Nissan 370Z Forum  

FI Car Owners..Your honest opinion please.

I have searched and read many FI builds... SC's & TT's in different stages and brands and for those of you who actually have FI cars please correct me If

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Engine & Drivetrain > Forced Induction


Like Tree30Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-02-2013, 11:24 PM   #1 (permalink)
Track Member
 
blueranger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 577
Drives: 2010 Roadster 7AT
Rep Power: 306
blueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond repute
Default FI Car Owners..Your honest opinion please.

I have searched and read many FI builds... SC's & TT's in different stages and brands and for those of you who actually have FI cars please correct me If I am wrong...But it seems that many (not all) of the builds after so much hard work, effort and money the owners somehow get dissatisfied with little or big "gremlins/issues" and before you know it the Z is gone???

Is a FI Z just not meant to be a reliable car as many owners have even made comments about having extra money set aside for the issues that come with having a FI Z.

I recently sold my 996tt that had about 500hp with some mods and after 5 years of ownership & hard driving at times my only issue was replacing a dead battery.

I appreciate your response
blueranger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-02-2013, 11:33 PM   #2 (permalink)
Track Member
 
blueranger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 577
Drives: 2010 Roadster 7AT
Rep Power: 306
blueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Let me also tell you.. I really like/enjoy my Z and although it does not have the same power the fun factor and tighter feel brings a smile to my face
blueranger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 07:46 AM   #3 (permalink)
Track Member
 
MMC Racing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 661
Drives: 2015 GT-R
Rep Power: 16
MMC Racing has a spectacular aura aboutMMC Racing has a spectacular aura aboutMMC Racing has a spectacular aura about
Default

Projects turn to disgust mainly for 3 reasons:

1. Shops are notoriously bad estimating how long something will take. That 2 month project will take 6 months.
2. Owners keep changing their mind mid-project. Sometimes this is related to #1 "It has been in the shop so long now, might as well do X" and sometimes these changes help cause #1.
3. Owners want to be different for some reason. They want to do something that hasn't been done, even if it will only provide a 5% improvement. Stay away from this impulse. Do the kit and the upgrade combo that is proven, reproducible, and well documented for time to install.
tibal, OMGWTFBBQ, Staples and 5 others like this.
__________________
2014 F150 Raptor, 2014 Mazda 3, 2015 Nissan GT-R
MMC Racing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 08:06 AM   #4 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
MyKindaGuise's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 2,029
Drives: 11' 370z Sprt M6
Rep Power: 19
MyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant futureMyKindaGuise has a brilliant future
Default

FI cars are really worth it if you do it yourself and can maintain it yourself. Like MMC said Shops can tkae a long time and that can get annoying. Do you really want to have to rely on someone else if anything ever goes wrong? For some people that is necessary and I can apprecaite that it just makes it difficult because you want your car all of the time. But if you have to rely on a shop for everything a kit is certainly the easiest but way more expensive way to go.

A Daily driver, spare cash, and time to do your own projects will make the car very satisfying. If you can do all of that I would not do the kit route as recommended above. Most of the FI community has some generic kit and thats what slows progress on a platform. Thats why im thinking out of the box with my build. Hell im not even stopping with 1 custom build im doing 2 for the car one single turbo and one twin. But pioneering isnt for everyone.

With anything aftermarket expect some issues though. Nothing is perfect. Manufacturers spend years and millions on R&D when they release a new vehicle to make it reliable.
m3chhawk likes this.
__________________
|445whp398tq|
|BW S259 Turbo|3" Downpipe\Exhaust|ID1000|AeroMotive|Tial|EcuTek|BC BR|S0-4|MaffFab|
MKGs-Single-Turbo

Last edited by MyKindaGuise; 01-03-2013 at 08:10 AM.
MyKindaGuise is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 10:28 AM   #5 (permalink)
Base Member
 
muzik212's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Northeastern NJ
Posts: 103
Drives: 2009 Nissan 370z
Rep Power: 13
muzik212 is on a distinguished road
Default

