HP Estimation

[Matteblk300zxtt]

Hello all, new here, been working on a project for almost a year now. Full restoration of my 300zx. Bought the car as NA, did a TT JDM swap. Car is now in Atlanta GA at Zen Motors getting painted and aggressive wheel fitment. My goal is 500 reliable hp. I have seen the Stage Charts, but I did not go exactly as those charts state in that particular order. I am wondering where I stand now, The car has HKS Exhaust, POP Charger, ECU, Aftermarket Oil coolers, 555 injectors, and a boost controller. I am a newbie at modding, so bear with me. I like the I do not have the Twin Turbo badge on the back, very sneaky indeed. I am wondering from the experts, how far do I have to go to reach 500hp, or low 12s or high 11s in the quarter mile? I have the cash to upgrade, not an issue. Please advise what other things I need in order to reach that mark.

[bartZ32tt]

What's your benchmark - 500 whp or bhp? What's your budget? Although you say money is not an issue, everyone has a budget. Otherwise you shouldn't have bought a JDM motor

You're pretty far from 500hp with your current list of mods. Peak horsepower is useless if you have a narrow power band and maintenance is not up to date, just keep that in mind.

So with that said, here's a list of what you'll likely need in no particular order:
1. bigger turbos
2. MSP manifolds
3. 2.5" inlet/intercooler piping
4. 2.5" inlet/outlet intercoolers
5. another tune
6. possibly a built engine if you over-shoot your 500 hp goal (500whp). Our engines have forged rods but not pistons so that is the weak link at around this hp level. Jspec (JDM) engines are notorious for often being misrepresented/risky in our platform.
7. bigger injectors
8. 3" exhaust will more easily get you to your goal

*Keep in mind, you'll need a lot of random maintenance items along the way and they aren't cheap. I just spent $80 on random hardware mainly for just the turbos alone! EFI harnesses are often bad if not replaced before and cost $400. If you're paying people to do this work for you, it'll add up really quickly!

Welcome to the forums! Read the stickies - that'll be a good starting point.

[Matteblk300zxtt]

Dang, and here I thought I was running with the big dawgs, turns out I am just a skinny homeless cat. I will take your advice and upgrade the turbos and add upgraded intercoolers and maybe dp and tp. I am currently in Afghanistan and will continue upgrading when I get home. Bart, thanks for taking me to school bro.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Welcome to NICO!

I agree with what Bart said.

You should also consider upgrading to ARP hardware, upgrade throttle bodies, upgrade to a dual pop using Selin dual translator.

[bartZ32tt]

Dang, and here I thought I was running with the big dawgs, turns out I am just a skinny homeless cat. I will take your advice and upgrade the turbos and add upgraded intercoolers and maybe dp and tp. I am currently in Afghanistan and will continue upgrading when I get home. Bart, thanks for taking me to school bro.

Don't get me wrong - it'll still be pretty quick with your current mods but just not 500hp territory. Stay safe - thanks for your service! My buddy just got back from there.

Welcome to NICO!
You should also consider upgrading to ARP hardware, upgrade throttle bodies, upgrade to a dual pop using Selin dual translator.

I knew I was forgetting something - good catch Mark

Also don't forget a clutch upgrade - stock clutch will be toast at that level in a heartbeat.

[300ZXttZMAN]

Yes sir!

Justin it looks like I forgot to mention the clutch upgrade. Team work!

[Matteblk300zxtt]

Thanks guys, can't wait to get from over here, it is hot as fish grease. Gotta be 130+

[NolimitZ32]

Post up on here when you get ready to start buying stuff we'll help you along. Thanks for serving man!

[300ZXttZMAN]

+1 ^

When you do get ready to start buying things I suggest you shoot an email to Specialty Z.

[Matteblk300zxtt]

Copy that, thanks everyone for the replies.

[StockTurbosFTW]

I have some questions for you...
What are you more concerned about, 1/4 mile time OR hp? If hp, is that on pump gas or race fuel? This is a very important question because your 1/4 mile goals are much easier and cheaper to attain than 500 rwhp, especially on pump gas.
You could realistically make those 1/4 mile times with closer to 400rwhp. To do that though you would want to focus on traction and weight reduction. Don't believe me? Check out this SZ blog...

http://specialtyz.com/blog/?p=56

447rwhp and ran an 11.4. That is on stock turbos with fewer upgrades than listed above.

Doing the upgrades listed above, minus major engine modification, here is a Z with stock turbos...

http://specialtyz.com/blog/?p=441

91 octane, 14 psi for 419 whp
100 octane, 20 psi for 463 whp
Q16, 21 psi peak for 499 whp

More stock turbo fun...
http://specialtyz.com/blog/?p=948

FOR RELABILITY, some slightly larger turbos would be better, so you aren't straining the piss out of the little buggers.

But if you goal is 1/4 time, I think that is easy enough to reach with stock turbos. Get some quality parts, such as SZ, ASHSpec, or parts from Import Part Pro. I think 2.5" all the way in and 3" will get the job done.

[Matteblk300zxtt]

@StockturbosFTW,

Sorry for the late reply, been pretty busy. I want to go fast, but not that fast. Mid 12's would be great, I see no need to go any faster than that. If you would like to see the car it is on Facebook, just look for Zen Motors Atlanta. Should be the only 300zx.

[StockTurbosFTW]

No problem. For mid 12s and reliability, but without getting into anything to difficult, this is what I would do...

Selin dual pop MAF translator
SZ 3" downpipes
SZ 3" test pipes
SZ 3" Catback
AshSpec Massives (intercoolers)
Turn the boost up to 15-16 psi on ur boost controler
A clutch to hold it, and may as well do a flywheel SZ has both
And some nice sticky tires

You should run mid-low 12s all day long.
Oh and may as well do a light weight crank pulley too.