I just visited the APS site to read-up on their soon-to-be-released TT kit for the 350Z. From what little I know about these systems, it seems like their kit will be top-notch, perhaps one of the best-quality kits available on the market.

I wonder if the kit will adapt easily to a '03 G35 5AT Sedan?

Perhaps Strictly Z, a certified APS Dealer, could give us an update on the new kit, tell us when it will be ready for sale in the U.S., and provide some basic G35 fitment info...?

Thank you.

'03 G35s 5AT, Garnet Fire/Willow
Staggered 18" SSR GT1/Bridgestone PP S03
Eibach Springs/Sways, Stillen 2-pc BBK
Stillen Intake & SS Cat-Back Dual Exhaust

 

Well...

It seems ot have very good components compared to Greddy ... and it has a few bonuses like the exhaust system and test pipes.

One thing that makes it very hard to evaluate the kit is that they call every component "APS ..." (like the turbochargers, injectors, intercooler, etc.) whereas they are probably made by other comapnies.

1) If you look at the exhaust system, it has no X- or Y- pipe, so it has no scavenging properties - just a twin 2.5" diameter piping; so I would not declare it to be a particularly excellent system - but it IS free-flowing.
2) Test pipes are nice, but again nothing earthshaking - they are simple 2.5" diameter pipes - identical to what is sold by LaBree for around $260 or Xerd for around $160-200.
3) Notice the cast oil pan that is an OBVIOUS KNOCK OFF of the PE oil pan that IS included in the PE kit as well; why couldn't they design their own... oh well, can't argue with a good design though. I do like the fact that they include it in their kit - good thinking.
4) What I also like is that they include a replacement injector harness so that you don't have to cut the stock harness wires; that's very good. However, it also means that they are using RC or Siemens Nissan-non-specific injectors (which is fine by all means, don't get me wrong).
5) They DO use manage for engine management from what i remember (posted on the Z boards a while back).
6) Turbochargers..... I would really love to know which Garrett turbos they use -- so that we can map our engine's airflow onto it and hence examine its sizing.

I emailed them, so if/when they reply with some more info, I will map the our engine's flow onto compressor map.

Gurgen

 

The people at APS said that TT kit will probaly be realeasd in about early spring 05 but things like the plenum and exhaust will be releasd later this year. From what they told me the 350z is the priority for now DOGGONNET. But i guess it good to wait for a good TT kit.LOL

From me to U suck my exhaust
2003 6Mt
Val 1,Stillen slotted rotor,Injen cai,Double din,Memphis SHP 10',Hotchkis Sway Bars and (Tein Lowering Springs waiting for install)

 

Yes, their oil pan does look strangely familiar. Hmmm...
I liked the looks of their cast-iron exhaust manifolds. Sweet!
The duct piping and intercooler seem to be of good quality.
And that plenum! Machined to close tolerances. (Take THAT, Crawford!)
Looks like their test mule TTs put out some good numbers, but they're using 9.2 lbs of boost and 94 octane fuel. I wonder how they're tuning A/F and managing timing? We'll see...

'03 G35s 5AT, Garnet Fire/Willow
Staggered 18" SSR GT1/Bridgestone PP S03
Eibach Springs/Sways, Stillen 2-pc BBK
Stillen Intake & SS Cat-Back Dual Exhaust

 

bullseye

They are using e-manage to manage fuel delivery.

I absolutely LOVE their workmanship, no doubt about it. I think that it is right on par, or may be even better than PE. But, at the end of the day, the consequence of good workmanship is more about looks than performance imho (it does influence the latter, to be sure, so no flaming me on this point ok?)

Performance is highly, highly dependent on the choice of the turbochargers. I am still awaiting their reply as to which Garrett turbo compressor they are using. I am sure it will be a ball-bearing turbo, but in terms of efficiency, Garrett makes some good turbos as well as some ****-poor ones (like we say from the maps). So we'll see.

Now, as far as performance, I am not impressed at all with the preliminary numbers, especially when you consider that no "raw" dyno numbers (complete with a/f and timing info) have been released. They got 427 with 94 octane gas (which helps more than you may think) and 9.2psi (with their monster, stillen-like exahst and test pipes!!!!)??? That's not that much my friends! Here is why:

1) Max's ATI procharged Z got around ~405 (it was definitely above 400) at 9.5-10 psi. And this is a SUPERCHARGER!
2) There were some vortechs that I remember hitting 400 with a 9psi pulley.
3) A bunch of Greddy Z's got some awesome numbers: Here are the top 5 (from a while back) from the my350z.com's Top Ten FI list:

1 . 450 RWHP & 430 RWTQ, t32gzz, 8.5psi, GReddy, Dyno-Jet
2 . 400 RWHP & 383 RWTQ, SKiDaZZLe, 7psi, 2xGarrett GT28, Dyno-Jet
3 . 394 RWHP & 393 RWTQ, deviousZ, 8psi, Greddy STD Correction
4 . 386 RWHP & 328 RWTQ, SirMikel1, 7psi, ATI Procharger, Dyna Pack
5 . 375 RWHP & 319 RWTQ, daking350, 8psi, ATI Procharger, Dyno-Jet (un-corrected)

4) Finally, Cheston's PE got ~403-405whp at 7.3psi with full exhaust and test pipes!

