This is how we take a beautiful convertible Z and turn it into a head turning power house! I have to say that this car is one of my personal favorites. Well rounded, fast, and who could ask for more then being able to drop the top and cruise in style. Thinking about it now, we better get that roll cage in there. I love customers like Brent M, get the power...drive it HARD!

Brent’s Nissan 350Z

Modifications:

• Greddy TD05-18G Twin Turbo Kit
• Greddy 23R Front Mount Intercooler Kit
• HKS EVC PSI Electronic Boost Controller
• AAM Spec Return Fuel Solution
• AAM Spec Angled Plenum Spacer
• AAM Spec Max Flow 3” True Dual Exhaust with Ti Tips
• AAM Spec Max Flow Greddy TT 3” Dual Downpipes with Open Dumps
• ATS Twin-Plate Carbon Clutch
• GReddy Peak/Hold with Warning 60 MM EGT Gauge
• GReddy Peak/Hold with Warning Boost Gauge
• Tein CS Coilovers with EDFC Module
• ECU Flashed and Emanage Dyno Tuned by AAM for 8 PSI

Brent’s roadster showed up to the shop in essentially stock condition. A nice set of Volk GT-7's complimented the car and gave a little extra grip to this already hot sports car. Brent was clear in his direction to us. Make it fast, make it reliable, and make it so I can DRIVE it! Our answer to him was the awesome GReddy Twin Turbo Kit with Intercooler option. Based on our experience with all forms of Forced Induction for the Z we knew we had to recommend upgrades that would make a lot of power but, more importantly, make reliable and streetable power.

We choose the GReddy Twin Turbo Kit for its reliability and factory-like quality. There are many turbo kits currently available for the 350Z & G35. We’ve installed and serviced the Power Enterprise Turbo Kit, Turbonetics Turbo Kit, APS Single Turbo Kit, APS Twin Turbo Kit, Vortech Supercharger, ATI Procharger, Stillen Supercharger, and HKS Supercharger kits on countless 350Z’s and G35’s. 350Z enthusiast and owner of Altered Atmosphere Mike Mahaffey, who has had a first hand opportunity to see the ins-and-outs of each kit and has personally tuned each different forced induction setup, chose the GReddy Twin Turbo Kit for his personal 350Z. We knew Mike wanted the best kit for his car, so going forward with the GReddy Twin Turbo Kit on Brent’s 350Z made sense for all the same reasons.

Now that the turbo kit was decided the second key upgrade for Brent’s 350Z transformation was the AAM Fuel Rail Return Solution system. The AAM Fuel Rail Return Solution is an integral and necessary fuel system upgrade because it allows us to properly tune the 350Z/G35 to achieve the correct amount of fuel under all load conditions (in and out of boost).

When we first started modifying the 350Z for forced induction we noticed several fuel problems. These included extremely high fuel pressure at idle (when a larger fuel pump was installed), decreasing fuel pressure under boost, and abnormal fuel tuning maps once a car was tuned on the dyno. Basically, we felt like we were shooting in the dark when it came time to tune. A risky proposition at best as none of those conditions are normal or desirable on highly boosted vehicles!

So we developed a solution – the AAM Fuel Rail Return System. Our fuel solution re-engineers the factory “returnless” style fuel system and converts it to a “return” style fuel system. A returnless style fuel system typically incorporates a fuel pressure regulator in the fuel tank, whereas a return style fuel system (used on most turbocharged/supercharged vehicles from the factory) incorporates a fuel pressure regulator after the fuel rail that can raise the fuel pressure under boost. We supply new stainless braided fuel lines and they are installed underneath the hood. These lines supply fuel to two new AAM Billet Fuel Rails. These rails more than double the flow of the factory fuel rails! Our fuel rails use a dual feed setups, so each rail is feed individually (at the same time) which is another performance improvement over the factory setup (the factory setup feeds fuel through one fuel rail and then to the other fuel rail). Our AAM Return Fuel Rail System includes a stainless braided return fuel line that literally returns unused fuel to the fuel tank assembly. An aerospace quality 1:1 fuel pressure regulator is included in the kit to ensure proper fuel pressure adjustment.

Now that the fuel system is addressed we are able to add on the power producing mods! Our AAM Spec 2.5” MaxFlow cat pipes provide the low exhaust back pressure required for turbo applications and are made of a robust catalytic element that flows 40% more than most high-flow cats. Brent’s smaller Nismo Y-pipe was swapped for our oversized AAM Spec Y-Pipe to ensure best flow. The AAM Spec Y-Pipe consists of two large 2.5" stainless steel pipes leading to a 3" collector providing superior flow. The exhaust is rounded out with Brent’s Nismo rear section muffler.

One thing we’ve learned through our vast experiences is that TUNING is THE MOST important aspect of making a motor powerful, reliable, and enjoyable to drive. To overcome tuning hurdles we’ve experienced with the 350Z & G35 we developed an ECU flash, which we call the AAM ECU Flash. The AAM ECU Flash upgrade is engineered to address several issues / downfalls of the factory ECU programming in forced induction applications. Coupled with the GReddy E-Manage that is included with the turbo kit, a Walbro fuel pump, and 440CC injectors we can provide the proper fueling for spirited and daily driving. This is what Brent's car received. With over 70 forced induction 350Z’s and G35’s vehicles tuned using similar combination of parts, we felt comfortable that this would be the perfect solution for Brent's intended use and application. This is where we make a small note for those reading this article. Tuning is done to accomplish a goal. With forced induction the boundaries of safety are closer together then in a naturally aspirated application. We also take into consideration the intended use of the vehicle. Street cars use a certain set of tuning goals, while our 10 years of tuning experience give us the know how to tune a dedicated track vehicle with the same levels of reliability and performance in mind.

Now that the power is covered Brent wanted to address his suspension. To help keep the power to the ground and increase the handling prowess a Tein CS-Spec coilover system was installed. This setup lowered the car about 1" all the way around. The lower center of gravity brings the controllability to a higher level. The perfectly matched shocks and springs help to dampen bumps in the road while still maintaining a terrific level of comfort for the driver. The exclusive EDFC option we installed on Brent’s 350Z allows in-cabin adjustment of the shock valving. Brent can decide, on the fly, between 16 settings of adjustment to obtain the exact feel he wishes to receive from the suspension.
To round out his package we installed an HKS EVC PSI for boost adjustments (the HKS EVC is an electronic boost controller that allows the drive to adjust the boost from inside the vehicle, on the fly). GReddy electronic EGT (exhaust gas temperature) and boost gauges round out Brent’s package. The EGT is a helpful tuning aid and is setup with a warning light. On extended high-boost runs, Brent can monitor his EGT gauge to ensure everything is running 100%. Last, but not least, a GReddy electronic boost gauge was installed to keep tabs on the turbocharger output.

All said and done this car put out an ASTOUNDING 448 RWHP and 342 lb/ft of Torque! The turbos begin spooling at 2500RPM and reach full boost by 3300RPM! This 350Z motor already has goobs of torque and now we've just added a mountain more. The shear acceleration is without a doubt the smoothest we have yet to feel in a modified street car – simply amazing! 100 miles an hour approaches like a freight train and keeps on pulling. It is a RUSH!