Sorry for a fairly open ended newbie type question. Admittedly I'm not much of a mechanical guy but have really gotten into driving lately (have done a few BMW schools and just finished a 2 day Lotus Performance Driving school). I'm doing some schools and autocrossing events this summer with the BMW club (lots of friends there) so I'm looking to add some power to my Z to keep up with the higher end M3's that will be there.

I'm just about to put some Potenza RE-01R tires on to get some more grip so I think next I'd like to add some power. I've been looking a cold air intakes but I'm wondering what thoughts you guys would have that I could do in the $1000 range. I really can't do much more than that right now so I'd like to stay in that range.

Thoughts? Any input would be greatly appreciated...

-Ross

 

saving up is always a good idea. other then that:

JWT pop-charger
Motordyne Spacer
Exhaust system
Springs / Shocks

any of the above combinations will do fine.

 

Ross; Since you're doing a lot of driving events I'd consider brake and suspention upgrades over power. Do you have the OEM Brembo's? If not I'd start reseaching a BBK. Brake fade kills lap times and track time. Also a nice set of coilovers or spring/struts and some sways bars will greatly improve handling and lap times. Lightwieght wheels and some sticky tires also help. I know a lot of this is above the $1k price you have but I'd save some more cash for it and/or look at the market place for used parts.

EDIT:
If you do want to spend $1k now here are my suggestions;
- Hotchkis TVS Kit (Springs & Sways): ($486) http://intensepower.com/host1tvskit3.html ($486) Call Darren tell him Robert_K sent ya. He'll hook you up.
- Brake Pads: Once I know year & model I can give better suggestion. But around $200 Front & rear.

Those will help greatly!!! But for the extra HP as well as handling;
- JWT PopCharger: ($120) http://intensepower.com/jwtpop35.html Give the same extra HP as more expensive CAI.
- MotorDyne 5/16" Iso Thermal plenum spacer: ($265) http://www.motordyneengineering.com/350Z.htm

 

popcharger is the probably the best mod for the money, definitely gives the Z a different attitude. I would do that with exhaust to help it breath a little better. I personally like the HKS ti exhaust but its a little over your spending limit, however if you go with it you won't regret it It gives it an exotic V6 feel (i.e. porsche). Just my .02 cents though, I'm sure not everyone agrees.

 

+1 you'll be a lot better off spending the money on suspension if your an auto-x guy, the mods I gave are just for power which won't do much for you compared to coilovers on a track.

 

Suspension would be a perfect 1st mod since your really into driving right now.

 

I'd like to start with a general WOW, thanks for the help guys. I really am a total newbie with this stuff, while I'm very technical (with electronics) I know next to nothing about engines. I am however a quick study...

Ok so first off I generally agree with the comments on improving handling vs. power. After drivin the Elise and Exige for 2 days I completely understand what that means for lap times and that all that truly matters is lap time. I guess the more I think about it there is only one mod I care about that's non-handling, and that would be exhaust. All my other car friends have high end Porshces (911 Turbos), Audi RS4 and R8's, and BMS M3's and M5's. So my car sounds like a big-o-bag-o-cats compared (kidding of course). So a beefing up the tone would be great too.

List of potential item
-----------------------------
- Hotchkis TVS Kit (Springs & Sways): ($486) Is this for suspension?
- Brake Pads: $200 - 2007 Touring (NOT the Brembos)
- JWT PopCharger: ($120)
- MotorDyne 5/16" Iso Thermal plenum spacer: ($265)

Now from what I'm reading I could do all the above for roughly $1100. Is that just in parts or with labor? For that many mods I'd probably be willing to go over that $1000 to as high as $1500, hell I can eat ramen noodles for a few months!!!

Really thanks so much guys, looks like I need to branch out from my BMW group and join you guys a little more!

-Ross

 

Get the Plenum spacer from Julian@MRC for $225 shipped.
You can also get 10rwhp exhaust from him for $500 shipped
HFCs maybe another 5-8hp for 375 shipped Berk Metallic

I'm not familiar with springs and the like.

I'm not a fan of JWTs. Stick with stock CAI...just get a drop-in

 

Ross what year is your Z? Cause if you have the RevUp motor it be a better investment to get the MotorDyne MREV 2 Manifold vs the plenum spacer.

Running the Non-Brembos I'd look into a race pad for your track days. Better bite and less fade = more track time and lower lap times. Also a high-temp brake fluid to resist boiling.

I was in the same boat as you when I started modding. However I went the power route first and end uped getting passed by fellow Z33 owners with brake upgrades and suspention set-ups.

Yes the TVS kit is a suspention upgrade. IMO, best bang for the buck entry level kit. The lower springs are great cause they don't lower the car so much you can't drive over small speed bumps. Also the sways are 4-way front, 3-way rear adjustable. So you can play with them to fit your driving style.

All those prices are just for parts. And yes if you search & call around you can find lower pricing. And everything is a pretty simple install if you have the garage to do it. I know for a fact fellow Colorado owners are willing to open up their garage to help and love to get their hands dirty working on the Z. Hit up www.MileHighZ.com/Forum for local members. Tell them I sent ya. If you do want a shop to do the install(s) contact Moe at Speed Image. He'll hook you up.

 

nitrous.

 

Might benefit for the drag racer but wouldn't recommend for a road racing/ auto-x car at all. Plus I hate nitrous. Seen too many bad results.

 

Will any of these suggested mods void factory warranty?

I have an 06 and like Ross I'm looking at doing some slight mods that will give me an increase in HP. I was looking first at a Nismo CAI and then looking at the exhaust.

Suggestions welcome.

 

Contact your local service dept to see how they feel about aftermarket modifications.

I'm not a fan of CAI at all. Over priced IMO. Get the JWT PopCharger. Gives tha same gains of the $300+ CAI. And the Nismo is just an AEM CAI painted black.

 

Take the $1000, sell your Z and buy a Lotus.

 

Your a fool Aaron!

 

Please, you know it's hot!

Ross, did you meet a guy named Frank at Spring Mountain? He's a lotus owner from Boulder.

 

Yes but TT350Z > Lotus. But if I could own both I would.

 

driving school..

 

Oh you crack me up Robert!

 

He's already attending events.

Don't act like you wouldn't like some twins. And not the kind that are related by birth and in the female form.