The Uncertain Evolution of a Z

[StockTurbosFTW]

The Uncertain Evolution of a Z

I decided to have my old build thread deleted because I do not know where I am going to end up. I have a couple ideas but with a new house, a 15-month-old, and a baby due in July, everything is up in the air. What I can do is give a detailed life of my Z and tell you what I have done to it. I will put proposed ideas for it but as the title suggests, I am uncertain…With that being said I will tell you what I do know about her based on the paperwork that came with the car.

She is a white 1995 TT Z that may have started her life in MO. The earliest paperwork I have dates back to 2002 in MO. Between then and 2004 it seems she was sold to someone in IL. Based on the paperwork it looks like she was well maintained. I have documentation of oil changes and the 60K kit.

Sadly in 2004 the car was in a wreck. The documents state it was in a collision and the point of impact was the front driver’s side. Thankfully someone paid for over 30 hours of labor to have her fixed up to look like new. From there the Z made its way to Virginia.

This is where I found her. In 2008 I was stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. I was looking for a car and a deal for a turbo Eclipse had just fallen through but that turned out to be a blessing. I was taking a stroll through the “Lemon Lot” and I saw this beauty. It was one of those cars I just assumed I would never see or ever be able to buy.








I decided to call for the hell of it and a few days later I had a new car…

Here she is sitting by my Eclipse





A little about for those of you that don’t know…

My car experience is crap. I am not good at working on them and probably never will be. I have done a lot of reading about the Z so I know some stuff about them but I continue to learn. I got into cars from the Fast and Furious moves (go figure) so of course this was my first car…a non-turbo 97 Eclipse ( I do still love the look of the car)






My Eclipse had intake, full exhaust, and headers. I thought it was fast…it was not…but it did get almost 40 mpg from the upgrades. I had my Eclipse until my wife totaled it (breaking her back in the process) a couple years ago. I have grown up since that car…I also had some fun in Germany…

I did not ship my car to Germany because I figured I would beat on it…so I got this…


Would not mind having one of these as a DD. This is also the car I learned to drive stick on…

After my deployment I got this…






Now that was an AWESOME car…but knowing I could not find parts for it in Germany, I knew I would never find parts for it here, so I sold her. I remember the times with the cruise control at 110 MPH…

Anyways, back to the Z

I bought the car from a woman that knew nothing about the car so I had to figure things out for myself. I discovered it had Stillen Catback Exhaust, JWT Popcharger, and JWT ECU. It also had a Greddy Turbo Timer and painted brake calipers. I found later on it also had an aftermarket clutch.

Shortly after getting the car I got it dyno’d. It was done on a Dynapack Pro. The numbers were 304.4 rwhp and 318.2 ft/lbs.

The start of the evolution will be in the next post or in an edit (if that is possible)

[chaunceysj]

ive heard of alpha's being a fun daily car. and nice z it looks clean!

[300ZXttZMAN]

I'm curious to know exactly what you mean when you say you are not good at working on them and probably never will be. Do you mean your worried that you wont be able to put it back together after you take something apart? Or that you have a hard time diagnosing various issues?

[StockTurbosFTW]

ive heard of alpha's being a fun daily car. and nice z it looks clean!

The Alphas are fun cars. I believe it was rated around 210-215 hp. Obviously it was not as fast as the Z but it had a great top speed and people do not expect it to be fast. Wish I could have brought it back to the US.

[StockTurbosFTW]

I'm curious to know exactly what you mean when you say you are not good at working on them and probably never will be. Do you mean your worried that you wont be able to put it back together after you take something apart? Or that you have a hard time diagnosing various issues?

I just have never been a car guy or a guy that likes to work with my hands. I took a class in school for working on cars but I would much rather pay someone to change my oil than get dirty. When we have furniture to put together around the house, my wife does it...I am more the kind of person that likes to read and explain things.