Now, #1 and #4 (Max and Cheston) did this on 91 octane gas. IF you had 94 octane, you could advance timing by about 4 degrees and get much more power on an FI system (on an N/A system this trick yields about 8-12hp - seen it myself!).

So, you can see my point. I would guess (only a guess) that when we analyze the compressor map it won't be as efficient as Greddy's or PE's.

I don't mean to be an a$$, just being realistic. Now if they could show us a raw dyno sheet with sub-12 A/F ratio, timing retarded at least 5-6 degrees from stock, and the kit making that much power (~427 hp) at at 7.5-8 psi, I would definitely be impressed, as it would be a testament to how efficient the turbos are, how well they are chosen, and how efficient their intercooler is. Otherwse, I am not buying it.

Gurgen

<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by gurgenpb on 08/01/04 03:29 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

Gurgen everything you said was a very good, pointed out comparison. The APS does look like a great kit, but it looks like it samples some things from other products like you pointed out!!
1 . 450 RWHP & 430 RWTQ, t32gzz, 8.5psi, GReddy, Dyno-Jet
THATS ridiculous!! 8.5 is obviously the max though without rebuilding the engine right? And its not for daily street driving, that's exactly what i would want to get out of a TT kit of my own, something safe and low with great power (your PE at 4.3) and high boost at 8 or 8.5 which would put out 400+ tw and hp!! How much do you expect to get out of high boost?


Martin
2003.5 BS G35
Nismo Aero/Sport Package
Injen CAI
B+G Springs
ADR M-Classic 19's..

 

I expect to get over 400 whp at least that's what they get on teh MTs (mine will prolly be a little lower).

Yes, those numbers are on stock internals, and I'm sure he doesn't drive at those settings every day.

Gurgen

 

I agree with you 100%, Gurgen.

These guys seem like they're experienced, so I doubt they'll finalize a kit with inferior turbos unless they're trying to hit a price-point. I don't think they'd do that, but it'll be good to find out which turbos they end up using, and what the output is at various states of tune/boost. I'll stay tuned...

'03 G35s 5AT, Garnet Fire/Willow
Staggered 18" SSR GT1/Bridgestone PP S03
Eibach Springs/Sways, Stillen 2-pc BBK
Stillen Intake & SS Cat-Back Dual Exhaust

 

OK, jsut got response from APS

THese people are exceptionally nice and informative, I must say.

I have to say that, according to APS, I was apparently misinformed that they use e-manage for engine management. They insist that they use something of "their own" design. Not sure about that. But, they DO control timing as well as a/f with there engine management solution.

As far as the turbocharger is concerned, they say (and I don't have a reason to not believe them) that they use a turbocharger specifically made for them by Garrett, and not just one of the 'standard' garrett units. There are no compression flow maps for this turbo yet, but he DID give me one reference point on the map. It seems as though the unit is on the larger side. My vagueness is only matched by the lack of information about this turbo, so I am not going to make any difinitive statements about efficiency at this point; this would require me making substantial assumptions about the shape of the rest of the map. So allow me to reserve my judgement until then.

Their plenum is a single piece cast and machined piece and will be introduced at SEMA2004 (early november). Can't wait to see it/put it on!

Gurgen

 

Thanks for the update. I wonder why we have yet to hear from Strictly Z, certainly a potential source for this kit once it is released in the U.S. Any additional comment, guys? Guys...?

Thank you.

'03 G35s 5AT, Garnet Fire/Willow
Staggered 18" SSR GT1/Bridgestone PP S03
Eibach Springs/Sways, Stillen 2-pc BBK
Stillen Intake & SS Cat-Back Dual Exhaust

 

APS will NOT be making this kit for the G35. I had another email exchange with them, contents of which i will post later today

G

 

I'm sure it woudln't be that hard to fabricate this kit for the G35... ECU pinouts are different, and a tad bit different in the engine bay (piping wise)

 

Yea, doesn't look like that's a thumbs up for the APS G35 kit!!


Martin
2003.5 BS G35
Nismo Aero/Sport Package
Injen CAI
B+G Springs
ADR M-Classic 19's..

 

Perhaps someone like Stillen could enter into a partnership with APS and co-develop the kit here in the U.S.? That would obviate the need to ship a US-spec G35 to Aussie land, and shave months off of development time. Such a project would only be an extension of the R & D Stillen has already done to develop their SC systems. They could do it, and have the Stillen/APS TT kit ready to sell before next summer.

I understand APS' thinking with regard to developing a kit for a non-true sports car, our G35; however, if PE and Greddy can do it, APS can do it, too. APS will not have to re-invent the wheel, here. Others have already developed TT kits for our application. APS can simply refine the concept and produce a uniquely spec-d variation...

I guess I won't hold my breath waiting for their G35 kit either.

'03 G35s 5AT, Garnet Fire/Willow
Staggered 18" SSR GT1/Bridgestone PP S03
Eibach Springs/Sways, Stillen 2-pc BBK
Stillen Intake & SS Cat-Back Dual Exhaust

 

I'll bet that any shop competent enough to do the APS install could make it fit for the G35. The only issue is going to be the fuel/timing maps which APS is not planning to give up control of. From what I understand, they will provide all maps and there will be no such thing as a car-specific custom tune.

Even so, I'll bet it would work fine on the G35 coupe with minor piping modifications. As a case in point: as far as I know, I was the first member of the 350z forum to buy the Vortech 350z kit and it fit on my G35 sedan with only very minor piping changes required.

--Steve