|
Marty's road to ~450WHP
Hi guys,
Just want to introduce myself and start a build thread here. Im Marty, from Europe, and next to cars love to race my bikes on racetracks. Two hours of driving brings me in the Nürburg area of Germany, which I visit a couple of time a year. https://drive.google.com/uc?export=d...PeZ6h9RGfx5hsQ Introduction: As soon as I purchased the car I already had in mind increasing power levels, but I first wanted to make exactly sure that the car was aesthetically perfect and technically stable and well serviced. First modifcations: Exterior:
Interior:
Maintenance:
More horses So with a lot of cosmetics done and having the car as I want it on the outside, it will be time to look into upgrading power. My requirements:
For now I am doubting between 1) Topgunz SC kit, 2) Boosted performance single turbo, 3) A used GTM stage 1.5 kit |
I am kinda partial to the BP kit. Very nice looking car, big fan of paint matched door handles. :tup:
|
Personally, I'd shy away from the used GTM kit. If you need parts they just don't exist. Both your other options are solid, but it all comes down to what kind of power delivery you want. I'm partial to torque, so I always lean toward the turbo.
|
Quote:
|
Thanks guys for the positive reactions. I'm 100% that I dont have the desire to build the engine. I also love twin turbo systems but it's not for me. I want to throw some money at it and include all upgrades like clutch, fuel system, blabla) and call it a day. I don't consider the RJM kit either, dont want to cut the hood.
So I have been doing some research on all the SC kits and the BP kit and created an overview of the average power output of these kits. I collected some data and tried to make this as comparable as possible. So only 95 or 98 octane (called 91/93 in usa - but it is the same) and no race gas pulls. All cars tuned at Specialty Z to compare the same dyno. Ofcourse there are many many factors to take into account which my overview doesnt, but i'm just trying to keep it simple and needed to create a rough guesstimate for myself. The GTM stage 1.5 is not in here, but i believe it's performance is very similar to the Topgunz kit. https://drive.google.com/uc?export=d...aZSJxALeq5IK6g So I doubt whether the stock block can take 12 psi and that huge mountain of torque of the BP, especially since I want to be able to brainlessly beat on it in the Eifel region here. Otherwise it looks like the BP just offers the torque that the SC doesn't - which makes sence - so it all comes down to personal prefference. $-wise proceeding with my build with either the BP kit or TopGunz kit seems to be within ~1k $ of eachother. |
You don't need to build a motor for a twin turbo setup. You just have to pull it for the install.
|
Quote:
Here we go again.Point I was making is that you may want more than 450HP at wheels down the road.I was suggesting you think about it.If you are going to go for big HP he will need to build a motor. |
Quote:
Ill settle with 400-450 at the wheels. Its good for me. |
Quote:
|
Welcome Marty to the 370z club.
my vote goes to the BP kit..tired and tested! it will give you your power goals with ease and just incase u wanna go higher in power u just turn the BOOST up! |
Quote:
|
I need more info on the modified steering rack. I'd LOVE to have the wheel closer.
|
Quote:
Topz SC kit looks awesome, but it kind of feels like the SC people are constantly having to send their Vortech units somewhere for servicing. |
Quote:
|
I heard SOHO is coming out with top mount single turbo kit soon .. should be interesting
|
Welcome to The Forum:tiphat:
I have had both Stillen Supercharger and currently running the BP kit. Hands down BP wins in my book! Bang for the buck, install, maintenance, and best of all lost zero drivability! Of course that had a lot to do with the tune.:driving: Haha |
Quote:
Sho this is what we made, it moved the whole column closer to the driver. Just needed some new brackets. I'm really happy with it, it improves my position behind the wheel for 200%! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9e0266b8eb.jpg Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G950F met Tapatalk |
Detailing
Alright, so when i got the 370z it had been "hand washed" for about 7 years. This seems to be done with the same sponge for all those years as the paint condition was terrible.
