Project Road Terror Z

HxC_Nismo — 2009-08-25T12:33:10-08:00

wow very nice fab work man, i cant wait to see this beast run.

Re: (kbflip02)

npez — 2009-05-28T14:20:52-08:00

Keith,

Sorry for the long delay in responding - and sorry to hear about your job situation; I hope things improve on that front. I'm happy to hear about your new arrival! Congratulations! I know it seems hectic, but enjoy her as much as you can because they grow so fast. My oldest daughter will be 6 next week and my other 3 next month - time flies.

As Stephen mentioned, I've been completely underwater with work and family obligations. Things are finally starting to slow down so I hope to get back on the project on a regular basis in a week or so. Stephen modded up another crossmember for me which came out fabulous (I can now mount the factory engine mount insulators using both studs on the bottom) - I'll post some pics this evening of the work as it is trully awesome (thx again Stephen). I also bought an extra set of exhaust manifolds (thx x 2 to Stephen) so I can get the car started normally aspirated and validate everything works while I mod my other set for the twin-turbo setup.

My immediate next step is to get the crossmember powdercoated (I'll probably drop off tomorrow) and then will be ready to get back to assembly. I promise to post some pictures very soon as I will start regularly working on the car again over the summer.

Thanks,
Nick.

Re: (SuperHatch)

Captainkitty — 2009-05-27T16:41:29-08:00

I have eagerly read this thread, thoroughly devouring every response and update. This is truly a fantastic endeavor and I hope sometime soon NPEZ can provide an update to his progress. I actually created an account simply to comment this. Cheers to you Nick, and all of you who have made this thread an informative and in-depth read.

Re: (qsiguy)

SuperHatch — 2009-05-22T03:39:18-08:00

Quote, originally posted by qsiguy raquo;

So what happened to Nick? All that progress and nothing since December. How about an update Nick? Don't leave us hanging!

I talk to Nick on a pretty regular basis. He's still going at it, just gets side tracked a lot with work and his family.

qsiguy — 2009-05-22T00:38:12-08:00

So what happened to Nick? All that progress and nothing since December. How about an update Nick? Don't leave us hanging!

Re: (kbflip02)

sr240sxftw — 2009-04-04T07:38:18-08:00

I am so glad I found your thread. I've wanted to do the same swap for years now and I finally have the car and engine. I have the same overall goal you do. Building a VH powered Z that is well balanced for street use or any kind of racing. I to have a two stage build process. The only difference is I want to mount the turbos in the engine bay. I know it limits the size of turbos I can use and piping will be hard but I think in the end it will be worth it. Thanks for such a detailed project thread. I've already read through it once and will most likely be visiting quite often.

Keep an eye out for my project thread, ill post it as soon as i have all the parts and start on the fab work.

Re: (npez)

kbflip02 — 2009-03-13T19:49:56-08:00

well neighbor i can see your toy is coming along nicely...ive got a 2 month old now so things are a little bit hectic though they are starting to get under control...unfortunately i got laid off so thats playing a major part in my project as well...keep up the good work though as you are an inspiration...lol...one of these days when the girls are out and about ill have to make my way up there...hope to hear from y ou soon and most of all hope to get started on mine soon

240rb20 — 2009-03-07T14:29:27-08:00

talk about super sexy

Re: Project Road Terror Z (8urstang)

DJ Raijin — 2009-02-12T07:03:11-08:00

can I get an update to see where the project is at, at this point?

Re: Project Road Terror Z (npez)

8urstang — 2009-02-09T12:28:18-08:00

nice project yo

slacker_221 — 2009-01-27T17:24:36-08:00

All i have to say is WOW! Beautifull!!!

Re: (npez)

jay-spec013 — 2008-12-28T22:04:10-08:00

Thanks man

Re: (jay-spec013)

npez — 2008-12-28T16:30:19-08:00

Quote, originally posted by jay-spec013 raquo;

Any pics?

As far as the way it is currently with the mounting pods you can see those somewhat in the cross-member pictures I posted here: http://forums.nicoclub.com/zer...age=6.

I haven't started on the new mounts yet as my wife decided she wanted to remodel the house which I've been swamped with for the past 3 weeks or so, along with 4 different contractors that are involved in this, and haven't had a chance to spend 2 minutes on my car. Everything is scheduled to be completed with the house before the new year so I hope to jump on it again soooon.

