It's pretty much guaranteed that if someone says they work for an aerospace defense company, thoughts of UFO espionage cover-ups, heat-seeking missiles with poison tips aimed at Russia and secret POW life-saving missions automatically come to mind. It's immediately assumed that this person is part of, or perhaps, the sole contributor to all of the above. Of course, this is all subjective because, after all, is Russia still really a threat to America?
Thankfully, such is not the case with Cheston Chiu, owner of this '03 Nissan 350Z Track Edition. Cheston is employed as a senior systems engineer for an aerospace defense company, though he wouldn't disclose which one; we assume he has to cover such things up. Either way, he's adamant about not being a part of any espionage secrets or Hmong-Communist regimes, buth he did state that his job at the aerospace defense company has contributed to his unforgiving love of speed and modification of cars; something we can all agree on.
I wanted something I could fly low, without violating FAA flight regulations," he explained, "so I bought the Z when it was released in late 2002. I loved the previous Z32 and I wanted a real sports car."
When the 350Z hit the streets, it was an instant sensation among those looking for the ultimate ride without having to spend a pretty dime. For Cheston, who has been in the tuning game since the '90s and was searching for a quick fix, the Z satiated his speed-limit-breaking needs. The '03 350Z rolled out as a front-engine, rear-wheel drive, two passenger, two-door sports car. It hearkened back to the days when such cars were a mainstay in the automotive market, before economic recessions hit America and gas prices skyrocketed into price-per-gallon hell.
So it was natural for Cheston to go as far as pre-ordering the Z33 before it was released. It was more than instinctive to modify it to the point that virtually every part underhood, outside the cabin and inside the cockpit were changed, all of which to the tune of an estimated $20K, all with the mental precision only an engineer for an aerospace defense company could produce.
"Before I began, I decided on the level of insanity I wanted to pursue. First, I looked at the engine. The stock VQ block on boost is very capable, given the right tune, so I went all out," he said, "but that doesn't mean I bought everything just because everyone is doing so. I became a minimalist in that aspect. I also set a horsepower goal and stuck to it. I didn't go overboard with parts that have extreme horsepower ratings when it's not necessary." What came out of this credo was pure, unadulterated insanity but with a hint of control.
Underhood sits a 502hp VQ35DE with an estimated 501 lb-ft of torque. It's all due to the Power Enterprise PE1420 twin turbochargers, coupled with Power Enterprise cast manifolds and an HKS blow-off valve. Together, the PE1420s have a flow rate of 600 hp, which Cheston seems to use to its ultimate capability. Cooling airflow to the engine is an ARC intercooler with TechnoSquare pipes, while an HKS EVC 5 controls boost. Head modifications include ARP head bolts, a HKS headgasket and a TechnoSquare custom MAF intake tube. Inside the block is a set of Carillo connecting rods, JE Pistons and a WPC coating on the crankshaft and bearings.