Truth be told, if Stillen install goes well and w/o problems (are you close to their facility?), it is a very nice setup and will last a long time. Turbo is more complex and does need to be tuned right, or else *kaboom*. So, if you go turbo, keep in mind that, while providing more HP options later, it needs to be monitored and maintained (health checkups, dyno runs post-install, etc.) after install, to make sure engine does not go kapfft.

Its my humble observation that going F/I is not install-kit-and-forget type of deal. Secure some $$$ for checkups, retunes, and overall maintenance over the lifetime of your turbo (or even SC) engine.

As long as you're aware of the above, go for whatever fits you. Preferably find a local Z meet, and get driven in as many F/I cars as you can . Gains good perspective.

 

The only real shop with extensive experience that I know of doing F/I installs and tune for 350Zs around Dallas is Jotech. Although I've heard that they've done great work, I'm still leaning towards taking to car either down to SGP or out of state. I've been lurking for some time now in the F/I forums and still collecting data before I pull the trigger. I got first hand knowledge of the Greddy kit (friend has one on his G35) but really haven't had a chance with any other kits. Your write up about the Stillen was disappointing. I've worked before with Jackson Racing and Comptechs on Honda B series in the past and the results IMO are pretty close performance wise to how you described the Stillen but without the install compliations.

 

Forgot to reply here... Sands, if you read this and are in Houston, I'd be glad to show you the car, how it drives and how it sounds. Send me a PM and we can setup a meet.

 

Indeed, especially since I described my Stillen experience at the short period of time I was actually making advertised power (300+whp). At most other times, it was much less, albeit still torquey.

 

Good write up.. And this is prob why most go with turbo as I have stated in previous forums. IMO you chose the wrong SC but that was your preference. Thanks for the info about the greddy comparison to SC though..

 

Wow... great write up. You're gonna keep upgrading the kit?

 

and pray do tell what is the advantage of a ATI Procharger w/ UTEC over Greddy TT w/ F Con

 

This is really one of the best write ups for "real" info I have seen.
Thanks

 

much cheaper

 

are you his lawyer?

 

At this time, I don't plan to. My view on 350Z power is that:

1. It needs longer gears to take advantage of more power.
2. It needs better suspension and brakes (currently stock) before more power is applied.
3. It needs engine changes, such as low comp pistons, stronger connecting rods, etc.
4. It needs weight distribution changes, such as taking the weight off front and relocating it to back.
5. It needs good, wide tires in the back (I'd say 295+) and decent ones in the front. This entails some suspension changes and tuning, per (2).
6. It needs to be modeled to predict if low RPM off-boost will maintain the torque it has now, or will I experience more turbo "lag" feel with modifications above. I'd probably try to maintain wide torque curve as much as possible, since that is what I prefer, as a driver.

So, to put it simply, I'd try to not "burn" through my first 3 gears when going WOT with more than 450whp, which is probably where I would be if I went with more boost (8-9psi or more). Otherwise, I cannot really use my engine power with such short distribution of it in lower gears.

Thinking of future applications, I'm also waiting to see what cars will be like in the future, with regards to sport hybrid applications. If you think about it, a turbo car suffers from turbo lag, while electric motor has maximum torque at 0 rpm. Hm.... So, a hybrid turbo/electric vehicle would have a chance at the ideal distribution of power and torque, letting the electric motor fill-in the gaps where engine is running off-boost. Also, add to that regenerative braking and such, and future sport hybrids will be VERY fast cars with MPG equivalent of todays 4 cylinder NA cars. I can't wait for aftermarket hybrid "addon" applications . Albeit, I probably won't have the Z at that time, but I know I'll have something similar.

 

great post mate.

Good reference.

 

Good read...

 

At just below 400WHP and you are already complaining about traction all the way up to 3rd, I just can't imagine other guys who's running 450+WHP. So it seem that 380 - 400WHP is really plenty enough on the street so why other still gun for 500+? is it just for bragging rights?

 

just need better tires for traction

 

Damn those crazy kid racing them bikes up to 155.

 

more than likely he has traction problems in 3rd because he isn't use to the car yet

 

On the traction front I hope you guys can offer me some opinions, I have a g35 AT with an open diff. I'm going to go turbo soon, and am concerned about traction (for safety, not performance). I have 275/35/19 Eagle F1 GS/D3 on the rear.

Would an open diff help in any case from the car going sideways since power will be only going to one wheel?

Thanks for any insight.

 

an lsd will help yeah

the 5at doesn't have as much gear tq as a 6MT so you might be ok depending on your power levels

 

I'm still on stock tires. I'm not sure exactly how much difference there will be, but I doubt even bigger tires would make 1st and 2nd not slip at WOT. I believe it also has to do with length of gears.

Thenagain, I'll find out once I upgrade.