Thanks,
Nick.

Re: (npez)

jay-spec013 — 2008-12-28T15:30:46-08:00

Any pics?

Re: (jay-spec013)

npez — 2008-12-28T13:09:18-08:00

Quote, originally posted by jay-spec013 raquo;

What did you do about the engine mounts. Did you just rotate the stock mounts by 180 degrees like the J30 swap or did you have to fab up some?

We created some new pods for the factory Q mounts. I am now looking at creating some new mounts to work with the factory crossmember locations.

jay-spec013 — 2008-12-28T09:12:39-08:00

What did you do about the engine mounts. Did you just rotate the stock mounts by 180 degrees like the J30 swap or did you have to fab up some?

Re: Project Road Terror Z (86300ZXVH45)

JosefTTZ — 2008-12-18T10:20:15-08:00

Great progress! This is a great thread

Re: Project Road Terror Z (npez)

86300ZXVH45 — 2008-11-03T21:32:29-08:00

Please hold onto any notes if practical. I'll be doing the same with an 86'Z and automatic sometime soon. I'll catch up with you when I have more time on hand. Have fun!
Thanks, Bob

Re: (npez)

Unnatural1 — 2008-11-03T18:10:36-08:00

Quote, originally posted by npez raquo;

Thank you for the compliments - I'm trying to do my best to have it come out presentable as well as fast Hopefully some of the things that come out between my project and the others on NICO, will help people looking into something like this with what's involved to get it done.

Thanks again,
Nick.

Presentable?...that's an understatement. I'm glad the VH45DE is getting some love finally. Before all the engine swappers came along there wasn't much you could do with a VH. It was all undiscovered territory and, to a large extent, it still is.

Most of the people in the Q45 forum are interested in maintaining or VIP-styling their cars. Not so much emphasis on the performance aspect of the VH with a few notable exceptions (such as Shane). I've been following all these engine projects pretty intently. I had been thinking about selling the Q and buying an S14 or Z32 to mod/play with. But, with projects such as yours, and others, I'm excited about what's possible with the VH sitting in my engine bay!

I think all the work will be completely worth it when you are done. I don't see you being disappointed at all. When the boost comes along you should be in horsepower heaven! Keep up the good work!

~Brendan

Re: (mychalous)

npez — 2008-11-03T17:08:48-08:00

Quote, originally posted by mychalous raquo;

This project looks absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed every hour it took to go through the 8 pages lol. Sorry to hear about the hurricane ike drama. Anyways keep up the great work I wish there were more car modders out there as thorough as you are. Can't wait to see this baby all buttoned up. YOU'RE MY HERO!!!

Thank you for your kind words. Sorry that the thread is getting long, there were some tangential conversations but I guess that's ok as there were ideas that have come out that could be helpful to others. As far as the thoroughness, I tend to be detail oriented (to a fault sometimes) that's why I try to do most of the stuff myself, or give work to people of similar mindset with regard to detail.

I hope I can button this up soon as I'm getting impatient. I have 3 weeks vacation I need to cram in before the end of the year though, so things will pickup very quickly as more time becomes available.

Thanks again,
Nick.

Re: (Unnatural1)

npez — 2008-11-03T17:04:15-08:00

Quote, originally posted by Unnatural1 raquo;

Just wanted to say the project is looking absolutely incredible!

The intake looks amazing. For the near $50k price tag Infiniti charged for the Q45 in 1994, I think it should have looked like this from the beginning!

I've wanted a Z32 since they were introduced 18 years ago (OMG that's been awhile ). I'd love to see this thing in person some day. Top notch work so far...and some good ideas from everyone!

Thanks again,
Nick.

Re: (npez)

mychalous — 2008-11-03T10:00:02-08:00

Re: (npez)

Unnatural1 — 2008-10-31T21:17:38-08:00

Just wanted to say the project is looking absolutely incredible!

The intake looks amazing. For the near $50k price tag Infiniti charged for the Q45 in 1994, I think it should have looked like this from the beginning!

