hey guys...just wanted to know your thoughts on something...since i cant do F/I...i figure i would do sum bolt-ons, i have intake and exhaust...thinking about doin headers,test pipes, spacer,pulleys,chip but i dont know if these parts will actually make a difference in performance or not and is it worth the money to do all this? im kinda lost...maybe you guys can help me out???

 

The question is asked once each week. And like most 350Z owners, you do not mention how much you are willing to pay for, say, one additional peak horsepower? $50? $100? $200?

 

around 3,000 roughly around i guess...i mean tha real question is....is it worth it? or should i just save my money and get the GT-R when it comes out?

 

Header: $500 installation cost: $300 = $800
Test pipe: $150- installation cost: $100 = $250
Spacer: $180 - installation cost: $50 = $230
Pulley: $200 - installation cost: $100 = $300
Unichip: $900 - included installation

Total: $2480

You're half way of Vortech or Turnonetic already. What is the reason you can't go F/I? cost? if that the case then save it bit more and go with F/I. If not then go for it.

 

I say get the little stuff that will help you once you do go FI. If you are going turbo, it would be a waste to get headers. But then, that's my

 

I wanted to get some idea of your concept of dollars and horsepower. Yes, $3,000 and you can bolt-on about 30 horsepower. Some 350Z owners say that it is worth the expense. Some do not. Can I answer the question for you? Nope.

 

having done everything except a tune and lightweight flywheel/gears. I wouldn't bother with any of it. I'd of saved like 5 grand and put that towards F/I. The price to pay is not worth the 20rwhp gain.

But if your absolutely sure your not gonna ever FI....

test pipes
r&p gear
tilton clutch, or something more streetable if your not looking for absolutely performance
crawford plenum/aps
---
I dont mention anything else because you'd already be approaching the cost of F/I.

 

F/I would be great but i might get a new car in a few years...i know tha sounds dumb but...i dont have the money to back up my engine if sumthing happens to it...i only have enough for the F/I and install,...god forbid sumthng happend to my engine...i would be screwed..literally...so thats why im asking about bolt-ons and peformance....and how much hp at the crank would i make if i did "my list" as mentions about? and how much hp is at the wheels stock? just courious...

 

Going FI is just not the cost of the kit. Keep in mind you have to get your FI installed also. Then troubleshoot for leaks, any install errors, tuning...etc. Then you need the associated parts for FI: gauges, turbo timer, possibly different engine managment. Then to balance out the power the car is making, calls for possible upgrade to the radiator, oil cooler, brakes, even suspension and tires... Synthetic oil changes every 3k. Adds up...

Plus, you have to keep an eye on your gauges. If they detect something wrong and you don't notice...ba-boom. When I had NA mods, I didn't have to pay so much attention.

Then again, the power is intense and the sound of the wastegate and BOV rocks. Bring on the exotics! I may not do FI again on this expensive of a car, but I wanted to be an owner of a 400hp car at least once.

 

typical Z get about 220whp stock, and with all the NA mods you listed you might be able to gain about 40-50whp. this will cost you at least $3k, probably more. throw in a supercharger or turbo for $6k or so, you'll get at least 120whp with much more potential. but if you're afraid to blow your engine, FI is not for you.

 

MFAnello350, this is exactly what we have spoke about, it is a snowball effect. Take my advise, 3-4Gs will get you nowhere powerwise on the Z Trade the Z in for a 2005 GTO less then a year old (let some jackass take the hit for initial depreciation). Invest the money left over into air mods for the GTO. On large V8's things as simple as headers, cats, etc. yield much higher dividends then on smaller engines. You'll be able to easily go over 450 hp without any concern about the auto-tranny.
And the GTO is a great car. If my hands were not full of the Z right now, I'd probably take the GTO for a project car. Plus it has good space for 4 adults...

 

To make the modding somewhat cost effective, I'd do the spacer, pulleys, and test pipes or hi-flow cats.

Headers are great to add hp, but install cost is expensive due to access issues.

 

I've insatlled a Nismo exhaust (sounds much better than stock) and am considering Test Pipes w/Res and Injen CAI.

Not looking for BIG HP Gains just some "attitude"....

What are your thoughts and yes opinions ?????

 

The CAI and test pipes will definitely add some "attitude". I've heard of some people getting a raspy sound due to test pipes. If that isn't what you're looking for, possibly consider Hi-flow cats instead. A plenum or spacer will add some power and sound mean as well. I bet some people on this site have your setup, try to search around.

 

so i guess i minus well stop wit the mods and just do sum visual and system mods to the car... really wanted to make my car nasty wit bolt-ons but i dont think its worth it...what else could i do wit my Z? help me out...

 

im doing just about everything but headers.

- UR Crank Pulley paid $160 shipped with belts off ebay
- Kinetix HFC $160 shipped off forum
- 5/16th with iso thermal spacer $250 shipped new
- Borla TD soon for $715 new
- popcharger $120 new

pretty good amount of mods for less then $1500, ill be happy then go F/I soon.

 

Buy the pop charger and save your money.

 

hmm interesting...anybody else wit opinions? kinda lost...

 

I got an injen intake...besides any hp gain, it does make the engine sound a little better (little more raspy sounding). Next I got RSR gt-II exhaust...with the baffles out I cant even here my intake anymore lol. New rims and susp. rounded out my mods. I'm happy so far...not sure exactly how much hp I gained..but you can feel a difference. Next on my list, F/I by way of an HKS supercharger...? I'm still waiting for my warranty to expire. My goal is to one day have 400hp...then I'll stop....<----yeah right

 

haha i wish i could do that...but theres always that "what if" that comes into play wit engine mods and repairs etc...