Z Talk!!

[Mayesj101]

Originally Posted by onebad280z

A V8 in a 350Z... awesome... its in its hertage really

True. You would know, right? The 280 was famous for it's swaps.

[OneSloZ]

takes after the 280 cuz the VQ is shit...haha
but the I6 has a lot of potential for great speed being n/a haha but the turbo i6 are quick too lol

[Mayesj101]

Originally Posted by McMuffin

takes after the 280 cuz the VQ is shit...haha
but the I6 has a lot of potential for great speed being n/a haha but the turbo i6 are quick too lol

The problem with the VQ motor is that, unlike the VG series, it was not designed for high-boost applications. It's great for low-mid boost, but high boost can't hack it.

[pbr87]

Originally Posted by Snyper

Heres my contribution..

2004 350z 6speed. The first setup was a gt37r single turbo setup which has been removed and currently installed a 2005 LS2/T56. Ive installed a very healthy camshaft and going with a 150 shot this season. Next year I plan on an engine rebuild and a single 78mm turbo. Heres some pics:

My car on Billet Specialties wheels:


Heres the old turbo setup:


Heres with the intercooler showing:


Heres the current setup thats currently being installed:




Heres a link to the build thread:
http://www.ricekiller.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66772

Very nice. I admire this car very much; however I miss the point of it. But again, I admire and appreciate it. Congradulations on having a very unique z33.

[Snyper]

Originally Posted by pbr87

Very nice. I admire this car very much; however I miss the point of it. But again, I admire and appreciate it. Congradulations on having a very unique z33.

The point is to make a faster more reliable car. The whole factory drivetrain is garbage on the car..the transmissions are worthless and break more than clutches and the engines just really arent that great..not to mention the cost of modding the VQ. To make over 450hp you need a built engine and they arent cheap..do to that on an LS2 you need a cam and an intake manifold....oh and did I mention that its not swap you see every day? I absolutely love the car just didnt like the drivetrain.

[Mayesj101]

True-If I could get ahold of a LS engine, I'd put one in my Z31-just for the reliablilty of it. No matter its design, it's an extremely reliable power base. And the QV is nowhere nearly as reliable, even stock.

[OneSloZ]

its been done!! its a sick setup!!!

ive seen a couple 2JZ z31 along with some RB20, 25,26 setups that were nasty

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/R...6GT_166599.htm

2jz 300zx in that video watch whole thing as its sick

[Mayesj101]

Originally Posted by McMuffin

its been done!! its a sick setup!!!

ive seen a couple 2JZ z31 along with some RB20, 25,26 setups that were nasty

Yeah, I'd cry a little to see something like an LS7 Z31-the import that can easily stand up to a ZR1, @ 20+ years old!

[NugeTRON]

I wonder if an LS9 would fit in the 350z

[Mayesj101]

I think I might start running around junkyards looking for crashed GTO's...an LS Z31 is suddenly appealing to me-maybe for another time, but it wouldn't hurt.

[Mayesj101]

Originally Posted by NugeTRON

I wonder if an LS9 would fit in the 350z

You never know until you try!

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Mayesj101

I think I might start running around junkyards looking for crashed GTO's...an LS Z31 is suddenly appealing to me-maybe for another time, but it wouldn't hurt.

GM Performance has a dealer locator you may be able to find an LS at one of the dealers.

http://www.gmperformanceparts.com/En...6261&engCat=ls

[Mayesj101]

Considering the fact that I've already got an engine swap lined up for my Z, I might have to wait for an LS-powered Z. Just imagining... but eventually, I will have to at least try it.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Mayesj101

You never know until you try!

Haha I'm flirting with the idea 620 hp sounds pretty nice

[Mayesj101]

Oh, yeah-and the benefit of the LS motor design is that it is extremely reliable power.

[Snyper]

After i finish the car I might drive it around for a little while, track it a bit then sell it for a nice black supra with a turbo thats too big for its own good.

[Mayesj101]

Originally Posted by Snyper

After i finish the car I might drive it around for a little while, track it a bit then sell it for a nice black supra with a turbo thats too big for its own good.

Traitor to the Z name....just sad.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Mayesj101

Oh, yeah-and the benefit of the LS motor design is that it is extremely reliable power.

And the sound nobody would expect it coming from a Z

[Mayesj101]

Originally Posted by NugeTRON

And the sound nobody would expect it coming from a Z

Also true. Although sometimes, if you get cams done, it lopes in a pretty similar way...