I've wanted a Z32 since they were introduced 18 years ago (OMG that's been awhile ). I'd love to see this thing in person some day. Top notch work so far...and some good ideas from everyone!

tay-fu300zxtt — 2008-10-31T15:52:34-08:00

NICE I plan on doing this to my next Z32! My current has a rb26 .

Re: (npez)

jaysol — 2008-10-25T13:20:45-08:00

hey i sent u a email dude let me know when u get it

Re: (jaysol)

npez — 2008-10-25T12:33:17-08:00

Quote, originally posted by jaysol raquo;

Hey nick its jay the guy that works for centerpoint energy i met u on monday when i was out on the field. Anyway man i finally got a good deal on a complete q45 motor. Well a complete car to be exact. Hey im still thinking abt that garage and ur set-up man that sh*t is sweet. Seen the car and the motor with the modify intake in person very nice this is going to be one badass car. anyway u got pm

Hey Jay,

Thanks for the compliment. It was nice meeting you as well. Small world that a NICO member would remember the car Anyway, look in my profile and send me the PM to that address. For some reason I haven't received it, and looked in my SPAM folder and didn't see anything there either.....

Thanks,
Nick.

Re: (npez)

jaysol — 2008-10-25T12:19:37-08:00

Re: (kbflip02)

craigztoyz — 2008-10-20T18:18:16-08:00

Keith, Give me a shout. Had an impressive run Sat.
Also, going to put the J up for Nov bills.

Nick, Glad to see you have it coming together, Going to be a beauty queen. cant wait to run it. Give me a ring, Craig

Re: (kbflip02)

npez — 2008-10-16T18:41:35-08:00

thanks. Sorry to hear about the delays with your project - but I think you'll enjoy the house purchase - and you're probably buying at the right time with prices being lower...... As far as the sound I have a feeling that mine will be quieter as the turbos will probably dampen the tone. When I start it NA initialy though it will be pretty loud as the BB exhaust is pretty free-flow as it was designed for the original TT motor.....

Good luck with the project and hope you get back on it soon...

Nick.

Re: (craigztoyz)

npez — 2008-10-16T18:36:17-08:00

Quote, originally posted by craigztoyz raquo;

Looks good Nick,

Did you do that to the intake just to get it under the hood?

I have a stock hood for mockup, that is just missing the inner support, and it clears, the one I run, I buldged an inch for extra clearance.

Looks great, hope to get them out on the road together soon. Leme know if you are over this way. You Gotta go for a ride.
craig

Good to hear from you Craig and thanks. Yes, I wanted to try to run the stock hood without modifications at all. I think with the additional inch under there it should all fit. I guess I'll see when I get the motor back in

I'll let you know if I'm up in Austin at some point - yeah we'll definitely need to take the cars out.....

Nick.

Re: (T45)

kbflip02 — 2008-10-16T11:18:56-08:00

Quote, originally posted by T45 raquo;

Hey Kbflip02 my company may do work for yours, I work for MTN doing sat comm onboard cruise ships and offshore rigs. If your internet on the rig is slow I didn't do it. If it's fast then you're welcome!!! Anyways...

LOL im waiting to get a new rig assignment so im just sitting on my @$$ @ home w/my crazy prego wife...according to the office though the 3 rigs i might be placed on all have wireless...if I encounter any problems and cant get my daily NICO fix ill be sure to let you know...

on another note Npez its coming together nicely...everything looks great...unfortunately due to the hurricane damage ive had to push back starting my project with craig but everytime i log on here it makes me want it more and more...

were currently looking for a new house because my wife is unsatisfied with the house we have now(especially the neighbors) and we dont have enough room for an adequate nursery...

anyways GREAT JOB NPEZ! and as far as Craig goes ill give you a call later when i get a moment...since i know what your Z sounds like i can only imagine how npez's will be...

Re: (T45)

craigztoyz — 2008-10-16T00:56:51-08:00

Looks good Nick,

Did you do that to the intake just to get it under the hood?

I have a stock hood for mockup, that is just missing the inner support, and it clears, the one I run, I buldged an inch for extra clearance.

Looks great, hope to get them out on the road together soon. Leme know if you are over this way. You Gotta go for a ride.
craig

T45 — 2008-10-12T04:25:10-08:00

Wow, that intake looks incredible! Excellent work! At this point I would be happy just to be able to look at mine, hell, I'd pay to be able to work on it. My company is keeping me on the road a lot but I'm saving up my off time so in the spring I can get my Z back up and running.

