Z32 N/A High Compression build

[TwinTurboTyler]

i posted this up in intro but i was told it's better to repost it here. lol

so I just bought my NA z32 a couple months ago. I've been planning this build before i even bought the car but i thought i'd try to get some feedback/opinions on it before i start buying parts.

seems most of the engine builds/modifications i see people doing to their NA's are twin turbo conversions. it's a nice idea, i thought about it, but i've decided to build a higher compression NA so i can be reliable with a bit more power. the plan thus far is going 11.5:1 compression forged pistons and port/polished heads w/ new lifters. (obviously with strong performance gaskets/seals too) in addition to the build i also want to run a performance ECU. are there any others that have done this exact build or something similar? the key here is getting the parts for this build while reasonably keeping costs down. let me hear your thoughts!

[NolimitZ32]

Its a great idea that many have had however most turn away from it because you hit a ceiling with high compression VGs a ceiling which is too low for the amount of money required to do it, I looked at doing something similar some time ago but ended up going with the TT swap. I don't believe I have ever seen a completed high comp build so it would be very cool if you actually undertook this.

[es.biggs]

I agree man that would be awesome if you did it. I don't think I've seen anything online about anybody actually doing one. Never looked hard though. This is a fun idea and I'm interested to see it. I think it will definitely make a difference but whether or not it's gonna be a huge difference, I don't know!

[Z31toZ32]

sounds cool to sail into uncharted territory, but why re-invent the wheel. a tt is already available, makes a crapload of power, and has enough problems to keep up with on its own.

[TwinTurboTyler]

yeah part of me wants to be the guinea pig, and the rest of me screams VQ35! the high comp idea is losing my interest and excitement by the day. everyone that i've asked about that build said that the horsepower ceiling is WAY too low for the money i'm going to spend on it. but even if i decide against the high comp idea, i still don't think i wanna go the TT route. i need a daily. and i definitely don't wanna deal with TT problems on a car thats supposed to stay on the road. that being said i have no knowledge of the VQ35 swap either. that would be my next question... how many people have done it? is it difficult? expensive? and can i keep A/C and the rest of the luxuries?

[Z31toZ32]

i do like the idea of the vq because you can get the tt power level without the turbo lag, but there you go reinventing the wheel again. not to rain on your parade here, but that would require a lot of knowledge, custom fabrication, time, and money. people swap the tt engine into the na and spend 5-10k by the time it is over with, and that procedure is well documented. i can't imagine what would happen with something custom. why not just buy a tt? and if you need a daily, id buy a civic or something practical.

fast, cheap, and reliable. you can only pick 2.

[es.biggs]

How is a high compression build going to be thaaaat expensive? Just interested in it...I'd think what you'd need forged internals, probably custom pistons - that'd be your money right there. I don't see it going too expensive though. Given the term expensive is a different number for everybody...I think it'd be possible for under 3k. That said, $3,000 is a big chunk out of the TT swap, which is guaranteed power and reliability, and easier. Also the HP ceiling on the TT is sky high

[NolimitZ32]

Not saying it will be expensive straight out, we're saying it will be expensive to squeeze a load of power out of a high compression VG to make it worth the money spent.

[es.biggs]

Ohhhh gotcha. I wanna know what kind of numbers it'd put up.......lol but I gotta admit if I was going to put money into it like that I'd go with a TT swap or something else that's proven.

[TwinTurboTyler]

thanks for the feedback fellas. i've decided to just go with a TT swap. ill keep you all posted on my progress. should be a fast car.

[N.Blader]

I personally still love the idea of a na with power put to the maximum. The idea of upgraded cams along with titanium internals; zero gap ring's on forged piston's and a custom intake piping kit. ..music humming inside my skull.. similar to the vibrations i feel from my modified exhaust.

[Ace2cool]

Agreed on all accounts, but.....

custom intake piping kit.

At this point in a build, I'd have to smack myself if I didn't go ITB. I wanna do a high compression engine one day, but right now, I'm just gonna up the boost

[vulcanrush]

I personally still love the idea of a na with power put to the maximum. The idea of upgraded cams along with titanium internals; zero gap ring's on forged piston's and a custom intake piping kit. ..music humming inside my skull.. similar to the vibrations i feel from my modified exhaust.

titanium internals?
titanium is pretty heavy, and it's not good at heat transfer, and machining it is pretty tough/pricey.

[NolimitZ32]

All moly internals would be cool, not very light but you could throw staright knock at em and they would laugh.

[DCaff300ZX]

Agreed on all accounts, but at this point in a build, I'd have to smack myself if I didn't go ITB.

Nice to see you think this way too Ace, let's find someone who has or can make an ITB setup for the VG30DE!
Now that engine time is getting close I will be beating the bushes, I want an ITB VG bad...

[DJ Raijin]

if you want an NA 300ZX, your best bet is a VH swap ;-)

[NolimitZ32]

How much would you bee willing to pay for some ITBs?

[N.Blader]

What is 'ITB'?

Thanks for the pointer of Titanium.. always thought it sounded cool, guess i never thought it would be worse. What would increasing the valve seat do?

[es.biggs]

ITB's = individual throttle bodies. Tons of benefits for NA applications. Some BMW M engines use them, among many other performance engines.

[Ace2cool]

Depending on performance results, I'd be willing to throw up to 2 grand for an ITB setup. That is, IF I still have my N/A when this comes about. If you're gonna use a manifold setup though, I'd like to see how that would work out with a TT setup, since you would still be able to boost it.

[NolimitZ32]

The reason I'm planning a manifold setup is because going atmospheric intake would cut out the MAF and would require a piggy-back or stand-alone to run MAP. It is much easier for me to make a set of ITBs drawing from atmosphere but that would mean the end consumer (if this ever became more than a prototype) would need to spend lots of time and money on EM. But this is a work in progress so never say never, we'll see where it goes.

[es.biggs]

I like the route you are choosing man, and I agree! This is cool, keep us updated

[TwinTurboTyler]

so as of about a week ago i've been in the market for a TT motor. if anyone knows of someone selling theirs please send them my way. i'm officially getting the ball rolling on the TT swap.

[fyneyoungstunna]

So you gave up huh?

I hear a lot of people throw around the term Hp Ceiling, but if you know much of anything about the N/A's that are out there, and I'm not talking about SUPER-CAR N/A's, then you know 300 hp N/A , is an outstanding number for any car or application. After that your focus should shift to lightweight parts and losing weight yourself. Just about anything after 300hp on a garage build is going to result in an unreliable time-bomb. I can almost guarantee you that you'll be more than happy with that kind of power if you remember ONE thing: N/A's are not meant to compete in the realm of T/T's. Its just comparing golden apples to rotten oranges. There's a reason that most motorsport events have a separate category for TT.

upping the compression will help a bit, aftermarket cams will as well. ITB's will take it to the next level, but MOST of the results after heavy machine work is going to be in the tune. Also E85 or methanol injection is gonna help as well. I say e85 because you can advance the timing to stupid degrees with that stuff.

anyways good luck! oh and talk to the boys over at Z1, they can help you A lot on your N/A journey....