I am facing the same question as the OP. I love my Z but I want to give it that extra punch. I have heard great things about the GTM supercharger kit but I'm still on the fence. I need to talk to some people currently running this set up.
__________________
2009 370z Sport/Touring- GTM stage 1.5 SC/ Fast Intentions HFCs/ DC sport headers/ Motordyne M370/ Invidia CBE/ Carbon Fiber Element interior & engine bay accents/ Oil Cooler/ Eibach Springs & Swaybars/ UpRev/ Work Gnosis GS4's/ Z1Rotors/ ONEighty Custom Headlights
muzik212 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 11:05 AM   #6 (permalink)
Premium Member
 
SouthArk370Z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: South Arkansas
Posts: 8,435
Drives: 2014 Challenger
Rep Power: 324197
SouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond reputeSouthArk370Z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I traded in a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP with the factory Eaton M-50 on my 370Z. It was reasonably reliable but not a huge performance enhancer. The two are probably related.
From what I have seen of most DIY FI, the main problems are user related - either poor selection of components or poor installation.
Just about any mod that takes the car very far from what the factory intended is going to be high maintenance and/or low reliability.
If you are making mods like FI you are more than likely going to drive a lot harder than the car was designed for which brings more maintenance and less reliability.

What it boils down to is, if you're gonna push the envelope, you're gonna break things. Accept it and be prepared.
If you want reliable, low maintenance FI get it from the factory or have someone that knows what they are doing design and install.
GaleForce and MyKindaGuise like this.
__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma
SouthArk370Z is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 11:58 AM   #7 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Los Gatos, CA
Posts: 1,027
Drives: Lexus CT
Rep Power: 15
anthonyy will become famous soon enough
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MyKindaGuise View Post
With anything aftermarket expect some issues though. Nothing is perfect. Manufacturers spend years and billions on R&D when they release a new vehicle to make it reliable.
anthonyy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 12:31 PM   #8 (permalink)
Track Member
 
Dembflyr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Indiana
Posts: 886
Drives: G37S Sedan
Rep Power: 16
Dembflyr is a name known to allDembflyr is a name known to allDembflyr is a name known to allDembflyr is a name known to allDembflyr is a name known to allDembflyr is a name known to all
Default

I am one who had a Z, installed a GTM TT kit on it myself and then a year later I sold it. Not for any reliability reason or because of problems with a shop.

Sometimes life just happens.


I started saving for FI as soon as I purchased my Z. I was single at the time and the word impractical didn't even enter my mindset.

Fast forward a year and I finally had the money to get a kit. Also, in the past year, I began dating a woman and it was getting serious.

I installed the kit and was having an absolute blast with the car. My girlfriends son was my co pilot and it was great.... Until the three of us wanted to go somewhere in the car. My girl would have to drive separate. We did that a few times to the local C&C.

Fast forward another year and girlfriend became wife. This in and of itself was not the demise of the Z.

My wife became pregnant and I mentioned that I should think about selling the Z. She immediately said that shouldn't sell it. Actually, she was very adamant that I not sell it. But the more I thought about it, it just didn't make sense to keep it. My time with the car would've been few and far between. The overall cost of the car could not justify keeping it.

For me it was an easy decision. I put it up for sale and it sold very quickly. (Probably should've asked more for it)

I do miss my car some but it has a new life with the new owner and he is very happy with the car. He's also done some things to it that were on my dream wish list. So it's kind of cool to see it with parts that I could only wish for.

I can't speak for anyone else but I honestly didn't expect to ever sell it. Life just happened and I made a decision based on what I felt was the best course of action.

Since I have sold the car I have let my mind wander and I have a bunch of different car related projects that I would like to do. I am not sure which one I will settle on but it's been fun trying to decide.
DIGItonium, G37sHKS and anthonyy like this.
__________________
2012 G37S Sedan 6MT - Project Practicality

2009-6MT-Sport/Touring-Dembflyr's Journal-TT Build Thread-CAR IS SOLD
Dembflyr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 02:32 PM   #9 (permalink)
Track Member
 
blueranger's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Albuquerque NM
Posts: 577
Drives: 2010 Roadster 7AT
Rep Power: 306
blueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond reputeblueranger has a reputation beyond repute
Default

These are great and variable responses that have many views. What I gather is that it may be possible to FI the Z with a proven kit but obviously be prepared for additional spending as normal wear is no longer normal once boosted.

