Well to start it off I've been on this site for a bit mainly looking at the marketplace and just doing general research. A few months ago I decided to go with the powerlab kit mainly because I could avoid pulling the motor. Seeing as how this wasn't my first turbo kit install, (although first on a v-configuration) I felt that I could handle it.

First I started with the simple things like spark plugs, injectors, fuel pump and the gauges. Then I started working with the exhaust. I was actually able to get to the cats from below the car with a combination of PB blaster, breaker bar and wrenches. Everything was going smoothly so I moved on to the mid-pipe. This is were I've gotten stuck, it seems no matter how I rotate it I can't seem to make it fit correctly

This is what I'm looking at


This end goes toward the front of the car right?(arrow)


If I remember correctly this area differs from the Z.

Also when I test fitted the fittings they would only go into the turbo about half way. Did I receive the wrong fitting or what?

 

Your water line fiting have the teflon tape on the wrong side. You have no tape on the side theaded to the turbo, but do have it on the -an side, where you don't need them.

 

https://my350z.com/forum/forced-indu...o-install.html

Did you see my thread? lots of random pictures for you to see.
Also a heads up when installing the down pipe it will not fit unless you relocate the O2 sensor on the drivers side manifold. Powerlab gives you a bolt to cap off the stock o2 spot and then you put the o2 into the lower part of the downpipe or is it the pipe that connects to the dp? cant remember.

This help you any?





I think this is the pipe you're talking about?



Not sure if that last picture was how I left the flanges but it went something like that.

 

Looking at it again I think your pipe goes onto the Y pipe off the manifolds. the bend goes over the brace to the transmission, then the up pipe with the flange on it for bolting to the A/C compressor attaches to that.

I think that's how it went. I can't really remember and my car is way to low for me to run out and check.

Make sure you leave everything loose, you want it just tight enough so it doesn't fall apart. Once everything is in place you can slowly tighten things up making sure nothing rubs. It's very tight and if you don't get it just right it will rub. Take your time!

 

Okay, that makes sense. Originally I had the teflon on both sides but when I noticed that the fittings got stuck half way in I thought I may have put the wrong fitting on.

Thanks, yes I have seen (and read) your thread a few times. Actually you just put some things in perspective for me, I believe I was just looking at it wrong.

Thanks again for the responses

 

As I said in the forge thread with the crappy fitting GTM kit, sometimes its not the kit that fits bad, it's how you look at it. I walked away many times only to come back and go duh this is how it fits. rather then force it to fit.

Just don't rush anything and you'll be just fine.

 

Good Luck!!!

 

Good luck buddy! Nice to see another G doin this, Im gettin mine started on this week

 

A small update

Got the mid-pipe and up-pipe in with little problem, then moved on to the downpipe and the turbine housing. While It was a tight fit everything went together fairly smoothly.

A couple pics



The view of the mid-pipe from the driver side wheel




What I'm stuck on now is the second portion of the down pipe. The two v-band sides of the pipes won't sit flush. Meaning it seems the downpipe coming from the turbo needs to be turned slightly downward, but off course that's not possible.

Aside from that I still haven't received my oil pan spacer from Intense and I believe the water line fitting have the wrong thread pattern( won't sit flush with the center section) Does anyone know what the pattern is supposed to be?

 

Oil Pan on its way to you sir. Sorry for that delay figured it woul dbe best to get you everything and just expedite shipping once the space rarrived. thanks for the thread and looking forward to end result!

SWEEEEET G for sure!

 

So I partially figured out the downpipe. I ended up removing the exhaust wrap, that gave me the extra bit of space so I can now line the pipes up. Now I just have to figure out how to get the clamp in there.lol

 

looks like another epic write-up!
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LOL.. just stick with it J. You are having the same frustrations that I encountered with mine. Actually the exact same issues as me. The mid pipe and flanges not being flush. I had to lift the car back up 3 times to fix a leak from the flanges. Finally after some wiggling and patience all was well.

Heres my thread if needed. You should be able to get most answers from Jeffies thread however. I used his for my own build.

https://my350z.com/forum/forced-indu...-complete.html

 

nice seeing another G with a powerlab kit ^_^

 

Well, I've been unsuccessful so far with the 2nd downpipe. Even with all the other pipes loose I've been unable to get the clamp on and then put the nut on.

Also what should I do about the water fittings for the turbo? They only go in about 3 threads.

 

I had the same problem with the second down pipe. It ended up being that the vband clamp didn't fit. I also though the pipes were not flush. What I did was put the clamp on and used a ziptie to close it and stretch it enough to get the nut on. Hopefully you get what I'm sayin if not just send me a pm I'd be happy to help.

 

It's tricky but it is doable. I used a small socket set. Like the kits you see for 9.99 for home use. got under the car and my arm in just the right place and was able to do it.
If I remember right I zip tied the downpipe into place to give myself a 3rd hand.

I think this was it.

 

Very cool nice progress.. Is the downpipe 3inch or not?

 

Did you ever get your fitting resolved on the chra? I am having the same issue right now on an install. From what I can gather of the new the fittings should be 14mm and on the packing from intense it only says turbo fitting. I am going to call them monday to see what they say.

 

Yes the downpipe is 3"

From what I've found the proper fitting should be-
14mm (1.5 pitch) to a -6an male to male.
I've check around locally and couldn't find a pair so I'll have to order some.