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!
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.
Injected Performance Dyno Shootout at ZdayZ 2009
Injected Performance is proud to announce the official ZdayZ 2009 Dyno Shootout!
We will be bringing our Dyno Dynamics to Fontana Village for the weekend of ZdayZ, May 28-31st, 2009. We all know that there are infinitely many variables that determine your exact dyno results. Whether it be altitude, temperature, the brand of dyno, or just the time of the year - everyone is always trying to compare results from varying conditions. We wanted to provide yet another attraction to the ZdayZ festivities this year:
FREE DYNO PULLS!
On both Friday and Saturday of ZdayZ weekend, we will offer free dyno runs for registered attendees of ZdayZ 2009. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for trophies for the highest horsepower - both forced induction and naturally aspirated. Many other “honorable mention” trophies will be announced later
How can you receive a free dyno session at ZdayZ this year?
Simply send us an email (through this blog) with your name, contact info (email and cell phone, preferably), the year and model of your car, and a detailed list of applicable engine modifications currently done. A few pictures, if available, would be helpful as well for us to recognize you at Fontana Village. As we receive requests, we will try our best to accommodate everyone. A time slot will be provided to you as we come closer to finalizing the schedule.
LOCATION: The dyno will be available in front of the General Store at Fontana Village on select times on Friday and Saturday. Those who have signed up for a dyno session in advance will have an assigned time slot. If extra time is available, walk up sessions may be provided.
TIMES: There will be four sessions of dyno pulls. We will schedule as many as we can to a particular time slot so that you know when you should be readily available in the area for your dyno runs. Friday and Saturday will have two sessions each:
Friday, May 29th:
11:00am to 1:30pm (EST)
2:00pm to 5:00pm
Saturday, May 30th:
10:00am to 12:00pm
12:30pm to 3:00pm - High Horsepower Shootout
COST: All participants are eligible for a free dyno session consisting of 2-3 runs. A printout of your results will be provided at no extra charge. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we can only accommodate a certain amount of dyno sessions.
OTHER INFO:
- Nissan Z and G cars (2WD only) have first priority.
- Trophies for highest horsepower (naturally aspirated and forced induction)
- Other honorable mention trophies
- Trophies will be awarded after Saturday’s session
- You will sign a waiver at ZdayZ acknowledging that your car is in optimal running condition to be used on the dyno. In an effort to offer as many free dyno sessions as possible, no tuning will be done.
- Please email us to request a spot and include the information described above. I cannot guarantee that we will accommodate everyone into one of the dyno sessions, although we will try our best.
Travel Tuning
When traveling to our shop for a tune is not an option, we fly to our customers. Last week Hal was down in Houston, TX breaking in a new VQ35. Ernie (aka Niceguy on the forums) has been hard at work in the garage, outfitting his G35 coupe with a new built 3.5L vq35de, SFR twin 60-1 turbo kit, plenum spacer, valve-body upgrade, Precision injectors, return fuel system, custom 3″ exhaust, Haltech dual widebands, and of course a Haltech Platinum 350z ems. After break-in tuning and driveability tuning it was time for the fun part - power tuning. The first dyno run was just shy of 400whp and it was not long until we hit his 500whp goal. Impressive horsepower through the Nissan automatic. Due to high intake air temperatures with the SFR intercoolers (160+°F) we decided to stop here and a more efficient intercooler is in the works. With the tune and the dual widebands at work, the owner was impressed that the car ‘truly drives like stock’.
XXX Racing Fuel Gains 14whp on Stock 370Z
We had a chance to test XXX Racing Fuel’s new 138 oxygenated blend in our Nissan 370Z. After making a few pulls to get a consistent baseline on our 370Z (260whp), we added 5 gallons of oxygenated XXX race gas. The result was 274whp, an impressive 14whp gain.
XXX Race Gas Comparison Video:
XXX Racing Fuel Comparison Dyno Chart:
Stock Nissan 370Z Dynos 258whp
Our new 2009 Nissan 370Z was strapped down to our “heart breaker” Dyno Dynamics dynamometer for the first of many dyno sessions. The heart of the 370Z, a 3.7L VQ37 HR engine, drew a beautiful dyno curve and produced 258whp.
For reference, here are some comparison figures from stock Zs on our dyno:
2003 Non-Revup 350Z: 215whp
2006 Revup 350Z: 234whp
2009 VQ37VHR 370Z: 258whp
The rich AFR looks promising for gains with an Injected Performance reflash or Haltech Platinum 350Z EMS - both of which will be tested in the near future. Please see the dyno chart and video below.
