Drop ins.

Best Performance Upgrade for the Dollar
 

I have a base model 2011, and I am in love - but I am interested in investing in a few performance modifications.

Does anyone have insight on the best, most reliable performance updgrades for the dollar?

Is it best to begin with the intake? The exhaust?

Is there a "best" provider among these after market performance modifications?

Thank you in advance for your help!

Jeff

Exhaust: Fast Intentions
HFC's, Test Pipes, or Long Tube Headers: Fast Intentions
Intake: Stillen Gen 3
After all upgrades: Uprev Tune

hfc or testpipes is a good place to start.

If I had to choose just one mod to hold me over until I did more, my vote is a HFC. Really wakes the car up, both sound wise and power. It's raspy though with the stock exhaust. But it's highly unlikely you just stop there anyways.

Sway bars. Cheap, easy to DIY, no warranty concerns, and you notice them every time you turn the wheel.

So, I'm flying up to Vegas next week to purchase my Z. I don't think I'm going to do a dealer installed clear bra, so what should I use to protect the front end on the drive back to Phoenix?

My first thing to do upon getting it home is to get the clear bra installed.

Painter's tape. Lots of it.

3M US: ScotchBlue

The 3M Blue stuff?

I'd probably opt for the "delicate surface" variant if you can.

Don't get the edge-lock stuff. It leaves a residue.

Gotcha. I saw that, but figured edges wouldn't be an issue if I layer it properly.

1- Oil Cooler: you live in Orlando FL, so hot Ambient Temps during most of the year will drive your Oil Temps north of 220F in a hurry. I have the 19 Row Stillen and my Temps stay at 200F normal day driving, spirited driving they sit at 220F. $350

2. Sway Bars: Definite improvement on cornering when doing spirited Driving. I have the Eibach's with three different settings (http://www.the370z.com/brakes-suspension/1199-suspension-adjustments-how-they-affect-handling.html) )to suit your style. Granted no HP gains yet, but a better running, better handling car so far. $350

3. Cold Air Intake (CAI): better breathing engine, better sound ... and HP Gains for a few bucks. $350 (seem to be stuck on that figure ..LOL!)

4. Now the big mama: High Flow Cat + Cat Back Exhaust - Most HP gain so far coupled with the CAI above. I chose Fast Intentions for looks and sound - did not want an obnoxious sounding exhaust, plus my engineering background tells me straight pipes equals less back pressure, equals better breathing + a little more HP, but the price ($2K)... and the wait (12 weeks approx)... It was very worth it in the end though.

Now that you have a well running, well handling, fine sounding, NISMO HP in a Touring 370Z, well - any other mods are icing on the cake...

My $0.02 worth...

By the way, never saw the Sway Bar Mod as necessary or needed. I pretty much had ZYCOPTH twist my arm (well, kinda) to getting them as him and I were going to The Dragon in TN. Once I put them on and discovered the amazing difference, I appreciated him convincing me!! The Dragon, and the Devil's Triangle, and any other road I tackle now, is turned into a straight line practically...

Long winded... sorry! :tiphat:

:driving:Just ordered Gen 3 CAI, saving up for HFC and CBE next

radar detector!