Baker Tuning: 2009 370Z with GTM Stage 2 TT Turn Key
 

Since owning an '03 350Z for 6 years I have always wanted an APS or GReddy turbo kit, but I did not have the resources to do it. With the 370Z, it was time to stop dreaming and make it a reality. I should be fine financially as long as the events of 2008 does not repeat itself.

Originally this project would involve replacing the stock intake plenum with one acquired from a NAGTROC member. GTM is the only that can realize this project. However, due to time constraints and the lack of local shops with technical experience should technical issues arise, I have decided to wait for the completion of GTM's kit. There will be two phases for this project. The first phase is getting the basic necessities and accustom myself to the added power for daily driving. The second phase is currently optional, and it involves the intake manifold conversion and possibly the addition of a boost controller.

I would like to give a big special thanks to GTM, Fast Intentions, Baker Tuning staff, and the support and interest from everyone at the370Z.com!

Hardware Prior to Installation

• Clutch: Stock
• Intake: Stock
• Engine: NST Pulleys
• Exhaust: Fast Intentions TDX with 12" Resonators
• Springs: Swift Spec-R
• Wheels: Volk GT-S 19x9.5 & 19x10.5
• Tires: Hankook 275/35 & 305/30
• Rotors: StopTech Power Slot
• Pads: Hawk HPS
• Lines: G-Stop SS

http://www.the370z.com/members/digit...370z-baker.jpg

Phase 1 [07/29/2011]
 

Hardware

• GTM Stage 2 TT Turn Key Kit with Black MAF Tubes
• GTM HD Oil Cooler
• Fast Intentions HFC
• Southbend DXD Stage 4 Clutch and Flywheel
• ZSpeed CSC
• SPC Rear Camber Kit
• Depo 60mm Gauges (Boost, Oil Pressure, and Oil Temperature)

Results and Observations

• Car feels stock. Most of the time I forget this car is turbocharged! Boost kicks in with close to 50% throttle, and the turbo spools up quick. What's interesting is keeping throttle steady at 3k RPM in 3rd to observe the boost level at 0 PSI, then quickly tapping down to about 50% to see the surge to maximum boost (5-6 PSI). Boost builds up faster than our throttle response ;)
• It is very easy to control and modulate the throttle as if power is "on demand."
• Very little lag from the turbos, and power comes on very smooth.
• Some throttle lag remain, but possibly stock throttle map.
• After 10 hour drive from Houston back to Wichita with outside temps ranging 77-84F, oil temps hover around 205-210F (215F peak). With A/C running, oil temps remain stable around 205F.
• Water temps stable at the 7th tick, which is the same from the start after warming up.
• BOV is very subtle. It hisses instead of whistles. I sort of wish it was a bit louder because it sound so sweet.
• Turbo + F.I. TDX + F.I. HFC = AMAZING sound. It is quieter, deeper, and NO rasp with a touch of lopey idle which reminds me of a Mustang V8 idling (not as deep and hollow as the V8, of course). The exhaust begins to drone during the 10 hour drive with nearly similar loudness when stock without the HFC. However, it is much quieter in city driving. The engine sound is a tad different, and there's a hint of VG sound or pitch that's hard to describe. Overall sound and loudness improved tremendously! Must hear it in person to believe it.
• Southbend clutch and ZSpeed CSC is very good. Pedal effort is heavier, but feels like the 350Z. There is some chatter in 1st, which I can forgive knowing it's not exhaust rattle.
• Bumper repair looks great! Due to time limitations, the rear emblem is still stock. Will order matching black pearl soon.
• CF vinyl wrapped splash guards look great! Thanks to Greg at Underground Graphics.

Thanks to Paul for coordinating this effort (and photos), and Jason for the amazing installation work.

Fuel Economy Estimates

• N/A Combined (daily driven, work week): 21.7
• TT Highway (drive home from Houston): 24.4
• TT Combined (average): 24.7, 21.5, 19.6, 21.9
• TT Combined (NO ETHANOL): 22.0
• TT Combined (test pipes): 23.5

Dyno
Outside temps around 85F. With a hot motor, the first couple of pulls resulted in 380s whp. After a brief cool down, the third pull resulted in 400 whp. Average boost was around 6.3 PSI. AFRs are good with headroom for a little more boost down the road.
http://www.the370z.com/members/digit...ge-6-3-psi.jpg

Photos
http://www.the370z.com/members/digit...eted-front.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/digit...epo-gauges.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/digit...engine-bay.jpg

Video

Phase 1.5
 

Previously I wanted to get the GT-R intake collector installed, but priorities changed. I like the car the way it is and would like to take it up to 9 PSI. Several people have suggested the simplest option to raise boost is with an MBC. Hopefully this setup is more than adequate for daily driving. My car typically sees 2-3 PSI on average each week. There are a few instances in which I would max it out at approximately 6 PSI.

After a week of getting the MBC dialed to about 9 PSI, the response is amazing! It was a bit sluggish before, but now the car wants to get out of vacuum easily at half throttle. It doesn't take much effort to hit 5 PSI at moderate throttle and load, and the sound from the turbos is even better.

Hardware
Hallman Pro RX (Light Spring)

Dyno
http://www.the370z.com/members/digit...t-lb-9-psi.jpg

Photos
http://www.the370z.com/members/digit...-installed.jpg

Video

When will the parts arrive from GTM? I think I am gonna stalk Jason while he is doing this. Congrats Phuong!

Great parts and will be one helluva install! Can't wait to see it when it's done!

what is the point of choosing a gtr manifold and intake ? better cooling maybe ?:stirthepot:

Saw your car today.....:stirthepot:

wow... Cant wait to see the finished product!! will be watching this all the way.

Should be a good build.

Since when is the GTM lower manifold ready? Congrats on the build. Looking forward to seeing it finished.

It's not, that's why he is not using it.

Hopefully the parts will arrive this week. It has been a month long wait. Much of the delay stemmed from the intake manifold adapter, so I'm sad to leave it out of the equation. The manifold is probably the easy part, but there are no guarantees with the custom fuel rails. I don't think I'm prepared to deal with technical issues, so it's better to wait.

Ron, you should check out the interior lighting mods and the brightness of the landing strip LEDs at night. :)

O rly? :insert pokerface smiley:

I swear, I only touched certain parts. :p

I was thinking about that.. I am gonna sneak in and.. well, lets say ur car will be back with amber lighting and mine will magically turn to white.

Oh and if your audio gear is missing blame Ron.