The December issue of Car and Driver has a short article on the probable new NSX. There is alot of speculation within that article, but lets just assume a few things to be certain. It will be a V6, at least 3.5 liters, and at least 350 hp. My question is, what does the VQ35 need internally to accomplish that kind of NA output. Im no gear head, so here are my guesses. Lighter, stronger, and balanced connecting rods and pistons. Increase to ~11.5:1 compression. Maybe an increase in bore and a shorter stroke. Lighter pulleys, clutch, and flywheel? What else do we need? Please list even the smallest of details you would recommend to build the ultimate NA VQ35.

 

if you believe the ~300 RWHP dynos we've heard about, then this has already been achieved. No need for replacing the rods/pistons/crank.

I believe it was just bolt-ons plus cams and ECU. Hitting 350 crank HP shouldn't be too difficult, but it won't be too easy to go much beyond that.

 

high compression would do it. but that would be just as expensive as throwing on a supercharger and much more complicated and more of a chance to screw up the engine

 

Granted it would be expensive......but why would there be more of a chance to screw up the engine????? Do you think FI on an engine designed for NA power wouldn't have more of a chance to go bad???

 

So has anyone had experience with aftermarket high compression and/or lighter pistons on the 350Z? On any VQ for that matter?