of the amount of money people spend on BOLT-ONS (Plenums,headers,intake,HFC, exhaust, etc..)

how does that compare to $$$ and HP gains compare to saving up for a Vortech S/C?

i know there is a price difference, but bolt-ons prices add up...and do u really gain that much compared to S/C? and realiability of the s/c for a DD

i wanna know which route to take..im itching to make more power..but dont mind saving up for the vortech if itll be worth every penny

 

That's a question that has bothered many a G driver here.

If you don't go overboard on the boost, a Vortech can be a great way to get the extra ponies you want. Problem is, most people get it put in and then want more. Next thing you know, you running the smallest pulley and clamping down on the blow off valve. Then you hear that dreaded knocking coming deep in the crank case.

The problem with "bolt ons" is, yeah they work, but you don't get a lot for the money, on this motor. NISSAN squeezes a lot out of this motor. This thing is not an old Chevy 327 that was choked back in factory trim. You can't add an intake, headers, a big 4 bbl, and expect to get a 100 more HP and spend less than 2 grand.

Headers, Cams, Intake, Utec, and a tune, (correct me if I'm wrong) you may get 330-340 HP out of it. (at the crank). I know of only one car that made it to 400 normally aspirated and it had $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ in the motor.

On the other hand, a Vortech kit can be done by a competent back yard mechanic (just get a good shop to tune it!) in a weekend or two and you can have over 360 HP AT THE WHEELS! Even with the low pressure pulley.

The choice is yours...

 

my thoughts exactly about the bolt-ons, the motors are made to make as much HP factory...

boosting - i dont intend to be a BOOst junkie (LOL so i keep telling myself)...

i just dont wanna spend all of the boltons and still not be satisfied..hahaha.

 

there is no "better".

Its preference (which will be different for many people for many different reasons).

OP – just research both and make an informed decision based on your wants and needs… for NA info you are much better off researching this area: http://my350z.com/forum/na-builds-498/ rather than anything on Driver… I suspect the FI forum is better over there too.

 

Thanks OCG35,
i might just to that.

im just tempted to start modding, and would like to see which is the better decision(s)
from those that have done 'all' the mods on both ends..but it seems like a ritorical(sp?) question doesnt it.

ya i agree, it is preference, NA mods are less hassle, slap it on and call it aday. S/C of F/I u worry about this n that...

Oh the decisions decisions..LOL

i guess i should rephrase it as "how do u really feel about your NA bolt ons - worth it or not, and how do u compare to other cars on the road (within the same league of course)

 

Or, only buy bolt-ons that are SC friendly. Such as exhaust, headers, cams, ect. Get some smaller gains now (probably 30-40hp) and down the road slap on a SC and you'll be a happy camper.

It's my experience that bolt on mods are pretty much pointless in the search for HP. other than a nice sounding exhaust (and the exception of nitrous) SC/TT is the only way to getting power that you will really enjoy.

 

^^^Makes sense. You also have to concider WHERE you are. Will you be able to use all that power? Down where I like in South Texas, it gets really hot. I'm looking at the temp outside right now and it says 102! You lose a LOT of power to the heat. I some areas (like here), up to 25% or more. Heat is hard on a motor and the cooling system has a hard enough time just keeping up with normal driving, much less having to dissipate the heat from an extra 100 hp.

However, I do beleve that if you do it right, keep your boost below 7 pounds, get a really good tune and keep an eye on the A/F ratio (get a wide band A/F gauge), you should be fine.

 

I just spent a gang of money on NA, which was way more then a SC install and gained roughly 60whp/60wtq. I've practically got almost all the boltons I can think. Definitely not worth it if you compare gain/dollar. The good thing is that the car feels and sounds much much better then before. Also like a previous reply, most of the NA mods transfers quite well over to SC if you plan it well.

 

Daummmm! I just looked at your Garage and you HAVE got all the boltons and a lot more. I don't consider Cams a "bolt-on", but I guess that's about the limit. With all you have done, I'll bet that is one sweet running/handling car.

Props to you and I gave you a five star rating on your garage.

 

Thanks

OP, I would think that once you get a SC it'll leave you wanting better handling and sound. Just another thing to keep in mind.

 

Horsepower is like crack....

 

tell me about..its like experimental drugs turn to addictions..go from WEED to SPEED....
i wanna cut out the middle journey and get to the fun part...

Thanks guys....appreciate it,just trying to get perspective really...

the "bolt on" S/C friendly parts are a good idea to begin with...


Keep them thoughts and ideas coming!

 

in that case I'm a full-blown heroine addict