What's up guys. I'm in the process of swapping out my turbos. The turbo swap will be completed in 3 weeks, I'm having a mechanic do it on the side on the weekends. I'm putting in new stock turbos, and just got my hands on a JWT ecu. Other than the chip, the car is completely stock. This is my question: I'm looking into buying an air intake kit and full exhaust system. I'd like to avoid having the "coffee can" look in the back of my Z, just because I think it looks super cheesy. Ultimately, I'd like my Z to sound as close to the pitch and loudness as a Ferrari (360 Modena) as possible. Now, I know that this may very well not be possible, because the 360 puts out 398 hp naturally aspirated, but I'd like to get some input from the different Z32 owners on the different exhausts and what are the better ones. I figure with chip and exhaust I should be putting out close to 400 hp anyway, so maybe it's possible to get an exhaust that sounds really cool, mature power, instead of the cheesy ricer sound. I've heard the most about B&B, Borla, and HKS...I'm pretty fackin confused. While I'm at it, which air intake should I get? JWT, HKS megaflow...? I'm new to the mod scene, I'm trying to lightly tune my Z, so any useful advice would be appreciated a ton. Thank you BROKE AS **** and K3SMOSTWANTED for your great input on ECU upgrades and turbo swaps.

well intakes dont really matter all that much...as long as it is quality.

the most popular choice is the JWT pop-charger. it is engineered to deliver a really smooth air stream into the intake stream.

as for cat-back exhausts...i think the best looking and one of the best performing exhausts are the Labrees. you can find them at http://www.specialtyz.com

while you have the turbos being exchanged i would look into getting some downpipes. you will have a hell of a time trying to install downpipes with the transmission in. im pretty sure your mechanic will be pulling the engine or atleast the transmission to install the new turbos. so this would be a wise choice. this is how it gets expensive really fast...most people tell themselves that while i am doing this, i might as well do this because it would be a pain in the ass to do later. and this list grows bigger and bigger.

a cheaper way to clear some power would be to just have your mechanic hollow the pre-cats inside of the stock downpipes. this will give the exhaust a better flow and its free. this is a must due for you beings the downpipes will be removed...make sure you ahve him do it. it will clear up some power. it also will not disrupt emissions testing...

now, for cat-backs...your turbocharged 300zx will probably never be quite as low or loud as a ferrari of any sort. turbochargers act as sound blockers....this is why when owning turbocharged cars, you can get away with having a straight-through exhausts. it just doesnt get overwhelmingly loud. the 300zx will give you a good low tone though...

B&B is probably one of the loudest exhausts i have heard on a 300zx. but loud doesnt always mean better...like i said, the Labree exhausts are probably one of the best performing and looking exhausts for the 300zx. the borla exhaust like Broke as **** has does not look cheesy but not alot of Z tuners have this exhaust for whatever reason, though im sure its a very good exhaust...

i have a stillen on my car...it does look kinda of cheesy but most people find it to look very aggressive and the sound quality is excellent with the stillen.

its really a toss-up but your gonna pay about the same price for all of the above mentioned. id personally go with the labree or B&B...

yeah, my buddy told me to get downpipes done at the same time as well...any suggestions on size or brand? I've been trying to read up to speed on modding Z's as much as possible during the last week, but there's so much to learn it's mind numbing...Don't some exhaust systems actually come with downpipes? Also, what are "test pipes"...?

www.specialtyz.com for downpipes and test pipes and the LaBree cat-back. Just don't look at the inconel manifolds, you'll never be able to look at your Z the same again. They'll infect your brain and breakdown all rationality until you order a set. I know. I am a victim of "inconel madness".

Anyway...

www.conceptzperformance.com for the Borla exhaust (hint: check it out...)

*blatant thread pimping*

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=294915

For more info on upgrading.

As for size? 2 1/2" all the way.

