Archives for : New Products

Tomei Expreme Ti GTR Exhaust

ti_r35_muffler_main

I’ll start off by sincerely apologizing for not staying up with the blog. The shop is super busy and my personal life is much busier with the addition of a second child. We recently had the pleasure of testing the Tomei Expreme Ti exhaust for the R35 GTR. Our test GTR has the following modifications performed:

  • SZ Built Motor (stock camshafts & stock heads)
  • USM Turbos
  • SZ 3″ Intake
  • Factory Intercooler & Piping
  • AMS Down Pipes
  • Fast Intentions Y-Pipe (Mil Spec Cats & Resonator) 3.5″
  • 3″ Aftermarket Catback

The system includes its own y-pipe using 3″ piping coming out of each down pipe outlet merging into the single 4″ pipe. The quality and fitment of the Tomei system is spectacular. Nothing had to be cut or hacked up to make the fitment of the 4″ piping go through the diffusers. Considering the system is made of titanium the MSRP of $3600 is a steal! The weight savings over a conventional SS system is amazing. Tomei says its a 35 lb savings over the factory pieces with the Tomei system weighing in at 32 lbs which includes the y-pipe.

IMG_7387

Y-pipe dual 3″ from the down pipes into the massive 4″ sewer pipe.

IMG_7390

The system snakes its way perfectly through the diffusers without any problems. No trimming, no modifying. The welds on the titanium are beautiful for a mass produced system.

IMG_7386

Straight thru “mufflers”.

IMG_7389

The view from right above the carbon diffuser.

IMG_7388

Everything exits out the huge 5.1″ tips.

 tomeiexpremedyno

Dyno test before and after done within a few hours of each other. Blue is the old exhaust setup and red is the after with the Tomei system. The largest gains were below 4500 RPMs. At 4k we gained 60 torque and 46 whp. You can see the boost pressure go up due to the exhaust change. We expected to see larger gains at the top than we did but we won’t complain about 20-25 whp gains.

ti_r35_muffler_hikaku_l

SZ Flex Fuel Kit for the R35 GTR

1

 

We are proud to announce the release of the SZ Flex Fuel Kit for the R35 GTR. This kit makes for the simplest, cleanest, and quickest installation. We had our own mold made to make the connection between the ECA-2 and ECU seamless and trouble free. We use a brand new Nissan fuel return hose to make the kit look like it came from the factory.

8

Our ECA-2 to ECU harness. Our molded connector on the right hand side. Both harness’ cut to length.

5

Flex Fuel Sensor to ECA-2 harness.

Dealer inquiries welcome.

Available for purchase here!

 

2014 GTR Tuning

Since we’ve become an ECUTek tuner we now have the ability to play with the GTR.  Enter the following 2014 GTR.

side

 

The 3rd Gen R35 GTR, each year is better and better with improved refinements top to bottom.

The goal for this GTR this time around was to get it tuned properly for 91 octane as the GTR is meant for a minimum of 93 octane from the factory.  Knock is high on our wonderful 91 octane fuel so things needed to change in the tune.  Besides tuning for 91 octane we also went to work by upgrading this GTR to run ethanol fuel.  We upgraded to 1300cc fuel injectors and also replaced the secondary fuel pump to a Walbro 485 pump.  We were interested in seeing what a bone stock GTR with a tune for both 91 octane fuel and ethanol would do.

engine

Ready for the injector swap.

top_feed_injectors

Our 1300cc fuel injectors.

fuelpumpassem

Factory fuel pump assembly that houses the twin pumps.

fuelassemapart

Stock pumps sitting together, we installed a single Walbro 485 to replace the secondary pump.  Since one Walbro can support 600whp on ethanol we felt leaving the primary pump stock more than adequate for stock turbo power levels.

stock

Baseline on the stock tune and stock fuel injectors.

tuned91

Tuned on 91 octane tweaking boost, AFRs, and timing to make it happy and not knock (on the new 1300cc fuel injectors)

tuned_e85

Tune on ethanol for impressive gains.  All on a bone stock GTR (other than injectors, pump, and tune).

all3

All 3 runs plotted together to show the differences.  Next up, exhaust mods!

