My name is: Warren.

I am presently planning to upgrade my 2003 Track 350Z, Super Black. I would like to get some advice, opinions as to the order of doing it. Additionally any advice to improve upon the planning, or suggestions of improving, changing the plan set forth. I plan to start shortly, soon as I make a trip to San Jose to a shop that works only on Z cars, the Scott Performance in Santa Clara to be exact. Below are the things I want to do engine wise. I will do the bodywork, once that is done. Again any suggestions, as to changes, better upgrades, would be appreciative. I am new and want to start getting work done on the car no later than February.

The Plan:

1. Clutch & Flywheel (Nismo or Tilton). This is the question. At the moment Nismo.
2. Rear Differential cooler, to keep rear differential from heating up. (Strictly Z)
3. Nismo Cam (Strictly Z and Scott Performance)
4. APS Plenum: Release: 03/05 edition. (Strictly Z)
5. ECU (Techno Square Inc.)
6. Nismo Ground Wires System
7. C2 Procharger last, probably around June ’05.

Any suggestions? I don’t plan turbo, as I’ve read about the overheating problem. Don’t know much about it, except I’ve read about it in several magazines.

Now for your input please. Thanks.

 

I'm no expert but I'll post some comments for you IMHO

1. Clutch & Flywheel (Nismo or Tilton). This is the question. At the moment Nismo.

JWT is a good consideration as well. The NISMO is only a few pounds lighter then stock so I don't really recommend it, kindov defeats the purpose of a light flywheel. I feel JWT is better

2. Rear Differential cooler, to keep rear differential from heating up. (Strictly Z)

Good choice I was told from BJ at 350Z EVO this is a piece that should have better cooling.

3. Nismo Cam (Strictly Z and Scott Performance)

Rumor has it there are some new cams coming out soon? If you just want instant power and bang for the buck look into the blowers or turbos from the start


4. APS Plenum: Release: 03/05 edition. (Strictly Z)

Looks good, rumor has it there is another plenum so keep your eye out but plenum is a good mod.

5. ECU (Techno Square Inc.)

Figure out your setup before your upgrade your ECU.

6. Nismo Ground Wires System

Doesn't have to be NISMO, there are a lot of cheap grounding kits out there that should be the same job.

7. C2 Procharger last, probably around June ’05.

This is the ATI? If so I'm not sure if they have a new one but I don't really recommend it.

Lot of mods out there, just research as much as you can your on the right track. Wheres the exhaust

 

Thanks Yuichi,
Presently I have Nismo intake, headers, and exhaust on the car. James Chen used the Procharger in winning the Sport compact Car's inaugural Ultimate Street Car Challenge 3 with his yellow 350Z. It uses a air-to-air intercooler. It has a 7-8 psi of boost and 55-60% horsepower gain on stock motors running pump gas.Comes with a 3-year supercharger warranty. Also has a tuner kit for modified applications too. It features ATI's patented self-contained oiling technology, which delivers cooler operating temperatures and eliminates the need to punch a hole in the oil pan. "I like that idea". I'm not an expert, but here's their internet address, if you would want to check it out: www.procharger.com. I've been looking at different locations on website. Appreciate your input, if you check out the website, give me you opinion on it.

 

last time I saw Jame's yellow axis 350z was at the z con earlier this year. The procharger in his car was sqeaching really bad. Not sure if his procharger was going bad or something is wrong with it. not sure if this is the case with all prochargers or not. If you want to go supercharger route, look into Vortech as well. There are a few locals that have it with nothing but praise!! I haven't seen the HKS except the one on HKS' own car. So no first hand experience with it.
good luck on your search!!

 

IMO...Get the APS Plenum w/ the APS TT Kit. If you're around San Jose, stop by ZCarGarage and ask for Rob. He has this kit on his car (except the plenum) which is straight out of the box (has not even programmed his ecu yet). That thing is a beast!!! But as they say...to each his own. It really depends on what you intend to do with your car. Happy modding!!!

 

Maybe you want to consider suspension on your list? Some nice adjustable swaybars and coilovers to have better balance.

 

Okay, first off. Wrong shop. Scott Performance has not done anything worth talking about, especially with the 350Z. Some may say that I am biased, but I can run down a list of cars that have been extremely modded and they were all built at Z Car Garage. (including mine)

Second, what kind of power are you looking for? Mid-range? top end? your goals make a difference when choosing parts.

And I will also warn you in advance about the procharger. Just do a search and see how many problems they have had. They are extremely loud, have no fuel solution and have put several engines out to pasture before their prime.

So, what do I recommend? It depends on your budget.

Also, with your setup an upgraded clutch is not needed. Unless you like chatter a lightweight flywheel is not worth the money for what it does. And you really don't need a differential cooler at this point unless you are really driving your car hard. i.e. lots of time at the track.

