260HP vs. 280HP

[NoneRock]

I am a noob to Nissan/Infiniti. I did have a 1984 Maxima for a few years when I was young, and that car is the reason why I decided to come back. I have been driving and tuning VWs for awhile now (and I still do) but they have not gone in the direction that I have been hoping for.

Any way, my question is what are the actual differences in the engines from a 2003 Sedan and Coupe that make the 20 HP difference other than the intake system? I did try a seach, but I never seem to get the correct info back.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Modified by NoneRock at 8:49 AM 8/24/2006

[gjohnson66]

Granted I'm no expert, but my understanding is that the difference between the two is that the engine is set up for it's accompanying transmission. Internally I don't think there are any differences at all. I believe I read recently that the differences between the two motors has to do with the way that the plenum is set up -- one shape creates more HP and less torque for the MT, and the other creates less HP and more torque for the auto.

[NoneRock]

Granted I'm no expert, but my understanding is that the difference between the two is that the engine is set up for it's accompanying transmission. Internally I don't think there are any differences at all. I believe I read recently that the differences between the two motors has to do with the way that the plenum is set up -- one shape creates more HP and less torque for the MT, and the other creates less HP and more torque for the auto.

Thanks, but it looks like the 280HP version puts out a little more torque than the 260HP.

Anyone else have any ideas?

[zippysedan]

It's not the plenum. The plenum still stinks. The engine in '04 is what's calles a rev-up engine, redlines around 400 rpm higher (I think) resulting in higher hp and torque. You can really incease that alot with modifications to the ridiculous intake and exhaust. Compare the 350Z cats with the G35 cats. Makes ours look like they came off a Taurus or something. Embarrassing, if you ask me.

And don't take any crap from 3000GT owners. One of them wanted to race me, and it took me about 3.5 seconds before he couldn't even see me anymore. On the highway.

jb

[C-Kwik]

It's not the plenum. The plenum still stinks. The engine in '04 is what's calles a rev-up engine, redlines around 400 rpm higher (I think) resulting in higher hp and torque. You can really incease that alot with modifications to the ridiculous intake and exhaust. Compare the 350Z cats with the G35 cats. Makes ours look like they came off a Taurus or something. Embarrassing, if you ask me.

And don't take any crap from 3000GT owners. One of them wanted to race me, and it took me about 3.5 seconds before he couldn't even see me anymore. On the highway.

jb

The 280 HP has a bit of extra tuning in it. Perhaps some different cams. And no, the 04's did not have the "rev-up" motor. That was not released until 05 in any Nissan/Infiniti. The 03-04 coupes had the same redline and very similar characteristics as the 260 HP VQ. The rev-up VQ actually has less peak torque than the 280 HP version. One of the main attirbutes to the additional power for the rev-up VQ is the variable exhaust cam. It allows it to retain a lot of torque while gaining more up in the high end to increase usable RPM and results in more power there.

[joe603]

And don't take any crap from 3000GT owners. One of them wanted to race me, and it took me about 3.5 seconds before he couldn't even see me anymore. On the highway.

jb

Don't underestimate the 3000GT VR4...its a twin turbo, 315HP stock car. Granted its heavy, but they can be tuned. I used to own one

[C-Kwik]

Don't underestimate the 3000GT VR4...its a twin turbo, 315HP stock car. Granted its heavy, but they can be tuned. I used to own one

And whatever you do, don't over-rev the motor(3000GT/Dodge Stealth). The rod bearings are apparently on edge. My friend spun a bearing twice on accident with relatively minor over-revs. The bearings appear to get starved for oil quickly when past redline.

[joe603]

I kinda wish they'd bring her back...it was a really nice looking car!! I miss the Supra too...I hear it may be sold again...sweet!