Also I am worried about putting things back together. I am just not got with engines. I would certainly feel more comfortable if someone knowledgeable was willing to do it with me.

[StockTurbosFTW]

After I had the Z I did not do anything until we came home to Minnesota in 2008. At this point I did not have much money so I wanted to do things that cost as little as possible. The first thing I did was cut the cats out and got straight pipes in. Here is what it looked like…

I also got 50mm Nismo Front Wheel Studs because my front wheels were being held on by a thread or 2.
My butt dyno felt a slight gain from the cats and as the weather got cooler my clutch started to slip in 4th and 5th gear. Then it was 3rd gear and then second…I knew it was time for a new clutch.
I decided to go with the RPS Max Street Clutch and Fidanza Lightweight Flywheel. I also got the Chromoly Clutch Pivot Ball, IPP Nissan SS Clutch Line, SZ Subframe Bushings, new Auto transmission Mount, UO 4-piece UD pulley set, H.I. Overdrive Water Pump Pulley, and last but not least SZ 4 Bolt Downpipes.



Here is what the Stillen Exhaust looks like…look at those nasty bends…

After waiting nearly a year I got everything except the pulleys installed. It felt like a totally different car. The boost kicked in so much quicker with the SZ DPs.
I had it dyno’d at two different places. I got her dyno’d at RS motors on a Mustang Dyno and made 284 rwhp and 278 ft/lbs @12.1-12.6 PSI. 13.9 AFR. The temp was 89 degrees.

My Z and another at RS Motors

I also had it Dyno’d at Full Blown Motors in Apple Valley, MN on a DYNOJET. There it made 288 rwhp and 301 ft/lbs. 85 degrees out.
My Z and another at Full Blown

Dyno Video

After that I just tried to do some minor weight reducing stuff. I took out the sub and amps, along with the spare tire and jack. I also removed the rear windshield wiper. I also went a little spray paint happy under the hood…Here is the car and some pics with my friends 2010 Mustang GT 321 rwhp 318 ft/lbs.







During this time I got a flat tire and ordered new tires for the car. Here is what I got…
Front-Kumho Ecsta XS 245/40/18 180/AA/A
Rear-Kumho Ecsta XS 275/35/18 180/AA/A
This concludes this major stage of my evolution. The next stage came with my signing bonus…

[StockTurbosFTW]

With my signing bonus I planned on going all out but could not get all the parts I wanted because Z1 was having problems with their TBs and my buddy told me he had 740s.

Here is what I ended up getting…
SZ 3”-2.5” Test Pipes
120K Mile kit with Ramey Idler Studs and silicon water bypass valves
SPL Tension Rods
AshSpec Planar 2.5” Inlet Pipe Kit
SZ Chip
Selin Dual MAF Translator with 2 JWT POPs
SZ Z32 Expansion Turbo Outlet Pipes
AshSpec Massives V2s SM Intercoolers
AshSpec 2.5” SMIC Piping

I had the TPs installed and had the car Dyno’d at Full Blown again. For whatever reason, they had my last dyno listed at 292 rwhp (as opposed to 288…not sure why…) With the TPs I made 317 rwhp and 331 ft/lbs for an awesome gain.

I will post dyno pictures at a later date.

[StockTurbosFTW]

Here are the parts that I ordered...





I ended up only getting my Selin Dual Pops installed...



I once again got the car Dyno'd to see what the Selin set up got me. The results wern't bad considering the condition of the motor. For whatever reason the tq was not listed on the dyno sheet that was printed out but my rwhp went from 317 to 330. The car now sits at 330 rwhp.

Here are some pics from SZ and AshSpec of the 2.5' piping. Figured this might be helpful to some people.








I also had a little fun and put mine together...

