sk tunes his 370z
 

TITLE: should be, "sk mods and tunes his 370z" heh.
RENAMED: Project: sk

Note: This is my first attempt a journal ever, so please lower your expectations now. heh.

Yassss ... welcome to my moding (& tuning) journal. I have plans for this car, over time and I'm going to document the companies I work with, the products I purchase and the overall experience and joy I get from moding my car.

I'm also going to provide details as to why I decided one mod or company over another and the experience I have w/the local tuning shops and my dealer.

If you are interested in the background of how I got to be the owner of a 2011 Black MT Z Sport, you should probably start by reading this thread.

http://www.the370z.com/introduction/...g-s4-370z.html

That thread is cool, because on page 1 I'm the owner of a B6 S4 and by page 4 I'm the owner of a new 370z! heh.

Stay tuned, more to come ...

Reviews
Detail Addict (Various cleaning products) : http://www.the370z.com/1299398-post49.html
Savage Auto Sports (Clear bra install): http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...ml#post1298962
Vinny Tens Racing (19 Row Setrab cooler): http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...ml#post1307824

Milestones:
[9/1 ~500miles]: HKS Drop-in
[9/3 ~600miles]: Clear bra
[9/3]: White license plate bulbs, rear hatch.
[9/11 ~1200]: 19Row Setrab/Stillen oil cooler, Ester oil change, FRAM filter @ VTR
[10/1 ~1500]: Headunit (http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...pod-cable.html) installed by BigAudioFan
[10/8 ~1700]: FI LTH & AAM 2.5" CBE installed @ VTR

Mod List:
[Arrived] Detail Addict full wash,wax,polish set of products!
[Arrived] Z1 Post MAF hoses
[Arrived] 2 V-LEDS 6K WHITE 194 13 LED LIGHT BULBS 158 168 2825
[Arrived] 2 HID 5K WHITE SMT 5 LED LIGHT BULBS 1895 53 57 182 BA9s
[Arrived] boofsquire roofrack
[Down/Waiting] FI 18" Res CF CBE

For Sale
[FS] NOAH car cover

Wish List
[] UpRev tune / Dyno
[] Stillen Underdrive Pulley
[In talks w/member] 18" stock rims (for winter)
[Need to research] Tires for stock rims (for winter)
[] Dress up bolts: http://www.z1auto.com/prodmore.asp?m...ne&prodid=5845
[] Mirrors: http://www.z1auto.com/prodmore.asp?m...or&prodid=5379
[] CF Engine dress-up: http://passwordjdm.com/CarbonKevlar-...tes-C2179.aspx
[] Coil overs
[] Rims (Love this setup: http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...c-black-z.html)

Bumped List
[N/A] Motordyne M370 intake manifold (This thread is a beast, still waiting to see a definite answer: http://www.the370z.com/intake-exhaus...nifold-19.html)
[N/A] Stillen Short Shifter
[N/A] Stillen G3 CAI

Goals: My goal for the car is
1) Retain warranty (as best I can, heh)
2) Get more power
-- Let me elaborate a bit. I'd prefer more low end power, I don't need peak gains, I don't 0-60 redline every stop light. So power in the lower rpms would be nice. And gaining tq is more important than gaining hp, though I don't want to loose any hp, heh.
-- I'd also like to improve the exhaust note. I like a nice rumble, more on the exotic side.
3) Look 100% stock on the outside (same rims, possibly lower but I live in NYC so...)

Update:
Oh, heh, ok, since Triple's:
Here are some pics:

This is a picture (partial) of the camera bank I have setup a home. In total I have six and I'm actually expanding the system (replacing these w/HD cams over the coming months). These keep a 24/7 watch on my Z (and rest of my house, heh).
http://www.the370z.com/members/mr_sk...amera-bank.jpg

Here's the Z, from above (right corner image), I've got two motion lights and the camera is in the back, heh.
http://www.the370z.com/members/mr_sk...4-z-secure.jpg

Now, for some pics of the Z (which I literally just walked outside and took since Triples called me out, heh):
http://www.the370z.com/members/mr_sk...-side-view.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/mr_sk...-rear-view.jpg
http://www.the370z.com/members/mr_sk...-side-view.jpg

In for updates :tup:

Tune or modify?

Already, after driving my car only 100 miles over the course of a week, my oil temperature is nearing 220. During this driving I've kept the car under 3K almost always. I've done no hard driving at all. I want to baby it for the first ~500 miles.