Re: 10-11-2008 Update (tmorgan4)

npez — 2008-10-11T21:35:59-08:00

Quote, originally posted by tmorgan4 raquo;

I'm not usually big on chrome but that intake looks sick!

Why did you install a new oil pick-up?

Thanks Tyler. Actually the upper plenum is polished (I told them I want it it to look like a mirror ) - but it is as bright as the chrome. As far as the pickup, Craig modded my original one when he did my oilpan, but when I decided to do it over, I designed the oilpan mod in such a way as to retain the factory pickup and location.

Thanks,
Nick.

Re: 10-11-2008 Update (npez)

tmorgan4 — 2008-10-11T20:19:57-08:00

I'm not usually big on chrome but that intake looks sick!

Why did you install a new oil pick-up?

10-11-2008 Update

npez — 2008-10-11T18:34:58-08:00

I started putting things together finally and got some time to take pictures and post. I still need to add the hoses under the plenum as well as the fuel system, but so far I'm pretty pleased with the results. I'm taking the valve covers to get them stripped and powder coated as the Hipercoat doesn't blend in like I thought. Oh well. Anyway, I should be able to get the majority of things put together by next weekend so I'll post some pics of the progress.

Thanks,
Nick.

Pictures of Oilpan ready to go in

Bottom end cleaned up and new OEM oil pickup installed.

Pics of the modified plenum (not bolted on yet until I get everything done underneath) but it still shows the overall effect

Mettler — 2008-09-19T00:25:54-08:00

Hahah legend getting out the chainsaw!

Re: (npez)

kbflip02 — 2008-09-17T18:03:19-08:00

Quote, originally posted by npez raquo;

Tyler,

We got nailed pretty hard. The area I'm in is 70-80 miles from the coast and IKE came over as a Category 1 storm. Fortunately I fared out ok, my house is pretty new so the construction can handle a cat1/cat2 storm.

The only bummer is that the area I live in has a lot of trees which many snapped or got uprooted and toppled over. I actually saw some pines that are 18-24 inches in diameter that the trunk twisted and snapped (that's pretty major torque). So all the trees fell on power lines and we haven't had power since the storm. I'm using an inverter and my aircard to look at the internet but that's about it. Not sure how Jerry and the others have fared.

I'm ordering a 20-25KW standby generator this week that'll be able to power the whole house, as I refuse to be in this situation again. At least the weather has been cool by Houston standards - 60's for a low and low 80's for a high.

Anyway, I hope to post some progress after we get power back and get back into the groove of things......

Thanks,
Nick.

real glad to hear you made it alright...our house was pretty much unscathed however my back fence is trashed on all sides, half of my swimming pool is gone, liner and shell and all, and worst part is the roof over my back patio ended up on top of my car...after i cleared the debris i was fortunate to find only scratches and no dings or dents...oh and get this...since we were evacuated from our rigs offshore me and a few of my buddies with chain saws have been going around cutting up trees and what not...weve underbid every tree company weve encountered and between 3 of us have cleare $2000 from saturday to monday....they have yet to tell us when we can go back offshore so now were rebuilding fences...sorry to hear you dont have power yet...my wife was bitching about not having it because the neighbors across the street got their power restored sunday morning and we didnt get it back until monday afternoon...i explained to her that theres still 1.4 million people in houston who dont have power so we are very fortunate...i know im all the way across town but if theres anything i can do to help yall out please let me know...i know gas is scarce but if need be i can find some and make my way up there...best of luck to yall
-K

Re: (konatown)

gs14racer — 2008-09-17T17:57:45-08:00

Yea me too, was wondering for a while lol. Here in florida we are no strangers to hurricanes so i feel your pain, good luck with the back up gen hope all goes well.

Re: (npez)

konatown — 2008-09-17T16:26:47-08:00

Glad to hear that you made out just fine... Hell, I lost power due to Ike's winds almost a 1,000 miles away. I know most of Cincinnati lost or still doesn't have power. Insane how wide that storm was.

Good luck with the build. I just helped my brother install new exhaust and manifolds using 304 mandrel bent on his Z32TT, looks great and was easy peasy to work with.