Too late. I'm already infected. That Lebree exhaust system looks INSANE I just emailed the guy and ordered a set. You're right, 2.5 inch is the way I'm going. Man, what a great looking exhaust, and it says on the site that they can custom make it so it sounds loud. I'm definetly buying this, thx a ton for the recommendation, the guy's shop is 10 minutes down the highway from my university!! The Borla I know is one of the strongest exhausts available, but there's just something about the way those oval tips look on the Lebree....similar to a porsche 911's

Art

Too late. I'm already infected. That Lebree exhaust system looks INSANE I just emailed the guy and ordered a set. You're right, 2.5 inch is the way I'm going. Man, what a great looking exhaust, and it says on the site that they can custom make it so it sounds loud. I'm definetly buying this, thx a ton for the recommendation, the guy's shop is 10 minutes down the highway from my university!! The Borla I know is one of the strongest exhausts available, but there's just something about the way those oval tips look on the Lebree....similar to a porsche 911's

Art

yeah...the labree exhaust are good stuff. i will be ordering the dual tip sometimes in the near future.

dont forget to atleast hollow your pre-cats in the stock downpipes. and just in case the site didnt clarify enough for you, testpipes are the secting of exhaust between the downpipes and the cat-back.

i wonder if labree will ever start making stuff for the z31... i doubt it... we don't get near the recognition we should :(

i wonder if labree will ever start making stuff for the z31... i doubt it... we don't get near the recognition we should :(

i doubt they will...the demand isnt as high as with Z32 owners. i havent seen many Z32's without atleast a cat-back exhaust and pop-charger. but alot of people just simply use their Z31 for a nice stroll around town, especially the older men. plus, alot of them are not taken care of and thus, not worth that much money. so someone paying for a labree exhaust might be paying more for the exhaust than the car is worth. my :2cents:

i guess that's true... just make for a better feeling for me when i blow by some chump in a tt ;)

i guess that's true... just make for a better feeling for me when i blow by some chump in a tt ;)

you better start breaking out that checkbook...chump! :lol:

well not you or broke, but people who have them relatively stock :p... eventually i'll have one that can keep up with you guys... hopefully by next summer :sunglasse

well not you or broke, but people who have them relatively stock :p... eventually i'll have one that can keep up with you guys... hopefully by next summer :sunglasse

if you keep goign the way your going...you should have no problem making your Z31 deadly quick or buying a TT and making it deadly quick. just keep on the right track...

BTW: if you want a TT...buy a TT. shops dont charge $8k for a TT swap because they feel like it. its because it is a major pain in the ass...of course, i learn everything the hard way. :lol:

"dont forget to atleast hollow your pre-cats in the stock downpipes"

KV3: I just bought a set of downpipes that I'm going to have my mechanic install when he does the turbo swap on August 1st, so I guess the stock downpipes are going to go =) I also bought a set of those sport 500 turbos.

So here's the list of mods that I'll be having done to my Z:

JWT ECU
pulley set
rps flywheel
downpipes
Lebree exhaust
JWT pop charger
JWT sport 500 turbos
Blitz turbo timer

I hope to push around 400 hp with those upgrades. Is this feasible? It's going to be so much fun smashing on vettes, I can't wait...

"dont forget to atleast hollow your pre-cats in the stock downpipes"

KV3: I just bought a set of downpipes that I'm going to have my mechanic install when he does the turbo swap on August 1st, so I guess the stock downpipes are going to go =) I also bought a set of those sport 500 turbos.

So here's the list of mods that I'll be having done to my Z:

JWT ECU
pulley set
rps flywheel
downpipes
Lebree exhaust
JWT pop charger
JWT sport 500 turbos
Blitz turbo timer

I hope to push around 400 hp with those upgrades. Is this feasible? It's going to be so much fun smashing on vettes, I can't wait...

if i remember correctly you are compeltely stock now so i am going to give you a few revisions that i think are a better value or better suited for the Z32...

here are my revisions to your list...

-instead of the JWT ECU, get the Ash Spec offered by Z1motorsports...it is cheaper and is the same exact thing.
-instead of the Blitz, get a greddy profec B...i am told it is much mroe user friendly and it is just about the best electronic boost conroller on the market. if im not mistaken it is also cheaper
-add some sort of upgraded street clutch to your flywheel upgrade...the stock clutch wont be able to hold the extra power.
-might also want to consider a turbo timer, fairly inexpensive and well worth the money. this will save those brand new sport 500's from frying the bearings.
-might also want to consider testpipes, depending on your emissions laws in your area. if you have emissions testing you may want to get some high flow cats.

the rest of your list looks awesome....should be one mean mother. as for creating 400hp, look at more torwards 500 to the flywheel and 400hp to the wheels. so yes...you should be able to see yourself in the 11's and low 12's all day long.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
other things to consider in the future but in no means a necessity anytime soon...

