Alright, I read the 81 page thread about STS and have researched like crazy about the Vortech as well, so hopefully telling me to, "SEARCH!" doesn't apply too much.

I'm pretty level-headed and so I'm wondering if jumping into FI is overboard and something I'll regret because of the financial hole it will get me into, assuming I have major problems and have to replace my engine (worst case).

Reliability is paramount as this is my DD, however I plan on having my car for another 4-5 years, and some extra fun as long as it's reliable can't hurt right? I figure getting 350hp/300tq is realistic with either setup and that would put me in high 12.XXs, which I'd be happy with for sure (I don't drag or track my car). If it matters, my car is an 05 Sedan 6sp (Rev-Up).

I've almost completely ruled out the STS kit due to the fact that living in Utah makes the kit extremely unappealing (heavy snow, rain, hot summers). Also, the customer support/service is sketchy and inconsistent, although the benefits of having a turbo are self-explanatory.

Vortech:

The Vortech is looking extremely appealing for my circumstances and I can get a used tuner kit for under $3000. The only downsides I can think of are that the power isn't the most enjoyable compared to Turbo, but for the cost and knowing that it's pretty much completel out of the box, that's huge for me.

Pros:
Reliable (minus the bad batch)
Proven over and over
Complete out of the box
Less hard on tranny & engine due to lower torque (debatable)
Set power (3.12 Pulley would be enough and hard to do more), which would be good for me since I want reliability

Cons:
Power is in 3500RPMs+
Blower is always blowing
Whine of SC vs Spool of Turbo

I guess I'm just wanting people's opinions to see which route you'd recommend for me, or if many of you regret going FI to begin with.

Also, can some of you tell me what you paid for installation for your Vortech kit (it should be compared to STS install prices) and also how much you paid for Tuning?

I'd most likely go with 440cc injectors, Walbro 255, and UTEC for either application, but if you can't tell, I'm leaning either towards the Vortech or nothing at all.


Thanks everyone!

 

http://my350z.com/forum/forced-induc...charger-2.html

Read #26 sentry's post.

I JUST went thru, going to order this week....i choose.... vortech
Now time to decide V2 or V3 lol

 

Congrats! Why would you not go with the V3 just out of curiosity? I'd like the V3, but I'm trying to be as price conscience and the V2 Rev-Up used will be my likely choice, if I do decide to go FI to begin with.

Thanks for the informative post by the way!

 

They both have their pros and cons...with the V2, you have to tap the oil pan (or run an oil pan spacer) but it's easier to maintain since it runs off the engine oil. So you only have to do your regular oil change maintenance. Whereas the V3, you don't have to tap the oil pan at all but now you have the blower being self lubricated, which means you have to change both the engine oil AND the blower oil. It's more maintenance but the advantage is not having to put a hole in your oil pan...most would argue that it's not a big deal to begin with anyway. Performance wise they're both the same. Oh and with a V2 (used) you run into the chance that it's from the bad batch of blowers...just something else to consider.

 

the only down side i see to a sc is dealing w/ loose belts every now and then

other than that sounds like a vortech is perfect for your needs

 

I agree for crappy weather/traction SC is the way to go.

 

+1 well said.
I'm trying to figure how easy to change oil on V3 and how much oil cost from vortech.

This is one of reason for me. I'm moving to TX in couple of months, 100 degree outside on summer time. lol Also, my tires isn't big enough to hold big power, means in future i have to ditch my rims/tires for traction.

But if i didn't have all the support aftermarket parts, i will go with TT for sure.

 

I cant say i like the vortech much because the engine temp really affects the power. The only time your vortech will be at its peak in power is the first time you drive it that day when you car isnt warmed up. Or atleat thats how it is with me and it pisses me off because its basically slow when it gets warmed up.

 

/\ There is a guy in MY350Z who regularly track his car and he had some heating problem at the track with Vortech and now he's been running his STS for over a year and very happy with it..

You really have to talk to people who have experiece with both kit... JonnyC and BoozT in MY350Z can give you a idea better than anyone in here.

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Since you have already ruled out the STS then you shouln't have added the OR STS on the title.. lol

Good luck

 

Thanks everyone for your input thus far...

FI'ed G. I haven't completely ruled it out, but the original owner of the STS kit on the Sedan, who happens to live in Utah, really didn't have the best things to say, not because of the kit, but more so because of the Utah weather, but as you can tell, I'm leaning towards the Vortech, but who knows.

Also, do you guys happen to know what I'd need to do to convert a Z Vortech kit to fit my G Sedan, or a Coupe kit to fit a Sedan for that matter?

Thanks!

 

In terms of daily driving, which appears to be your use for the car, the vortech is far superior to any other FI system, including other supercharger systems. However, if you are choosing the STS or the vortech to cut the cost, know that once you go boost, you run tons of additional risk to problems occurring resultantly.

Yes the turbo kit has much more potential to produce power, but unless you plan on building your block, this potential is worthless.

Everything else is preferential. Do tons of research before you purchase.

 

There are a few little things you will need to convert the kit from a Z to a G. Your best bet is getting a kit designed for the G35. There is no difference in kits between the sedan and the coupes. Again, research come into play here....

 

There is no STS kit for the Sedan and there is only 1 kit but that was a custom kit coz the original owner did all the fab work, G35 kit is almost identical with the 350z kit except the G35 is just a little longer. You cant use the Coupe/350Z kit on a sedan without major major fabrication. I live in NYC and so does one other STS 5AT coupe and I dont have any problem with my kit, then again I dont drive my car everyday. I have driven my car on one of the hardest rain you can think of and not a single problem so I'm not sure what is the problem. dont you have beater car when it is snowing hard? I mean th G35/350Z are not the best car for snow even with winter tires to begin with.

If you have doubt then just go with the Vortech

 

Ya, I've been researching like crazy (as I always do before purchases, especially big ticket ones such as FI) and still am doing it. I just get conflicting answers about the differences between the Z kits and G kits. The issue is finding a used G kit that is Rev-Up as well, as there are two Z Rev-Up kits right now on the market that I'm looking at.

FI'ed, the kit I was looking at is actually the modded kit for the Sedan, so it'd be perfect, but the weather is a huge deterrent, and as I said in the top, this is my DD and I don't have a beater, just snow tires.

1/4 mile timewise, what should 350hp/300tq net me at a track with stock tires...I'm assuming low low 13's or high 12's? Like I said, I don't track or drag (don't plan to), but would like to have a rough idea of how fast the car would be with the new found power.

Thanks for everyone's advice and input thus far...any more is appreciated!

 

I read through all the info as well and ended up going with the Vortech V-3 tuner kit. No need for fuel pump or injector if you get the tuner kit. I have almost 2K miles on mine and love it. Haven't had it on during the summer though, so I can't speak to heatloss. Although it has an intercooler, so the impact of heat,should be equal to or less than a turbo.