| EK9Hatch |
Hi guys, I am going to be purchasing a JDM Z32 Fairlady TT in the spring and had a few questions.
Just to let you guys know, I have done some research on tt.net, but I thought I could get some more info from you guys that already own these cars here in Edmonton.
One of the first questions I have is, if the motor is in good running condition (compression is good, etc) what is a safe boost pressure you can run at? (or can you even run anything higher than stock safely?)
Also, if you can run higher boost levels than stock, how easy is it to do so? (Do you need additional hardware/software other than a Boost Controler? Also, what is a good boost controler to purchase?)
And lastly, what are some general tips on what I should look for, or replace when I first get my TT? I will be doing all the obvious things like change the spark plugs, oil and filter, etc. Just wondering if there is anything else I can look for, or do to improve performance?
I know there are a lot of questions above, but I would appreciate any feedback you guys could give me.
Thanks
~Jamie~ |
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| vorpalz |
Greetings,
Congrats on your upcoming purchase. :thumbup:
First off, get familiar with checking ECU codes. I helped out another guy with his JDM Z32 and we found two nasty codes (code 34 Det sensor, code 21, Ignition circuit) that we had to repair before considering increased boost. I harp on this a lot, but I find code checking has kept me aware of problems with the car, and is relatively quick to check.
After changing your fluids, filters, general maintenance, you want to change your spark plugs to NGK PFRB11B... Nothing else. They are the only cooler heat range plug that fits to the top of the combustion chamber in Z32's. Harder to find locally, Concept Z Performance (www.czp.us) is a great vendor that ships to Canada quickly & cheaply. Iridiums, Bosch Platinum Plus, etc, forget'em, they will not work to limit detonation when increasing boost in Z32's.
Third, before you consider any boost increase, you will need a decent aftermarket boost pressure gauge in addition to the stock guage in your dash. The stocker simply isn't accurate enough if you are trying to guage what boost pressure you are running at.
Fourth, checking for boost leaks is essential. It's easy enough to do, you need a boost leak tester (I bought mine from Boost Pro for ~ $ 20.00 CDN www.boostpro.net) and an air compressor with an output regulator. You remove the Mass AirFlow sensor from the intake tube, replace it with the leak tester, and pressurize your intake system to ~ 5 PSI. Then, shut off the air compressor and listen for leaks. Find them and tighten the clamps, hoses, whatever is leaking. Repeat. Once you have repaired boost leaks, you will find your car is a rocket at stock boost!
Stock boost for a healthy Z32 is 9 PSI. If you are only pulling 7 PSI, your ECU is limiting boost for a variety of safety reasons. That's why checking codes is important :D
Once you have gone through the above procedure, and your car is pulling healthy at stock levels, then you can consider boost controller add-ons and increasing boost. Get the car working optimally first, then consider upgrading.
Regards, |
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| Inzane |
quote:
Originally posted by vorpalz
NGK PFRB11B...
Slight correction. Its PFR6B-11B. |
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| MixManMash |
I would have to agree with VorpalZ's advice. I am still in the "fix-it" stage and I should be in the modification stage this spring.
After you fix all the problems, you can run a higher boost up to 12 psi with the stock ECU. If you want to run higher, you should considering getting an upgraded ECU from Jim Wolf Technology. With that upgrade, you can run about 14-15 psi safely. To be safe, I would stick with 14 psi. Plus, make sure you have the colder plugs, and good fuel to avoid detonation.
To get to a higher boost than 14 psi, you will need to upgrade the injectors to a larger CC/min. Then you can run higher boost to a certain limit. I think the stock turbochargers are only good for about 16-17 psi. Some people can't even get their stock turbochargers to get this high. Altitude might have something to do with it.
However, in my opinion, boost isn't always the best way to get the most power. There are many other upgrades that are better to get a power increase. But they do come at a cost.
Congrats on your purchase decision. Consider joining the club as well. Lots of great people to meet. And lots of knowledge as well. |
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| vorpalz |
quote:
Originally posted by Inzane
Slight correction. Its PFR6B-11B.
Good catch... oops! :p |
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| EK9Hatch |
Thanks for the advice guys, I will make sure to do all the above noted things when I recieve my Fairlady TT.
Just curious, once everything is working properly, what is involved to up the boost? Just a boost controler and boost gauge? Also, what can the stock block handle for boost?
Thanks
~Jamie~ |
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| vorpalz |
quote:
Originally posted by EK9Hatch
Thanks for the advice guys, I will make sure to do all the above noted things when I recieve my Fairlady TT.
Just curious, once everything is working properly, what is involved to up the boost? Just a boost controler and boost gauge? Also, what can the stock block handle for boost?
Thanks
~Jamie~
The stock block can handle a lot (upwards of 500 BHP) What the stock heads, fuel system, turbos, I/C's can handle, as Mixmanmash said, 12 PSI without upgrades is about the safe limit. If you have upgraded the plugs and the car is running well, 12 PSI should be safe, 14 PSI with upgraded ECU and possibly bigger I/C's.
Before adding a boost controller, ensure you have done an ECU upgrade to re-map the air/fuel ratio for higher boost. JWT is popular and well supported (I have one).
Above that, you will need bigger injectors (555cc, 740cc) Big expen$e. You better be d*mn sure the car is pulling strong with no problems before you attempt this. Wouldn't want to encourage unsafe practices... don't boost foolishly without ensuring your car can handle it or drag race with unrealistic times in mind and trash your beloved Z.
Best Regards, |
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| EK9Hatch |
^ Yeah I hear what you are saying for sure! Believe me, going from my Civic to the TT will be enough power for a while! Plus, Im new the the RWD Scene, so that will take some getting used to....not to mention having the steering wheel on the "wrong" side! :P
So when the time comes that I want to increase boost from say 9psi to 12psi...I will need a ECU Upgrade as well?
Thanks
~Jamie~ |
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| vorpalz |
quote:
So when the time comes that I want to increase boost from say 9psi to 12psi...I will need a ECU Upgrade as well?
~Jamie~ [/B]
IF your car is pulling strong and
IF you have upgraded your plugs to PFR6B-11B and
IF you are running 94 octane
12 PSI should be doable for you car.
I would still get an ECU upgrade, because you won't be happy without it and will want to boost higher... BWAHAAHAAHAAhaahaa
Ahem, sorry. Boost is good, I just get carried away.
Regards, |
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