-upgraded side mount intercoolers
-upgraded radiator
-upgraded oil cooler (the stocker is garbage)

these are for cooling purposes and keeping your prize possession at optimum running temperatures.

if you have any questions, feel free to ask...there are quite a few people on here that know alot about the Z32's in particular.

BTW: if you dont mind me asking, what happened to your $2000 spending limit...:D dont worry, it happens to all of us...we all have Z addiction.

The $2000 limit was just for turbos, so the sport 500's are below that limit, I think i'm getting them for $1800 =) I am getting a turbo timer, that was the Blitz one, it looked really easy to use and it cost like 90 bucks so i said "what the hell". Yeah, I know I'm going to be needing to get a boost controller soon, that will come when i get a bit more money, i will get that Greddy one when I do though. I have a $500 clutch already in place, it will hold for a while I think, I'll get a crazy one when it blows. Testpipes are coming with the Lebree exhaust system. Dude, that's seriously one crazy exhaust system, the guy virtually guaranteed me the complete system will up the horsepower by about 60 (I'm not sure if that includes the downpipes or not, it probably does) Your recommendations are definitely good ones, and when I buy that boost controller I'll probably pick those up as well. The good news is that I'm not really doing any power based upgrades. Most of the upgrades are just for improved air flow, so the engine won't have to work as hard to push the power, so hopefully cooling won't be a problem, especially since I'm not really getting bigger turbos or anything, the sport 500's are almost exactly the same as stock, just a tiny bit more powerful. If anything, having stock piping, being as narrow and restrictive as it is, this actually is tougher on the engine and causes more heat to accumulate.

The $2000 limit was just for turbos, so the sport 500's are below that limit, I think i'm getting them for $1800 =) I am getting a turbo timer, that was the Blitz one, it looked really easy to use and it cost like 90 bucks so i said "what the hell". Yeah, I know I'm going to be needing to get a boost controller soon, that will come when i get a bit more money, i will get that Greddy one when I do though. I have a $500 clutch already in place, it will hold for a while I think, I'll get a crazy one when it blows. Testpipes are coming with the Lebree exhaust system. Dude, that's seriously one crazy exhaust system, the guy virtually guaranteed me the complete system will up the horsepower by about 60 (I'm not sure if that includes the downpipes or not, it probably does) Your recommendations are definitely good ones, and when I buy that boost controller I'll probably pick those up as well. The good news is that I'm not really doing any power based upgrades. Most of the upgrades are just for improved air flow, so the engine won't have to work as hard to push the power, so hopefully cooling won't be a problem, especially since I'm not really getting bigger turbos or anything, the sport 500's are almost exactly the same as stock, just a tiny bit more powerful. If anything, having stock piping, being as narrow and restrictive as it is, this actually is tougher on the engine and causes more heat to accumulate.

yeah...but once you start boosting those sport 500's your gonna need to keep everything cool. no point of buying turbos and not upping the boost...

and yes it will be a very nice, complete set-up in the car and as you have it...it i will max out your fuel injectors. once you upgrade the fuel injectors you now need stronger engine internals because the engine just got maxxed out. anyways, enough of me ranting....it seems you have a pretty good idea on what your doing so keep going and come back to us when you got any more questions...

and yes your exhaust should add alot of HP...

as for the blitz turbo timer...thats fine. they all are pretty inexpensive...i just picked up a greddy to match my profec B. i just dont care for Blitz products...they all seem cheap and "Toys'R'Us" like,...but im sure its just me. anyways have fun... and remember drive safe.

Thanks very much for all your input and info =) where are you located? I'm in So Cal. Sometimes I go on drives, you outta bring your Z out sometime if you're in the area...

well, i'm up in canada (west coast area) and k3's way the hell out in illinois... i think the closest member to you that i know of here is broke, he's up in washington..

straight pipes as big as you can get. as long as you don't have to spend more then an hour on the highway.

well, i'm up in canada (west coast area) and k3's way the hell out in illinois... i think the closest member to you that i know of here is broke, he's up in washington..

yep...illinois is where i live, about 50 miles south of chicago.