[bartZ32tt]

You've got some pretty sweet parts there..I'm jealous! I think I'm leaning towards taking the same approach as you - upgrading "breather mods" before worrying about turbos, but I'm just worried about blowing a turbo seal on these old 270* thrust bearing turbos.

as far as the TB's go, I def wouldn't go with Z1's but you should check out Rob'Z (from tt.net) throttle bodies - he's got many options available and he's very in-depth with his approach. He's even documented the machining process extensively as he is a machinist and does all the work himself. AFAIK, they have been flow tested but have yet to be dyno'd; however, there were a few positive posts about their performance from some users. Seems like the best solution currently available for our Z's.

[StockTurbosFTW]

You've got some pretty sweet parts there..I'm jealous! I think I'm leaning towards taking the same approach as you - upgrading "breather mods" before worrying about turbos, but I'm just worried about blowing a turbo seal on these old 270* thrust bearing turbos.

as far as the TB's go, I def wouldn't go with Z1's but you should check out Rob'Z (from tt.net) throttle bodies - he's got many options available and he's very in-depth with his approach. He's even documented the machining process extensively as he is a machinist and does all the work himself. AFAIK, they have been flow tested but have yet to be dyno'd; however, there were a few positive posts about their performance from some users. Seems like the best solution currently available for our Z's.

Yeah, I am planning on going with RobZ's TBs. Tony posted about them in my old thread so I read up on them. When the time comes to get those I will see how to get in contact with him.

[StockTurbosFTW]

As things sit, here is my current mod list...
Installed
SZ 3” Down Pipes
SZ 3”-2.5” Test Pipes
Stillen 2.5” Catback Exhaust
Selin Dual MAF Translator with 2 JWT POPs
SZ Subframe Spacers
Greddy Turbo Timer
IPP SS Clutch Line
Chromoly Clutch Pivot Ball
Fidanza Lightweight Flywheel
RPS Max Street Clutch
Rear-Kumho Ecsta XS 275/35/18 180/AA/A
Front-Kumho Ecsta XS 245/40/18 180/AA/A

In the garage
UO Underdrive Pulley /w other Pulleys
http://www.z1motorsports.com/product_in ... ts_id=1577
HI Overdrive Water Pump Pulley
120K Mile Timing Belt Kit with Ramey Idler Bearing Studs
SZ Z32 Expansion Turbo Outlet Pipes
AshSpec Massives V2s SM Intercoolers
AshSpec 2.5” SMIC Piping
AshSpec 2.5” Planar Inlet Pipe Kit
SZ Chip
SPL Tension Rods

Because of a number of issues that have come up a lot of these parts will be sitting around for a while. Basically here are the only things I have planned...

Greddy Profect B Boost Controller-
A guy I work with is going to install this for me...when, is the question...He has said he would do it now for a couple of months but keeps flaking out.

He actually offered to pull my motor this winter and it sounded like my wife would be down for me ordering the rest of the parts (which would be around 3K) but I just can't do it. If it has taken him over 2 months and 20 "lets do it tomorrows," I strongly question his ability to find time to do an engine pull. He said it would be easy to do it in the winter because he has nothing going on but I just can't risk it. I can't spend 3K on parts just for them to sit around...

Because of this I figured I would use what I could...that being the AshSpec Massives.

Intercooler Coupler Adapter Kit-
http://www.ashspecz.com/shop/prodInfo2.php?prodID=47
This will at least allow me to use the Massives even if I can't use the piping

120K Mile Kit (with Pulleys)-
This WILL be done by next summer whether my buddy does it, my friend's dad, or a shop. It needs to be done.
I have come to terms with the fact that many of my parts will be sitting around for a while so I made a decision about my next course of action. No more breather mods for my current engine…The next step is balls out on a new engine…
Before I get into that I will tell you about a previous goal (which most of you are familiar with) and that is a sick stock turbo Z. This is copy and pasted from my old thread, so if you are familiar with it, you can skip this part…
My goal is to make the most powerful stock turbo Z. I am aiming big and shooting for 450 rwhp on pump gas. If you want to tell me that is not possible, you may as well save it. Though I do think it will get that high I want to aim big. Here is a link on the SZ blog of a stock turbo Z making 419 rwhp on 91 octane at 14 psi and I plan on doing more than he has done…
http://specialtyz.com/blog/?p=441
Here is the planned list of major mods as far as the engine goes...

