Ok, I haven't personally done any extensive dyno tests on my car so I can't try to determine for myself which products actually add power to the Z. I've heard a lot of people saying that certain mods don't add any power at all. So my question is short of FI or nitrous, what options do we Z owners have if we want to add a little punch to our ride?

 

Nismo Stickers.

 

Hmmm.... I take it since I haven't had any replies that anyone who has gotten potential power adding mods considers them useless. If this is so, that's ok I'd like to hear that. I'm still debating whether or not I want to void my warranty with FI or Nitrous, so I'm waiting to hear if there are any good power adders prior to doing that. Thanks.

 

I think your assumption is correct. With a normally aspirated engine, like the VQ in the Z, that is tuned to just about the extreme there is not a lot you can do to get more out of the engine.

I think some people are getting a little more power from an intake and exhaust system combination. But, don't count on anything like a supercharger or turbocharger!

Chances are good that once the aftermarket companies have had a chance to really develop their products, then you wil see greater gains.

Still, the greatest impact on daily drivability will come from forced induction. Nitrous will work for the short burst of power when you need to show up that Mustang/TA/Camaro/et cetera.


Hope that helps.

PeteH

 

I don't understand how the VQ35 is tuned "to the extreme". If that is so, why is it that many other cars (the M3 coming to mind), with less displacement, is able to put out about 50-60 HP more than the Z. Maybe the VQ35 is tuned "to the extreme" when using bolt-on parts.

I take it that the internals in the Z are not of the greatest and most durable material. What kind of block is it using, cams, pistons, etc. I think I will wait for the supposed Z Twin Turbo that is rumored to be coming out sometime (or the GT-R for that matter). Hopefully that will come with a much more durable engine that can withstand much higher #s.

 

There are some headers being developed that seemed to help increase the top end torque (as well as the low end - midrange was little change)

I think the VQ35 is tuned very well in its current state. The only reason the M3 (and the rest of the lower displacement, higher HP cars) make such high HP is because they have a higher redline. I think the Z is just about the most torquey car out there for its size. However, if you look at the dyno's, the Z has a pretty quick torque drop off above 5000 RPM. If you can increase the torque up there, then you should see some very good power gains. I think the headers that were mentioned in other threads did a pretty good job, and some exhausts and intakes helped a little. I think a big factor is the cam profile (maybe tuned for more low end torque) and whatever is limiting the redline to 6600.

I think the VQ comes with pretty strong internals with respect to torque (so it can handle decent power from FI), but I would like to see how easy it would be to raise the redline reliably. I think for people hoping to stay NA, more torque up top and a higher redline will really make a difference. I just wish I new more about the car so I could help get it there.

I think for NA people, the best bet is to wait for more exhaust choices (hopefully a less expensive Ti version), wait to see what ECU mods become available, and look into how those headers are progressing. I'm not fully convinced on the intake, since the Z's stock intake looks very well designed, but then again, some people are seeing gains with an aftermarket version.

Long term changes might be cams and internals so we (and by we I mean some sucker other than me ) can figure out how high the engine can safely rev (I would personally like to see 7500) and how to maintain torque in those higher RPM's.

-D'oh!

 

The M3 has a straight six, which inherently can put out more power than a V6. Straight cylinder engines have always been able to put out more power than their V-ed counterparts.

 

Alright then. My question now though is, what kind of block does the VQ35 in the Z have? Is it cast iron? Jez' wondering.

BTW, does anyone know where I can find out more about the Z's engine construction?

 

Aluminum Heads and Block.

 

I don't think many people replied because they don't have actual proven numbers to work with. I'm sure there are people that have mods and did get gains but are unwilling to post because if they quote a wrong number they'll be chastised into next week.

There are many things to consider when dealing with engines. V vs. inline is just one aspect you can consider. The VQ engine is one of their long standing engines used in a multitude of cars and build primarily for strength, longevity and reliability and no one can ague with that. It's been in everything from a Pathfinder to and Infinity and continues to win Nissan awards. Although it's been retuned, refited, upgraded and bored, there is only so much you can do without going back to the drawing board and desining a completely new engine. If Nissan wanted to price the 350Z higher they could have built a motor that sits lower and fits better, produces more power with smaller displacement, lighter body, better materials but that wasn't their goal.

I don't think the VQ35 is streached as far as is stated but price/horsepower is definately higher as compared to many other cars on the road today. But I ask anyone to check out price/gains for an S2000 and tell me there's even 50hp potential on an NA engine for under $3500. Now that Nissan is concentrating fully on the VQ engine in motorsports I think they'll take this engine to a new level and come up with new and interesting ways of extracting more power from a smaller unit. I think in a few years you'll see the VQ on par with BMW M's power units. But until that day I'm happy spending less the half the $ value to fix an engine problem because of shared parts/platform and still get great power and performance! Just my two cents.

 

on anormally asperated motor a cold air intake like Injen w/ a free flowing exhaust will help boost HP and TQ. also as everyone knows you can swap out the stock air filter for a K&N. a grounding kit will also help smooth out the power delivery and eliminate electrical "noise" that the stock ECU must translate.
as the popularity of this car grows, more and more products will become available. hope this helps.

 

One mod that always works for improved performance is weight reduction... especially on the Z since it's coming in somewhere in the 3200-3300 lb range. I was just wondering if anyone had found some different ways to reduce the weight. If you have any ideas about that too, let me know. Thanks for all the good input so far.

 

the a/c unit and all related equipment is good for something 60 lbs. almost. LOL

 

On that note, every time I drop off my girlfriend, BAM!, 130 pounds less. Does wonders for the hp!

 

LMAO! yep another good weight reduction.

 

LOL...

 

dont put a stereo system in it......i believe my amp, cap, 4 12's, and box ran over 125 lbs. in my celica. that to an already weak car was terrible.

i doubt ill be adding ne thing like that to the Z. maybe just one 12. maybe.

oh another good weight reduction idea....before i race anyone...i try to free *****....or drop the kids off at the pool...(catch my drift?)...empty your self out.....depending on ur appetite that can add up....
all that costs is a flush.......another wonderfull mod for pennies.

 

The M3 has more horsepower because it is an inline 6 and the compression ratio is a lot higher than ours. But I've heard of some blown engines on many BMW. Just my $.02