I know this is a question that is open more towards opinion, but I would still like to hear some suggestions. I am running my 2004 350Z 6MT Touring completely stock. What do you guys suggest is the best mod out there for maximum hp gains. Please keep in mind that for now I am only looking to spend $1,000.00 I am going to get the ECU upgrade, and after I will still have the grand to spend. Thanks in advance

 

Same question for me, but as far as the ECU upgrade, my rev limiter is set to 7100-7200 RPM STOCK. Don't ask, I don't understand either. Anyways, I guess I don't have to flash that? Is there any way to tell if for some strange reason it had been flashed (switcharoo on my ecu during service for some reason???)

Reiver

 

maybe let it breathe easier with an intake and exhaust. both you can install yourselves and save some dough. if you have money left over for about 75 get a grounding kit from www.z-xtreme.com

 

Id probably go with a plenum and test pipes. possible an exhaust instead of plenum if you want the sound.

plenum and test pipes are only about 600-700 so you could get an intake, but personally? I wouldnt waste the money, Ive seen no convincing proof that shows they help(any proof there is can be written off as dyno error since others show no gain)

 

I'd go intake, high flow cats and exhaust...

more of around 1300$ though.. you can get intake later

 

Plenum will void the warranty, Right?
I'm doing my best to stay away from that even though I'm real anxious for some FI. I'm probably going to go with exhaust and test pipes for now.

Thanks!

Reiver

 

Im gonna have to say your mistaken... have you physicly revved your car to those RPMs and seen the needle sweep past 7000RPM? there is no error in the ECU, it doesnt happen. you may be looking at the shift light setting in the trip computer and thinking you can rev that high, you can set that as high as 8000, but it doesnt change the fact that the fuel cutoff is at 6600; the light just wont ever light up.

 

I am really interested in the Plenum. From what I've been reading it seems to be the best hp addition for the money.

 

Do you care about your warranty or not??? This is the ONLY reason I haven't gotten the plenum from Crawford.

I got a great ground wire kit from http://home.comcast.net/~z327/ for $48 shipped and I installed them at the last local mod meet. Fantastic cables.

Reiver

 

good question, but the warrenty can only be voided if the dealer can prove the modification caused the problem. thing is how much crap can the dealer give you for it, even if they fix it in the end... is it worth the hassle. if your worried about that tho, go with the exhaust, its not a bad peice either, and Im sure youll love the sound.

 

Jason says best in this order.

RT High Flow Cats $559.00
NISMO Cat Back Exhaust $847.00
Pully's
FLY WHEEL & Clutch Upgrade (TILTON / JWT / NISMO)
NISMO Cold Air Intake $269 (we also have JWT Pop Charger & K&N Typhoon)
NISMO Headers $1117
NISMO CamShafts $1232
ECU Upgrade after CamShafts / Intake mod's.

 

I would echo what Jason said. The ECU upgrade should be one of the last things you do. Once you have upgraded the intake,exhaust, cats, cams, headers. Then you would see more of a difference. Go with exhaust,cats,and intake. All of which are warranty friendly.

 

Plenum, by all means. You asked for the best bang for the buck. This is it.

Lou

 

I beleive it is "illegal" to replace any cat that has less than 50,000miles(no clue why) so Im not so sure cats can be swapped and stay warrentied. but perhaps jason would know better since he's the one that does the warrenty stuff.

 

I believe the the VQ is breathing very well in stock form, as evidenced by the minimal gains from intake and exhaust. I'm gonna hold out for mods that don't gain 5hp and cost $1000.

Best bang for buck mod for the 350Z... SUSPENSION!

I hate the bouce!

I'd do that first and foremost if you haven't already and then go onto HP boosters.

 

I would have to disagree here slightly. In stock form the Z does breathe okay but there is so much restriction in air flow under you car it is ridiculous. The factor Y pipe looks a like a anchor. And the twin mini cats on each side of the headers restrict air flow as well. I spent a little over $1300 and gained 18 hp and about 20ft lbs of torque. You can even spend less ie Borla true dual exhaust and gain a few more horses.

 

Right on top of this list... I would put the CRAWFORD PLENUM (www.crawfordzcar.com).

You run the car like it is, the car doesn't feel like it has much "top-end" power. Add the plenum... and she'll pull till redline.

There is NO other mods that touch this. 9 hp at peak, and 19 @ redline for $450 plus your OEM plenum.

Seriously... do some reading, and you'll see all the HUGE praise!

 

For a 1,000.00 I'd get.........

Test pipes, Borla Exhuast and save for a F/I application or some sort.

 

I would go:

Plenum $450
Crank Pulley used $150-200 with belts
High Flow Cats $400-500

I would later add a true dual exhaust or at least get a new y-pipe for the stock exhaust. If you want to make a quick difference in the 1/4 mile or on the track, go with the EVO final drive for $800+install.

 

150 shot of nitrous.