Engine will be installed by SZ and tuned by SZ
Rebuilt VG30 Long Block by IPP with JWT 500 Cams
BDE Upgraded VTC Intake Cam Gears
Tomei Exhaust Cam Gears
New Stock Turbos
HKS Internal Wastegate Actuators
BDE Motor Mounts
SZ Oil Pan
New EFI/EGI Wiring Harness
New Alternator/Transmission Harness
AshSpec Massives V2 Intercoolers (Have)
AshSpec 2.5” SMIC Piping Kit /w SZ Coned Outlet Pipes (Have)
AshSpec 2.5” Planar Inlet Piping Kit (Have)
Z1 Upgraded Throttle Bodies
Selin MAF Translator with JWT Dual Pops (Have)
Koyo Radiator
Z1 or Stillen Engine Oil Cooler
Nismo 740cc Fuel Injectors
UO Underdrive Pulley 4 piece set (Have)
HI Water Pump Pulley (Have)
3” SZ Down Pipes (Have)
3” SZ Test Pipes
3” SZ Catback Exhaust
Mike Smith Exhaust Manifolds
Z1 Platinum Series Driveshaft
RPS Max Street Clutch (Have)
Fidanza Lightweight Flywheel (Have)
Greddy Turbo Timer (Have)
SZ Chip (Have)
Blitz SBC i-D Spec-R Boost Controller
SZ ECU Map Selector
Snow Performance Stage 2 Boost Cooler Water Injection Kit

This plan has changed (hence the “uncertain” in the title.) I am going to make the sickest stock turbo Z…until I can afford to go big with SZ EXP90 Turbos. The motor and mods will be built for the EXP90s but will run stock turbos until that time comes. That will allow me to save up for the turbos with DPs ($4,354,) a second fuel pump ($300,) and possibly a FMIC (TDM-Works FMIC Kit,) though I think the Massives with larger piping will work (possibly $1,850.)
Here is what the new engine will be…
Stage 6 IPP built Long Block-
http://www.importpartspro.com/st5vgloblni3.html
I am sparing no expense and going balls out with the best out there. Here is a list of what the package includes…
This Stage 6 Nissan VG30 Long Block engine package is for a Nissan 300zx that wants serious power and the strongest engine available. This package will be good for up to 1200Rwhp and 8000 Rpm Rev Limit. This is not for the faint at heart!! The Stage 6 VG30 Long block comes with a full one year warranty against machining defects and comes with our 10+ years experience on building Nissan motors.

This Package Includes:

Products in bold are upgraded from previous stage

CP Pistons with full ceramic/moly coatings
Pauter or Carillo Rods
ARP Rod Studs
ARP Main Studs
Block Inspected and acid dipped
Block redecked
Block water passage bored out for more water to back cylinders
Block Bored and Honed using a Torque Plate
Crank center weight tig welded into place
Crank balanced
New Moly Coated Race Spec Main bearings installed
New Moly Coated Race Spec Rod bearings installed
Block prepped and assembled
ARP Head Studs
Tomei Cams(Your Choice)
Tomei HD Valve Springs
Tomei Solid Lifters
Titanium Retainers
Ferrea 1mm Oversized Valves
Heads inspected and cleaned
Heads Pressure Tested
Heads redecked
Ported exhaust and intake runners
5 angle radius cut valve job
Combustion Chamber work
Valve heights set
New OEM Valve stem seals
Heads prepped and assembled
New OEM Cam Seals
New Cometic Metal Head Gaskets
New OEM Oil Pump
New OEM Oil Pump Gasket