Re: (Mettler)

npez — 2008-09-17T14:19:57-08:00

Quote, originally posted by Mettler raquo;

Holy crap dude! Good to hear you're ok.

Thanks man! On a positive note UPS/Fedex is delivering so all my stainless tube and mandrel bends arrived today along with my bench grinder and dry-cut hitachi chop saw. Now if I only had power to use any of this

Hopefully the power will come on soon, but in the meantime I've put an order in for an additional natural gas meter on the other side of the house for the generator. I'm hoping to get some answers today on the automatic transfer switch so I can order the thing tomorrow.

Thanks,
Nick.

Mettler — 2008-09-17T13:41:56-08:00

Holy crap dude! Good to hear you're ok.

Re: (tmorgan4)

npez — 2008-09-17T12:42:19-08:00

Quote, originally posted by tmorgan4 raquo;

Just got done watching the news and realized there's a few of you guys right down there. Looks like a lot of damage...hope everyone is doing fine!

Tyler,

Anyway, I hope to post some progress after we get power back and get back into the groove of things......

Thanks,
Nick.

Re: (npez)

tmorgan4 — 2008-09-17T07:56:05-08:00

Just got done watching the news and realized there's a few of you guys right down there. Looks like a lot of damage...hope everyone is doing fine!

Re: (qsiguy)

npez — 2008-09-01T11:21:14-08:00

Quote, originally posted by qsiguy raquo;

Thank you for the update. That changes everything. Looks like a really nice unit. From the info on the site I couldn't tell if it is user adjustable or if they have to do it for you upfront. Did you already buy it or speak with them? I'd like to know the details of how they get you setup. I'd also like to see a wiring diagram for it. Is it the same voltage and output type as the OEM MAF or are there other mods you'll need to do?

Shane,

My friend with a supercharged 5.0 cobra has one of their MAFs and has been very pleased with it. I haven't spoken to pro-m yet, but am planning to this week. My understanding from speaking with my friend is that they calibrate the MAF any which way you want to set it up. I just need to better understand the types of things that can be calibrated.

I know that if I give them some front-end parameters such as anticipated CFM, injector size, etc. they can calibrate it based on that, but I don't know yet the specific "back-end" parameters (voltage curves, etc.) that are tweakable, and for that matter, what they need to look like for my application. If you have any information on how the existing Q45 one works internally, that would be very helpful for my discussion with them next week.

I'll let you know what I find out after talking with them as this is pretty high on the list along with the manifold fab. On that I found a place locally in Houston that can supply 321 stainless as well as 304 varieties. I'm still tossing around which route to go.

Thanks,
Nick.

qsiguy — 2008-09-01T11:06:08-08:00

Re: MAS clarification (qsiguy)

npez — 2008-09-01T10:08:55-08:00

Quote, originally posted by qsiguy raquo;

Correct. The tricky think is that Nick is going to be using a dual MAF setup with one dummy. I believe the load (TP) scales are going to be the main thing he might need to tweak for that. Sounds like the Nistune software will do some of these adjustments automatically. To get the car running I'd say setting the K value lower should get him started and idling.

Once you can get some map trace results you'll know where your TP is hitting and then you can tune the fuel and timing maps from there.

Shane,

I thought I responded regarding the MAS but couldn't locate my own response I'm planning on going with the Pro-Tube 3.5 inch blow-through MAS (http://www.promracing.com/products.htm) in a single MAS configuration (this MAS can take anything we'll throw at it). The reason I was looking at duals was to re-use my TTZ MAS or figure out a way to use my Q45 MAS.

I think for permanence sake, I may just go with the Pro-Tube from the get go so I don't have to re-fab any part of the intake track later. I thought I would clarify this so you had a better understanding of my direction.

Thanks,
Nick.

qsiguy — 2008-09-01T09:24:48-08:00

Once you can get some map trace results you'll know where your TP is hitting and then you can tune the fuel and timing maps from there.

Re: (qsiguy)

Stinky — 2008-09-01T08:23:37-08:00

Dont forget the K value has an effect on the load scales for both the fuel and timing tables. If you make a change to the K value you should adjust your load scales to match.