[Mayesj101]

Wait-how're the transmissions in the LS motors. I can only really find automatic transmissions.

[Snyper]

Originally Posted by Mayesj101

Traitor to the Z name....just sad.

haha I had one before this car! and an LS powered RX7

[Mayesj101]

Never mind on the transmissions comment.

[Snyper]

Originally Posted by Mayesj101

Wait-how're the transmissions in the LS motors. I can only really find automatic transmissions.

very good..that was pretty much the finally straw with getting rid of the VQ..noone even offered an upgraded rebuild on the shitty transmissions..theres a million things you can do to these ones plus the stock MN12s hold up to the power very well.

[Mayesj101]

Originally Posted by Snyper

haha I had one before this car! and an LS powered RX7

Yeah, but the Z is the end-car. You just don't get any better!

[OneSloZ]

if u did the lsx swaped z31, you have to do a lot for there rear end as it will squat like a mo fo

[Snyper]

Originally Posted by Mayesj101

Yeah, but the Z is the end-car. You just don't get any better!

haha we will see how it performs at the track..im hoping for good numbers....I wonder how the rear end will hold up..I was told they are pretty solid stock.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Snyper

haha we will see how it performs at the track..im hoping for good numbers....I wonder how the rear end will hold up..I was told they are pretty solid stock.

Why go for the Supra when you could just build upon the LS? You won't get anywhere near the cost of the swap itself if you sell the Z. On top of that a clean Supra is not cheap much less a good turbo build. Its not like you can't put up good numbers with the LS. I think you should go FI with the LS and save yourself some time and money. Plus the Z is a MUCH better looking car IMO As for the rear end holding up, I've heard its pretty sturdy. I know there are a few guys over on My350z that have done the swap and loved it.

[Snyper]

Originally Posted by NugeTRON

I know there are a few guys over on My350z that have done the swap and loved it.

Im gonna be the 2nd person with the LS2 swap.

[pbr87]

Originally Posted by Snyper

The point is to make a faster more reliable car. The whole factory drivetrain is garbage on the car..the transmissions are worthless and break more than clutches and the engines just really arent that great..not to mention the cost of modding the VQ. To make over 450hp you need a built engine and they arent cheap..do to that on an LS2 you need a cam and an intake manifold....oh and did I mention that its not swap you see every day? I absolutely love the car just didnt like the drivetrain.

I understand your reasoning, and again I definitely appreciate the cleanliness of your swap and the work that went into it--I just don't understand overall why one would put a v8 into a late-model Z ( I also don't understand why someone would swap an LS1 into a 300ZX) My poor understanding comes from the following question: if you want an attractive, well-performing V8 powered 2-seater......why not just buy a Corvette? Why go to the trouble of shoe-horning a 'vette motor into a Z? 350Z certainly isn't lighter weight than a Corvette. I don't think it handles better. I don't think it looks better. If the thought of swapping an LS1 into my car ever crossed my mind---I'd just sell the thing, buy a C5 and save myself the headache.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Snyper

Im gonna be the 2nd person with the LS2 swap.

There are a few LS1 swaps, and the two engines are very similar.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by pbr87

I understand your reasoning, and again I definitely appreciate the cleanliness of your swap and the work that went into it--I just don't understand overall why one would put a v8 into a late-model Z ( I also don't understand why someone would swap an LS1 into a 300ZX) My poor understanding comes from the following question: if you want an attractive, well-performing V8 powered 2-seater......why not just buy a Corvette? Why go to the trouble of shoe-horning a 'vette motor into a Z? 350Z certainly isn't lighter weight than a Corvette. I don't think it handles better. I don't think it looks better. If the thought of swapping an LS1 into my car ever crossed my mind---I'd just sell the thing, buy a C5 and save myself the headache.

The reason I would consider swapping the larger LS motor into the Z instead of buying a corvette is because of the handling. The best aspect of the 350z is its handling, and yes the 350z handles much better than a C5 corvette.

[Tetsu]

Originally Posted by NugeTRON

There are a few LS1 swaps, and the two engines have basically identical exteriors.

Fixed.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Tetsu

Fixed.

Haha thats my point the difference between the two is the power output, and even that isn't exponentially different.

[Snyper]

Originally Posted by NugeTRON

The reason I would consider swapping the larger LS motor into the Z instead of buying a corvette is because of the handling. The best aspect of the 350z is its handling, and yes the 350z handles much better than a C5 corvette.

holy shit..I thought I was the only one who thought that. Having significant drive time behind the wheel of a C5Z06 and my car , I agree the 350z has a MUCH better feel to it...the car is smaller, it feels tighter and much easier to control...this is only my opinion so corvette guys please dont try to argue it has a fact.