I researched the forums and it appears there are countless threads discussing the oil temp problems but one thing is pretty clear - If you are experiencing high oil temps a cooler (with Thermostatic Plate aka "off-valve"? for winter) is the way to go. - someone on the forum, heh.

I plan on doing some autox and 1/4 runs, but no real "tracking" and no FI until at least 2-3 years out, so I've opted for the Stillen 19Row oil cooler: STILLEN : STILLEN Oil Cooler Kit

I'm aware of the other options, Z1 being the next runner up, but I decided stillen because the tuner I'm using has a ton of experience with them and the threads I've read seem to not provide enough evidence that one 19Row is better than the other, so I opt'd for Stillen.

Being in NY, the two Long Island dealers I've seen mentioned and recommended are Performance Motorsports and Vinny Tens. After careful consideration and perhaps going against the grain of the recommendations for Performance (they outweighed Vinny Tens roughly 2:1) I opted for Vinnys for this install. Doesn't mean VTs have won my contract for ALL work - but I decided, based on the correspondence I had with Brandon (super helpful) and the fact my dealer (Advantage Nissan) has a close relationship with them and recommended VT, I decided to give them a shot.

I've also seen praise for VT on the forums, not just criticism. Can't say I've seen any criticism for PM on the forums though ...

There's also the factor of PM not responding to a few emails I sent - ArnoldK suggested I call them, but sometimes email is just easier. I'm busy, I don't always have time to get on the phone. So VT wins a few brownie points for being damn punctual in their emails.

I have a slot scheduled for 9AM on Sat the 27th for the oil cooler install. I'm also attempting to lock in an install for later that day w/SavagageAutosports for a clear-bra install...but more on that in another entry.

- heh. Both, I'm going to mod my car then have it tuned! But then again, adding better performing parts to the car is sort of tune as well, isn't it? heh.

So, roads of NY have lots of rocks on them ... I think it's true for the entire north east. I think I'm going to get the front and rear splash guards from The Z Store: Welcome To The Z Store! Nissan-Datsun 240Z-260Z-280Z-280ZX-300ZX(Z31/Z32)-350Z-370Z Parts!

Prices are fair (for the non-cf ones) and I can get them to match my paint which will save my the hassle of having to get them sprayed.

Thoughts?

:worthless:

IBTL!


:p J/K, looking forward to seeing how your new ride progresses, congrats again. :tup:

Updated OP w/some pics for you gentz.

I've also got a NOAH outdoor car cover that should be here on Monday. I ordered that from High-End-Motorsports.com Overall good price (IMO) and after searching around the forums, this may not be a $600 cover, but it should fit snug and not causing swirling due to movement, plus its outdoor. I'm using it to keep sap and bird **** off my car.

Hey man looks like you have a nice list of things you're planning on doing. My only word of advice would be this, and I hope someone else can chime in because I don't want to lead you in the wrong direction.

I personally have contemplated, but have not gone ahead installing a short shifter in my Z. Our transmissions are pretty beefy, but the synchro's tend to be the cause of problems to many people who have tranny problems. Installing a short shifter could put additional stress on the synchro's which in turn could cause them to fail prematurely. And with the short shifter installed I don't think Nissan would cover the replacement under warranty.

Just my 2 cents on the issue. I'm sure everyone who has a short shifter installed will post to yell at me. But to me better safe than sorry.

think i saw your Z on sheepshead road yesterday

Also, If you're more worried about low end torque I'd look into the motordyne ART Pipes as well.

Hey there fellow New Yorker. The oil cooler is a great place to start, I went with the GTM oil cooler, just make sure all your lines and fittings are tight. If you keep looking through the personal classifieds on the forum you should eventually find everything on your wishlist though I personally wouldn't go with the ARK CBE as it is way to raspy especially if you go with long tube headers down the line. I have the FI LTH's and I love them, I might have to lose them if and when I go forced induction who knows you might be able to take them off my hands.

Definitely need to keep the home security tight, you don't want to end up like the many other members on here who have lost their sport wheels.

Great job on the cameras, but blocking the license plate number? A little too much IMHO. No need to be so paranoid my Z friend. :)

Ah cool - I'm looking through your albums now to see what car is yours ...

Het, great to know. I'm thinking I'm about holding off on that until I find more research. Glad for the input!

Ok will do. I'm actually trying to decide on exhaust now. I was thinking about doing Berk HFC & BCE. The sponsor section has a decent price shipped. Just not sure about hp/tq gains on that setup.

Yeah, I think I'm going to bail on the ARK. IMO it might sit too low, especially in the winter w/snow & ice chunks. Plus the rasp as you mentioned, if I go LTH.