Re: (qsiguy)

npez — 2008-09-01T07:52:58-08:00

Quote, originally posted by qsiguy raquo;

The K value doesn't really reflect any sort of injector size or anything. 198 K being stock lowering it to 132 will be for the 555's. The K value is just a number the ECU uses in it's calculations to determine the pulsewidth of the injectors. Lower K value it will hold the injectors on for a shorter time. Since the larger injectors flow more fuel they need to be on for a shorter time to provide the right amount of fuel. If you don't change the K value it will be rich across the board (except maybe when you are in boost) and may not idle.

Shane,

Thanks for the information. I need to do some more reading I think. I downloaded Nistune's Nissan ECU Tuning Basics Guide which talks about all this - I had only read the SW user's manual so far.

My in-laws and some other family is still over so I haven't been able to do much on the car.....

Thanks,
Nick.

Re: (npez)

qsiguy — 2008-08-31T10:29:53-08:00

Quote, originally posted by npez raquo;

Re: (tmorgan4)

npez — 2008-08-30T20:01:08-08:00

Quote, originally posted by tmorgan4 raquo;

Do you remember what the saw was? I've read a few mixed things on the Evolution saws with the carbide blades.

Just in case you haven't already seen it, Burns Stainless has some good tech articles on their website talking about the different grades of stainless.

http://www.burnsstainless.com/....html

I think it was the evolution. I think the price was four hundred and change for the chop saw. I did some research online and man I didn't know blades cost $120 each. I'll need the one that comes with it (mild steel) then the $120 one for stainless. Carl, from what I've read the blades last 800 cuts of 1/8" wall tubing 3-1/2" tube. Not sure how long it lasts cutting through solid material, but I'm mostly interested in tubing.

Tyler have you read any reviews on the chop saw that were negative? Everything I've seen so far has been pretty positive. I must admit though I haven't thoroughly researched it between family things today and trying to unbox the welder.

On the burns stainless that's where I've been looking, as they have some pieces that I can readily use (e.g. Y pipe for the turbo/external wastegate, J-bends etc.) but the price in 321 is pretty expensive. Not sure if anyone has welded 321 or used for manifold purposes and can give their impressions compared to 304.

I'll go take a look at the saw next week and let you guys know.

Thanks,
Nick.

Carl H — 2008-08-30T19:29:21-08:00

i too am curious about this saw...the fully adjustable 10" blad chopsaw i got at northern tool works very well but the blades dont last terribly long.
i had not heard of the carbide blades,any info?

Re: (npez)

tmorgan4 — 2008-08-30T18:38:49-08:00

Do you remember what the saw was? I've read a few mixed things on the Evolution saws with the carbide blades.

Just in case you haven't already seen it, Burns Stainless has some good tech articles on their website talking about the different grades of stainless.

http://www.burnsstainless.com/....html

Re: (Carl H)

npez — 2008-08-30T18:19:35-08:00

Quote, originally posted by Carl H raquo;

a welder along with a sawzall is one of the most important purchases you'll ever make...i finally figured out mine and laid down some AWESOME beads.
too bad i didnt figure it out before, oh well.
As far as tanks go if you plan on doing fabwork alot then having a tank of ar/co2 is a must (atleast 40lb tank), a dedicated tank of ar for al and depending on how much ss you do you can squeek by with the ar tank...but if you're doing alot then definately look into a dedicated tank for that.
word of advice tho, dont buy welding supplies from home depot or northern tools...go to a dedicated supply shop for industral purposes prices are ALOT less and they're pros at the game.

Hi Carl,

Thanks for the feedback. I'm planning on a bunch of stainless for the exhaust and possibly some other bits, but most of my stuff will be steel after the exhaust. As far as aluminum, I'll have to wait until I'm done with this batch of things, and then purchase the miller spool gun for welding aluminum. I agree with you on where to buy. I bought my equipment at Conroe Welding Supply and they really know their stuff. They're also miller authorized sales service so I have one place to go for everything I need with the welder. Their pricing was fantastic the welder was within $40-50 from internet pricing I had seen. But the tank/gas pricing they gave me was less than ebay or the internet in general (but then again they had 1000s of tanks in the back).

