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!