I want to do some mods to my car. Mainly under the hood. My friend said before installing a TT that I should install a new exhaust system. He said that I needed to open the car up and let it breath. I have searched and tried to read around on what I need. I do not know much about cars but am learning more and more each day. So I was wondering if some people could give me some suggestions about some nice but cheap set ups. I am looking for a better deeper sound with some HP gain. I am not sure what all I need. I have read about true dual exhaust, headers, test pipes, cat pipes w/ resonators and it all gets confusing. If someone could enlighten me I would appreciate it greatly.

 

I am by no means experienced at this, but here is what I have done:

$175 Helix test pipes
$800 Injen SES dual exhaust
$400 Kinetix V4 plenum (Crawford plenum probably better for FI)
$115-275) JWT Popcharger (or some type of CAI)

If you are not interested in a little raspy sound, you would want test pipes w/resonators or high flow cats; both of which you could get from Kinetix for $340 shipped under the current GB(PM me for details). You may also look into a good set of headers ($450 and up)

Zach

 

Thanks Zach for the info. Is the plenum a must have or do I need it now? Just curious. I am not sure what the plenum does? As for the CAI, I know its not the same but I put in a K&N air filter. I know people have talked about the KN compared to the popcharger. So should I stay with the KN or switch.

 

installing a plenum while installing a TT would make sense, since what a turbo set up is doing is increasing air velocity, you'd want the cylinders to get the most air possible. what a plenum does it open up air flow to the front cylinders (thye stock plenum restricts air flows to the front cylinders).

i'd also look into test pipes with a twin turbo set up. it's just a must have. with hot gases moving so quickly throguh the exhaust system, test pipes are a must to get the most power out of ur FI car. you will not need to buy after market headers with ur turbo set up. you will also need a free flowing exhaust. either a true dual setup like the injen, borla, or the invidia v2, or something with large diameter piping, or even something custom made.

with a TT set up, i'd also look at replacing ur rotors, lines, and pads. also, some things i would do are also to get a SSK (short shifter), a radar detector, safc, turbo timer, boost controller, etc.

 

so are the test pipes the pipes that are connected to the exhaust? Can I get by now with just buying a true dual exhaust or do I need the test pipes and some other stuff? Is there a difference between high flow cats and test pipes? Thanks for the help so far.

 

Hi Flow Cats have a catalytic converter attached and pass most local smog law regulations. Test pipes are just straight pipes intended for off-road use only. Some use 'em on-road anyway though. Your call ultimately. Really, IMHO, the added flow rate's not really worth something that could get your car impounded or get you a nice heavy fine for being out of compliance with emmissions laws. Just my .02...

 

1. How much money can you spend?

2. Do you access to a nearby tuning shop with a dyno?

3. Can you afford to void any part of your warranty?

4. Are you looking to build a "supercar", or do you want something just a little quicker?

5. How much time do you want to invest into tuning the car?
Can you spend 5 hours a day for 2-3 days on a dyno? Can you afford this?

6. Is this car your daily driver or just a play toy?

Please answer these questions honestly and I'll tell you what to do.

 

Speedracer is right define your goals with the car first . And work towards that . AND...dont take one persons opinion [on this forum ] as gospal...get several opinions and decide for your self based on what works for many people . It can save you alot of money and time .

 

1. I really dont have a limit. I am wanting the best for cheapest prices.
2. I live in Paducah, KY. I am close to nashville TN and I know crawford z is there but dont know if they have dyno. I am close to St. Louis and heard that they have a turbo shop there.
3. I can afford to void warranty
4. I am wanting quicker but the possibility to turn into super car.
5. I could possibly spend that much time in tuning. I am not for sure. havent thought about it
6. right now it is my daily play toy. I live w/my parents, so I have access to other cars, but love to drive my Z the most!!

I hope these answers will help. Thanks for the help.

 

Better wheels/tires...245 front/275 rear on 18" or 19" wheels

Get all the crawford stuff...plenum, bar, headers, cats. If loudness is an issue, Ultimate Racing is a quieter option for cats

Cat-back exhaust....Nismo,Stillen, Borla or wait for APS...this will probably be the best.

If you like the stock ride, upgrade to Nismo sways to turn up the handling limits one notch. Otherwise HKS coilovers

stoptech brakes front and rear. wait just a few months for their new four wheel kit with new rear system.

No need to do intake mods..it is a waste of money.

This set-up will give you 15-20 hp in gains and still leave open the option of supercharging down the line. A turbo has the potential for higher power, but to realize that higher power you will need to do internal engine mods, and it is a much more complex install and tune. For the street, a supercharger will give you more than enough power and is easier to "reverse" when/if you need to sell your car.

 

If you are going to do any kind of supercharger or turbo, you need to be careful which mods you buy. Dont buy headers or intake, and really dont need to buy pullies. I'd recommend Doing a custom exhaust for your turbo - if you want a true dual go with 2.5" piping, if youre going with a y pipe to a single out, 3" piping. If you want a system that is pre-built the Greddy Evo2 has shown gains of 30hp when combined with turbo, and the new Invidia version 2 (not sure if its released yet) is also supposed to be great.

Test Pipes or test pipes with resonators would be the best replacement for your cats for turbo.

For turbo id recommend going with crawfords plenum because its metal and will be stronger.

With turbo youll need a stronger clutch and flywheel, there's a lot of brands for this, i hear exedy (sp?) is supposed to be good, JWT also.

Plus youll want to get a few extras for the turbo system like boost control, wideband sensor, and maybe a blowoff valve, etc.

Common price for a greddy twin turbo system with front mount intercooler is about $6k, then install will run around +/- $1200.

For more questions on specifics regarding turbo visit the F/I section on the forums here, i dont have F/I so im not quite as knowledgable as some of those guys.

 

Thanks for all the help. Will there be much of a difference in sound between the high flow cats and test pipes w/ resonators? I am looking for a deeper sound. I am probably gonna go with the nismo exhaust or maybe the greddy evo 2.
So AParshall04, you are saying not to go with headers if I am going with F/I either S/C or TT?

 

a TT set up comes with exhaust manifolds which the TC bolts up too if i am not mistaken.