optimal option for reliable 450whp
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optimal option for reliable 450whp
I’m looking to get back into a vq and need some input. I want 450whp that is foolproof (I’m aware there’s no such thing when going FI, but I want the closest thing possible). I’m thinking supercharger since it’s a bit more reliable than turbo, and it compliments my driving style more.
is it better to do this project on a DE, DE revup, or an HR? and other than built engine, what other parts need upgrade to support the system? thanks for the help!
EDIT: I would be also down to jump to a 370z or g37 if my goal is easier to achieve on that platform.
is it better to do this project on a DE, DE revup, or an HR? and other than built engine, what other parts need upgrade to support the system? thanks for the help!
EDIT: I would be also down to jump to a 370z or g37 if my goal is easier to achieve on that platform.
Last edited by reeq2jz; Dec 26, 2023 at 06:37 PM.
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you said you want to get back into a VQ, so does that mean a Z or an engine? what is your focus on? because, if it's the platform that matters to you, and not so much the engine, then instead of spending 10 grand to build up an engine you could probably have better results with a crate engine. like a Chevy LS. Don't cringe! it's a common option. those engines make big power. what about an engine swap to like a q60 red? I don't think those engines are worth the trouble but if you want to stay with Nissan, a GTR engine is also doable for the money you're going to drop into a VQ.
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The HR and VHR will be your best bet …
a decent HR will hold 500hp all day long … guys are pushing them to 600hp before they start bending rods.
The VHR will hold well into the 600hp and up into the 700hp range
The downside to the HR is that you will only be able to tune on Uprev (unless you want to monkey with a Haltech & a patch harness - you can do it but plan on spending alot of money to accomplish the ECU and tuning).
Your only option for the VHR will be ECUtek - this is a blessing and a curse.
The HR and VHRs are structurally better blocks and internals compared to the DE - they benefit from ‘lessons learned’ of the DE, RevUP, and the HR. The VHR will go down in history as one of the best OEM / unopened blocks to add a turbo or a supercharger for great power gains.
Either HR/VHR will be extremely cramped and both suffer from elevated engine bay temps (there are ways around this).
If you choose a DE (and I would avoid the Rev Up if you truely want long term reliability) you will need a built block if you want long term reliability - the good news is that you can push that setup closer to 600hp if you choose. Also, the DE will have the most tuning options and ‘tuning goodies’ comapared to all three setups.
a decent HR will hold 500hp all day long … guys are pushing them to 600hp before they start bending rods.
The VHR will hold well into the 600hp and up into the 700hp range
The downside to the HR is that you will only be able to tune on Uprev (unless you want to monkey with a Haltech & a patch harness - you can do it but plan on spending alot of money to accomplish the ECU and tuning).
Your only option for the VHR will be ECUtek - this is a blessing and a curse.
The HR and VHRs are structurally better blocks and internals compared to the DE - they benefit from ‘lessons learned’ of the DE, RevUP, and the HR. The VHR will go down in history as one of the best OEM / unopened blocks to add a turbo or a supercharger for great power gains.
Either HR/VHR will be extremely cramped and both suffer from elevated engine bay temps (there are ways around this).
If you choose a DE (and I would avoid the Rev Up if you truely want long term reliability) you will need a built block if you want long term reliability - the good news is that you can push that setup closer to 600hp if you choose. Also, the DE will have the most tuning options and ‘tuning goodies’ comapared to all three setups.
Last edited by bealljk; Dec 28, 2023 at 07:46 PM.
Better going to a different platform is subjective … there are some people (myself included) that hell or high-water are not leaving the platform … I will always have my white z and likely this caged g35 and I suspect these will not be my last z/g/q before I call it a life.
There’s nothing wrong with leaving the z/g/q platform for another car and there is nothing wrong with staying with the platform (regardless of what OEMs come out with).
Dollars & sense would dictate that 450hp is more easily achievable
I constantly fight the battle to not get a DE vert and put the Z1 supercharger kit on it. Lowered on some wheels, 400whp, and a drop top would be a blast weekend cruiser that wouldn't break the bank.
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youre not wrong but if you have a $10k 2007/2008 350z or 2009+ 370z they will take 500hp to 600hp all day long with a $5k to $8k turbo kit, a $1k tune, and $1k in supporting mods.
Better going to a different platform is subjective … there are some people (myself included) that hell or high-water are not leaving the platform … I will always have my white z and likely this caged g35 and I suspect these will not be my last z/g/q before I call it a life.
Better going to a different platform is subjective … there are some people (myself included) that hell or high-water are not leaving the platform … I will always have my white z and likely this caged g35 and I suspect these will not be my last z/g/q before I call it a life.
Here in the U.S. there are I think six states that enforce the CARB law. Z1 does offer a carb legal vortec V3 kit for $8,000. they get around the no tune restriction by using a piggyback controller. tuning is not an option in many states here, and I live in the worst of all, CA. your point is probably valid for most of the states here just not the most restrictive ones.
but imagine owning a street car that is so great that you don't need to do anything to it? And imagine that car is not much more expensive than a nice Z?
you really have to be a dedicated Nissan fan to ignore all of the better options out there for a street car (in a carb enforced state). track is a totally different conversation. I think the Z is a good track machine because there are plenty of parts and a good aftermarket. but the same could be said for BMW E47 M3. there are plenty of them and they are not expensive. either choice, you can't go wrong. when they are somewhat equal in weight and power, then preference does matter.
