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.
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!
