Hey just wanted to throw this out there for you guys. I was at my local shop a few weeks ago and I got a chance to look at the pricing for a shortblock build, and all the charges to remove a motor, remove and install the turbo kit, and then installation charges for a new motor. Also included in that price was the cost for pistons, rods, rings, assembly, etc....... Okay lets all agree here, the average cost for any TT or even single T kit on the market plus installation, and the necesary electronics and so fourth is about what? 10k or so,, thats conservative. Now in the above listed invoice, we're assuming the turbokit is already on the car prior to the build,,, just the build alone was close to 13 or 14k if i remember right. Now the shop is doing all the removal and installation work here, hence the price.
I am totally convinced that 10k is way too much for any type of tt kit for our cars, but on top of that im also convinced that you will definately, in time, blow the vq motor with any kind of FI, so a motor build is absolute no matter what, nomatter how conservative the tune, or how good the tuner. THis motor is not engineered for FI.
So what this whole thing has made me decide is that FI is not worth it, and an engine build is def not worth the money assuming your shop does all the labor. I cant see dumping close the 25k into a car at any level, esp the Z. I will sell my Z in 2008, put that and the money I was going to spend on the FI into my deposit for an 08 Skyline. What im also thinking to is that companies will focus on the Skyline when it makes it over here and forget about the Z anyways,, i dont know, what do you guys think??

 

I think if you dont want to "pay to play" as someone eloquently put it, then theres nothing wrong with that. Alot of guys go all out N/A. The GT-R when it does come out will not be cheap, nor will aftermarket parts for it be. I predict it will be like when the Z first hit the street. Few and expensive parts for a while till its been around for a while. My $0.02

 

To have a sexy z w/ some power behind it is worth the price to many. I'd be there if I could afford it.

But dude, if you can afford a Skyline there's no question which to go for.

 

I know the GTR wont be cheap, nor will the parts, but the overall point is that the motor is engineered and designed for FI, I mean older Skylines have held up to 1000hp on stock blocks, thats crazy! I dont know, I cannot justify spending 25-30k on aftermarket shizzle for the car when it damn near cost that much!! no point

 

It is not a matter of financial responsibility. Why buy a 240SX for $5K and put $15-20K into building a SR20 monster? Why buy a Civic hatch shell for $1500 and put in a B20/GSR setup in it? Why put over $5K in audio equipment into a car if you live 15 minnutes from work? It is just a matter of making yourself happy. Honestly, a $25K Z with $25K in mods is better than ANY $50K stock car I can think of. That's great that you can't see spending $25K on any car "especially the Z" but some people have almost $40K in thier Zs and they're not done yet.

 

Interesting that you have such a detailed justification to stay naturally-aspirated. Like a all-motor 350Z was some sort of lesser car.

 

I would save the $10-20k on a twin turbo and invest in a $29.95 Turbonator for almost the same whp.

 

Not to point a finger but KCO's Z is a great example. It's a shame that ALL that work went into such a beautiful car and it only sold for 30K on ebay.

Personally I would rather put 15K towards a Yacht fund for retirement. But thats just me.

 

wow, i was just thinking about whether go go ahead n go FI. Ive been seriously thinking about it like everyday. Some people tell me its fun and some people tell me its not worth it. I am in love with my Z and i dont ever want to mess it up in anyway, esp blowing my engine. but also i hate the fact that cars are getting faster and faster and now adays from what i have noticed the Z is becoming slower and slower compared to newer cars, like the ford GT. I hate hearing negative things about the Z. I have also thought about just staying N/A but i heard from others that its too much money. idk so what do yall suggest. keep in mind i am a freshman in college with little money who has to take really good care of the car or else ima have to take the bus to school.

 

well... for about half the cost, 3K or so there is an AEBS stroker kit... it not only increases structural rigidy of the cylinders but also increases the bore of them... So getting the VQ to withstand the pressures of FI is available...but it's not exactly cheap... Even if you wanted to stay N/A getting a larger Liter engine should give a significant increase... whether it's truth or not...disputable or not... there is an old saying... there's no replacement for displacement...

also, if you check out: http://www.svrtechnologies.com/9.html they sell a kit that increases the size of the bolts used to tack down the heads... so that under pressure you should experience no problems...

Anyways... Going FI or not is ultimately the buyers choice... but if cars are not your hobby then definately invest elsewhere... if your hobby is playing an accordian and dancing to polka then you should invest your time and money to being the best at it... right?

also... if you make your purchases bit by bit... instead of all at once, then it shouldn't seem like it cost as much... but if you take your ONE LUMP sum and say you invested 25K you might look back and think WTF???

 

To really complete a TT a clutch/flywheel, bigger brakes and wheels/tires add to the bill, maybe 30k total done right. This puts you into the price range of some fairly strong cars that might be easier to maintain and sell. If that is what you want, fine but it is the hard way to buy performance. At around 60K total there are a world of other possibilities.
Aerodynamics are another consideration, despite the aero mods will you really have a vehicle tested to have downforce in a real wind tunnel at 180+? The gearbox is also another weak link with a lot of HP in the Z.

 

idk i guess im just old fashion i think. I mean FI is fun or what not, ive rode in a TTZ n its like whoa. But to me its like takin steroids, i think its easier to go FI than to create an engine that is powerfull enough to keep compete or even beat a FI car. I remember seeing on this forum a NA Z beating a FI Z, idk i would love to be like that. Idk its a kid gettin a viper for his bday or something, he doesnt appreciate it as much as if he would of worked to get it u know. idk thats my 2 cents

 

batmanesaul's favorite three letters......

idk...

sorry man i just have nothing better to do with my time

 

Who told you that? The AEBS kit is nothing short of $10K for minimal gains.

 

If it's not worth it to YOU, then it's not worth it to YOU. It doesn't mean that it isn't worth it to somebody else. Your conclusion means that you are not a car hobbyist. You may be respectful of automobiles but that is completely diff. than being a hobbyist. A hobbies rewards are not measured in dollar value. If you are looking for "is it worth it?" then you should be on an MBA forum. This is a car forum, car's take precedence. I've never spent a dollar on a hobby that I didn't feel was "worth" it, and a true car enthusiast would prob. enjoy modifying and driving their own car, rather than having a car company do it for them. Most of us here mod our cars to make them perform or look better than when stock. Do you think that any of us here would purchase the GT-R and leave it stock? Wait till it comes out. You will be driving it completely stock due to maximizing your spending potential to purchase the car and some kid who took pride in modding his own Z will smoke you.

p.s. I'm tired of hearing about the Mustang GT. It's stock 1/4 is still in the mid 13's and I and everyone else who can drive their Z will pwn it on the autox track.

 

So you have to mod your car to be a "hobyist"? I'll get the fire extinguisher.

 

I see you're not one of the reasons that american is in debt.




















now try to fit in with the rest of us boys by swiping that piece of plastic.

 

Yes. Some of us have more abilities than others...you must be one of the others.

 

sorry, this was quoted by a performance shop about 7-8 months ago... maybe they were talking out of their asses... i dunno...

i'll look more into it personally... because it was one of my planned mods...

at that price... maybe not...

 

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