SZ ECUTek Tuned Nismo 370Z


topside

 

We took this 2011 Nismo for some testing on ECUTek’s tuning suite and also some comparisons on the stock Nismo tune, ECUTek tuning, and adding the Stillen Gen 3 Intake.   The Nismo came to us with only K&N drop-ins in the factory air boxes.  We were curious to see how much more could be extracted from the Nismo since they come with more aggressive tunes from the factory which includes leaner AFRs and higher ignition timing.

ECUTek is a new comer to the tuning world for the 370Z & G37s.  Since its had a fresh start it currently only offers one RaceRom option of simplified ignition timing.  This nice feature overwrites Nissan’s complicated ignition timing strategy for a more simplified version that uses “normal” (BTDC values) values in its map.  There currently is no setting changes for fan control, fuel cranking enrichment, and the ability to have multiple maps.  ECUTek plans to release more RaceRom features soon like launch control, flat foot shifting, and map switching.

baseline_ecutektuned

The graph above shows our baseline (blue) against our SZ ECUTek tuning (Red).  Performed in 4th gear, our final pull was performed in 5th gear coming up later.  Only mods are the K&N drop-ins in factory air boxes for both runs.  298 whp and 242 torque for peak numbers from our baseline.  Tuned peak numbers were 310 whp and 258 torque.  Peak numbers increased 12 whp and 16 torque.  However the peak numbers don’t tell the only story.  Our entire powerband had even better gains.  On the cursor of the above graph, 5500 RPMs we gained 20 whp and 19 torque.

apart

After our initial pulls performed, we began to take the Nismo apart to install the Stillen Gen 3 Intake and GTM 34 Row Oil Cooler.  We wanted to see how the Nismo would perform when adding the intake after its been tuned.  Would it make more power?

installed

Ready to go back together.  The placement of the air filter’s in Stillen’s kit is one of the best out in the market.  It keeps the open air element filters away from the engine bay heat and high up away from water.

intakedyno

It is hard to distinguish the two runs above, but red was our tuned run with stock air boxes and K&N drop ins.  Blue was after we installed the Stillen Gen 3 Intake AND tuning.  Throwing the intake kit on the car without tuning we lost power.  It leaned out the tune enough that we had a drop in power all over the power band.  This is why on a stock Z, you can add the intake kit and it will make power, it leans out the rich factory tune on the non-Nismo cars to make power.  However on a tuned car, you will most likely have the results we experienced.  This isn’t the first time we’ve performed this test and we get the same results each time.  So on the blue intake tuned run we gained 4 whp and 3 torque at 7000 RPMs.  We lost some from 5200 to 6000 and then again from 6100 to 6600.  Again, the above runs were performed in 4th gear.

5thgearfinal

Our final pass in 5th gear 1:1, with SZ ECUTek tuning and Stillen Gen 3 Intake.  Almost 323 whp and 268 torque.

open

EcuTek Pro Tuner

EcuTek-logo

SZ is now an EcuTek Tuner for the 370Z\G37 & GTR.  EcuTek provides far superior abilities in tuning the factory Nissan ECUs than other current tuning software.  Maps that are not accessible by these other tuning suits can now be done so as well as the addition of custom maps to the existing factory Nissan ECU.

senso-box-with-inserts-transparent-shadow-small

 

The ProECU Programming Kit can be used by car enthusiasts and owner clubs to both diagnose and program a wide variety of vehicles.  Purchasing the kit is not required to those coming to us for a tune.  The kits are available through a master tuner if needed for remote tuning purposes or ROM support.

Nissan_370z_blue_transparent

370Z & G37 tuning support with the addition of EcuTek’s RaceRom features allows us to use a more simplified ignition timing strategy to have full control of timing while keeping all the safeguards of the knock control system.  Another big plus is the ability to have E85 fuel & ignition compensation with the addition of a flex fuel sensor.

racerom_logo

RaceROM is a suite of feature enhancements available for OEM ECUs tuned with EcuTek tuning tools, which offers increased tuning & driving capabilities.

Without question, the OEM ECU offers the best cold start, drive-ability and refinement when compared to aftermarket ECU hardware. However, many aftermarket ECUs provide extra (generally motorsport related) features, that many enthusiasts desire. Unfortunately, when replacing the standard ECU with an aftermarket ECU, the refinement of the standard ECU is often lost.