I guess I was spoiled with my 996TT as it was pretty much bullet proof and never gave me any issues. I really enjoy my Z and love that its a vert but really want the option of a future boost. Nothing crazy just a simple stage 1 SC maybe? with a good tune to keep things from wearing prematurely and hopefully keep it more reliable.

I am sure your responses and insight might help others that are on the fence like I am. I personally want to enjoy the car go through the bolt on mod process of suspension, exhaust, HFCs, intake and light wheels enjoy it more then make the jump to FI. This of course would be based on good feedback like your responses.
__________________
F.I. Stage 1 Twin Turbo #48 | E85 FlexFuel | Built 7AT | F.I. 34 Row Oil Cooler | F.I. Flex Plate | F.I. 19 row Trans Cooler | MT ET Street S/S | ECUTEK Tuned by Seb | RPM Roll Bar
blueranger is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 02:36 PM   #10 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Sh0velMan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Dallas/Ft.Worth
Posts: 3,349
Drives: Noisily.
Rep Power: 20
Sh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant futureSh0velMan has a brilliant future
Default

OEM FI cars don't (generally) have wear issues because they're.. OEM.. FI cars. (This is in reference to your comparisons to your 911 Turbo, and even if you bought a Carrera/S/4S and turboed it, the development for FI is already done by Porsche and huge engineering firms the world over, so it's still not apples to apples)

On the Z, there's not even a FI version available at all, so everything from the mechanicals to the tuning solution (while great) is engineered by entities that aren't multi-billion dollar automakers.

With a 'Stage 1 S/C' you could probably get away with a lot. It's not that much more power.

If that extra power, however, makes you drive it like you stole it... Well, if you drove like that completely stock, you'd have issues eventually, too.



Edit: Full disclosure, I've never personally owned an aftermarket-FI'd car. I've had several OEM turbo cars, including my current daily driver (MS3) and have been around people with aftermarket FI my entire adult life, so I've observed a lot, even if it hasn't been happening to me personally.
__________________
Buy My Car! | Build Thread

Last edited by Sh0velMan; 01-03-2013 at 02:45 PM.
Sh0velMan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 04:58 PM   #11 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
wind.zero's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: The 49th State
Posts: 296
Drives: NISMOSIS
Rep Power: 13
wind.zero is a glorious beacon of lightwind.zero is a glorious beacon of lightwind.zero is a glorious beacon of lightwind.zero is a glorious beacon of lightwind.zero is a glorious beacon of lightwind.zero is a glorious beacon of light
Default

I have 17k miles in ~17 months on a GTM Stage 1 SC kit installed by a local shop. Other than several oil leaks and some cooling issues I have not encountered any serious problems.

I am also still in the stock clutch and CSC for now, but I do not launch the car either. Launching the car is hard on the clutch and just results in wheel spin on some expensive rubber. Not worth it IMO. But from a roll, the car is impressive.

I also eventually got a custom tune to eek out a little more power for 419WHP/350WTQ. The tune from Sam is pretty good though.

Here is a post I made a while back that might help. I would just tell you that proper preparation prevents piss poor performance. I am not going to tell you that you will get OEM like reliability with an after market FI setup but for me it has been worth the trade off so far.

GMT stage 1 or 2
anthonyy likes this.
wind.zero is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 05:21 PM   #12 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: San Diego CA
Posts: 1,103
Drives: Classified
Rep Power: 14
luigi90210 has a spectacular aura aboutluigi90210 has a spectacular aura aboutluigi90210 has a spectacular aura about
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sh0velMan View Post
OEM FI cars don't (generally) have wear issues because they're.. OEM.. FI cars. (This is in reference to your comparisons to your 911 Turbo, and even if you bought a Carrera/S/4S and turboed it, the development for FI is already done by Porsche and huge engineering firms the world over, so it's still not apples to apples)

On the Z, there's not even a FI version available at all, so everything from the mechanicals to the tuning solution (while great) is engineered by entities that aren't multi-billion dollar automakers.

