Feel free to ignore this post if it bothers you, yes I have searched the forums and read for 3 hours about all kinds of useful as well as useless information, arguing, changing the subject, and biased opinions.

Anyway, I wanna talk about CAMS. I think they will be a very KEY addition to really wake up an n/a Z. No, not going FI today either, thx. I am getting 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 wheels/tires next for traction, flashing the ECU and possibly adding a SAFC (apexi?) for tuning, and throwing on an HKS TD high power exhaust. Cams will come after that. Which ones are gonna be the most aggressive, but still great for a daily driver. I don't want lopey cams with no power below 4000 RPM's that can't idle below 1k rpms. I like JWT and Nismo, in general... is there a difference between the regular nismo cams for $1200, and the S1 nismo cams with springs and retainers for $1800 or are those the same actual cams? Are they gonna provide more modded peak HP than the JWT cams?

Thx in advance for the input/advice.
Would love to hear from a reputable tuner shop or 2 as well

 

Between the JWT and Nismo, I like the JWT better. I think there is only one person on here who has the S1 cams . . .from what you have said, I dont think you will want those.

If you flash ecu before the cams just get limited flash (rev and speed limiter, etc). We have seen that the cams work best with stock maps over a bolt on ecu flash (even with all the bolt ons). Soon we should know the secret to getting all the power out of upgraded cams based on advanced tuning.

 

So are the Nismo S1 cams more aggressive than the regular Nismo cams? I too usually like JWT better than Nismo, they seem a little more aggressive in general (more "race", less "sport"... like the clutch/flywheel combo which is lighter yet stronger clamping force). Anyway, I think I will increase my idle when I do the ECU flash, I guess just the L-tune one.

Should I replace the springs or anything else when I do it? like retainers, valves... not only for the cams but for the 7100 RPM's.

 

S1 is more aggressive than normal nismo cams

upgrading springs is never a bad idea, just a costly one

 

I am the one with Nismo S1 cams.... and yes... you definitely need to upgrade the valve springs for those cams.... we double checked the factory springs, they would definitely be compressed fully by the S1 cams... You will need new Nismo VTC units to bring out the best result out of those wild cams too if you don't want to lose the bottom end torque

Also if you are going for 7100rpm, you better replace a set of better con rod bolts recommended by nismo too (or even better con rods).. and you can see 7200rpm everyday with a peace of mind(just like me).

You is also better to go for after market stand alone ECU too, but if you can get TS to do a special tuning/reflash just for your setup after you put all the things in, that will be very good as well. With my stand alone computer, I had some idle problems below 1000rpm when I was using motec DBW control, but when I switched it back to factory DWB control, it was fine, but better raise the idle rpm to 800 instead of staying at 650rpm. You will still see some idle hunts when the car is cold, but when it is warmed up, it is fine!

good luck!

cheers,

richie

 

JWT S1 / NISMO S1

Basicly... the NISMO S1 is packaged with the Valve Springs / Shims already...

With the JWT you have to purchase them seperately...

you can do the math on the pricing...

 

What is needed to utilize the Nismo VTC? Can this be operated with a stock ECU or piggyback or is a standalone needed (for a 2003 287HP 350z)?

 

ReavTek:

because nismo vtc units give you greater degrees to play with your cams angle compare to the stock VTC units... and with the stock ecu, you will not be able to perform what S1 cams are designed to be used for because the cam angles are set with the stock profiles (max degrees of 40), that's why you need a stand alone or a reflash tuning to get those cam profiles changed in the ECU... Without the cam profiles changed, you might not see greater results with a set of wild cams though... someone might be able to give better explanations on this.

cheers,

richie

 

Does anyone know if Technosquare or AAM can change the cam angles in their programming or is it just fuel?

 

I know technosquare is doing this, but when I spoke with AAM they said they had not done it on any reflashes to date.

 

Well, I am not really trying to utilize the full 7100 RPM's, I just meant that will be the max RPM's after the ECU flash. Not sure how this will change with new cams, but as far as I have seen so far even people with reflashes still peak out around 6400 RPM's so shifting before 7000 (even on a drag strip) shouldn't be an issue.

