I've had my 2003 Track for about a month now. I love it, but I'm starting to think about adding to it. I'm not a gear head, so when people say "pop charger" and "plenum" I get lost. Basically, anything I buy I'm going to have to pay to have it installed. So, with that in mind, what do you guys recommend I do? I was thinking of spending maybe $1500 tops for some kind of engine upgrade. I'm not worried about looks, I just want some more power!

 

The only thing that will give you significant (noticeable) improvement in power for that price range is nitrous. Otherwise, you should get a new exhaust, you might think you feel some more power, but it will definitely sound different, and you can get one installed for well under $1500.
Save up your money and get a supercharger or turbo system - now that's some power for you. You're looking at at least $5k for this.

 

Single biggest hp gains for under $1500, IMO, are plenum and popcharger or CAI, or a good pair of headers (most of us have found that a good exh. is mostly for sound and/or show, and adds precious little hp).

However, while I wouldn't recommend trying to put headers on yourself if you're not a certified gearhead, there simply isn't any reason why you can't put the plenum and popcharger on yourself, unless you can't even work a wrench or screwdriver.

Also, to be able to BOTH afford the headers (good ones about $1100-1200) and the install for $1500, you'll prob. not be able to afford a premium set, so I'd go w/the Crawford cast plenum and popcharger, put 'em on yourself, and still have a good bit left over for better tires, new shift ****, grille, etc. Take it from me, I started out afraid to do anything to my car, but SOME of the stuff is incredibly simple and if you can find the time, you'll probably take more care with your own baby than the shop.

 

Read “New 350Z owners, read this before doing any modifications to your Z” and several of the last “Best bank for the buck” posts.” Nothing has changed and the answers are the same.

The 350Z does have some unusual terminology (upper plenum for example), but as you read and learn, the language will become secondary. Many bolt-ons (CAI) are simple to install with limited tools, and will give you pride of doing-it-yourself. Getting under the car (cat back exhaust system) is a bit more of a challenge.

Look at members mods and you'll see a common link. Go to a 350Z-meet and see mods close-up and talk to owners.

 

Agree w/this much, anyway, IF and ONLY IF, your car is a toy that you don't plan to keep for more than 30-50K miles. I've known of too many TTs and supercharged Z engines that blew up even before that point. You can greatly improve reliability w/regular nitrous and FI use by going w/forged internals, but by the time you spend that much $, esp. w/no warranty, why not get a 505hp C6 ZO6 under warranty, w/extended warranty avail?

IMO, if you plan to put the American avg. mileage of 15k/yr. on your car but you just won't be happy w/less than close to 400whp, save your money and buy another car (heck, by then, the GT-R and/or a 450Z may be avail.).

 

plenum spacer and pop charger are easy to install should be able to get both for $500 and a modest 12-15 hp gain

 

Thanks for the suggestions. It sounds like this is the way to go. Nitrous scares me. I'm not a "pimp my ride" kinda guy. I'm almost 40 and not looking to add a wing or carbon fiber hood to my car, just a modest boost. Maybe it's fast enough already and I shouldn't bother.

davidv, I have read a lot of the posts, but I get lost. It seems like you can go down a rabbit hole with the mods, and 99% of the people here love it. I'm just looking for a simple one-time investment and was hoping someone could cut through the clutter for me (which you all have, thanks!).

So where does one buy a plenum spacer and pop charger? Is there a brand I should get? Do these things just give you more HP with no downside, or are there trade-offs?

 

Go with the pop charger/CAI and plenum spacer, then you can add exhaust later on. Those are all relatively cheap products and easy to install. this is a good website to get stuff off: www.performancenissanparts.com

 

Ok, let's see.....
1)Motordyne spacer...............................................$300
2)JWT Pop chager.................................................$120
3)Helix test pipes..................................................$200
4)Injen SES exhaust..............................................$800
5)Some boOzz & chips while you working on your car...$80
TOTAL:$1500 = 30 RWH(Maybe)

 

biggest bang for the buck by far.....lower the rearend ratio.to around 450

 

Actually you want to rasie the ratio...

 

a high ratio has smaller numbers....the higher the number the lower the ratio....and the more low end torque you get....no subsititute for torque

 

Dirtroad... Im planning on buying the APS ST kit in the next few months, but i was wondering if there was a reason i should save for the TT APS kit instead. Which one is more reliable, and easy to maintain?

 

Most often the mods which you see are variations of more-air-in-more-air-out. The MAF (mass air flow) sensor sees more air, and the ECU signals to add more fuel. More fuel plus more air equals more horsepower. Pretty simple.

My advise is that if your going to add pre-intake mods (CAI) that you combine it with a post-engine mod (high flow cats). No point in more air in if you cant get it out.

Is there a downside to modifications? Yes. You're taking a car which runs well and is reliable, and “altering it.” Generally, bolts-ons work well the ECU and engine. Example: brand name cat-back exhausts systems have proven their reliability with hundreds of 350Z owners.
-

 

actually getting a different gear ratio = 0 horsepower for your buck. it will give you a mechanical advantage in short race (i.e. 1/4 mile) while sacrificing your top overall speed, but it will get you nothing on a dyno.

 

no way 30whp.. not without tuning.

 

+1.. i would get the 3.9 final drive. You'll notice that improvement..

 

Wont it also effect your gas fuel economy (miles/gallon)?

 

1-2 mpg less

 

yes it will negatively affect your mileage, however they are right in that it would probably be the NA mod with the most significant change in the feel of the car.