I am proposing to do the following mods to my 2005 ZR 6MT roadster:

Nismo CAI
Motordyne plenum spacer, Thermal gasket & TB control
Stillen dual cat-back exhaust.

I am also considering a set of headers and wonder if anyone out there has any comments as to whether or not this would be worth the money in terms of HP gains? Also wondering whether headers such as Nismos or Stillen's will significantly alter the exhaust sound, given the other intended mods.

My driving is limited to street, with no intention to track or race.

Any comments, critiques or suggestions on my proposed mods would be appreciated.

Cheers
350z Fan.

2005 ZR Redline
Ming Shine
3M Clear Bra
Sirius OEM SAT Radio
Stillen Spoiler
Koni Yellows.

 

I would get the JWT popcharger over the nismo. Simpler design, good gains (relatively speaking), cheaper and will have a more noticable 'growl' than a full CAI.

The spacer is fine, though I prefer a full manifold replacement like the crawford or APS.

The stillen exhaust is fine. Very much a personal choice, but I think there are better choices out there for exhaust. I really like the sound of the amuse TI- though I understand it is out of most people's (including mine) price range.
Better exhausts IMO:
APS
Greddy EVO2
HKS Ti-dual

As far as headers go. Not really worth the trouble IMO. I had headers and it really doesn't change the exhaust note much and little gains to be had with ANY HEADER ON THE MARKET other than Crawford. If you want to spend the big money on the crawfords, then I say go for it. Otherwise, save the time and money and put it towards some wheels/tires

 

I think if you're going NA, headers are def worth it. I'm sticking to bolt-ons for now, so I'll be doing it all...

 

The mods that you listed are fine. If you want maximum exhaust flow, then everything from engine back (headers, OEM cats, OEM exhaust) should be replaced. Whether its worth the money is your decision. BTW the most significant alteration of the OEM exhaust sound is the aftermarket cat-back.

 

Don't forget you'll need to get your ECU reprogramed. Either by a flash or "piggy back" computer. But that is if you go as far as headers with the other stuff too. Otherwise you won't really experience the gains that all that breathing hardware can offer.
And about the Crawford headers, I just hear nothing but good things about them. I probably wish I had them.

 

Thanks for your comments. Base on my research of independent dyno testing and the comments above, I am going to definitely go with the Motordyne plenum spacer and the Stillen dual cat-back exhaust.

I need to research the CAI vs Pop Charger issue some more to determine which ones will give me the best HP gains. I have not found any info on this yet, but if I do, I'll post the results here.

Cheers.

 

I second that on the JWT Pop Charger. I started off day one with a Nismo CAI and 6 months later I though I would try the JWT Pop Charger and see how that went. I now regret even having spent money on that Nismo.

I noticed the difference right off the bat, better idle, better acceleration, better sound.

 

Don't base your exhaust desicion on dynos. ALL exhaust will be about the same in terms of gains. Yes, stillen may make the most power, but we aren't talking about anything significant. That said, the stillen is heavier than exhaust on the market. Base your desicion on sound, looks, quality and price. The gains are so close that it can be taken out of the equation.

 

I am going with the JWT popcharger, the Crawford cats and .... something nobody talks about here.. 3.9 rear diff. Those gears will blow the other bolt on stuff away all by themselves. If I need more sound I will add exhaust.