Looking for advise on FI

[matt_2036]

So here is the deal. I have an 03 350z with quite a few mods. The mods that are pertinent to this conversation are a 3.9 final drive borla cat back exhaust, plenum spacer, central 20 280 lobe cams, and UR underdrive pulleys. I would like to go fi and get my car into the low to mid 300 whp range. I like the gearing of the 3.9 final drive and don't want to swap it out so I really don't want any more hp then that. Her is the dilemma and the three options I have, and the pros and cons as I see it. I live in Charleston where there are no good tuners that work on 350z's. there is however one of the best z tuning shops in America 5 hours away in Atlanta at forged motor sports. So here are my options.

1. Greddy twin turbos installed and tuned at forged motor sports. $10,000Pros: Extremely good tune from these guys, and twins turbos would be cool. Cons: The most expensive option, and if i have a problem down the road they are 5 Horus away to help me out.

2. Vortech installation at forged motor sports. $7600 installed and tunedPros: since i am not looking for a ton of ho this would really work well for allot less money.Cons: I have hear of allot of people having problems with these needing re tuned after a while, and again the shop that tuned it is 5 hours away.

3. Stage 3 stillen sc. $5000 shipped, $700 for the hood, and $1500 local installation.Pros: Again since i am not looking for anything more then whp in the low to mid 300's this gets me to where I want to be, and it's self tuned. This is a big plus also since the installation is local. Also i like the more recent hood option they offer. I know normally it is a con for most people, but is a plus for me. Probably the most reliable of the three.Con: I have hear that twin screw sc's create more heat then either other option, plus belt replacement I have heard is a constant problem with these.

So there it is guys, please let me know what you think.

thanks,Matt
Modified by matt_2036 at 7:57 AM 1/21/2008

[BlackSmoke]

IMO I would go with the GREDDY configuration.

Vortech...hmm.I have heard more bad than good, I would be less likely on that setup.

Stillen...NO, I know 2 people who where very disappointed with the outcome of the stage 3 install and its upkeep.

[merlin3]

go with greddy, you won't regret it. That's what i have. Also forged is one of the best shops out there. Greddy also has much more room for more power when you decide that you want more.

[matt_2036]

Thanks for the opinions, and I agree with the upsides you have posted. However if you were in my shoes would you not be a little leery about having your tuner shop 5 hours away? I mean the only two places that tune here do not do Nissans. I know that forged is the best, but I worry about having problems down the road and not being able to get it worked on by anyone.

[matt_2036]

Was they're problem with the belt slipage? What else didn't they like about it?

[NSRsheets]

Either option #1 or option #2 are both good choices. I am personally thinking about the Greddy tt kit ,but I would go with either one of those options.

[matt_2036]

Either option #1 or option #2 are both good choices. I am personally thinking about the Greddy tt kit ,but I would go with either one of those options.

What is wrong with the stillen kit? It seems to make good power down low. Remember I really don't want anything aproaching 400whp, becasue i want to keep the 3.9 rear.

[merlin3]

the stillen kit imo is not worth the money. If you're going supercharger go vortech. I know you say you don't want over 400hp right now but everyone I know that starts out small wishes they would have gone with tt to start with eventually.

[504 350z]

if you get a chance ck out procharger.com for the 350, from what i hear they have a good rep. and make a excellent product. at least it's another option. good luck.

[Racer-X]

My advice... don't do it at all!

THREE engines and THREE turbos later, I sometimes I wish I had stopped at all of the N/A mods.

Unless you are willing to risk reduced engine life, reduced drivability and reduced reliability, I would recommend against it.

You will end up needing a stronger clutch at least, plus additional cooling. Be sure to factor those into your budget.

[matt_2036]

Thanks for the advice guys. I think I am not going to do it at all. Really with the power mods I have including the 3.9 rear it really wont make my car any faster 0-80. Even the vortech guy admitted that. I just wouldn't be able to get any traction. I thik I am instead going to spend the money on a roll bar, racing seats, harness, 6 caliper wilwood's up front, test pipes, and headers. Not all of thos things are nessesarily power adders, but they will all make me faster on the track.