APS TT Tune on Automatic 350Z
Another local customer of ours brought us his automatic Rev-up 350Z with the APS twin turbo kit already installed. Although he had previously been using the Haltech EMS, he gave us a visit for our tuning expertise.
With this being a car that gets daily driven for most of the year, we wanted to clean up any drivability issues and make as much reliable power as possible on our Dyno Dynamics. Despite using the automatic transmission, a TransGo valve body upgrade kit had been installed to help with shifting at these power levels.
This particular car utilized the newest public version of the Haltech software, which we have been privately testing on shop cars in previous weeks. Despite some initial hurdles from the new software, specific only to automatic models, our unmatched Haltech experience allowed us to produce nearly 390 whp between 9-10 psi. Wheel torque measured near a constant 350 throughout the entire powerband.
Between this much improved flat torque curve and constant power increase with the automatic transmission, this is one great daily driver. The fresh looking Daytona Blue paint is complemented nicely by a new Alliance big brake kit behind the popular Volk SF-Winning wheels. It’s great when the looks match the impressive power.
Haltech ECU Manager 1.06.1
Haltech ECU Manager 1.06.1 is now available, packed with new features and updates! Included with the software is new 350Z firmware 1.06.
A few of the key updates include:
- Long term fuel trims - in addition to bank-specific closed loop O2 correction.
- Long term knock retard.
- PC Logging - Records every channel displayed in software. This is in addition to the automatic onboard datalogging.
- Log playback overlaying maps - watch your logs replayed on your maps in realtime, slowed, or paused.
- Full screen tuning, delayed decel-cut after startup, customizable MAF-output, programmable shortcut keys.
As always, please backup your existing map and look through the software fully before updating your ECU.
Updated software may be downloaded at our Haltech downloads page: www.injectedperformance.com/haltech
Injected Powered 4.2L 350Z Blasts Off
This customer’s car has been years in the making, but all of the time invested is beginning to pay off! Over a year ago, we began working with this customer after another shop was unsuccessful in “trying new things” in a stroked VQ35 package that had been sold to him. After visiting our facility, seeing how we operate, and taking a look at our success in drag racing, he decided to go with one of our stroker VQ35 motors. This was just the beginning of his journey, as he decided to bypass his current Greddy turbo kit and go with a custom setup of twin 62mm turbos, fabricated by a local shop.
After a Haltech was installed and tuned by his local tuner, In Tune Motor Sports, clutch issues were found on the first trip to the drag strip. After our recommendation for a Tilton triple cerametallic clutch, widely used in the fastest Supras and growing popular in the VQ world, we promptly shipped out a kit for him to install. At the very next trip to the drag strip, he accomplished a 6.3 second pass in the 1/8th mile, which is good enough for a 9 second pass down the quarter mile.
Now that some setup bugs have been resolved, we look forward to turning this engine up on a high boost tune and a trip to the quarter mile drag strip! We would also like to wish a congratulations for sticking with the project and seeing your hard work pay off. Featured below is one of the low 6-second runs towards the end of the day. Although a time slip was not readily available at the time of this post, 60′ times reached as low as 1.38.
350Z Built HR with Greddy 20G Kit
A local customer of ours had recently purchased a 2008 Nissan 350Z with the relatively undeveloped VQ35HR motor inside. Although this particular engine bridges the gap between the more common VQ35DE and the all new VQ37VHR, it was only produced for two years in the 350Z, and lacks the amount of aftermarket options seen in other versions of Nissan’s VQ platform. However, this would not prevent us from porting our popular “Stage 1″ package over to the HR motor with a few minor tweaks.
The Nogaro Red 350Z was brought to us relatively stock, only featuring a Greddy True Dual Ti-C exhaust, which proves to be a perfect companion for any of the twin turbo kits available. The Greddy 20G Tuner twin turbo kit was chosen as the ideal solution for this car’s needs and budget. The setup would be controlled through the Haltech Platinum for 350Z, which can be wired in for cars equipped with the HR engine, and utilizing Deatschwerks 800cc injectors and a Walbro fuel pump to turn this “tuner” kit into a complete package.
