My disappointment with Motordyne's plenum spacer
Motordyne just happen to be the brand I purchased, so my post would most likely apply to any brand.
I'm disappointed because of two things.
1) I didn't get any discernable performance increase.
2) My AVG MPG went down 1 mile per gallon.
I did a lot of research on this before buying. It really seamed like a slam dunk for a cheap mod. But, now I'm sorry I purchased it and will at some point pull it off and sell it to the next sucker.
Does anyone have any ideas why the mod didn't seem to produce any positive effects?
Now, to be fair, I didn't do any time trials or Dyno tests before or after...just simply didn't notice any acceleration difference at all RPM's up to RL. Maybe 15 HP increase wouldn't be noticed, but it seems like it should.
I have a 2004 stock 350Z No other mods have been done to the car...i.e., factory air cleaner and exhaust etc.
I'm disappointed because of two things.
1) I didn't get any discernable performance increase.
2) My AVG MPG went down 1 mile per gallon.
I did a lot of research on this before buying. It really seamed like a slam dunk for a cheap mod. But, now I'm sorry I purchased it and will at some point pull it off and sell it to the next sucker.
Does anyone have any ideas why the mod didn't seem to produce any positive effects?
Now, to be fair, I didn't do any time trials or Dyno tests before or after...just simply didn't notice any acceleration difference at all RPM's up to RL. Maybe 15 HP increase wouldn't be noticed, but it seems like it should.
I have a 2004 stock 350Z No other mods have been done to the car...i.e., factory air cleaner and exhaust etc.
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,624
Likes: 1,393
From: Aurora, Colorado
Without a baseline dyno to work from, you have no way of knowing if there was any increase. What were you expecting? Even if you got a 5-7 HP increase with the plenum spacer, you'll never feel that with your butt. It seems like you had unrealistic expectaions before you even started this mod.
Without a baseline dyno to work from, you have no way of knowing if there was any increase. What were you expecting? Even if you got a 5-7 HP increase with the plenum spacer, you'll never feel that with your butt. It seems like you had unrealistic expectaions before you even started this mod.
Trending Topics
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 8,624
Likes: 1,393
From: Aurora, Colorado
Without a baseline dyno to work from, you have no way of knowing if there was any increase. What were you expecting? Even if you got a 5-7 HP increase with the plenum spacer, you'll never feel that with your butt. It seems like you had unrealistic expectaions before you even started this mod.
The mod wouldn't have so many good reviews and proven Dino tests if it was snake oil.
on a non rev up, the spacer and even a mrev2 plenum will hardly do anything... or even the combo, but you'll feel the spacer moreso... your mpg went down because you're using more air, which leads me to believe you are feeling something to be accelerating more. a spacer on a rev up helps the cylnder 1&2 starving at higher rpms... the mrev2 on a rev up does the same... but now that you've added the spacer the next mods will have more affect than them alone.
A common misconception with performance mods is that mpg will improve. There IS some truth to this, but by increasing the efficiency of the intake manifold you also increase the amount of fuel that is needed to compensate for that.
Your drop in mileage is most likely as a result of you having a bit more of a lead foot to "experience" your new upgrade. Drive like a granny and im sure your mileage will go back to normal.
As for a reflash, its recomended with this mod to get the "full effect". however its up to you if you want to justify dyno fees and tuning fees just for 5hp.
Take it in stride my friend lol
Your drop in mileage is most likely as a result of you having a bit more of a lead foot to "experience" your new upgrade. Drive like a granny and im sure your mileage will go back to normal.
As for a reflash, its recomended with this mod to get the "full effect". however its up to you if you want to justify dyno fees and tuning fees just for 5hp.
Take it in stride my friend lol
if you are seeking actual and measurable performance gains from NA bolt-ons to a VQ35DE 350z, expect nothing but disappointment.
You need an unrealistically positive attitude and a real generous/optimistic *** dyno to find any enjoyment down that path.
Focus on making it fun to drive and nice sounding... because faster at all (to any relevant measure) is not going to happen. If you want fast, then you want boost.
You need an unrealistically positive attitude and a real generous/optimistic *** dyno to find any enjoyment down that path.
Focus on making it fun to drive and nice sounding... because faster at all (to any relevant measure) is not going to happen. If you want fast, then you want boost.
if you are seeking actual and measurable performance gains from NA bolt-ons to a VQ35DE 350z, expect nothing but disappointment.
You need an unrealistically positive attitude and a real generous/optimistic *** dyno to find any enjoyment down that path.
Focus on making it fun to drive and nice sounding... because faster at all (to any relevant measure) is not going to happen. If you want fast, then you want boost.
You need an unrealistically positive attitude and a real generous/optimistic *** dyno to find any enjoyment down that path.
Focus on making it fun to drive and nice sounding... because faster at all (to any relevant measure) is not going to happen. If you want fast, then you want boost.
1mpg is a very small margin for error.. I mean it could be due to weather, the way youre driving, city to highway ratio... wind lol. I mean come on 1mpg? now if it was 5 to 10 id be concerned.








