The intent of this thread is simple: list some tips for those on a budget who are looking to get some more power (500 or below) out of their Z safetly via FI. This does not necessarily include what is the cheapest turbo/supercharger kit but rather improvements upon exsisting kits.

Some tips I have come across:
-By Greddy 440cc or Turbonetics 380cc injectors off of those with the turbo kits who swapped for bigger injectors. This would be for lower power levels (350-450whp)
-STI stock pink injectors (550cc) used. Should be good for about 500 or so whp. Need to buy two sets as they will come in sets of four but are reletively cheap on EBAY.

I am sure there are many more but these are what I thought of off the top of my head. Add some more!

 

Rebuild the engine before you blow it. Core charges going up and up and up.............

 

Eagle rods and non ED arias pistons if you want to save money that bad, and just build the bottom end, change out to arp head/main studs, and get the HKS headgasket (this is almost a requirement now).

 

AAM Basic Fuel System

 

yes dont spend money on this if you goals are 350-415 whp... a good tune and you shoudl be ok with bigger injectors and walbro fuel pump

 

I agree it's not necessary for someone under 400 whp, but I think it's a wise investment for someone in the 400-500 whp range.

 

There is no "cheap" route to reliable FI. All of the basic kits on the market end up costing the same or less as building your own reliable setup. The kits that include a full system aimed at a partiuclar horsepower level do their jobs well, but still you can never completely avoid the fact that the motor may blow up at any second.

I'd say the best "deals" out of all of the kits are:

TT - APS TT/Greddy TT (with mods)
ST - Turbonetics ST/APS ST
SC - Vortech SC

 

I have to say, go with Arias ED pistons for pretty much any build! They will cost a few hundred dolars more, but they will offer much more strength and take much more abuse than a partial silicone piston...the ringland size on the ED is also the largest out there for the 350z, perfect for a F/I application...

The most budget build to go with, IMHO, is
Arias ED pistons
Eagle rods
ARP mains
ARP head studs (if not going over 450whp)--if so, go with L19/ 1/2" head studs (the thing one must think about/plan for when saying "most budget/cost effective build" is not having to redo it in a year because something failed!!!!)
HKS headgaskets- again- will ensure not having to redo this in a year or so- all over agin
stick with stock heads- they flow very well just the way they are (if you are planning to pinch every horsepower adding mod out of the engine- then cams, p&p, larger valves- is the way to go.

this is the best route for sub 550whp application...from what we have seen and built

-TODD

 

EXACTLY!