Hey everyone

First poster here. But im looking to get straight into my project. Ive bought my 04 Enthusiast as a gift to myself after getting out of the military about 2 years ago and im about bored of my Z and I dont want to do a NA build.

My goal is to reach 385-400 whp safely using a turbonetics single turbo kit and use my Z as a daily driver.

Im first looking into preparing the motor. Ive ran into a couple engine rebuild kits but For my goals im not sure if the kit will have everything I need

Stage2 kit
http://www.z1motorsports.com/350_g35/product_info.php?cPath=390_398&products_id=4265

Stage 3 kit
http://www.z1motorsports.com/350_g35/product_info.php?cPath=390_398&products_id=4266

CZP engine rebuild kit 800hp+? Lol
http://www.conceptzperformance.com/Cart/description.php?II=3085&Car_Type=350Z&UID=2014021516154250.1 39.230.163


And ams kit
http://www.amsmotorsports.com/shop/ind/350z-g35/built-engines/ams-vq35-basic-rebuild-kit-2.html


It seems rods/pistons/valves /valve springs/ connecting rods are the biggest problems with the vq35de

But for my goals I was told from a couple localZ shops here In miami all I need is lower compression pistons/arp head studs/pistons/rods and Z1 told my their stage 2 kit is all I would need. So theirs mixed awnsers..

Anyone that has done a similar build to my goals ide really appreciate any advice on what route should I go. Thanks everyone.

 

Oh boy...

 

Brian, Welcome to the forums. This question gets asked just about every week. There are many many people who have done what you are attempting. I will tell you 3 things before this thread gets out of control.

Please do some forum research using the FI FAQ, and search feature. You will be much happier with your results asking more directed questions.

Likely you do not fully understand the cost implications and commitments associated with a FI 350Z. I will tell you unless you have done this before or have about 30K cash laying around to support this vehicle this is a terrible idea for a DD. It is not a DD if you do not own another car. You are really asking for trouble.

Finally, the parts you have chosen are fine as far as engine components but any person can google built motor 350z. Kudos for at least doing that. Now what you need to understand here is that the shop experience is more important than the parts. You need a good reputable engine builder, great tuner, and even better kit. You can't go TN and think 400 hp. That isn't going to happen without some better ECU, also think fuel, think L19s so you won't have to pull the heads later for more power, or Boosted Performance turbo kit so you will make more power on less boost and temps, Also developing a relationship with a shop that can do it all and has done it more than once will mean the difference in being happy and having to pay to have it done again. Simple as that. You are way too far off from getting detailed answers like what individual parts to buy as you are PLEASE RESEARCH MORE before you blow your car up.

All this being said, When you get serious and have done the research I honestly think you'll back out like 75% of the dreamers that want to get to that level.

EDIT PS BTW: Thank you for your service!

 

Thank you sir for the great info and advice!

 

for your power goals, i would not touch the engine. bolt on the turbo get, spend the savings on a new ECU replacement Haltech and run all the failsafes. You'll easily make your #'s and still have the reliability of an unopened motor.

 

^^^agree, but keep cash on the side for an engine build. Depending on how many miles are on your engine it could go. I ran my stock engine with 400whp no problems.

 

I agree to a point, depending on driving habits. I blew my stock motor at 420 whp driving hard. Bent a rod, also had Haltech Red box at the time.

If I were to do stock block FI Id stay under that number @375 and keep it stock boost on a TN Kit and like you said spend the money on a Haltech and badass tune.

 

Thanks everyone for the replys.

Im at about 87,000 miles but my motor has no problems currently. And I think I would be pretty happy with 375hp so I think ide rather keep the motor stock rather than spending 10k to rebuild my motor

 

If you want reliable daily driving FI... First you'll need to rethink the kit you plan on using. Turbonetics and reliability don't go hand in hand. Granted the kit has been revised serval time and changed hands but still wouldn't go with that kit. I'd go with BP instead.

The Block can easily take the power goal you intend on pushing just make sure to do a few upgrades. I'd go with a Rev-up oil pump, upgraded radiator & thermostat, pathfinder mod and oil radiator.

Most important of all... a good tune. I can't stress this enough. A bad tune can blow an engine below 400whp while a great tune can run your car well over 450whp with no issues.

Also make sure to buy supporting gauges to monitor your investment.

 

Keep in mind that it might blow even at 350whp, so keep some money on the side.

Also, if it blow consider getting another stock block for a couple of hundred dollars and not to go crazy with built engine and more stuff because you will end up with a huge bill where you can get a better/more powerful car with that money.

My .