Z Plans...

[spitalul2bad]

Hi guys,

Since the Z forums are pretty low on activity, I thought I'd post some plans I have for my Z.
Some already know my Z and my mods, but I'll run through it for the sake of other members
that weren't here a year or so ago - or some that simply didn't visit these forums back then.

I've got a REV-UP Grand Touring convertible with

Injen CAI
Motordyne Plenum Spacer
Motordyne MREV2 Manifold
Unorthodox Pulley
Lightweight Flywheel
DC Sports Headers
Megan Racing Hi-Flow Cats
HKS Hi-Power True Dual Titanium Cat-Back
ECU Reflash

I have run into some problems with it all. Although there is no forced induction, I've managed
to blow the engine after just 17000 kilometers; had it replaced under dealer warranty. I have
not been given a reason why the engine simply melted one of its pistons and subsequently punched
a hole in the block and left me stranded. However, I was on a Formula 1 track at the time...
In any case, things got sorted out, and I have a new engine. The car has since done another
10000 kilometers on said new engine. I have gone to several track days with the car and it all
seems to be working fine; even though I got some pretty odd (very VERY low) numbers on a recent
dyno run.

I got some 19 inch Tenzo R wheels for my birthday (who knew the girlfriend actually paid attention
to what I like; i.e. the car) and have now ordered some new Toyo R888s for them. 235/35 in front
on a 8.5J and 265/35 in the rear on a 10J. However, after a test fitting, I noticed a seemingly
huge space between the would-be tire and the front wing of the car. Solution? Get some good
coilovers. I poured over the forums, wikis, what-have-yous and found that the Bilstein PSS coilovers
only stiffen the car up by 27 to 30 percent versus stock, as compared to Tein or Stance which stiffen
the car by as much as 127 percent. But, I will be running 19s, so I needed a front camber kit and
a rear toe kit... I picked Cusco for front and SPC for the rear. So, I am now in the position to spend
a whole heap of money on the car again...

The cost for tires: 1320 euros delivered.
The cost for the coilovers: 1300 euros delivered.
The cost for the Cusco arms: 486 euros delivered.
The cost for the SPC rear arms: 300 euros delivered.

And, after all this, I need a new clutch as well...

The cost for the Exedy Sport Stage 1 clutch with alignment tool: 500 euros delivered.

I'm looking at a total 3706 euros, or about $4787.4108 (google conversion). Pretty steep. The thing is
I also was looking into forced induction. And I was in the price range to get a supercharger kit for the Z.
The Vortech kit probably. Why supercharger and not twin turbo? Easy: I've already got money sunk in
mods. Turbos would mean getting rid of almost all of them. And there's no place to sell these mods in
Europe; so no getting any of my money back. A supercharger kit would be fine... keep it on low psi for
the stock internals and I'll be fine. I need a full and complete kit because there's no GOOD shop where
I could get a good ECU tune, even with a stand-alone management system. So that's my reasoning for
getting the supercharger. Which is about another $4400 (polished Vortech) without shipping and
handling.

I am also very afraid of blowing another engine. I feel uneasy about supercharging it... even with a lowly
PSI boost number. If, however, I do end up blowing another block, the dealer warranty will not cover
me again (it expired)... So I will end up shelling out huge amounts of dollars on a US shop to build me
a fully forged engine that can safely withstand 500rwhp and then ship it to me in Europe. And then I can
safely up the boost on the supercharger, get the smaller pulley or even a better blower and make
500rwhp. Oh, and get a new clutch.

So, we reach the conclusion... For right now... I'm getting tires and coilovers for the new 19 inch wheels.
And a new clutch. With time, I'll add a nice Vortech kit and keep it working safe on stock internals. When
and if the motor does let go, I'll probably have the money to buy a built block in the States and ship it here.
Then I can get some small mods for the supercharger and reach 500rwhp... And I'll have the mods to support
it hopefully... coilovers and wide semi-slick tires to put the power down, headers, hi-flow cats and cat-back
for breathing... And I'll get a new clutch. The only fear I'll have then is... when I put my new built block on
the car... who'll do the tune? There'll still be nobody here than can do it.

That's it.
NICO brothers... time to punch holes in my logic, make me see the flaws... Keep me from spending the
money in wrong ways on stupid and wrong parts. Would the twin turbo route be better? I would end up
spending quite a bit on that... Is the whole plan stupid to begin with? Enlighten me... and thanks for reading.

[BusyBadger]

I'm a big NA fan, and being a fellow Rev Up I'll probably be doing the same Motordyne dynamic duo mods that you listed. I might keep it "all in the family" and go with their new dual exhaust too. But those are all later on down the road for me. If I ever do go forced induction it will be with an SC though.

One mod I haven't seen in your list that you should certainly do, given your habit of tracking and having a hot engine is an oil cooler and either an oil pan spacer, or hi capacity oil pan. I'll be ordering one of them to put on next time I change my oil. I don't have the need for an oil cooler though. Also a finned differential cover to help keep that cool too is pretty cheap insurance.

Now I see why you were so interested in picking up that spare VQ that was up for sale over in classifieds.

[6bang]

sounds like a ricer!

[spitalul2bad]

Who are you again? Oh yeah... M3 driver. 'nuff said.

@Badger
I like your way, in keeping the engine N/A. I haven't fully committed to anything,
as I'm still pondering on what to spend the money

[_b.jaye_]

Injen CAI
Motordyne Plenum Spacer
Motordyne MREV2 Manifold
Unorthodox Pulley
Lightweight Flywheel
DC Sports Headers
Megan Racing Hi-Flow Cats
HKS Hi-Power True Dual Titanium Cat-Back
ECU Reflash

Why supercharger and not twin turbo? Easy: I've already got money sunk in
mods. Turbos would mean getting rid of almost all of them. .

well, what? just the headers & CIA, right? you'd need another reflash no matter what method of FI you go, unless your changing management types, which ill own up to being pretty clueless on. so thats really the only hardware id think you couldnt make use of. and items of that size would probably be pretty easy to throw on ebay & recoup some cost.

all this & the fact that you dont seem too terribly concerned about replacing your motor after another catastrophic engine failure make me want to say if you do want to go TT or even a roots style charger, (both of which id take over the SC, but its mostly just personal preference) i'd say nows the time to make the call.

in any case, looking forward to some clips & pics. your cinematics are top-notch.