wouldn't drive without one, so be prepared.
Also... I don't know if you'll need the foam. The foam in my '96 bumper is contoured for the stock bumper, and so will be all other foam I buy. It won't go in correctly (if at all!) in an aftermarket bumper.
Go here: http://www.zilvia.net/faqs/faqs.asp
-Jeff

[joo02]

Originally posted by Jeff240sx
Huh. I don't think that the r33 bumper will go on nicely with the support bar. Boosted had to customize his pretty well to use the support bar.

Just need a lil clarification...
When you mean "support bar", is it the same as "reinforcement bar"?


Btw, thanks alot for your input everyone. I'm learning...

[Jeff240sx]

Yea.
Big ugly black bar = bumper support bar = reinforcement bar.
-Jeff