The reason im doing this is so I can have the reliability/power of an LS powered car and the handle/feel of this car...best of both worlds.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Snyper

holy shit..I thought I was the only one who thought that. Having significant drive time behind the wheel of a C5Z06 and my car , I agree the 350z has a MUCH better feel to it...the car is smaller, it feels tighter and much easier to control...this is only my opinion so corvette guys please dont try to argue it has a fact.



The reason im doing this is so I can have the reliability/power of an LS powered car and the handle/feel of this car...best of both worlds.

I know what you mean you feel more in control in the Z, not saying the C5Z06 isn't a good car though. I think that the Z feels more responsive. To get the power of an LS motor out of the VQ cost a ton. The stock internals can only handle 375hp and to build the motor it cost a good $10k and thats not even including FI which is another $10k. The LS is a solid motor, and when you add the looks and the handling of the Z it is a very well rounded car.

[Mayesj101]

Even the Z31 and Z32 have pretty decent handling, and they ARE lighter than the Corvette-a 3000-lb car stock with the iron-block engine. With the LS, it should be near the same weight, if not even lighter.

[pbr87]

Originally Posted by NugeTRON

The reason I would consider swapping the larger LS motor into the Z instead of buying a corvette is because of the handling. The best aspect of the 350z is its handling, and yes the 350z handles much better than a C5 corvette.

Are you sure?
Have you driven both?
Does it handle better than a c6?
I've heard that with just a bit of suspension tuning, late model Corvettes handle as well as just about any other car.

[pbr87]

Originally Posted by Snyper

holy shit..I thought I was the only one who thought that. Having significant drive time behind the wheel of a C5Z06 and my car , I agree the 350z has a MUCH better feel to it...the car is smaller, it feels tighter and much easier to control...this is only my opinion so corvette guys please dont try to argue it has a fact.



The reason im doing this is so I can have the reliability/power of an LS powered car and the handle/feel of this car...best of both worlds.

I'm not a "Corvette guy", but how does a 350Z feel tighter? What redeeming feature makes it better on a track than a C5 Z06? Although it may be easier to control, it's still not as capable as a C5. I understand it may have a different steering, road feel, etc....but c'mon! C5Z06 is a full 200lbs lighter than a 350Z.

Still....good job on your project! It's definitely going to be insane when you get the single 78mm turbo on it.

[jinxtacy]

Originally Posted by pbr87

I'm not a "Corvette guy", but how does a 350Z feel tighter? What redeeming feature makes it better on a track than a C5 Z06? Although it may be easier to control, it's still not as capable as a C5. I understand it may have a different steering, road feel, etc....but c'mon! C5Z06 is a full 200lbs lighter than a 350Z.

Still....good job on your project! It's definitely going to be insane when you get the single 78mm turbo on it.

They actually weight about the same. Track models are especially capable cars with beautiful brakes and is almost as aerodynamic as a c5 zo6.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by pbr87

I'm not a "Corvette guy", but how does a 350Z feel tighter? What redeeming feature makes it better on a track than a C5 Z06? Although it may be easier to control, it's still not as capable as a C5. I understand it may have a different steering, road feel, etc....but c'mon! C5Z06 is a full 200lbs lighter than a 350Z.

Still....good job on your project! It's definitely going to be insane when you get the single 78mm turbo on it.

Have you driven both cars? Saying the 350z is not as capable is a very broad assumption. The 350z has a better suspension set up. The C5Z06 uses transverse leaf spring suspension and the 350z uses multi-link coilover suspension. Both cars have almost the same wheelbase and the 350z is shorter by 10". The C5Z06 is only about 120lbs lighter and that is based off the heavier touring 350z. The way I see it the 350z is a better handling car, but the C5Z06 has more power and a better engine. So wouldn't it make sense to put the engine of the C5Z06 in the 350z? I have driven both cars (my buddy's 2004 C5Z06) and the 350z feels more responsive.

[Snyper]

Originally Posted by pbr87

I'm not a "Corvette guy", but how does a 350Z feel tighter? What redeeming feature makes it better on a track than a C5 Z06? Although it may be easier to control, it's still not as capable as a C5. I understand it may have a different steering, road feel, etc....but c'mon! C5Z06 is a full 200lbs lighter than a 350Z.

