Yeah, I think a big part of whether the experience is enjoyable or not is if you're actually pushing any sort of envelope with your build. I've found that if you're trying something new, you're bound for all kinds of headaches. Those who have stuck with setups that have been done at whatever shop dozens of times with predictable results *usually* have the most enjoyable experiences.

Those that don't settle for the norm will either end up hating the car, coming out with something exceptional, or both. I guess that's the price you pay for trying something new.

 

This is why I'm leaning toward not building my motor now and investing in a better EMS (currently UTEC) and a better tune when I arrive in Texas (sea level).

 

Well, concerning this and your previous post - no stock block FI setup is ever "safe". Using safe and stock motor FI in the same description is a bit of an oxymoron. I don't care what supporting mods or what engine management you have, the more power you're pushing the sooner it will blow. It's not a matter of if but when.

 

You will still own a ticking bomb, as do us built owners as well but most dont realize it yet...

 

I honestly feel its all in the tune and boost level (edit: on a stock block). Unless I haven't read their post or they are sharing I think there are plenty of F/I owners that haven't had any problems. Guess we'll all find out.

 

If you're going to suggest that, maybe you should give us an idea what portion of these motors is a "ticking time bomb". If you know something is going to cause failure on a lot of builds then perhaps you should share it with the community?

Does this have something to do with your pulley post?

 

No tune will make high horsepower on a stock motor "safe". The only thing that will help that is tuning for less power (conservative).

 

From riding in a heavily modified Z, it was definitely something I wanted to do but at the same time... its kind of hard to justify the money and headaches you KNOW you will run into. I told myself if I went FI I would definitely do it right but at the same time I ask myself is it worth it and what do I actually want to do with this car. I honestly think that's the biggest question IMO.

 

Im not sharing anything yet, as I have already posted. When the time comes I will. My thinking has drastically changed after the past few months, when I am 100% or fairly certain what caused it I will post. I'll be honest when I say this though, Im pretty bitter about it all.

 

And I rather have a conservative 400whp, than dyno or track time bragging rights. 400whp is still a respectable number.

 

Love it.....would do the same all over again....LOVE IT !!


Luie...if you think modding your Z was bad ( and like you said...its never enough) modding a 997 turbo is not any easer ....not to mention $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.

Why you thing I gave up on modding mine and jumped into this arena? If you get a 997 Turbo.....DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING

You will say you wont....but after feeling the power you now have...the porsche will feel like a stock Z

 

Here we go...arent you happy with your 493 magical whp @ 6.5psi?

Lets not get more OT, the OP has some very good posts/answers in this thread. Its nice to see people open up and post their thoughts after going through the process.

 

 

I'm very happy with my car and we won't get into my "magical" (487 btw lol) number. I'm just saying, IMO 400whp is plenty of power for a daily driven 350Z. Also that it can be done safely, reliablely, and for around $10k.

I think forums and magazines have hyped up these big spender cars and people think that they have to meet or beat those cars. Sometimes less is more.

 

I agree with the first part, not the second part. Unless you drive like grandma, then anything will last forever.

 

It seems like a lot of the guys I've talked to think 400whp is plenty. Which is funny because when they had 400whp they thought it wasn't enough

 

Its the truth! But you get to building and spending $$$$ and "all you want" is to max out what you have. Some of us fail long before we get there.

 

Well my main reason for getting my JWT kit was for the extra power for daily driving. Colorado's elevation kills N/A power and it sucks having to downshift from 6th to 4th just to pass a car on the hwy. Now having the kit I give a little more gas in 6th, turbos spool and I have the power to get around the slower car.

Edit: Grammar owned me. lol

 

Well this thread has really open up my eyes a bit more and having me saying save the money and don't build the motor. Invest in a "conservative" tune for more drive time.

 

i feel blessed as i've not had nearly the amount of heartache as some when it comes to building and ascertaining big power... the ones who have suffered have bled for the betterment of the community and should take some solace in this fact... but, i do believe that each, even those who have taken the brunt of the negative aspects of the modding process, truly enjoys the process...or they wouldn't have made a second modification after the first went bad... yes, it's painful to hemorrhage monies...yes, it's painful to see your hard work destroyed in an instant... but, it's the challenge of pushing the envelope and having it WORK that brings us all back to the table...

jamez, i know you've been on the fence on what to do to your Z for the longest time... my advice to you is make your own decisions... no amount of polls or stories, horror or otherwise, will make your path anything more than what it will be... expect to have heartbreak...but also expect to have a lot of joy...

remember, the journey is more fun than the destination... this might answer your question as to why a lot of us are selling our cars...