I've read the horror stories of blown engines, yet I'm still interested in going FI one day. At the moment my engine only has 3300 miles on it so I'm not sure I'm ready to lose my warranty just yet. Anyway, I'd like to build my mods around the idea that one day I will go with FI. So, what needs to be upgraded from a base 2005 Z to prepare the car for FI?

 

I'd suggest searching the forum and doing your homework; pretty much everything you need to know is in here somewhere.

Basically it all depends on what FI kit you want to go with; some of them include most of what you need and some don't.

 

i'd save my money on any mods & just go fi when yoy're ready. I spent money on mods that I eventually took off for my FI.
It'll save you lots of money in the meantime.
Do lots of research! read all the threads you can (crappy ones too!)
And take "any words of wisdom" with a grain of salt. Everyone has an opinion about fi or mods or whatever. Find a system that you can live with & fits your wants & needs. The power is a blast!!
Looks at other cars and modifications they have.
New rims, new suspension, new exhaust, headers?
These things you dont need for FI, but may balance your car some. (i dont have 'em)
have fun & ask questions.

 

First thing I'd do is get a nice, high flowing dual exhaust and some test pipes. APS or Crawford plenum wouldn't hurt either. Don't waste money on CAI, headers, or any of that crap. The exhaust and plenum will give you decent gains NA and much better gains when you go FI.

 

The King has spoken! I'd like a one of those 14 pound breakfast sandwiches and a heart-attack to go please. LOL

Seriously though, I second this...Do intake and exhaust mods that you won't end up replacing with F/I. Turbo systems need to be able to exhale as easily as possible for best performance, so the exhaust is a must. Pop-chargers and CAI's are fine, but you'll end up removing them when you go F/I, so spend money on other things if you're serious about F/I'ing someday. Also, with F/I, traction will become an issue, so a wheel/tire upgrade is a good idea. Since you're driving a base model, you'll probably want an LSD, too.

That's my "late night" thoughts on your question.

 

clutch.

 

All those are good ideas,

You would first want to decide when you will be going FI'd and what type Turbo, Single or Twin, or Supercharger. NOS if you want to but most don't.
Because,
Some things you need for FI wear out or have a life span.
WHEELS/TIRES-are a must. Unfortunately tires wear out. It sucks to have to get a Turbo kit on and then find out in about 2 weeks you'll need new tires trust me!
SUSPENSION-should be okay, but you'll need something thats okay cuz if you plan on doing FI in 40k miles and you buy the susp now. How will that ride in 37k miles? It should be okay so I wouldn't worry to much about that. Sway bars to go with it.
CLUTCH/Flywheel- obviously that fades, plus you can practice on the stock one and you'll save yourself labor waiting when going FI. You might also want a lightened flywheel.
BRAKES- you'll at least need the Nismo pad upgrade. I'd recommend complimenting it with Motul Brake fluid and possibly steel braided lines. Otherwise just go Big Brake upgrade.
RADIATOR- but its easier to do that at the time of the install for fitment and to get a better deal on install.
I'd do a diff and tranny fluid change right before or during FI install.
GUAGES-Just to monitor your vitals.
LSD-Like kcobean mentioned
OIL COOLER- Helps keep oil cool reducing oil temp.
THERMOSTAT-Keeps the engine cooler by allowing coolant at lower temps instead of when the engine is really hot.

That is about all the essentials I can think of, sure there are more but do a search like someone said because theres lots of theories and information out there.

 

+2 on everything barthelb mentioned. I would only add that you define your goals for HP and TQ. That alone will either eliminate or expand your list of mods. Do lots of searches for info on the various turbo and SC kits. Also pick up a copy of Sport Z magazine. They've done both a turbo and SC comp/review. Also, there's a good article in Speed Mag.