Opinions for a 500bhp Daily Drifter

[Evaprototype]

Hey guys,

I'm currently putting together a TT swap for a 90 NA that I'm swapping to make a daily drifter/occasional road course car. I have everything ordered or on the way to build the motor up, including wiseco's, shotpeened rods, and a complete gasket/timing set/gates belts from COZ. The block has been leveled and deglazed, and heads been milled and all valves/stem guides replaced. So, the motor's going to be well sorted.

On the flip side, I'm lacking in empirical evidence for what I'm going to need for the boost side of the equation. So here's my questions:

• What turbos are in this ballpark? I know of the sport 500's, but I seem to recall that someone said these modded stock turbos were pretty inefficient. And jesus, can't a guy buy a turbo without a core charge? Yes, I realize that they need them to make the next set for the next guy, but as an NA swap fella, I have to go find some turbos or just eat the core charge, and that sucks.
• IC's - I've read the stock IC's are good for over 500, but they tend to heat soak. I was considering just picking up an FMIC with hardpipes.
• Tuning - There are chips everywhere...is it safe to assume the Z1/COZ/etc chips are conservatively tuned at this relatively low (not 800hp) hp level?
• Exhaust mani's - I know everyone salivates over the MSP mani's, but are they necessary at this level, or should I stick with stockers? Also, I could use some downpipe recommendations. FYI, the car has catback 2.5" exhaust.

I know I haven't listed some bits on here (fueling/bov's) but these are kind of some design driving questions I have right now. As for budget, I have about 5-6k to spend at the moment. Obviously, the less, the better...I can spend more on other things like suspension! If you have any questions, please ask and I'll get back to you.

Thanks in advance, guys.
Chris

[itsa300zx]

Engine wise, you will be good for your 500bhp goals(approx 425 ish whp). One thing I may suggest are NA oil squirter vs the TT, the direct oil better for wiesco pistons.

As for turbos, even stocker will get you there with breather mods, injectors and a good tune. I would suggest jwt 530 or 550 turbos, they are pretty good spooling turbos. 2.5" intercooler piping and intercoolers are a must.

Exh wise, go for the 3" DP and MS mani, this will really wake up the turbos. Also 3"to 2.5" test pipes, that way you can use your existing cat back.

Don't forget about the clutch, get a quality one like the SZ hi 5 and boost controller.

Just for reference, I run stock turbos, mani, selin dual intake, 740 cc injectors, z1 coolers and 2.5"DP /tP with a SZ tunning. My power levels are 390whp (approx 470 bhp) and 403 ft.lbs tq. at 16.7 psi boost. They said that I could make about 425whp with larger intake piping and 3" DP.

Hope that helps

[Evaprototype]

Thanks for all the insight, itsa300zx.

I'm glad you mentioned the Sport 530s, I had been looking at those and decided that it was right in the pocket of performance that I was looking for. I'll look into picking up some 2.5" piping and IC's.

On exhaust, I've ordered some Z1 divorced 5-bolt downpipes and test pipes. I'm going to try to find some used MS manis, but it looks like they're unicorns in the used market. I'll probably bite the bullet and buy new ones.

Good on ya for the clutch recommendation, I already have a South Bend uprated clutch on the way. I'm thinking I'll pick up a Greddy Profec B Spec II. I had one a while back and it did the job.

Those are some solid numbers on stockers! I'll be running the stock intake for now so I'll probably suffer a little for that.