It's funny you say that - I would normally never cover my plate, but since every else seems to photoshop their plates out, I jumped on the bandwagon, heh.



UPDATE: After doing a bunch of research, and talking w/the guys at my local 370z meet last Wednesday, I decided to keep the stock air boxes and go drop ins. I also decided to be a little different and do HKS drop-ins. I made that decision based on my experience w/HKS products in the past (had a carbon fiber wrapper titanium tipped turbo back on my STi and loved it). My understand is that the stock airbox does a pretty decent job and I'm going to spend the money else where. Which brings me to my next mod, exhaust.

I've looked at the following:
ARK, but decided against it because of the possible rasp and sitting too low.
FI: Thinking LTH and CBE. I heard a forum members exhaust and it sounded awesome, pretty damn loud, but mean. I think he just had non-res CBE. I can't recall now.
Berk: The sponsors section has a great price on Berk HFC & CBE shipped, and IMO, sounds awesome on videos. I love that sound.
Miestercraft (sp?): Sounds awesome, but too pricey IMO.
Stillen: Headers + Berk setup.
ART TP: Need to research these..

So, I want the most hp/tq for the best price. The Berk combo seems the best for price and sound, just not sure of the #s.
I know Arnold K is running Gemini + ARTK TP, which sounds awesome in-person and is a great value. That's a choice as well.
I'm just not sure what the best power combo is ... Thoughts?

go with berk you won't be disappointed. i currently have berk tp and berk cbe so if you'd like to hear it come to the wednesday meets and i should be there. :tup:

Yup, berk is good choice for sure.

Cool - yeah I should be there Wed as well!

Good call on the drop ins, add a set of PMTs (post maf tubes) and you'll be adding close to the same whp as a CAI. I'll be getting a set of the Z1 tubes at some point unless Motordyne releases the be all end all of awesome intake products, (which they very well might considering their history), then I'll just switch up to that.

As far as exhaust options. I'm running the F.I. LTHs and non res carbon fiber muffler F.I. CBE. It's the loudest and most free flowing setup. It's loud as hell but def in a good way, kinda exotic sounding and super mean. As far as power gains. With only those exhaust mods done, everything else stock and NO tune yet, I added 30whp to the car. Since then I've added drop ins and a tune but haven't redynoed yet.

The F.I. exhaust does sit a tad lower than some of the other options, however, the newest design as of a month ago or so, raised the clearance at the lowest point up by around 3/8" iirc, so it's a bit better now.

Cool - Ordering the PMTs now. Thanks!

I've been eyeing that Motordyne intake manifold ...Have you thought about getting that?

Oh ya, last week at the meet I heard this setup. It was amazing. I also love the way it looks. I just stumbled upon this Agency Power exhaust on the forums for sale: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...-shipping.html

I'm thinking possibly pair that w/some HFCs or the ART TP. For the money it'd be a good deal.

Back to your setup, though, I think it's a bit on the pricey side for me, plus the wait, plus it's pretty damn loud. Not that I don't like, I love it, but I'm not sure if it is really for me. I dont' drive daily, but when I drive it is for hours at a time. Your power gains are amazing though ... !

hehe I lied. Pulled the trigger on these: http://www.the370z.com/parts-sale-pr...ons-lth-2.html

haha! Think I might pair this w/either the Berk CBE or Stillen CBE.
Both videos sounds awesome!

370z long tube headers - YouTube
370Z w/ F.I. LTHs and Stillen CBE - Interior Driving/Sound Clip - YouTube

:tup:

It's just too good to resist!


Regarding the M370 intake manifold. I'm still on the fence, there's been some dynos showing nice gains, esp mid range, and a few that show nothing special. I'm waiting for Chuck, I believe his name is, to dyno before and afters since he's got a similar setup to me and his redline is raised to 8100rpm (mines set at a "conservative" 7900 lol). If that bears out, then the M370 goes to the top of my list again.

Don't forget to look at the Motordyne xyz pipe as a potential cbe. They haven't finished their CBE yet, but I believe their Y pipe (xyz pipe) is done. You could just get that and run with the rest stock until he finishes the rest of the exhaust, that would save $$$ too by breaking up your CBE purchase into two parts and Motordyne makes some kick *** products.

heh, I know. Just deciding what exhaust to pair it up to now ...

I really like the sound of the FI LTH paired w/the stillen CBE, however that stillen isn't cheap. The berk sounds good, if not a bit "louder" where the stillen sounds "meatier" and I think the berk CBE is much cheaper (checking now). Well, FBNISSAN has some better prices for the Berk CBE, though it's not far from the stillen.

