2003 Nissan 350Z - Power Pages

Owner: Albert Gamboa
Dynamometer Model: Dynojet Dynamometer
Testing: Jasper Chan And Nissan

Pros
The bull stops here. While other magazines might tell you that by installing this performance product you can feel the difference in power on your vehicle, I ask, "Where is the proof?" The last time I checked, the butt dyno is not a scientific approach to knowing how much power a product makes. The Power Pages section of Import Tuner reports to you, the reader, the real deal of how much power products make. Are you really gonna take someone else's word that he thinks it's faster? Don't believe the hype; just ask for a dyno sheet.

By all means, the 350Z has lived up to its expectations. Nissan has proved to us once again that we love sports cars. For under 30 grand, you get 287 horses of fire breathing performance on a two-door, rear-wheel drive rocket. What more can you ask for? On the Dynojet, the 287 flywheel horsepower resulted in 231.8 hp and 227.1 lb-ft of torque to the wheels.

Cons
Unfortunately, unlike its predecessor, the 350Z comes naturally aspirated, so forget turning the knob on the boost controller for more power. We will have to work for it.

Notes
Ensuring the vehicle performs at its best, we opted to perform a quick tune-up on the vehicle with new Denso Iridium plugs and Mobil 1 fluids.

Temperature
Air temp. @ 70 Degrees Fahrenheit

Dyno 2 HKS Hi-Power Exhaust System
243.6 HP 232.8 TQ
Pros
The HKS Hi-Power exhaust system is truly a work of art. The twin-canister design and twin piping with H-pipe balancer tube shows that the engineers at HKS really did their homework; and the dyno numbers show it. We witnessed gains as high as 14 hp to the wheels from 6200 rpm to redline. And the exhaust note is not as loud as one would think from a twin-canister system, but once you smash the throttle the engine comes to life; it was music to our ears.

Cons
Unless you have a lift, installing the HKS Hi-power exhaust system is a pain in the behind. The twin muffler system requires some adjusting to ensure proper placement of the exhaust tips. Not adjusting the system can cause the tip to rub against the rear bumper and possible burn or discolor it.

Notes
Use WD-40 when removing any nuts and bolts to prevent stripping. Also spray the hangers for easier removal. Oh yeah, if you like to keep all your hair on your arms and don't like the smell of burnt flesh, make sure the vehicle has properly cooled down.

Temperature
Air temp @ 70 degrees FahrenheitTemperature difference from previous run: 0 degree Fahrenheit.

Partsincludes: Dual muffler canister, H-pipe, silencer section, gaskets and hardware.

Installation Time
30 minutes

Tools
14mm socket, ratchet and14mm wrench.

Dyno 3
K&N Filter Element247.3 HP 234.6 TQ
Pros
The worlds easiest install. Just pop open the two clips on the air box cover and open the lid. Once the lid is open, the stock filter can be removed. Once the stock filter is removed, you can slide the K&N filter in place and close the lid and reclip the cover. It took us literally ten seconds to remove the old filter and put the new one in place. The high-flow K&N filter showed improvement throughout the power band with gains as high as 4 hp in the mid-range. For about $40 to $50, depending on where you purchase it, you get added performance and you don't ever have to replace the air filter since it is reusable. Just clean the filter with K&N Filter Charger kit and it is as good as new.

Cons
The only drawback is that if you want maximum power from air filter system you will probably have to go with a cold-air system. But if you want to attain the stock look, the K&N filter element is up your alley.

Notes
Often times, there might be some debris on the dirty side of the filter element. Just take a household vacuum cleaner and clean it out prior to installing the new filter.

Temperature
Air temp @ 69 degrees FahrenheitTemperatures difference from previous
run: -1 degree Fahrenheit

Tools
None

installation time
10 seconds

Parts
Filter element and instructions.