what engine do you guys think is better for modding the new 300hp engine or the 287hp engine?
i'm guessing the 300 is better for all motor
and the 287 is better for FI

 

I'm going to say 300 for both. Contrary to what people are saying, I think you will have more "there" to work with on the 300hp engine since it has better OEM stuff (variable valve timing on the intake side).

 

ya i think the 300 has stronger rods too. but i might just be rong so check first. (im to lazy right now)

 

I am very curious to know the answer to this question. I have a couple more months before i buy my Z, and i cant decide between the Performance or Track model. I want the brembros and ray's rims, but i'm worried about the 14lbs less tq. But if that can be negated with bolt ons, then im all for it.

 

rygarg, though it does have less torque, the torque curve is great compared to the 287 model.

 

I seriously think that Nissan underrated the torque and possibly the horsepower aswell. Take a look at my dyno here:
https://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-drivetrain/117960-i-ve-got-05-track-dyno-results.html

We compared this graph to an 03 stock and the torque of the 300hp engine was down a bit in the midrange, but it made up for it uptop.

 

thawk, you make about the same tq as 287 models...maybe they did underrate it. The hp seems right though.

 

I was using 17% drivetrain lose, which would be about 308hp. But I could be wrong on the drivetrain lose.

 

Also, no one really knows which one is better for modding b/c it hasnt been tested yet. Soon I will be trying out an exhaust system and possibly a plenum. So we will see how this engine takes to mods.

 

Wow, this is really good news. I was a little upset with nissan's decision to change the engine in the track model becasue i didn't want to lose the torque, but it appears the changes were for the best. I really like the look of that dyno you posted thawk. peak tq seemed average but the peak hp looked nice . And that torque curve (plateau) is gorgeous! Well now there is no doubt in my mind about which model I will be picking up over the summer. Oh, and nis350ztt, if you couldn't tell, i decided to go with the Z over the '05 Stang GT. The 350Z is just so damn attractive...

 

rygarg, good choice.

 

As far a tuning modifications go, the updated engine will be a better platform. You can tweak both intake and exhaust cam timing and all that entails. . . when the codes are cracked. We have played with some of the intake timing on the 03-04's and it can really help (and hurt) for extensive modifications. If it lends itself well to standalone management, expect big things that can hopefully be coded back into stock ECU for us normal people. Someone will have to do the leg work.

 

I hope you've already ordered your Track Z. They are really hard to find!

I bought mine over the phone and flew 500 miles to get it. I found only two Track while searching, the other one was somewhere in So Cal...

And please guyz, stop talking about peak torque the same way other talk about peak HP. It's the same marketing trick one way or the other...

Think "area under the curve" instead and you will get a better feel of an engine's performance...

Oh and yeah, the 300hp engine pulls right up to the rev limiter, the engine just pushes all the way!

 

I have read somewhere the 300hp engine will become stock on all models 350z next year or around there. Breaking up the codes will become a priority then. Until this engine become relevant from a market point of view it won't go anywhere. Standalones are too hardcore for mere mortals. And tuners can't care less about doing extensive research for a handful of cars.

On a more down to earth approach. I'd be curious what the crawford plenum would give on a 300hp engine(does it fit?) compared to 280hp engine. Out of the box like this, those are the kind of modifications 99% of people look to.

 

i was one of the lucky ones i walked into the dealer looking into an 04 enthusiast and left with my 05 35th kinda a step up but i couldnt deny the differnece in upper rpm range. and the leather w/ heated seats big plus for ohio winters. supposedly i was in the right place too cause som gentleman from NY was flying down to buy it the next day. (sry if ur on here)