I just purchased my 05 Z and have been driving it for the past few months to get a feel for it before I start to work on it. With knowledge of how nissan took the opportunity to squeeze high horses out in most areas where would be the best place to start? I have around 1k this month to spend and more will come later. Would appreciate some tips for that 1k with good suggestions for quaility/ performence.

Thanks!

 

That's 1/5 of a turbo kit. Start your savings.

 

hehe, what he said.^

 

Well since you have a brand new 05, i wouldnt want to void that warrant right off the bat....just do some mild bolt-ons...exhaust, intake, etc for now. You can always go F/I down the road....just dont rush into things.
I know you're looking for performance but if you want your Z to stand out more, get some good wheels/tires first then start on the performance....unless you're already roll'n on some new shoes my .02

 

UltimateZ.com ... Injen full CAI intake and a Borla true Dual exhaust will throw u back quite a bit harder, then when you get the next $150 go with the Unorthodox underdrive pulley. Also these parts have very minimal effects on your warrenty. I have an 05 Z as well and must say I am very happy with the path choosen above.

 

What's your ultimate goal......to build a 500hp supercar or just tweak the stock performance a little. For the former, just keep saving, but it will cost $20,000-$30,000 to do it right. For the latter, $1000 can get crawford plenum/strut bar and Nismo sway bars. This is the best way to spend $1000 in my opinion. Alternatively, get hi-flow cats, Crawford or Ultimate racing, (based on looks, construction, sound) and Nismo sway bars.

 

Save a bit more and go with nismo exhaust and intake. I got both installed as well as my clear corners installed for $1500

 

Start off with a Crawford Plenum and High Flow Cats. These two mods are, IMO, the best bang for the buck out there.

Lou

 

ud pulley will void your warranty.

 

Nah I checked with the dealer first, it would only void any problem specifically related to the pulleys, and there's not really too much that pulleys can directly do to **** up your engine.

 

Be very careful with thes pullies. The vq is very prone to bearing wear. If you remove the dampening effect of the factory crank pulley you can increase bearing wear at the front crank bearing journal through increased un-dampened vibration. This is most likely why the dealers will not cover warranty with these pullies. IMO for the gains you get it is not worth it.

 

If you're going all out, don't worry about intake, plenum, headers just yet, most people who wanted to get NA horsepower seem to end up regretting it. Just save up, and then if you're still interested in slapping on some serious ponies go for a S/C or ST. Trying to squeeze NA power out of this thing will "nickel and dime you" to death...or at least great frustration. As it has been said, know what you want to do with your Z, you'll be much happier that way.