I've searched for these answers but no clear understanding yet.

I'm back and forth between getting a cheaper used vehicle for the winter, building my engine and going FI or buying a new winter vehicle (more reliable/warranty) and waiting a few years for FI (when all the fuel/detonation problems sort out).

I (and my wife) would like to know what mods would be required for 450-500 safe rwhp. I understand FI is never completely safe but along with a APS/JWT/Speed Force turbo kit what engine mods would be supplement these kits for a more likely safer setup. My $ limit is 10K for the install, kit and internals, could go a 1K or more higher but would like to invest that into wheel/suspension mods. I want to do this all in one installation. Can I get away with new pistons and rods or do I need a complete motor buildup?

You guys probably/may of answered this before but I'd really like some clear input so I can print this out and show this to my wife and then we can make informed decision. I do wear the pants but need approval (married guys will understand). Or maybe I should forget all this and wait for the GTR?

Please give me some feedback and TIA.

 

At this very moment, APS looks like a great solution for reliable HP, but . . . considering that you're in OH, I would just get a used winter vehicle and let these FI issues get resolved. I'm currently running my Greddy kit at stock boost / settings, but I won't lie; I drive this thing like Miss Daisy and pray I don't blow her up

G

 

$10k will only get you a nice TT kit, install, tuning, and some gauges. 450-500 rwhp is very difficult, and requires a bit of luck, to obtain with stock internals. I wouldnt recommend taking the risk. The safest way to obtain your goal would be to set up a $15k budget and build up your motor and install the FI kit at the same time by a very good shop.

 

Thanks for the input 350G and Enron!

I could pull off $12-15K but I'm thinking APS will be discounted eventually to around 6.5K or less and 2K for the install and gauges. With my $limit right now, that leaves me with around 2-3K for internals. Isn't that enough for rods and pistons?

 

Rods and pistons are a must, put i would get the ARP head studs and main studs too. All that should be around 2000 - 2500. The loft of the cost will be the labor to pull the motor, strip the motor, mahcine work on the block, rebuilding the motor, and putting it back in. The cost for all the labor should be around 3k by a professional shop and a very good machine shop.

 

I see how you're getting to 15K!

 

Brian,

Slow down a little buddy. What makes you think you wouldn't be happy with around 420whp ? Do you have any idea how fast that is ? Faster than an 04 Cobra, an 04 E55 AMG, and can hang with a Yamaha R6.

The trick here is, once you start pushing above that rough neighborhood to 440+, then you're really pushing the stock internals and your engine may not last a long time. So, is an extra 30-50hp gonna make that big a diff for you to get a rebuilt engine ?

Use common sense. Install a turbo kit (PE is my preference), get the TS reflash to 8.5psi, get the gauges, and you're all set for over 400whp. That's low, low 12's in the 1/4 mile. A zero-to-sixty of about 3.8 on drag radials. Drive around like that for a while, and then consider the future stages.

With regards to your question about the winter vehicle VS FI dilemma, that's gonna be for you to decide. If you're more practical than wild, then use common sense and get a $2-3k winter beater like a 1st Gen DSM. You might even get an awesome turbo AWD platform (talon, eclipse gsx) for your winter beater. Then you can put the rest of your money into FI when you're ready (or over the winter).

G'luck with your ride.

 

IMHO, 400-425whp is NOT safe for everyday driving on stock internals, if you want your motor to last 50-100K miles. Yes, its done...Slay is doing it..Phunk is doing it..many are doing it. But please dont get lulled into a sense of complacy. Making the power is one thing, but making an engine that will last is entirely another thing.

I agree with Enron. Save up $15K and do everything at once. You'll also save on labor, since its easier to install the turbo when the engine is removed from the vehicle. If I could do it againl...that is exactly what I would do.

Don't forget, you'll also need larger injectors, and a fuel system upgrade to complete the basic motor build-up package.

Given the weight of our car, 400whp feels fast, but I think 500-550whp would be the sweetspot for awesome power, but good streetability and overall reliabilty.

If you want to order Arias forged pistons, and Pauter forged rods, PM me for a really good price. We just did a huge group buy on them.

 

I have the APS kit pre-ordered and I am strongly considering delaying install of the kit until I have enough saved for the forged internals build up as well.
The first reason is for peace of mind reliability and the best safety margin I can give my TT 350Z. Of course that 550 hp and torque would be a very nice added benifit for the costly expense of building it up!
It would take every last bit of patience I have to look at my APS kit in the box while I'm saving for the forged internals and labor cost I guess the wait will produce experience with install of the APS kit / tuning and hopefully more knowlege in regards to the 350z and FI in general.
Thank God for this fourm and the wisdom it is producing...lol. It reminds me of true pioneers! lol

 

First, I must say I really appreciate the informative replies on my dilemma. Thanks guys!

I am swaying towards waiting for the FI fund to bulid to 15K before diving in. If calimarc can be patient having an APS kit in his possession and not installing before he installs internals, then I guess I'll make it too.

The only thing that makes me not want to wait is there's another thread 350G eluded to, mentioning other reasons for these engine failures could be other than the internals. It hasn't been revealed yet but sounds interesting.

Ok gq_626, PM the price for those rods and pistons please!

Thanks again guys for the continued input.