With a 'Stage 1 S/C' you could probably get away with a lot. It's not that much more power.

If that extra power, however, makes you drive it like you stole it... Well, if you drove like that completely stock, you'd have issues eventually, too.



Edit: Full disclosure, I've never personally owned an aftermarket-FI'd car. I've had several OEM turbo cars, including my current daily driver (MS3) and have been around people with aftermarket FI my entire adult life, so I've observed a lot, even if it hasn't been happening to me personally.
THIS

aftermarket anything tends to wear out your engine more so then OEM(besides things like CBE or intakes), but if you maintain the car as recommended by aftermarket company and OEM, the modified car should be just as reliable as a stock car
luigi90210 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 05:26 PM   #13 (permalink)
Track Member
 
MMC Racing's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: San Diego
Posts: 661
Drives: 2015 GT-R
Rep Power: 16
MMC Racing has a spectacular aura aboutMMC Racing has a spectacular aura aboutMMC Racing has a spectacular aura about
Default

The OP was asking why many people tend to sell their cars not long after doing a major project, not a debate on can a FI car be reliable.
__________________
2014 F150 Raptor, 2014 Mazda 3, 2015 Nissan GT-R
MMC Racing is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 07:32 PM   #14 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
roplusbee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Killeen, TX
Posts: 2,360
Drives: 2007 350Z NISMO
Rep Power: 22
roplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond reputeroplusbee has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to roplusbee Send a message via Yahoo to roplusbee
Default

2 seats can be a beast when you have more than that to cart around. Others have some "issues" with a company or particular part and jump ship. Some people fail to maintain their vehicle like it requires in it's FI'd state and Return To Stock and either trade in or sell.

I was very close to trading in on a G37S Coupe or IPL and transplanting my parts over. Good thing we have another vehicle, she is understanding, AND I could not find an IPL within a reasonable distance in a manual..................
__________________
2007 350Z NISMO #0618: Zerolift | UPREV | F.I. | Greddy | Competition Clutch | Injector Dynamics | Aeromotive | Pioneer | JL
roplusbee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2013, 09:18 PM   #15 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
SharpByCoop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 286
Drives: '08 G37S - Graphite
Rep Power: 14
SharpByCoop is a glorious beacon of lightSharpByCoop is a glorious beacon of lightSharpByCoop is a glorious beacon of lightSharpByCoop is a glorious beacon of lightSharpByCoop is a glorious beacon of lightSharpByCoop is a glorious beacon of light
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dembflyr View Post
Until the three of us wanted to go somewhere in the car. My girl would have to drive separate. We did that a few times to the local C&C.
This is the exact reason I switched looking at the 'Z's and went for a G37. I often ride as a family now and that was a smart choice.

Human nature: Once you scratch that itch, you either want more or something different. I'm a fool, because I can't leave well-enough alone, even though it surpasses expectations. Another one will sell theirs. At some point, so will I.

No exact answer in this forum. A psychology forum may give a better answer. LOL!

Coop
__________________
Jim Cooper - (Retired: '08 Infiniti G37 Sport • TheShopCT built • 11.13 @ 123 mph (click for vid) • GTM Stage II Twin Turbo • 5-speed A/T Level Ten built • 591whp @17 lbs boost)
SharpByCoop is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Honest opinion please, Sports pkg vs NISMO coolrunning39 Nissan 370Z General Discussions 1 09-01-2012 11:11 PM
Honest Opinion of a new 370Z Owner dpriceslc New 370Z Owner 4 04-27-2012 01:48 PM
i need a honest suggestion JackCh Audio & Video 5 04-02-2010 03:41 PM
370z owners... We need your opinion on our new wheel design. jav@vossen Wheels & Tires 56 10-08-2009 03:09 AM
Guys to be honest Devil Z Nissan 370Z General Discussions 38 08-29-2009 12:04 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:34 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2