Background: I have a 2006 350z 6MT with the following aftermarket breathing modifications:

* JWT Popcharger intake filter
* (Stock intake tube)
* Motordyne 5/16" plenum spacer
* Motordyne MREV2 lower plenum
* (Stock engine)
* (Stock headers)
* (Stock cats)
* Invidia Gemini true-dual cat-back exhaust

I am interested in the UpRev tune, but not really interested in the car getting any louder - therefore, I plan to stick with the stock headers and cats. Assuming those conditions, would I realize any appreciable benefits from an UpRev tune? Is it even worthwhile if the stock cats are left in place?
I am thinking that the most viable option for replacing the stock cats would be the Motordyne ART pipes, but even then I worry about increased volume and rasp (not to mention it's an expensive option!)

Thanks in advance for any insight.

 

Yes! Get a tune! Even completely bonestock Z's benefit from a tune. Car will have a lot better throttle response, pick up some power and just all in all, run better. From what I have heard the Art pipes don't increase sound as much as other test pipe options.. so it shouldn't be too bad, and with the tune the art pipes would help out a lot imo.

 

A tune would be most helpful.Your car right now is probably running
lean to start with.Any change in cats will make your car louder.I had
ART pipes on my car.They made the car louder.HFC's even louder.
Test pipes --loud with rasp.ART pipes are expensive.IMO,a bit overated.When I istalled HFC's my car was a bit louder than I liked.
I found some small resonators that install in tail pipe tips.The biggest chage was at WOT,I no longer get that "overide" roar or,rasp.
The exhaust tone is more controlled.

 

yes, yes, yes. +1 what everyone else said

 

I am at ~54k miles. I am thinking maybe I should replace my spark plugs before getting a tune. Agree/disagree? If agree, any recommendations for type of plug?

Any other pre-emptive maintenance I should do before getting tuned?

 

how many miles have you had all the mods? i dont think you'd need new plugs at only 54k.

 

Good question on the mileage....probably 20k miles since the plenum mods, and lose to 40k for the Popcharger intake. Had my first aftermarket catback installed around 5k miles and switched to the Invidia system within the past 2k miles.

I've just been noticing recently that the car seems to be really sluggish, like if I'm cruIsing along at 3k rpm in 3rd gear and mash the gas pedal, the car just gets louder and the speed increases very slowly. My fiancées mkV GTI pulls harder. Wondering if this is some other problem that I need to get taken care of before jumping into tuning.

 

If that's all you're planning to add onto the car go ahead and get it tuned, otherwise wait until your done deciding. Measure twice, cut once.

 

New plugs will only help. Stock VQ's tear them up... I highly recommend NGK LFR6AIX-11

check out rockauto.com for good prices