Ferrari Sounding 300zx Exhaust

[bambuko]

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.

[k3smostwanted]

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...

[bambuko]

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"...?

[Broke_as_****]

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/vbul...d.php?t=294915

For more info on upgrading.

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

[bambuko]

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

[k3smostwanted]

Originally Posted by bambuko

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.

[DeleriousZ]

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

[k3smostwanted]

Originally Posted by DeleriousZ

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

[DeleriousZ]

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

[k3smostwanted]

Originally Posted by DeleriousZ

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!

[DeleriousZ]

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

[k3smostwanted]

Originally Posted by DeleriousZ

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

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.

[bambuko]

"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...

[k3smostwanted]

Originally Posted by bambuko

"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... dont worry, it happens to all of us...we all have Z addiction.

[bambuko]

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.