Now the magnetic black is an amazing colour that can really pop the metallic, but in order to do so the paint has to be immaculate. I spent one day detailing the Z, doing a one stage polishing treatment. To achieve perfection i should do at least 2 or 3 stages, but I wanted to go for the "quick wins" first and finish the entire car in one day. Swirl removal on the hood: http://drive.google.com/uc?id=10_thT...Lfv1dqH6lXsrMt The front bumper was in very bad condition: http://drive.google.com/uc?id=1tXhxY...F2fhUB02mKBFFi The side pillar also improved by 90%: http://drive.google.com/uc?id=1b23GG...SGWSqZE6HxzPv1 Reflections.... http://drive.google.com/uc?id=1HRfiN...XI_NdxJ_1Js5Ys http://drive.google.com/uc?id=1ihnBy...nt5L-BLqNGrFt- A close up of the wheels. I had them powdercoated in the original NISMO colour: http://drive.google.com/uc?id=1XswTs...C_TzKc-E8SMpJx And the final result: http://drive.google.com/uc?id=1mAAuY...hfVNINGEidss8- |
Much better. Fellow magnetic black owner, I feel your pain. It's the best color when it's clean. Which is for approximately 45 seconds after you just finish detailing it. Then it attracts every bit of grime and dust within a half mile radius.
|
I believe these are my current FI options.
Things to take into account for me: -GTM kit is a used kit sold by a reputable shop. -Both topgunz and boosted performance deliver a proven kit, are in business and have great communication -SOHO just released their topmount kit, proven record on the VQ35 engines. -RJM misses a hood solution, so I'm leaving that one out. Tried to create one overview for costs and parts wise for the entire project: https://i.imgur.com/xs9OO0n.jpg |
Personally I'm not a fan of any top mount turbo. It's flawed placement. There's already enough heat in the engine bay and the piping is a clusterf*ck. The best place for a big single is where BP puts it, and that's still imperfect. It's just the best compromise.
Also, go bigger on the oil cooler. You're going to be blocking it with an intercooler, so it's not getting ambient temp air. Add a turbo blanket and some fire sleeve for wastegate lines. If you ever want to upgrade the motor mounts to poly, now's the time. It'll be a much bigger PITA once there's a lot of extra piping in the way. I'd also go with the RJM (not the supercharger guys, the original RJM) upgraded master cylinder instead of OEM, and pair it with his clutch pedal (although the pedal can be done later). Last, try and get the clutch done well before you do the rest of the install so it can be broken in properly, not just thrown on the dyno and beat on. |
Quote:
Regarding a heat blanket: yes, i'm also heatwrapping the exhaust manifold and piping there to keep heat radiation as low as possible. Upgrading motor mounts: I have a bad experience doing this on other cars, in a sense that it's still a road car and definitely not a track car. I didn't like the extra vibration you felt through the subframe. Any specific reason to do this on the Z? (is it a known weak point or anything?). Final word: it's either about spending a lot of money, or spending a whole lot of money. Currently my preference seems to go to BP. |
There's no real need on the motor mounts other than gaining space which becomes pretty handy on the BP kit. The only reason I brought it up was to tell you that it's now or never since you'll have to disassemble a bunch of crap if you want to do it later on down the line.
|
Thanks, I will see if i'm able to inspect them whilst working on the install of a kit. Will pull the trigger this week.
|
I noticed you put the CJM fuel system on the BP kit list of things and not required on the other kits
It's not required on the BP kit but always a plus to have. |
Quote:
Coilovers Im currently running the K-Sport Kontrol Pro coilovers, they came with the car. I like that they are adjustable in height and stiffness (36 clicks), but am not completely satisfied. The car is quite low - i really like the way it looks now :tup: . Im quite happy about cornering, but its not dealing well with high speed bumps in the road (as of speeds north of 40-50 mph). It feels like its too soft and the car scrapes or one time the rear coils even maximum compressed *ouch*. Also, it feels like it launches you from your chair sometimes. Problem is when i adjust the settings and increase stiffness, the car starts to "bounce around". I guess that what i'm missing is "finesse". Ill start reading on coilovers here on the forum, found the HKS Hipermax IV GT. I don't daily the Z and migh ocassionally do a trackday (once or twice a year, nothing serious). With my plans for increased power i want a good compromise between comfortable and still firm/sportscar ride so that I can put 450-500 wheel horsepower to the floor with confidence and stability. Suggestions always welcome :-) edit: Im willing to pair this purchase with a set of suitable swaybars too. |
I retrofitted a backup camera on my Z yesterday. Was quite some work to pull out all the trim, but overall it's a straight forward job. I'd rate it 2/5 for difficulty
Only problem I have now is that the screen goes bad when I start the car or apply the brake pedal. Perhaps a faulty ground? Will try a new ground later today. Some pics: https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...9113075c64.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...f802d501f6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c7a0d6b68e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...c0eec989bf.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...bfc869eeb5.jpg And a video: https://youtu.be/61_oe8llSDw |
#Modfrenzy alert!
