Turbo Decisions

[Gray Goose]

So, my first job was a mechanic and now I fit and weld as a hobby. I have a very good knowledge of all mechanical aspects of engines and I have even owned one turbo car. I've rebuilt engines and worked all types of vehicle. But I have never gone this in-depth with mods on a vehicle.

Now, I am not at all knowledgeable when it comes to tuning and ECUs. I do not even know what is used to change settings in an ECU. Completely clueless! Also vehicle specific, things such as injector sizes, when is a fuel return system needed, where specifically to make an oil return and where to get the oil supply for a turbo on a VQ. (-And a few other things.)

My gaps in knowledge are keeping me from building my own turbo kit and getting someone to tune it afterwards. I've also been told not to take that on, it is too difficult. To just buy a proven kit.

Well this is supposed to be project for my son and I to accomplish together. I think it would be fun to teach him to weld, and to have an original set up. Time is not a big issue and I have welding machines, tools, and even a lift on the way for my garage.

What say you fellow 370Z enthusiast? Who all has attempted your own set up? Is it that difficult? Am I crazy?

BTW I am looking at going with Boosted Performance (if I buy a kit). But Admin Tunning suggested to get the tuner kit and let him provide the injectors, fuel pump, return fuel, boost control and tune.

Total price would be $11,710 (including cost of tuner turbo kit from BP)
Well that plus my travel 350 miles to Houston and back

[Jayhovah]

Since you have some fabrication savvy and want to take on the project, you might also look at the solution offered by forum member husam2012. He makes an adapter kit to fit twin turbos/manifolds from a GTR to the 370z. His website is https://btwtuning.com but he has some great threads with pictures floating around this forum.

As far as fueling goes, going with suggestions from your tuner is generally a good idea. CJ-Motorsports is the big name in fueling for our cars, he is very active on this forum - userID phunk.

All the kits I have seen source oil by teeing off the oil pressure sensor on the front of the motor. Return oil is handled either by a custom oil pan, an oil pan spacer with return port(s), or by drilling and adding port(s) to the upper oil pan. Scavenge pump may also be necessary if the turbo isn't mounted high enough above the pan. BP is now using them fancy oilless turbos so this plumbing was unnecessary.

Smarter members will chime in for sure, but I look forward to following the project if you take it on!

[Spooler]

It can be done but the outcome will depend on your skill level. Bubble gum welds are a no no, especially on the inside of the pipes. I would invest in 6 months of research before I started.

Phunk has a do it yourself TT parts. I would say use his intercooler and tubular exhaust manifolds. Turbo's can be had. I have a set of brand new se Fast Intentions stage 2 turbo's for sale that will fit his vband tubular exhaust manifold or you can buy your own Garrett's.


https://cj-motorsports.com/t/370z

[Elmo370z]

Originally Posted by Gray Goose

So, my first job was a mechanic and now I fit and weld as a hobby. I have a very good knowledge of all mechanical aspects of engines and I have even owned one turbo car. I've rebuilt engines and worked all types of vehicle. But I have never gone this in-depth with mods on a vehicle.

Now, I am not at all knowledgeable when it comes to tuning and ECUs. I do not even know what is used to change settings in an ECU. Completely clueless! Also vehicle specific, things such as injector sizes, when is a fuel return system needed, where specifically to make an oil return and where to get the oil supply for a turbo on a VQ. (-And a few other things.)

My gaps in knowledge are keeping me from building my own turbo kit and getting someone to tune it afterwards. I've also been told not to take that on, it is too difficult. To just buy a proven kit.

Well this is supposed to be project for my son and I to accomplish together. I think it would be fun to teach him to weld, and to have an original set up. Time is not a big issue and I have welding machines, tools, and even a lift on the way for my garage.

What say you fellow 370Z enthusiast? Who all has attempted your own set up? Is it that difficult? Am I crazy?

BTW I am looking at going with Boosted Performance (if I buy a kit). But Admin Tunning suggested to get the tuner kit and let him provide the injectors, fuel pump, return fuel, boost control and tune.

Total price would be $11,710 (including cost of tuner turbo kit from BP)
Well that plus my travel 350 miles to Houston and back

All depend on your goals. What type of power do you want to make, street car, Quarter mile car, 1/2 mile car, road racing? Looks like you’re in Cali, why not contact specialty Z, hands down probably one of the best tuners stateside.

[Gray Goose]

Originally Posted by Elmo370z

All depend on your goals. What type of power do you want to make, street car, Quarter mile car, 1/2 mile car, road racing? Looks like you’re in Cali, why not contact specialty Z, hands down probably one of the best tuners stateside.

I'm actually in Louisiana. My goals are to keep it a street car and be around the 550 HP range.

[Gray Goose]

Originally Posted by Spooler

It can be done but the outcome will depend on your skill level. Bubble gum welds are a no no, especially on the inside of the pipes. I would invest in 6 months of research before I started.

Phunk has a do it yourself TT parts. I would say use his intercooler and tubular exhaust manifolds. Turbo's can be had. I have a set of brand new se Fast Intentions stage 2 turbo's for sale that will fit his vband tubular exhaust manifold or you can buy your own Garrett's.


https://cj-motorsports.com/t/370z

If I would do it myself, everything would be TIG welded with purge gassing. Loving the ideas and shops, thanks

[Spooler]

Originally Posted by Gray Goose

If I would do it myself, everything would be TIG welded with purge gassing. Loving the ideas and shops, thanks

Go with Cj-Motorsports parts then. You can make all your pipes. He has an oil pan also with returns built in. I am not sure if he has his intercooler posted yet. He does have one available. Your most expensive parts will be turbo's. Phunks parts are real good.

[Spooler]

Originally Posted by Gray Goose

I'm actually in Louisiana. My goals are to keep it a street car and be around the 550 HP range.

You can make that on 93oct no problem.

[ozyo]

I'm building my own tt z using g25 550 turbo
the hardest part is finding enough space

[Jinxx]

If you go with boosted performance kit ... buy the whole kit with fuel upgrades ... install is easy and can be done over a weekend ... the kit will come with a safe tune that you can use without issues till you get to a tuner .... kit cost is $8500 and dyno tuning would be less than $1000 ... ... you will need a upgraded clutch so factor that in as well

[NeverBoneStck]

I had me G tuned by Admin. We did a E tune and this thing takes off like a rocket. I have a BoostedPerformance turbo kit as well.