FI guys with S/C'ed Z's chime in Please.
 

Ok guys I just have a couple questions for you because I am in a delema.

I am wanting to go FI and I like the S/C because of the safety and the ease of install/de-install. Here is my case.

I am not looking to go for huge rwhp numbers.

I am installing this myself with my cousin and neither of us have ever done FI on a car before. We are pretty mechanically inclined, and doing it to save money.

I do have emmisions in my state, CT. Sniffer and ODBII.

I just want to install it and leave it with little maintenance or worries.


Have you been happy with your choice of S/C?

What would you do if you could do it over again, What regrets do you have?

I have heard people say they are loud and noisy, are they?

I am leaning towards the vortec, why should/shouldn't I go with it?

Thanks for all the input

If you don't mind changing the hood, I would go with the Stillen. It is the most plug and play of any of the set-ups, and I think you can get the warranty even with a self install.

It took 2003z about 15 hours to do by himself, and I think it was his first FI install.

The stillen isn't the best or the most powerful, but it is far and away the easiest (but if you don't like the hood, then all this doesn't mean a thing, I really like it in person - pics don't do it justice). It has a vacuum bypass valve for cruising and I get 23mpg highway.

The other part I love about it is the instant power that only a roots/eaton type SC can provide, there is no lag or build time. Any time you want to hit the gas, it is there.

I am very happy with the stillen, it isn't noisy at idle or cruise. It actually doesn't make any noise unless you step on it.

If I were doing it all over, I would go with twins and a built engine.

I am not a big fan of the hood upgrade

This statement in your post worries me. You should understand, with whatever you buy, changing your motor from NA to FI means you are upping the maintenance need. You can minimize the worries by keeping a regular maintenance routine, but your attention to maintenance can do nothing but go up by adding FI. If you are not prepared to do this or cover the additional costs, you should not be considering FI.

That said, I have a Vortech and have 20K+ miles on it. Except for a minor issue or two, it has been trouble free, reliable, and a LOT of fun.

Any SC you buy will make a noticeable "whine". I think the roots is probably a little quieter than the centrifugal types. If you are dead set on an SC, I'd either go Stillen or Vortech. The achilles heal of the ATI is its poor provisions for tuning.

The lessons learned from present and previous S/C folks is that power and tq. is addictive. You always want more..Suggest you try to get a ride in both F.I.systems and decide what you will be satisfied with. Have the Vortech and love it but would go TT if I had to decide today..Good luck with whatever choice you make..

Installed the Vortech SC myself. It is a fairly easy install if you have the tools and take your time (step-by-step). I might suggest you go to the Vortech site and review the installation manual. After three days, I found myself knowing everything about the underside of my Z. Had some help with the electrical portion of the ECU and Split Second piggy back. After installation, tuning is a must. Talk to some of the tuners in your area and find out who has R4 experience.

If I had it to do all over again, would I? YES!

same here with vortech, absolutely love it, it's nice pulling up to an sti or srt-4 and it be just like racing a tercel :).

I like the additional power that my Vortech has given me but I would NOT buy the Vortech again. I would likely do the single turbo which I had originally wanted to do. I am having boost problems for the last month that no one can figure out which is killing both my HP and 1/4 mile times. I am ONLY running 340HP or 305HP depending on the dyno I used.

I had wanted a Vortech for about 6 years, ever since my Mustang days and now that I have one, I am totally NOT IMPRESSED with what I have. With that said, I will likely never buy a Vortech SC again for any future car I may have!! IMHO, the $6000-7000 I spent on getting this up and running is not worth the 70HP gains I have seen.

vortech is a good company, imo, they will answer almost any question about their product if there is any problems, in your case something def is wrong, but i believe it is something with your car. if everyone else that has just posted has nothing wrong with their sc/vortech, then it has to be something with your install. i wouldn't blame it on vortech. not flaming you or anything, just saying it has to be something else. did you ever send your blower back to vortech and have them inspect it ?

FYI: I have the Stillen Stage III now and I am very impressed with it although as others have said, POWER is addictive. It's NEVER enough! I may end up selling my Stillen S/C and getting the APS TT somewhere down the road, but as for now, I am looking for more power in the form of giggle juice.
Also, someone above mentioned that the Stage II Stillen S/C can be warrantied, but that is ONLY if an ASE Certified Tech installs it and SIGNS the warranty form that has to be mailed back to Dell Finincial, which is their warranty company.

I guess there is no simple answer to your question because EVERYONe will have a different opinion on this, but for a relatively safe unit, go with the Stillen II. BUT DO THE MAINTENCE OR IT WILL COST YOU MORE IN THE END!

I read on something from Vortech that said that there was about a $100 charge + shipping both ways for them to inspect it.

On a side note, I am planning on coming to FWB or Destin Aug 5-8. Probably wouldnt be in the Z but we should still meet up if possible.

cool, im actually going to be at z1 next week, probably thursday or friday, have to get my car tuned a little better, it's way too rich right now.