pbn85

iTrader: (2)

My 01 prelude had an H22 engine and the engine never really responded well with basic bolt ons. I know the k20 engine in the RSX works very well with basic bolt ons. How is the engine in Z compare in that respect? I would only be putting an intake in it. Im guessing the gains would be marginal right?

350Z007

iTrader: (1)

Correct. You will find the sound nice though.

pbn85

iTrader: (2)

what about a combination of intake + headers? Still marginal? Im actually more into appearence modding..rims, suspension. But I do want some performance gains...I was just curius

350Z007

iTrader: (1)

You'd probably be better off doing a plenum spacer, intake, and exhaust. Maybe some high flow cats or test pipes. Headers are expensive and are a pain to install (expensive to install) and give minimal gains for the cost.

pbn85

iTrader: (2)

this may seem like a stupid question...I always wanted to do exhaust, but I was afraid the unique tone of the Z exhaust would go away...I thought that tone was within the OEM exhaust system. is that true?

MannishBoy

iTrader: (1)

Yes, the OEM exhaust sounds really good. I just bought a Borla, which sounds similar in volume but with a deeper tone. The NISMO also sounds good, but it more of a higher tone.

Some exhausts out there get to raspy for my taste, so listen to what you are interested in before you buy.

pbn85

iTrader: (2)

so in other words, the OEM sound will go away?

350Z007

iTrader: (1)

Well it will definately be louder and depending on which exhaust you choose, yes it can change the tone. Check out the Nismo exhaust.

DesiZ_06

truu..im getting nismo exhaust with a race pipe, and JWT pop charger and a motordyne plenum spacer. by the way, will the race pipe void the nissan warranty? just wondering..not that i need a race pipe..i guess im ok without a race pipe.

350Z007

iTrader: (1)

I'm sure if they see them installed and you had a problem that they could say was related they wouldn't cover it. If you have a problem take them off and put the stock cats back on.

DesiZ_06

oh really? hmm..i guess i dont need race pipe anyway, just intake/exhaust and plenum spacer and pop charger is nuff

ANXIOUZ

iTrader: (13)

The Nismo exhaust sounds just like the stock exhaust, only it's a bit louder and more agressive sounding. It's superb. If you want to keep the OEM sound but add more meat to it, go with the Nismo. I don't know a single person who has heard the Nismo and not liked it.

As for bolt-ons, I'm stopping at exhaust/intake because (1) I don't have a lot of money and (2) although you can get a few HP here and there, you kinda have to do a lot to see decent gains IMO. Which brings me back to point #1.

350vq2

nismo is the closest you can get to stock

MR.OKKKK

iTrader: (2)

yea... i pretty much love the stock exhaust note.. i recently installed testpipes, and its prety much stock note's until you WOT! sounds mean... i also have the jwt popcharger installed...

Wired 24/7

iTrader: (2)

We have a self-adjusting ECU. This can kill any gains you get from N/A mods (you may experience some small gains though). If you want to make serious gains you need to tune the ECU / get a piggyback / get a reflash after doing the boltons.