Brian Crower rods and CP Pistons were used to help build our Stage 1 shortblock package, as well as new bearings, ARP L19 head studs, and a full gasket kit. Once the fresh engine had been reassembled, the car was ready to be broken in and then begin tuning at low boost. At only 6 psi, running off the wastegate spring, the strong VQ35HR was able to produce 395 whp on our Dyno Dynamics. This was the most amount of power we have seen produced at this pressure.
After a thorough initial tuning session, the car was ready to have the boost turned up a notch. By increasing pressure to approximately 13.5 psi, the car produced a whopping 513 whp before running out of fuel supply. This setup will be limited by the single Walbro pump until a dual pump hanger is installed and tuned for. Our customer will be more than pleased with this power level until deciding to turn the boost up even further for a real monster on the street. Our Stage 1 shortblock package will hold up to far more power than currently being used - perfect for the customer looking to plan for the future while the engine has already been removed.
The stout performance of the VQ35HR platform gives us high hopes for building the VQ37VHR from the 370Z when that time comes. Current owners of the 2007-08 350Z should rest assured that there are equally impressive sources of making big power as compared to earlier 350Z and G35 models.
E85 Tuning on GTM Twin Turbo G35
As a repeat customer, we last saw this beautiful example of a street G35 about a year ago. At the time, he brought his built 3.5L VQ35 for a tune on his APS twin turbo kit. Over 500 whp was safely achieved, and the customer backed it up with several 11 second quarter mile passes. While the power level was certainly enjoyable, he craved more. This year, he returned with a new turbo kit, the GTM Stage 5 with twin GT30’s, a bigger fuel system, the CJ Motorsports twin pump hanger and 1200cc injectors, and 30 gallons of E85 gas fresh from the pump.
After battling a smoking problem with the turbo’s oil supply and some electrical problems, we were able to begin tuning. With Hal behind the keyboard, it did not take long to get starting and driveability cleaned up and move on to the power tuning. After a solid baseline tune was established on wastegate spring pressure, 13 psi, the Haltech boost control was enabled and a maximum of 630 whp was achieved before running out of injector duty cycle. It is true that E85 requires as much as 30-40% more fuel compared to gasoline, which is an important factor to consider when weighing alternative options to race gas. Our customer picked up his car and immediately headed down to a National Mustang meet to represent the Nissans.
Since being tuned, this G35 has run an impressive 11.0 at 134 mph in the quarter mile. Judging from the trap speed, we agree that this car has a quicker time in store, even at the same power level. With some upgraded axles and possibly race gas, we look forward to seeing this car running easily in the 10-second range!
Fun at Import Face Off Ohio 2009
After an unsuccessful trip to last year’s Import Face Off in Columbus, OH with our drag car (canceled due to rain), Hal decided to take his freshly tuned 350Z up for the race. Having only changed wheels and added race gas, Hal unloaded his daily driver 350Z for a beautiful day of racing, watching, and having fun. Despite bringing the motor home and stacker trailer, Hal maintained a low-key effort, focusing on enjoying the races with friends. This was his first full event for testing the car on the drag strip, so there was much to be learned in testing the car.
The first pass resulted in a respectable 10.8 at 145 mph quarter mile. After qualifying for first in his current class of about 30 competitors, Hal bumped up to the Forced Induction Pro class, where he would eventually also qualify first. His second pass overall showed a noticeable improvement at 10.1 with a similar trap speed. In between passes, the guys had a chance to get up on top of the motor home for a few pictures of the turnout on a cool and comfortable afternoon.
On just the third pass, showing how experience behind the wheel of a relatively new setup can drastically help, Hal fired off a 9.891 at just about 149 mph. This is almost exactly one second off the time from our own drag car at the same event last year. Needless to say, Hal is extremely happy with the results of his Injected Performance Stage 1+ short block and mildly modified head. The properly sized single turbo and piping setup makes for an amazing powerband that can still put the power down through the stock six-speed. As mentioned before, we like pushing the limits on our cars so that your builds don’t have to!