Looks like the Nismo S1 is definitely a more complete system, with JWT it looks like $421.20 for the springs, don't see the shims or VTC pullies on perf. nissan site. And I guess with both kits the install kit for $89.25 would be a good idea too (gaskets kit).

I don't wanna lose too much down low, of course a small amount doesn't bother me since traction isn't easy to come by in 1st/2nd anyway. As long as mid-range maintains and high RPM power surges I am happy. So I guess I should wait to TS flash until the cams are installed, in order to include them into the flash formula?

 

New springs are not needed for the JWT cams unless you plan on revving the car to 7200 rpms a lot and holding it up there for a while. I have had mine on for 25,000 miles and plenty of spirited driving including many 1/4 mile runs and a few trips up and down the tail of the dragon. No issues. No need to waste the extra money. Yes, definately wait to have the reflashing done after the cams and if possible monitor A/F ratios and timing to provide feedback to whoever does the reflash, or if you can take the car there in person, even better.

 

zzzya: So how did the JWT cams change your power/tq at different RPM levels... what stage of mods were you at when you did the cam upgrade. Seems like both Nismo cams and the JWT cams basically sacrifice a little down low to gain up top and try to maintain mid-range power.
I think what Z350lover was trying to say is that using Nismo VTC's and a compatable ECU/flash will yield higher gains than just popping in cams alone, due to stock tuning limitations.

 

The JWT cam specs still allow for safe operation upto 7200 rpm with stock springs. My cams are larger duration and lift than the JWT, and I have had no problems thus far. With cams and the right tune, you will want to rev to 7200. . . the power will be there.

 

Technosquare can adjust the cam timing. We have been trying several approaches, but just making educated guesses at this point. Doug’s car is currently undergoing a MoTeC install so that we can easily make the changes needed to get it perfect, in hopes that we can later get a stock ecu to mimic the tune.

 

Very nice, for me it is still atleast a month or 2 away before I actually get cams... maybe by then or soon after a real ECU fix will be available. I can't figure out why Nismo won't even release something. Most car manufacturers offer performance chips or performance tunes for their vehicles it seems, just not Nissan. Atleast not with the 350Z.

I do appreciate the responses too everyone, thx for the help. Cams is one very grey area to me, I just know I want/need them to really compliment my n/a 350Z.

 

What are the hp gains with just cam and springs ?

 

About 15 rwhp

 

Vandy:

Good to hear that you guys have got the Motec computer from Nizpro... I think the Nizpro has put in a base map which was used on my car... and you should be able to see some cam profiles there... we used my car as a testing car for the motec DBW too, Doug would like the standard DBW better because it is easier to tune... motec dbw will waste quite a lot of time and effort if it is a street car for you. I am sure Nizpro has already told you this..

xephiron:

With Nismo S1 cams and VTC, my peak power is at around 7000rpm or so... and yes, you will need to have a very knowledgable tuner to tune the car with those cams... that's why motec is always a good idea because you can see the cams profile easily... and also the purpose of the VTC units from nismo are used to MAINTAIN the torque as much as possible... when you see the nismo S-tune GT complete car, it is using exactly the same engine as what I am using and the peak torque still stays the same...

287HP:

With better tuning (nismo's tuning might be a bit conservative), the cams + VTC + a set of headers + computer (you gotta need this with wild cams anyway) gets me 30rwKW which is around 40rwHP at the top end (talking about before and after)... and I got even more with further tuning + plenum spacer + new custom y-pipe...

cheers,

richie

 

I know exactly how you felt.... I have been there and done that... so frustrated that nismo doesn't provide a ECU to me when I purchase those engine kit.... the only way for me to get the ECU is.... send the engine back to nismo, let them build it, and they will send the engine back WITH the ECU and the CF Engine Cover... I though.. fark it... I would be happier to get the motec computer, although it is dearer, it is worth your money if you are going to get the car tuned up even further!

cheers,

richie