Trading a Z for STi bc of excessive elevation??
 

So nothing is set in stone at all, and if it happens it would be in over a year, but I want to ask this question so I can know if I should keep putting money into my Z or not. Anyways, I am looking to have my work be relocated to Colorado where the elevation is pretty damn high (a mile up) (the 911 will be staying in CA). We all know that elevation robs hp in NA engines (about 55hp for the Z for my situation with all my bolt ons and before a tune), and that turbo'd engines pretty much don't care about the elevation.

So my '11 STi was sold to my younger brother (he still has it, but will be selling it in a year as he won't need a car in NY), and there is the option that I can just sell my Z, give him the appropriate amount of money and take back the STi.

I love driving the Z far, far more than the STi on Tarmac. Not to mention the interior, build quality (feel) and so on is better in the Z. But take away 55hp, and the inability to go on deep snow (which I loved doing in the STi) and they become pretty much equal. (Also the Z has a small handful of mods whereas the STi is stock).

I really am torn on this decision. I know I'm the only one who can make this choice but what are your guys' view on this? How much will a tune for elevation compensate the hp loss? Anyone live in CO that can chime in?

Thanks in advance for any helpful comments.

I'm also wondering this. I'm sure there are a few Canadians that could chime in. Is the actual change in pressure even that much? The air will also be cooler and much dryer so that may offset things.

True I didn't think about the cold air.

FYI the GENERAL equation for finding hp loss is: (elevation in ft)*(0.03)*(hp)/1000

I would not drive the Z (or for that matter any nice car) in the winter. And not necessary because of the snow, but because of the gravel.

As far as the hp drop, it would be the same for any car, so in my mind it's a wash.

Just turbo the Z, unless you don't want to bark up that tree. Will probably get better MPG than the STI too.

Unfortunately I wouldn't turbo the Z.. Have all the respect in the world for those who have done it though!

From your equation((elevation in ft)*(0.03)*(hp)/1000), it seems the bigger hp the car has the more power it will be ripped off... So on the bright side, you might actually be able to beat a big boy V10 Viper over there.:icon17: Does that enough reason to convince you to keep the Z?:tup:

Hahaa, I guess every little point counts! Interesting to think about though, a huge engined heavy car like that can actually be beaten by a lighter, smaller and far less powered car around corners..

But seriously, I think my main concern would be driving the z in the harsh weather over there. If you just staying there for one winter or so, I'd say keep the z. Otherwise, I agree with you to trade in the Z. Sti is a fun car to drive after all. It's more suitable in your situation. Or maybe an Evo? I was thinking a Sti or Evo for my DD/Winter car too. And I am still thinking to get one in the future! Lol. But I will keep my Z as a toy/weekend car here for sure.:)

With the curves in Colorado, I can't believe power is the only thing you care about

You make valid points. I would feel a lot better thrashing an STi than a Z, and wouldn't want to be limited on where I can go. I like the STi more than the evo bc I hated my Evo X MR's dual clutch. It was unbearable. And the GSR only has 5 gears..
I just can't help but feeling I'm sitting in a small van when I'm in the STi when driving the speed limit. But I do still have my 911 sitting in CA, so I guess I shouldn't only have coupes in my garage.
Well it's a bit down the road. Guess ill hold off on any future mods for now.

Thanks for the brainstorm!

Right when I think I made up my mind, you have to come in and stir the pot! :icon17:

It will rob FI'd motors of power too...

Although you can turn up the boost, you will always be fighting against the lower atmospheric pressure.

I do not know anything about this. but would not a new tune at elevation help correct for altitude?

Yeah you have all the cars that I want to own! From Sti to 911!:tiphat: Lol... Why you don't like the Evo's dual clutch. I haven't drove one. My buddy told me there is some strange delay when shifting. But it's a very fast car.

Not only NA or boosted cars will lose power over there but also us human too...

Although you have popcorns, potato chips, chocolate bars to turn up the boost, you will always be fighting against the lower atmospheric pressure as well.:icon17:

I think a proper tune might fix some air to fuel ratio problems, it's not necessary to make up the power lose due to the less condensed oxygen at such a high elevation place.