Engine will come with Heads bolted to block and torqued to spec.
When the time comes I will have the engine shipped to SZ. I will have SZ install it and send them back my old engine. I will also have SZ do the other required maintenance and modifications for the larger throttle bodies (going with RobZ) and the BDE Top Feed Fuel Rail Kit. At this point I can have my larger piping installed along with BDE motor mounts, MSP Manifolds, BDE Intake Cam Gears, Tomei Exhaust Cam Gears, and new stock turbos. At this point I would probably want a CF driveshaft but I might actually wait on full 3” Catback exhaust ($1,200 + the $360 for new TPs.) Finally an SZ tune. Credit will be used on this purchase…

[StockTurbosFTW]

Hey, haven't been on in a while. Dealing with the new baby. I know I was planning on getting a Juke but I might buy my buddy's car. Good gas milage and room for the kids. It is a 99 Infiniti G20. Here is his car...
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3377061/1 ... #guestbook
The car no longer has the turbo/intercooler. It is basically a stock motor, which is what I am looking for. I am talking to the wife today. It's mine for $4,500...

[StockTurbosFTW]

A buddy took a few pics of my car...I liked this one, so I thought I would post it...

[300ZXttZMAN]

Welcome back. How is the Z coming along?

[StockTurbosFTW]

Could be better...posted something in the tech area...
More just waiting for my wife to go back to work so I can get the G20...

[300ZXttZMAN]

Could be better...posted something in the tech area...
More just waiting for my wife to go back to work so I can get the G20...

I'm about to go check out the tech section.

[StockTurbosFTW]

Just bought a new friend for the Z...

[StockTurbosFTW]

It's spring, which means I am back...I have a hard time getting into my Z in the winter, and her condition didn't help...

When I was here last I talked about my overheating issue, so the car hasn't been running.

Also, the G20 has been a nightmare...
The guy I bought it from stopped talking to me. He told me he ordered the parts and everything. I don't get him...if you don't wanna do it, don't...it was not part of the deal...if you don't wanna do it, just tell me so I can find someone else to do it...But hey, at least I have half of his boost controller which will meet a hammer...
That issue not getting fixed made the car undrivable in traffic because I had to hit the clutch, brake, and the gas at the same time. I had to constantly rev the car to keep it from killing. Then I had other little crap that just made me bitter...Had 2 flat tires, a dead battery, bumper kept falling off so i finally paid someone to bolt it on, had a tire come off the car...only damage was to the fender, luckily...so now it needs a new fender. I wanted it to drive my kids around it and go to work...also my wife couldn't drive it...buying that car was a mistake...if you are a kid that is a car junky and has time, this car is for you...it is not for me...

So I am putting the car up for sale and we are in the process of buying a minivan. It just makes the most sense for our situation...Hoping to get a Nissan Quest.

Also I found someone to do the 120K mile kit for me...finally...so hopefully that will finally get done in the next month or so...I am starting to get Z fever again...was a little annoyed to be welcomed by a flat tire on her though...

[H1tman]

Welcome back. Sorry to hear about your car issues man, that G20 doesn't look half bad.

I remember my mom driving me to school in a Nissan quest...JDM since elementary school.

[StockTurbosFTW]

The looks were her good points...I wish that car would have worked out, but I guess it isn't meant to be...I'm sure some young punk with no kids will enjoy her...already set up for a turbo...all they need to do is slap one on...

[300ZXttZMAN]

It's spring, which means I am back...I have a hard time getting into my Z in the winter, and her condition didn't help...

When I was here last I talked about my overheating issue, so the car hasn't been running.

Also, the G20 has been a nightmare...
The guy I bought it from stopped talking to me. He told me he ordered the parts and everything. I don't get him...if you don't wanna do it, don't...it was not part of the deal...if you don't wanna do it, just tell me so I can find someone else to do it...But hey, at least I have half of his boost controller which will meet a hammer...
That issue not getting fixed made the car undrivable in traffic because I had to hit the clutch, brake, and the gas at the same time. I had to constantly rev the car to keep it from killing. Then I had other little crap that just made me bitter...Had 2 flat tires, a dead battery, bumper kept falling off so i finally paid someone to bolt it on, had a tire come off the car...only damage was to the fender, luckily...so now it needs a new fender. I wanted it to drive my kids around it and go to work...also my wife couldn't drive it...buying that car was a mistake...if you are a kid that is a car junky and has time, this car is for you...it is not for me...