Sadly, in Hal’s first competition run, he got a bit “drift-happy” and let out after nearly reaching a 45 degree angle with his car at two separate points down the track. It wasn’t until the slowest qualifier, his competition for the first round, passed him until he remembered he was in an elimination round. We can forgive him though; I think we’d all be a little overwhelmed if we just found out our daily driver was capable of running 9 second times! Despite losing in the first round of the competition itself, it was a fun day for Injected Performance, and Hal joined the ranks of the fastest 350Z’s in the country. Although he has no plans to convert his car into a full drag build, we are still proud for him and his new best time.
Turbonetics Low vs High Boost
Vince’s car made for an interesting case study on the effects of higher boost on some twin turbo kits for the VQ35. This customer had decided to upgrade his injectors to the Deatschwerks drop-in 600cc’s before his tuning session. As a stocking dealer for Deatschwerks, and other injectors, this was not a problem to complete the install and immediately begin the tuning.
After reaching sufficient gains at his current 8 psi, he requested us to turn up the boost to see if more power could be made. While a bit more torque was made throughout the powerband, this dyno shows that a 3 psi gain in boost resulted in more power earlier, but a significant drop off in top-end power. The Turbonetics kit has been known for providing a nice power curve in its’ off the shelf configuration, but it begins to choke the power at higher boost. Both maps were included for the customer to decide which he preferred better.
Self-Installed Vortech Tuning
Nick brought us his very clean looking 2003 350Z on 18″ RPF1’s with a Vortech supercharger kit that he had installed himself. After having us install some new injectors, he wanted to be re-tuned using his Split Second piggy back. The limitations of this were quickly found, and he plans to upgrade to a UTEC or better in the near future.
Despite fighting through some issues with the piggy back system, Hal was able to produce a nearly perfectly linear power curve with strong torque numbers throughout the powerband. Although our heartbreaker dyno struck again with final numbers, I’m sure this powerband makes for a very fun car around town.
Hal’s Personal 350Z Testing
Our in house tuner, Hal, has a 350Z of his own that he enjoys playing with after hours. Much of what we sell is tested on our own cars first, so we’re sure that it works for our customers. Our drag car has always been one of the “test mules,” but Hal’s car receives credit as well for pushing the limits of his VQ35 so you don’t have to. This particular 350Z is a daily driver for the most part, capable of making big power while reliably running on regular pump gas.
Hal’s 350Z features an Injected Performance Stage 1 shortblock, our most popular 3.5L build, with Eagle rods and CP pistons. No head work has been done except for Brian Crower Stage 3 cams, matching springs and retainers, and the Cosworth intake manifold. This dyno run of 613 whp shows the typical power it makes on 93 octane pump gas and no type of meth injection or similar.
These results show the benefits of a properly sized turbo and piping setup. In this case, it is a GT4202R. Power is made even at the 8,000rpm mark, well above a stock VQ35.
After adding a bit of Q16 and turning the boost up to 28psi, Hal continued to tune with the Haltech to reach a final level of 772 whp. Stay tuned as Hal prepares to get ready for the track to make a few shakedown passes.
An Unexpected Power Enterprise Build
Several months ago, one of our customers had a recently purchased 350Z with the Power Enterprise TT kit that unexpectedly decided to let go on him soon after purchasing. Rather than giving up on it, he decided to let us work through the issues and make him some more power in the meantime.
Upon picking the car up, we soon noticed that the Power Enterprise manifolds and turbos would need to be replaced at the very least. In addition, several years of rust from the salt and snow along the coast had taken a toll on his engine bay and engine itself.
We decided to go with brand new Power enterprise manifolds and turbos, an Injected Performance Stage 1 short block, and fresh heads with upgraded valvetrain. Many other items were replaced with brand new components as well, including a powdercoated front engine cover and Power Enterprise air filters.
Our customer wanted to continue using his UTEC for engine management, and several maps were created for different power levels and exhaust setups. At the time, a stock-like exhaust was still installed on the car. This severely limited the amount of power to be made. Disconnecting the exhaust yielded major gains, and showed more than enough evidence for our customer to decide on a larger and more free-flowing exhaust. The dyno chart below shows a before and after with his original exhaust and then removing the restrictive piping.
After a thorough re-build, our customer was happy to receive his refreshed 350Z. He is now enjoying a very responsive and reliable Power Enterprise kit that is surely lots of fun on the street. We used our motorhome and fully enclosed trailer to deliver the car back on a beautiful Monday morning.