I have a sawzall but now I'm looking at a metal cutting chopsaw so I can cut angles etc. They recommended this new saw that's out (it's expensive but may be worth it) which uses a metal carbide blade and cuts the metal like butter - no burrs and minimal heat. I didn't have time to look at it (I had to come back home as I'm helping MRJERRY with his harness) , but will look at it next week at some point to make a decision. I'll let you know my impression once I see it/buy it/use it.

We'll see how my welds look once I get going with it

Thanks,
Nick.

Carl H — 2008-08-30T17:57:54-08:00

Re: (tmorgan4)

npez — 2008-08-30T17:55:28-08:00

Quote, originally posted by tmorgan4 raquo;

Good decision on picking up a welder. Worst case you can get everything tacked up and assembled the way you want it and bring it somewhere to have them finished if it comes down to it. I forgot that you need to have another tank to weld stainless with a MIG! Are you planning on picking up another bottle or just exchanging the one you've got? Would be nice to have one of each on hand.

Which welder did you get? I think you'll pick it up quickly.

Thanks Tyler Steve. I picked up the Millermatic 140 with autoset. I think it'll serve me pretty well for the fabrication I will need to do and seemed like the simplest to setup and get going. On the tank they offered to do it either way exchange or discount a 2nd tank. I'm leaning towards just buying another 122CF one and calling it a day With my luck in the middle of doing stainless I would then need to do something with mild steel and not have the gas. They told me to steer away from flux core wire unless I want to be cleaning up after the fact (which I don't) or welding outside (which I'm not) so I'm sticking with gas shielding.

Anyway, I didn't buy the stainless wire yet as I'm still trying to decide between 304 and 321 stainless. I know the latter is better against heat and cracking, but I didn't wan't to overkill if the 304 will work well (Corky Bell's book mentions 304 as a good option for turbo manifold construction). Also, I didn't know with the additional chromium content in the 321 if that would make it much harder to weld or not.

Thanks,
Nick.

Re: (npez)

tmorgan4 — 2008-08-30T17:32:39-08:00

Which welder did you get? I think you'll pick it up quickly.

Re: (npez)

SuperHatch — 2008-08-30T17:21:23-08:00

Quote, originally posted by npez raquo;

This approach will probably cost as much as getting everything professionaly done, but at the end of the day I will end up with more tools I can use in the future, and the satisfaction of having done the work myself!

Nick.

Amen Brotha!!

Re: (qsiguy)

npez — 2008-08-30T16:50:20-08:00

Quote, originally posted by qsiguy raquo;

Sounds like a plan. I'm looking forward to seeing how well Nistune works for you. The stock K value is 198 with 370 injectors. Going to 555's I believe you would change it to 132. Not sure of the other values yet.

Not sure how your dual MAF setup will need to be setup. For mine I had to expand the TP scales because stock only went up to 72 and I'm hitting TP's up to around 100. I expanded mine up to 128. With the dual maf's your's may not go that high since it's only reading half the air flow. Stock may be ok. You should know more once you do a map trace and see where the TP is.

Cool - thanks Shane. My coated/plated parts weren't completed as expected on Friday, so I'm looking at getting everything back next week. I looked around and think on the MAF I'll be buying the 3.5" Diameter Pro-Tube (http://www.promracing.com/products.htm) from pro-M racing. It's specifically a blow-through design MAF and my understanding is that it can handle practically anything we can throw at it.

On the 132 K value - is that based on 555cc flow rate? I ask because Nismo calls them 555s but they actually flow 615cc. I downloaded everything from Nistune, so I'll spend some time installing the software and then start the work on the socketing. With hurricane Gustav on the horizon, I may have some delays in working on this, as I have family coming in from East Texas that has a mandatory evacuation in effect.

Anyway, there are still delays on my bringing my car in for the manifolds so I got fed up and went out this morning and bought a Miller MIG welder and all the accessories, and I will start working on this myself. The only thing that was slowing me down with this project is my ability to weld well. This move will force me to sit down and learn it well by doing it. I was surprised at how expensive the 122CF tank was for the argon/co2 mix though. I will start working with this setup for the crossmember seam weld, and brackets, etc. and then will get a tank of tri-mix so I can start work on the stainless steel.

Thanks again and I'll let you know as soon as the electronics are ready to go.

Nick.