Stock 350z
350 na horsepower should be easy with an unlimited budget and a fully built engine with ITB's and probably a muffler delete.
350Z/370Z Tech Moderator
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Northern California
OK, semi-serious answer here.
Given the architecture of the DE engine, I'd *guess* (no first hand experience building one) that 350whp (400 give/take at the flywheel) isn't out of the question.
But what it takes to get the motor to produce this kind of power - without FI - is a decided trade-off. It really comes down to old school hot rod tricks mated with contemporary engine management. Essentially, the same tech and tweaks that went into your basic 327/365 Vette motor from the '60's....
Higher compression - which basically means a built short block with domed pistons, stroker crank, trick head work and rods, high capacity oiling.
Cam(s)/enhanced internal breathing - High duration, high lift cams with a valve train adequately built with strong valve springs, retainers.....
Wait, stop....
Do you see where this is going?
The laundry list goes on and on and on - you'll note this hasn't even gotten to drivetrain, exhaust, intake system, engine management, etc. - and then.... you've got a street motor that's about as reliable and comfortable to drive on the street as a steamroller.
So, like everyone says, the answer to "Can I do a normally aspirated 350whp street build?" - purely from a pragmatic perspective - is N-O. (Meaning: "Sure, anything's possible with planning, $$, and tolerance for the unpleasant..... but still N-O.")
The best way to a car that feels like a pumped NA motor from a response perspective and maintaining some level of street civility (relative) is a motor refresh and supercharging. NA type throttle response (in tune with your foot) throughout the low-midrange (or you can tune for top end) and without all of the issues above.
Or swap in the entire motor, trans, ECU, and all the sub-systems from a Nismo Z34's VQ37VHR. 350 ponies *right there*! Laff.....
Of course, a whole 'nother set of issues arise with a blower or snail build but it's much "easier" to get to reasonable levels of power given x-amount of $$ thrown away. (Note I didn't use the word "investment".
)
Finally, any answer from me wouldn't be complete without mentioning how much more valuable a driver software upgrade is than ANY amount of hardware you throw at the car.
Given the architecture of the DE engine, I'd *guess* (no first hand experience building one) that 350whp (400 give/take at the flywheel) isn't out of the question.
But what it takes to get the motor to produce this kind of power - without FI - is a decided trade-off. It really comes down to old school hot rod tricks mated with contemporary engine management. Essentially, the same tech and tweaks that went into your basic 327/365 Vette motor from the '60's....
Higher compression - which basically means a built short block with domed pistons, stroker crank, trick head work and rods, high capacity oiling.
Cam(s)/enhanced internal breathing - High duration, high lift cams with a valve train adequately built with strong valve springs, retainers.....
Wait, stop....
Do you see where this is going?
The laundry list goes on and on and on - you'll note this hasn't even gotten to drivetrain, exhaust, intake system, engine management, etc. - and then.... you've got a street motor that's about as reliable and comfortable to drive on the street as a steamroller.
So, like everyone says, the answer to "Can I do a normally aspirated 350whp street build?" - purely from a pragmatic perspective - is N-O. (Meaning: "Sure, anything's possible with planning, $$, and tolerance for the unpleasant..... but still N-O.")

The best way to a car that feels like a pumped NA motor from a response perspective and maintaining some level of street civility (relative) is a motor refresh and supercharging. NA type throttle response (in tune with your foot) throughout the low-midrange (or you can tune for top end) and without all of the issues above.
Or swap in the entire motor, trans, ECU, and all the sub-systems from a Nismo Z34's VQ37VHR. 350 ponies *right there*! Laff.....
Of course, a whole 'nother set of issues arise with a blower or snail build but it's much "easier" to get to reasonable levels of power given x-amount of $$ thrown away. (Note I didn't use the word "investment".
Finally, any answer from me wouldn't be complete without mentioning how much more valuable a driver software upgrade is than ANY amount of hardware you throw at the car.
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you just added more to my public school comment with this post
Last edited by travlee; Oct 19, 2016 at 05:50 PM.