Still....good job on your project! It's definitely going to be insane when you get the single 78mm turbo on it.

Again, this is my opinion therefor it shouldn't even need to be argued with. In my opinion(again having significant drive time behind both) the 350z..even with my turbo kit "felt" lighter/tighter than the corvette. The car feels smaller and much more nimble. I could hang the 350z around a corner complete sideways with no hands on the wheels(have video for proof if needed) and I know exactly how the car is going to react and respond..the vette felt much bigger and had more of a random feel to it...I didnt feel comfortable driving the car the way I drive the 350z. As far as weight..I think a fully dressed LS2 weighs about 60lbs more than the VQ...however I wont be going with A/C and my twin disc is about 25lbs lighter than a factory LS2/LS7 clutch. Not to mention at any racing event I do..the car will again have even more weight taken out of it(spare tire,passenger seat, just about anything else I can take out of the car easily...along with using my 15lbs racing seat)

heres a quick little video I made of me just messing around in the car with the turbo set up.

[Snyper]

Originally Posted by NugeTRON

Both cars have almost the same wheelbase and the 350z is shorter by 10".

I think thats the reason my opinion is swayed more towards the 350z..it may only be 10" but you can feel the different..the front of the vette feels a mile long compared to the nissan. If it werent for the handling I would of bought a vette by now and saved myself some money.

[pbr87]

Originally Posted by NugeTRON

Have you driven both cars? Saying the 350z is not as capable is a very broad assumption. The 350z has a better suspension set up. The C5Z06 uses transverse leaf spring suspension and the 350z uses multi-link coilover suspension. Both cars have almost the same wheelbase and the 350z is shorter by 10". The C5Z06 is only about 120lbs lighter and that is based off the heavier touring 350z. The way I see it the 350z is a better handling car, but the C5Z06 has more power and a better engine. So wouldn't it make sense to put the engine of the C5Z06 in the 350z? I have driven both cars (my buddy's 2004 C5Z06) and the 350z feels more responsive.

Honestly, I haven't driven either one.
So I guess I'm sold. My only question: does the C5's leafspring setup hurt track-times? Or does it just make it less comfortable to drive on the street?

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by pbr87

Honestly, I haven't driven either one.
So I guess I'm sold. My only question: does the C5's leafspring setup hurt track-times? Or does it just make it less comfortable to drive on the street?

Leafsprings are generally found on trucks, large SUVs and Luxury Sedans. The advantage of a leafspring set up is that it can handle heavy vehicles and offer good ride quality. Another advantage of a leafspring set up is that it saves weight, which was one of the main goals when they converted the C5 to the C5Z06. The problem with the set up is that the dampening isn't as controlled as a coilover setup. You see this with the 2005 Roush mustang, they switched to a coilover set up as opposed to the standard leafspring, which in turn made the Roush handle very well. As for track times the only place the corvette would suffer from the leafsprings is cornering, on the straights the corvette kills the 350z. I think the corvette is a pretty comfortable street ride because of the leafspring in comparison to the 350z because of the z's stiff coilover set up.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Snyper

I think thats the reason my opinion is swayed more towards the 350z..it may only be 10" but you can feel the different..the front of the vette feels a mile long compared to the nissan. If it werent for the handling I would of bought a vette by now and saved myself some money.

I agree completely the corvette is a great car, but what convinced me to buy the 350z is the handling. The only thing bad is how expensive a 350z can get lol I spent $700 on a plenum spacer and intake

[Mayesj101]

Building any car is expensive...You did get an an entirely new intake, so it would be a little pricey. Think of it this way, though-if I were to update the VG30E's intake plenum, it'd have to be entirely custom-made.

[Matador]

The turbo set up looked fun as hell in the vid. I bet the LS swap will be a whole different kinda fun though. I may have missed it, but what kinda power was the Z putting down?

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Mayesj101

Building any car is expensive...You did get an an entirely new intake, so it would be a little pricey. Think of it this way, though-if I were to update the VG30E's intake plenum, it'd have to be entirely custom-made.

Yeah I guess that is true but I would've liked to see bigger gains.

[Mayesj101]

Originally Posted by NugeTRON

Yeah I guess that is true but I would've liked to see bigger gains.

True-but that's why the VQ engine sucks-it wasn't designed for performance cars, but for larger family sedans.

[NugeTRON]

Originally Posted by Mayesj101

True-but that's why the VQ engine sucks-it wasn't designed for performance cars, but for larger family sedans.

the newer VQs are better, but to get it up to par it requires a full build and FI