I'm in talks w/a forum member for that Agency Power CBE he has up for sale - not sure how that would sound w/the FI LTH, though I do like the sound of the AP CBE by-itself, and I do like the look as well (the V cans like the FI CBE and HKS).


Word - that might be a nice mod to do in the spring. After this round of mods, I need to get on winter rims & tires, plus maybe some audi enhancements ... Also, I'll probably want to get an uprev tune after I install the headers and CBE....

I'm also eyeing this (Cheap and looks cool): http://www.the370z.com/exhaust-intak...9-shipped.html

Just not sure if it's a bad idea to pair a "cheaper" CBE w/the FI LTH, or maybe it really doesn't matter that much ....

:hello:

If your interested in post MAF tubes, I have a set of HPS Tubes I was gonna sell on the forum. Only reason I'm selling is because I wanted a different color to match some other stuff I want to do in the engine bay. Used for less than 20 miles, just to try it out, its pretty much new. I was thinking $90 and just meet up at the next Wed meet if your interested.

Dang - ordered these last night from Z1. Thanks for the offer though. See you wed!

No prob. Just thought I'd offer to you first.

Thanks man - see you tomorrow?

Yeah, I'll be there. I haven't gone in a while.

So, as you all know I was looking around for what to pair w/the LTHs I bought from Dreamer ... well after talking to Tony @ FI, I decided upon

(DRUMROLL....................)


FI carbon fiber w/18" res!!!! wooohooo! Put my money down! hella-lead time, but that's OK.
Going to do the install myself, then probably get an upRev tune.
That's about 2-3 months out!

:tup:

Do it once, do it right. Can't beat that. UpRev tune will help you immensely once the headers are on. I was pig rich in the bottom end, and a bit lean up top prior to tune. Also had a horrible "dead" spot in the accel curve in the high 2000's to mid 3K rpm range too. Tune more than fixed that. congrats, you're gonna love those carbon fiber mufflers, they're the sh!t.

Hell ya, I'm stoked. I'm probably doing my installs in NH, boys got a lift and all the tools necessary. Having both the headers and CBE shipped there. Have to wait still ~2 months before I do the install ... just in time ... for .. winter! hah.

Just dropped these in the car as well:
http://www.the370z.com/members/mr_sk...ks-filters.jpg

Took not even 2m to install these. Awesome. Didn't notice a damn thing from the butt-dyno. But I do feel better already having a lil' HKS in the Z..heh.
Here's the rear of the HKS box, can't read a damn thing:

http://www.the370z.com/members/mr_sk...n-box-rear.jpg

And the front (Fancy)
http://www.the370z.com/members/mr_sk...dropin-box.jpg


Z1 Post MAF hoses came today - Z1 is pretty quick. Going to install this weekend.

Well, due to Irene both installs (oil cooler, clear bra) have been pushed. = [

In the meantime, I just ordered replacement daytime lights and license plate lights:

2 V-LEDS 6K WHITE 194 13 LED LIGHT BULBS 158 168 2825
2 HID 5K WHITE SMT 5 LED LIGHT BULBS 1895 53 57 182 BA9s

I will also follow this. I have similar goals, increase in low rpm power/torque (don't mind peak gains of cours,\e, but I feel I will notice the low RPM gains much more in my daily driving) for nice off the line speed and stock appearance to not draw too much attention form LE.

@brucelidat - coo man! yeah, more power, less trouble from punk kids and LE.

I think the next thing I need to research is improving the stance w/some spacers and a set of coilovers. Though, not much sense in doing this now w/winter right around the corner...heh.

I ordered 20mm spacers all around from z1motorsports (they seem to have pretty good prices, ordered illuminated kickplates and ester oil from them too for my first post break-in oil change). They won't be in stock until mid September though.

Ah cool..yeah I'm on about 500 miles, I have free oil changes from the dealer...wonder if I should just do them myself so I can use better quality...no even sure what they use. Or I can bring them the better quality stuff....hope it actually goes into my car though heh.

Being in Brooklyn w/no space to work on my car is a real downer. Have to arrange time back in NH w/friends to use lift, tools, etc.

Seems like a lot of guys on here are running higher end oil/filters..

I think they give you the normal oil they give to every normal car with the free oil changes since they buy it by the barrel and costs them like a dime a quart. They offered me a free first oil change, but no with the ester oil.

Word, makes sense. I think I'm going to use what AK uses in this DIY: http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...es-inside.html