Now with EcuTek RaceROM, this compromise is no longer necessary. By way of a software upgrade to the standard ECU, RaceROM adds many custom calibration options to the standard OEM ECU, offering features beyond the standard fueling, ignition and boost control, yet retaining its drive-ability, sophistication and fuel economy.

Note that due to technical limitations of some ECUs, it is not possible to provide all features on all vehicles.

nissan-gtr

The GTR tuning suite allows full control over all aspects of the ECU and the addition of RaceROM features like boost control, launch control tuning, map switching, visual knock warning, flex fuel, and conversion to speed density (MAP), and much more.

Call or e-mail for more information.

Jesse’s Z32 Build

Jesse from Florida sent us his Z32 to straighten out the issues he was having with it.

photo

 

The way it arrived to SZ.  Hard to tell by the photo but there was much clutter and lack of detail put into it.  The Z had some sort of “built” short block.  It had stock rods and Wiseco pistons.  It came equipped with GT2860RS turbos.  It had alot of good parts but it had alot of hodge podge as well.

photo (1)

We turned to an IPP Stage 4 Long Block that comes with CP Pistons & Carillo Rods.  We swapped over the existing JWT 500 cams and HD valve springs.  A new set of lifters were also added.

photo (2)

Port matched lower plenum.

photo (7)

Existing 300Degree Rails and Nismo 740s were also swapped over along with adjustable BDE Intake Cam gears,  Z1 Exhaust Gears, BDE Low Pro Motor Mounts, and MSP Manifolds.  An ATI Race Damper replaces the cheap copy underdrive pulley.  Valve covers were painted black to give it a clean and refreshed look.  We fixed several plenum coil bracket bolt holes and one needed to be completley re-welded, drilled, and tapped to save it.

photo (8)

photo (9)

We switched over to the JWT GTX63s, note the anti-surge housing.

photo (10)

Ash inlet piping that was opened up to match the turbo’s inlet size.

photo (12)

Ready to go into its home!  Z1 throttle bodies already installed onto the intake manifold.

photo (18)

We also used Jesse’s Z to proto-type our trans brake for the Nissan automatic.  It also has our racing AT trans package.

photo (15)

Real estate in the front of the car was non existent so we installed a new trans cooler\fan in the rear of the car along with an external trans filtering system.

photo (3)

photo (14)Cleaned up and on the dyno!

91

91 Octane Tune, we didn’t have 93 Floridian fuel so we used what we had.  Stellar performance out of an automatic Z on pump fuel!

100

100 octane fuel for 613 whp!  21 psi of boost.

Q16

Q16 for just enough to break into 800+ whp!  Ready to run 9s at the drag strip and ready for daily driver action.  No compromises.  With the use of dual fuel pumps we were able to get the 740s to squeeze enough fuel out and keep it safe.  Jesse will use our ECU switching device to make use of all his tunes with no fuss.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Mip0KH0BU&feature=c4-overview&list=UUGF0ohSpE-ld_6MeVhmTvdg

Final dyno tuning run on Q16.  You may need to copy\paste the URL to view.

photo (17)

Getting picked up to go home to Florida!  Thank you again Jesse!

GTXed-60 Style

Kevin took his 95′ SMZ to another level this summer.  We pulled his low mileage stock motor out to add a set of JWT GTX 60 turbos, MS Manifolds, BDE (Low Pro) Motor Mounts, Nismo 740cc Injectors, Ash Inlet & IC Piping along with Massive Intercoolers, SZ 5-Bolt 3″ downpipes, SZ 3″ test pipes,  and SZ catback, Blitz sbc -iD Spec-R Boost Controller.  We also added our map selector to switch between tunes.

This was our first encounter with a GTX and although it was the same size as the regular GT2860RS turbo we would be able to get a better idea of how the GTX compressor wheel stacks up against the regular compressor wheel without changing its size (turbine wheel remains unchanged).

 

 The GTX 60 modified by JWT to accept the Z32 style 2-bolt inlet flanges.  A perfect time to upgrade to Ash inlets to allow it to breathe better.  You can also see the anti-surge is retained even when modifying the inlet.

A set of Ash Massive (v3s).  The factory washer reservoir fits (late style models).

Equipped with the 90-s style in car cell phone.  Balla!

22,196 original miles.

Mounted to the manifold\engine.