George (1viadrift) lives in northern Cal and redneck lives in california...

straight pipes as big as you can get. as long as you don't have to spend more then an hour on the highway.
WTF...if you read the post, he wanted something nice tone and that looked nice. i dont think 2 pipes sticking 2 feet off the back end of a 300zx is attractive...that frugal shit belongs on shit.

it i will max out your fuel injectors.

Oh yeah

once you upgrade the fuel injectors you now need stronger engine internals because the engine just got maxxed out.

Not really, it's all about tuning. Stock engine in fairly good condition should be good for 500rwhp if you know what you are doing. Sport 500s aren't ever really going to push enough power to warrant an engine build. Think they hit the limit at 20-21 psi, which given how little the engine will ever hit those pressures, should be fine on a stock bottom end.

Not really, it's all about tuning. Stock engine in fairly good condition should be good for 500rwhp if you know what you are doing. Sport 500s aren't ever really going to push enough power to warrant an engine build. Think they hit the limit at 20-21 psi, which given how little the engine will ever hit those pressures, should be fine on a stock bottom end.

ehh...sounds sketchy. id rather play it safe rather than blow my engine. but that is just me...

ehh...sounds sketchy. id rather play it safe rather than blow my engine. but that is just me...

Well given that a rebuild is going to be in the area of $1000 after everything is added up, another $1000 at least for pistons and rods plus all the misc extras that come up (gaskets, hoses, tubes and all that). Factor in everything you're going to want to do with the engine out like urethane mounts, cams, springs, coatings, bolts, etc etc etc...

That's a lot of money to spend if your power levels really aren't going to require it. If you are on a budget there is no sense having a built engine you'll never need.

Well given that a rebuild is going to be in the area of $1000 after everything is added up, another $1000 at least for pistons and rods plus all the misc extras that come up (gaskets, hoses, tubes and all that). Factor in everything you're going to want to do with the engine out like urethane mounts, cams, springs, coatings, bolts, etc etc etc...

That's a lot of money to spend if your power levels really aren't going to require it. If you are on a budget there is no sense having a built engine you'll never need.

sure there is...

plus all you really need to do is upgrade the pistons and and slap some ARP's in and your good for about 600whp, unless im mistaken. its only 'you' and your "might as wells" that cost so much...

i wouldnt trust an internally stock VG30DETT to boost 20psi consistently...maybe on a very cool night but thats as far as that would go. i like to give myself some leadway, not take it to the extreme. the way i see it, if you blew the motor...you failed, so do whats needed to be done to prevent the motor from blowing in the first place. and for the VG it really just needs a fresh rebuild and some stronger pistons and bolts. while, i am there i plan to get some lighter rods to take some weight off of moving parts but other than that it will just be balanced and what not. dont really plan to do any headwork anytime soon...

plus all you really need to do is upgrade the pistons and and slap some ARP's in and your good for about 600whp, unless im mistaken. its only 'you' and your "might as wells" that cost so much...

Pistons, ARPs and rebuild still in the $1500-$2000 dollar area. Second point conceeded with the note that it's not only me.

i wouldnt trust an internally stock VG30DETT to boost 20psi consistently...maybe on a very cool night but thats as far as that would go. i like to give myself some leadway, not take it to the extreme. the way i see it, if you blew the motor...you failed, so do whats needed to be done to prevent the motor from blowing in the first place. and for the VG it really just needs a fresh rebuild and some stronger pistons and bolts. while, i am there i plan to get some lighter rods to take some weight off of moving parts but other than that it will just be balanced and what not. dont really plan to do any headwork anytime soon...

Ahhhh up yours. I drove the car for 18 miles you putz and didn't boost over 5 psi the whole time.

Pistons, ARPs and rebuild still in the $1500-$2000 dollar area. Second point conceeded with the note that it's not only me.



Ahhhh up yours. I drove the car for 18 miles you putz and didn't boost over 5 psi the whole time.

yeah, $1500-$2000 is well worth it when you spent that on turbos alone.

i wasnt referring to you blowing your motor....i was just saying in general.

let me rephrase it how i meant it: the way i see it, if someone blows the motor...they have failed as a tuner, so that person needs to do what is needed to be done to prevent the motor from blowing in the first place.