These are just my opinions. You can do what you want. Just be advised that I do know what I am talking about from experience.

 

Okay, Yuichi, GTNPU Z “JameZ”, LouZer, and whatever. You have all got my attention. Here’s what I want to do. I want to mod my car to having at least 400hp. Once, I’ve done that, next will come the bodywork. The big thing I noticed is: Zcargarge mentioned by GTNPUZ “JameZ and whatever and the point of contact “Rob”. If I could get an email of the address and/or telephone number of this place, I would surely appreciate it. My email is Wschli1672@aol.com. LouZer, I noticed on your input you show 415.8hp and that you had yours done at this garage. That is the type of hp I’m looking for. I don’t really plan on much time at the track, a little at the most, when there’s a group gathering. My goal is to have a good looking/good running car period. If there’s a list, possibly available that someone may have on setting up a car to make it happen, I would greatly appreciate. I would use that as a good starting point with Zcargarge to getting me started. I will consider the cam, but will wait for the possibility of new ones coming out, input from you Yuichi. Thanks for the tip. So, I’ll await for input, here or at email, I’m definitely open to email, phone contact, postings, anything to get my car on the way and keeping it Calif. Legal of course. Thanks all.

 

WSchli1672,

For address, phone number, and email for ZCarGarage, simply click on the link found on my sig or the one on LouZer's sig . Their shop is blocks away from the San Jose Airport. Also, if you wanted to check out some parts, StrictlyZ is also around the block from them. Good luck!

 

welcome!!
here is Zcargarage's info
http://www.zcargarage.com/
happy modding!!
per your new year resolution!! Spend Spend Spend on the Z!!!

oh and if you need wheels/tires... pm KarmaMag (Chad). His shop Kartoyz Unlimited have been hooking up local Z folks!!
www.kartoyz.com

just some personal recommendations

also check this thread for other local shops to fit your needs!!
https://my350z.com/forum/showthread....threadid=73557

 

Yep. That thread is definitely a good list to refer to for parts & services.

 

WSchli1672,

If you want "bang for buck" I can definitely tell you that the Vortech is at the top of the list. If you ever come up to the bay area, I will give you a ride. It is better to see/feel it first hand so you can really get an idea what you are looking for.

I believe you said that you already have headers and exhaust. If so, all you need to do is install the Vortech and upgrade the stock pulley (3.33) to the 2.87 pulley. I am making about 11.5psi of boost. That should put you around 400HP without any other modifications. But this all depends on your car. Each car acts differently to mods.

 

LouZer, I'll definitely take you up on that. Will let you know possible dates and we can plan it. Thanks again. I took the threads whatever put in and got them in my file to start working with. GTNPUZ is doing same as me on the APS Plenum 2005. Must keep in touch with you guys giving me the info. I might just get the big mod sooner than later. Yesssss...

 

if you got time today, come out to the meet at 8:00pm!! Lou'll be there!!

 

I would like to have, just got back and it's 10:14pm. I am in the fast track to wrapping up all the paperwork for the year and getting ready to start the annual budget meeting planning for one of the businesses I work for. I do plan to start getting to some of the gatherings coming 2005. (Aaaaah, a good 2005 resolution, which I mentioned on another thread. And I mean to keep it,. The Zcargarage is now on the top of my list, and getting with "Louzer" to take him up on his advise. I want to thank you for thoughtfullness whatever. I'm beginning to feel a part of this forum.

 

Just let me know when you want to meet up (a couple of days notice is cool) and welcome to the Z family!

 

Will do LouZer....right now I'm looking at planning on the 15th or 22th of this month, i.e. 21st is Japan Town I'm told and will be many Zcars in town. Will keep you up on it, as to plan someting out. Might be able to get a few together, i.e. GYNPUZ "JAMEZ", whatever, monkey 7, Yuichi (Nihonjin desuka?) . Kind of a meet everybody, and by time finished, will be having everything needed for the bodywork planning, and possibly even get myself to the Zcargarge that weekend too. Checking out the cars will give vast insight and yours definitely the feeling side. Will plan to spend the weekend and get a room there. That's the plan if 22nd becomes the day. Will keep you posted as I believe the 22nd looks best at this point.

 

Okay, I may be gone on the Snow trip on the 22nd. See post. And Z Car Garage is not open on weekends.

 

Whoa.... I'm glad to find that out about the Zcargarage. I'll have to make plans on a Friday/Saturday trip then. Back to the drawing board.

 

As a note: "LouZer" - Got an email from Rob, hopefully we are in business, he thought he sent a prior one, but never received it. Now we are touching base, so as to start planning. Greeeaatttt!!!! Be seeing you soon, as I have a date to be up there, will touch base with you here.