Ladies and Gentleman,

After a long interest and much consideration I have now made the jump from my TJ Magna to a 380 Series III SX in Electro.

I have been following the 380 threads with great interest as long as they have existed.

When I heard of the closure of the factory I was close to devastated as I have always believed that the 380 was the best locally made car.

After a very unfortunate car accident the TJ was declared a total loss, my hand was forced to make the upgrade.

The options that are fitted are:
Rear parking sensors
Blue tooth phone kit
Tow bar
VRX spoiler
Chrome boot strip from LX / GT
Bonnet and head light protectors
Mud Flaps

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb7/s311_bvm/back-1.jpg

http://i205.photobucket.com/albums/bb7/s311_bvm/front-1.jpg

I have also ordered the US Galant air box and duct. The air box arrived today but has been damaged in transit so I can not use it. It is nice after being the first to find the Rey Reece site in August last year and posting the details in the “NZ 380 power” thread on 28-8-07 to be able follow my own findings.

I know some will say that it needs wheels and lowering If I was going to do this it would involve the TMR380 ROH wheels however I can not justify the cost and I need the ground clearance.

My impression of the 380 is greater than I could have imagined. The 380s body is just so stiff and flex resistant. Its dynamics on the road and the way it handles is simply much better than the TJ was. Also on low beam the head lights also illuminate the road better, between the 12 and 3 clock positions than TJ head lights did.

It is great to secure what I believe is the best built automotive platform, ever built in Australia.

Sexy colour! I love Electro. BTW. Did you order the airbox and snorkel or just the snorkel? If you got the snorkel only you can mod your std box to accept the GTS snorkel. Its as easy as. Congrats on the purchase!

Awesome color man...That would look wicked with some big silver 20's!

Great car and congratulations :thumbsup:

Your comments re chassis stiffness are spot on. The 380 doesn't need the front subframe assembly that the 3rd gen series needed for stiffness. You'll find huge confidence in throwing the car into corners knowing that, on the limit, it will slide, keeping its attitude and not understeer. It's also very forgiving of braking mid corner when your nerve can sometimes fail you :badgrin:

It just needs the extra punch the exhaust and intake mods provide and then you'll find it is a complete package.

I found the aftermarket wheels and tyres package made a big difference to grip. Not just cornering grip but also traction under heavy throttle. So it's not just looks alone that may make you want to consider them later on.

Congrats on the purchase, and I like the wing.
Awesome looking car, if you keep the stereo, look at the pioneer 3way 6x9s, great upgrade.


* wonders if he'll join the 380 no boot space division *









Never too far away Knotched.

look at the pioneer 3way 6x9s, great upgrade.
Ehhhhh look at JBL's and MTX's aswell, I find Pioneers no matter how pricey a very muddy sounding speaker and never really exciting..
Just my opinion but I'll save all that clap trap for another time :d

Type40, yes I did order the airbox and snorkel. I am well aware that I can enlarge the old airbox however I wish to have a complete standard box that I can put back, during any unforseen warranty claim work.

As far as what happened to the air box I ordered. The clip that holds the air box shut has been broken off removing the plastic lug that the clip pivots on. As I have paid for it they can claim their insurance and send a replacement.

Knotched, thanks for the advice re exhaust mods, I have keenly followed your progress over time and think you have done a good job, however for the moment I need to keep it stock.

Knotched the front cross member on the 3rd gens was actually an amazing piece of engineering for when it was designed I remember MMAL talking about all their failed efforts before they used ROH to help create it.

One mod that does interest me however is the GT door mouldings, I think the chrome pin on these would complement the Electro. I have been searching for photos of a GT in Electro however as it was only offered from about series III on, I have not been able to find a photo.

Another mod that I would like to see tried is to chrome coat the charcoal part of the grill similar to the Honda Accord Euro, however this may not look complete due to no top bar to finish the frame. Also this is a cost prohibitive option based on my basis research.

Congratulations on your purchase, love the look of your car & in particular the rear wing. If you have got an extra $200, get yourself a straight thru muffler (& dont forget a K & N to go with the intake). I'm sure you will be very happy with the results!!!

looks the goods mate, i love that colour

']Awesome color man...That would look wicked with some big silver 20's!

Something like this??

http://i262.photobucket.com/albums/ii105/julian1965/VRX005.jpg

Enjoy the car mate, looks great and a very sound purchase.

Let the mods begin :D

Or even this???
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd70/Blue_380/5.jpg

Love the 380's with big wheels, there is a black one getting around here with full tint and massive wheels, looks awesome.