I am currently running an Invidia cat back exhaust with original cats. It provides a nice sound, but for a sportscar I just miss a deep rumble and a louder sound top end. Also on the downshifts I want to "feel" the sound better. With the invidia I have 0 drone, but miss that throatier (is that a word?) sound. So I just purchased a Fast Intentions TDX system with 12 inch resonators. It comes with test pipes, so I hope after reading many reviews that this will really help open up the Z's audible potential - without sounding boy-racer and staying classy Anyone has experience with the 12 inch vs 18 inch resonators? I guess the 18 inch keeps the drone even more from from the cabin, so why does FI offer a 12 inch? Is it much louder? Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G950F met Tapatalk |
I just ordered the Stage 2 "easy street clutch" from Joe @ Zspeed. Great experience dealing with him so far. Quick and complete in his communication. Tracking number in my mailbox within 10 minutes from order. Will install it myself when I change the exhaust.
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
After a lot of research and changing my mind at least 100 times to come to a final conclusion, I pulled the trigger on the AAM stage 2 turbo system. I have a good experience with EFR turbos in my surrounding and really like the design on this kit. Everything being stainless and the huge potential also appealed to me. I will install the kit myself with the help of my buddy. Currently i dont foresee a built engine, but my mind might change on this. I will have to do some research on the options there (there probably will be different stages). This is what my "stage 1" setup will look like. Goal: 550whp/450ftlbs on 102 octane - AAM stg 2 - 34 row oil cooler - Zspeed easy street clutch (450lbs) - CJM fuel return kit - IDx 1050 injectors - Aeromotive 340lph pump - Ecutek tuning Excited to start this! Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G950F met Tapatalk |
Marty's road to ~450WHP
You need more clutch. IIRC the torque rating on a clutch is at the flywheel. Your goal is above that. You may not be able to pull enough timing to keep the torque down and it would really suck to button it all up and have to immediately go back in to swap out the clutch once you've put all the turbo kit in.
Also, I assume you've lumped in a light flywheel and new hydraulics in with the clutch line item? If not, don't forget those. |
You might be right here about the flywheel numbers. Hmm Joe mentioned a 6puck option, might have to go that route. Waste of money here - but my own fault.
I did also upgrade with a CMAK, new master cylinder and a billit flywheel. Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G950F met Tapatalk |
Quote:
Plus a good LSD. OS Giken, Cusco, Wavetrac. |
Why yall always want me to spend more and more money? A simple: "way to go marty, enjoy your ride" would be nice to hear sometimes too" ;-)
|
Quote:
|
Quote:
|
You won’t regret the clutch upgrade. I’m running the Z1 full-face disk at about your torque goal (440wtq) and I’m on the ragged edge. Z1 rates their clutch at 500 ft-lbs at the flywheel.
|
Noticed the ";-)" at the end of my message? It was a bit of a joke. What I meant was that the emphasis on forums is sometimes a bit much on how to make things even better or more expensive - not so much on a "congrats - thats a nice upgrade". But no worries - if I want emotional attention i will turn to my 93 year old grandma :-)
Ofcourse I am going to do it right and not half-assed. I paid my part in life already on half asses builds and know it never pays off. And if I wasn't then I also wouldnt order the CJM system and run stock fuel setup with just a walbro 255 and cheaper 600cc injectors and call it a day at 95% IDC :-) I appreciate yall feedback and suggestions - thanks! |
When you are done with it. Then you will get some praise if it turns out good. In the meantime. We'll just spend your money on things that we think you need. And tell you so. :rofl2:
|
| All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:30 AM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2