For a street car, though, once you drive a Porsche you'll never go back to a Z. they start at 15k. Even the 997/987 Gen has dropped significantly in the past 2 years, starting at about 20K. some say it has reached the bottom of its depreciation curve. If you're a die-hard Z fan, don't ever drive a Porsche.
Even the humblest modern model, a 986 Boxster, is so rewarding that you don't need to do anything to it other than maintenance. you can just leave it alone and it gives you a thrilling driving experience. upgraded though? a 25K 911.996 as a project street / track car? address a couple of the known engine weaknesses, install new suspension, and you'll break all of your old Z lap times.
so I'm not a very good track driver. I admit it. it's a hobby for me. I continually get faster and I've only been doing it a couple years. what matters is comparing my own times against myself. after putting 10k into my 04 Z, all bushings and mounts and suspension and brakes, and tracking it a dozen times, I was slowly getting better on the track. then I bought a 987 Cayman S. first time out at my usual track, 5 seconds faster. no upgrades, just an oil change. That's the starting point. with the same HP as the Z, weight matters. The Z needs extreme modifications to compete.
as strictly a street car in a no-carb state, I would agree with you that the Z is a great choice with hella fun to be had on the cheap with huge engine potential.
Here in the U.S. there are I think six states that enforce the CARB law. Z1 does offer a carb legal vortec V3 kit for $8,000. they get around the no tune restriction by using a piggyback controller. tuning is not an option in many states here, and I live in the worst of all, CA. your point is probably valid for most of the states here just not the most restrictive ones.
but imagine owning a street car that is so great that you don't need to do anything to it? And imagine that car is not much more expensive than a nice Z?
you really have to be a dedicated Nissan fan to ignore all of the better options out there for a street car (in a carb enforced state). track is a totally different conversation. I think the Z is a good track machine because there are plenty of parts and a good aftermarket. but the same could be said for BMW E47 M3. there are plenty of them and they are not expensive. either choice, you can't go wrong. when they are somewhat equal in weight and power, then preference does matter.
For a street car, though, once you drive a Porsche you'll never go back to a Z. they start at 15k. Even the 997/987 Gen has dropped significantly in the past 2 years, starting at about 20K. some say it has reached the bottom of its depreciation curve. If you're a die-hard Z fan, don't ever drive a Porsche.
Even the humblest modern model, a 986 Boxster, is so rewarding that you don't need to do anything to it other than maintenance. you can just leave it alone and it gives you a thrilling driving experience. upgraded though? a 25K 911.996 as a project street / track car? address a couple of the known engine weaknesses, install new suspension, and you'll break all of your old Z lap times.
so I'm not a very good track driver. I admit it. it's a hobby for me. I continually get faster and I've only been doing it a couple years. what matters is comparing my own times against myself. after putting 10k into my 04 Z, all bushings and mounts and suspension and brakes, and tracking it a dozen times, I was slowly getting better on the track. then I bought a 987 Cayman S. first time out at my usual track, 5 seconds faster. no upgrades, just an oil change. That's the starting point. with the same HP as the Z, weight matters. The Z needs extreme modifications to compete.
Here in the U.S. there are I think six states that enforce the CARB law. Z1 does offer a carb legal vortec V3 kit for $8,000. they get around the no tune restriction by using a piggyback controller. tuning is not an option in many states here, and I live in the worst of all, CA. your point is probably valid for most of the states here just not the most restrictive ones.
but imagine owning a street car that is so great that you don't need to do anything to it? And imagine that car is not much more expensive than a nice Z?
you really have to be a dedicated Nissan fan to ignore all of the better options out there for a street car (in a carb enforced state). track is a totally different conversation. I think the Z is a good track machine because there are plenty of parts and a good aftermarket. but the same could be said for BMW E47 M3. there are plenty of them and they are not expensive. either choice, you can't go wrong. when they are somewhat equal in weight and power, then preference does matter.
For a street car, though, once you drive a Porsche you'll never go back to a Z. they start at 15k. Even the 997/987 Gen has dropped significantly in the past 2 years, starting at about 20K. some say it has reached the bottom of its depreciation curve. If you're a die-hard Z fan, don't ever drive a Porsche.
Even the humblest modern model, a 986 Boxster, is so rewarding that you don't need to do anything to it other than maintenance. you can just leave it alone and it gives you a thrilling driving experience. upgraded though? a 25K 911.996 as a project street / track car? address a couple of the known engine weaknesses, install new suspension, and you'll break all of your old Z lap times.
so I'm not a very good track driver. I admit it. it's a hobby for me. I continually get faster and I've only been doing it a couple years. what matters is comparing my own times against myself. after putting 10k into my 04 Z, all bushings and mounts and suspension and brakes, and tracking it a dozen times, I was slowly getting better on the track. then I bought a 987 Cayman S. first time out at my usual track, 5 seconds faster. no upgrades, just an oil change. That's the starting point. with the same HP as the Z, weight matters. The Z needs extreme modifications to compete.
all good points in your post … I guess I’m not allowed to drive a porsche! Lol!
Porsche needs no praise for me, I'm constantly reminded that I should have gotten one before dumping so much money into the Z.
That ship has sailed tho, and even tho I like the older Cayman, I wouldn't want a Porsche that old now. The 718 yes bit that's quite a bit of money still.
That ship has sailed tho, and even tho I like the older Cayman, I wouldn't want a Porsche that old now. The 718 yes bit that's quite a bit of money still.
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