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Jason's Sunset 350Z
A sunset is one of those incredible natural phenomena’s that never cease to provide its witnesses with a flurry of emotions and calming thoughts. So what comes to mind when one thinks of a sunset? A few things might be serenity, harmony, and beauty, among other things. Sunset at a legendary road course like Le Mans is even more breath taking. So breath taking even, Nissan decided to use it for the name of the signature color of the 350z. The end result was a very unique and awe inspiring bronze color that the fits the 350z perfectly, and is worn by the 350z featured in Nissan’s Z short film “The Run”.
This was also the color of choice for Jason H. of Arlington, Virginia. Jason decided shortly after purchasing his Z, it was time to start the upgrade process. Jason custom made and installed several audio upgrade components to replace the factory 350z sound system in favor of products to make his car thump. After he was satisfied with the sound system, Jason decided it was time to make his Z more fun to drive. For this, he consulted the help of the local 350Z experts at Altered Atmosphere Motorsports in Gaithersburg, Maryland.
After deciding what would be best for his Z, Jason selected a basic N/A upgrade package that is the top choice of many other 350Z owners. An Altered Atmosphere Spec Pop Charger intake, AAM Spec Plenum Spacer, AAM ECU Reflash, and a custom hand crafted AAM Spec 3 inch single exhaust were sourced for Jason’s Z.
While one Altered Atmosphere technician installed Jason’s AAM intake and angled plenum spacer, Altered Atmosphere’s in house welding and fabrication specialist went to work on the Max Flow 3 inch single exit exhaust, along with 2 AAM Spec high flow cats. The angled plenum spacer and intake are relatively easy to install, and took little time to be on the fully ready for use. Next, the factory Nissan ECU was reprogrammed for more optimal performance. Everything including enhancing the ignition timing map, adjusting the fuel map, eliminating the speed limiter, and raising the REV-limiter to ~7100rpm was all performed in less than an hour, and the car was ready just in time for the exhaust to go on. The 3 inch single exit exhaust was installed on the Z, and the car was finally ready to try on its new parts on for size.
Jason couldn’t help but break a massive grin on his face when he turned the on the ignition after the various parts had been installed. The new 350z exhaust growled to life, producing a deep and very menacing sound, but is not at all overbearing or overly loud. With a few taps of the throttle, the sound that follows cries striking similarities to the Nissan GTR’s RB26 engine, yet the new exhaust note still retains the signature 350z exhaust tone.
Coincidentally, Jason’s LeMans Sunset Z was finished late afternoon, just as the sun had begun its descent under the Maryland horizon. Jason shook the hands of the crew at Altered Atmosphere and gave his Z’s new found power a little test as he howled out of the parking lot of our Gaithersburg facility, literally driving off into the sunset. A fitting end to another job well done at the DC Metro area Z headquarters, Altered Atmosphere Motorsports.