So I am putting the car up for sale and we are in the process of buying a minivan. It just makes the most sense for our situation...Hoping to get a Nissan Quest.

Also I found someone to do the 120K mile kit for me...finally...so hopefully that will finally get done in the next month or so...I am starting to get Z fever again...was a little annoyed to be welcomed by a flat tire on her though...

Well we are happy to see you back! Sorry to here about all of the problems with the G20. Good luck on selling the car.

The Nissan Quest is a pretty good vehicle, depending on what year you get. Make sure you get 2004 or newer if possible because if not then its going to have a VG in it... Since its a transverse mounted VG there is a good chance the previous owner never spent the money/took the time to get the timing belt serviced because of how labor intensive the job is.

[StockTurbosFTW]

So a bunch of new stuff...

Finally got the Z back in service...you will never guess how much it cost me to repair it...10 bucks...A blown hose about 3 inches long was the problem...it is nice that it was so cheap to fix, but it was out of service for so long because of it...

Like always, I had a flat tire from the car sitting (though I get this, these tires were really old) so I went with the cheap option because of the wife...I put on the old wheels from my Eclipse...you guys will get a kick out of this...







Yup, I'm that guy right now...

I am also selling the g20...not the car for me at this point in my life. We picked up a Kia Sedona.

I also got some degreaser and went to work...


Also my trim looked like this...


A little flat black makes it look like this...


I also pissed my wife off because I just spent 300 bucks on stuff for the car. The most notable was the IC adapter kit. http://www.ashspecz.com/shop/prodInfo2.php?prodID=47

With this kit I will have my Massives V2s installed in a week or two.

Just having fun driving her again...made my mark on our newly paved road

[DCaff300ZX]

Heh...feeling the boost again was SURELY worth a little grief, and you can always point at the Kia and say it was reasonable to get two things done for your efforts! LOL

[StockTurbosFTW]

I went out and talked to her tonight. I am taking a stand and the 120K kit will be done!

[StockTurbosFTW]

Got a new part in the mail today...so far only a boost gauge for it, but others will come...

[StockTurbosFTW]

Just got my Iridium spark plugs. Don't know if my plugs need to be replaced, but I have never done it, so figured, why not?

[Roguepriest1287]

Just got my Iridium spark plugs. Don't know if my plugs need to be replaced, but I have never done it, so figured, why not?

Did the same thing today, did you have issues getting to the last plug on the Driver side lol? I did because I am bigger person @ 6'2 290lbs I kept getting caught up in the bar that holds the hood up . Other then that little issue it was pretty easy to do em. Easier then it is on my brothers 03wrx thats for sure

[StockTurbosFTW]

Did the same thing today, did you have issues getting to the last plug on the Driver side lol? I did because I am bigger person @ 6'2 290lbs I kept getting caught up in the bar that holds the hood up . Other then that little issue it was pretty easy to do em. Easier then it is on my brothers 03wrx thats for sure

You need these
http://www.zshop.ca/parts/z32-maroya-bl ... d-dampers/

[StockTurbosFTW]

It's spring, so I am back...if you haven't noticed, I disapear for the winter...I am selling the G20 I picked up...taking a loss on it, but as part of the sale deal I am getting my 120K mile kit done. I got lucky enough to find a mechanic and Nissan lover, so hopefully I found a long time friend...Hope to have that done in the next month or so...then it is just time to wait for the next thing to go wrong...

[DCaff300ZX]

Welcome back, hopefully this is the year you get it all done...