We modified the inlet pipes for the larger inlet flange provided by JWT.  Ash makes the inlets modifiable by using a smaller inlet that can be opened up for larger inlet turbos.

Ready to go to war.  We retained the factory TBs on this build.

91 octane tune (this one gets away with high boost).  Boost being equal (14-15 psi) to its counterpart (standard GT2860RS) we found that there wasn’t any difference between the two turbos.  We compared the results to a few other Sport 700 (GT2860RS) builds we had done in the past.

Q16 tune, this is where the GTX shined.  It blows past the standard 60RS!  This was done on a completely stock engine (no cams, no head work, nothing!)  Typical big build (built engine, cams, etc.) 60RS’ make anywhere from 630 to 698 whp.  So the power output of this wheel at high boost levels is most impressive (on a stock engine to boot).

The cherry on top.  A Safeguard to protect the investment.

New Release Nissan Parts for May & June

Contact us for more information or ordering.

818.703.6272

NISMO 370Z RC Track Car

Nissan is offering the 370Z track ready for the serious racer\enthusiast.

From Nissan:

If you’ve ever wanted to extend your love of the iconic Nissan Z-car from the street to the track, now is a good time to take action. Nissan Motorsports is now offering Nissan 370Z race cars for customer orders. The track-ready Nissan 370Z NISMO RC is based on the street legal Z-car, but is significantly lighter and fitted with a FIA-compliant roll cage, fire extinguisher, racing seat and numerous NISMO performance upgrades.

The Nissan 370Z NISMO RC has been designed to conform to International FIA GT4 and World Challenge GTS class specifications. With some modifications, the Nissan 370Z NISMO RC can also compete in the Grand Am Continental Tire Challenge GS class.

Weighing in at 2,954 lbs., the Nissan 370Z NISMO RC features NISMO race exhaust, NISMO tuned ECM, high capacity NISMO clutch, flywheel, engine oil, transmission and differential coolers and a Recaro racing seat with 6-point racing harness. A Sparco racing steering wheel and a revamped and race-ready carbon fiber switch panel are also part of the RC package. The 3.7 liter Nissan VQ37VHR powerplant is rated at 355 horsepower and 276 ft. lbs. of torque. Numerous hose and connector upgrades have been added to meet the rigorous demands of track use.

Nissan Motorsports provides an easy way to race its 370Z in a competitive professional racing series. Interested parties may contact Nissan Motorsports at 1 (888) 833-3225 for more information.

Twin oil coolers sitting below and race muffler.

GTM Stage 2 SC

We had the opportunity to get our hands on the new GTM Stage 2 SC Kit.  The great thing about the kit is that its very quiet not like your typical Vortech units and the way Sam@GTM has designed the kit you can’t even see the blower with the hood open.  Making it a much slicker and sleeper look.  The heart of the kit is the Rotrex C38 that delivers in Kevin’s setup 7 psi.  We suggested a larger pulley to keep boost down to a very safe level.  However Kevin’s already thinking about having us install a smaller pulley to make 9 psi!  While we were at it we also added GTM’s AT Trans Cooler and Engine Oil Cooler to work with the SC kit.

Just a turbo driven by a belt 😉

We installed the kit on Kevin’s 2010 G37S Coupe AT.  Kevin already had an Invidia catback to add to the mix of mods.  We added a set of Fast Intentions HFCs since his ART pipes wouldn’t clear the new larger tranny cooler fittings and lines.

Believe it or not, this is where the intake sits since the blower sits low by the engine.  Sam claims and has done testing that inlet air temps aren’t as bad as they would look by having the intake sit right below the passenger exhaust manifold.

Quad cooler monster.  On the passenger side resides the trans cooler, top center the SC cooler (SC has its own oil system), below it is the intercooler, and on the driver side the engine oil cooler.

Nissan\Infiniti has made it hard(er) to service their automatic transmissions.  I can see how this would prevent the regular guy from using the wrong fluid and protecting the trans.  This is where you fill and check the fluid.  No dipsticks here!  Sorry Jimmy.

Installed and ready to make boost.  You can see the SC oil reservoir by the coolant overflow tank.

It’s hard to see what’s behind the bumper.  It’ll make you want to think twice when pulling up to a new G.

460 whp on 8.5 psi.  Time to light up the tires.

[http://youtu.be/iALEo6MJ_Rs]