[WI280ZX]

Hi all, I'm getting a new turbo and intercooler upgrade very soon. We'll go for 14psi of boost and am using the Jim Wolf upgraded ECU with possible ECU upgrades down the road. We can make a custom downpipe, but I can't find any info on 280ZX turbo, just on older Z car turbo conversions when I search and that seems to be for clearance issues.. My question is, is it worth the added expense to make a new downpipe and what is the best shape for better flow? Or should I put the money elsewhere? I have an aftermarket ANSA exhaust with their performance muffler and I can't find the cat(wink), but will be looking to upgrade if it is too restrictive. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[pilgrim]

What are you doing to beef up the engine internally? Are you sure that 14 PSI is something the engine can tolerate?

 

[WI280ZX]

Well nothing internal, I know people running 18psi for years with no internal work and dyno 300ish rwhp. These L turbo motors are built pretty strong. Can't go higher without bigger injectors. 14psi is stage 1 for JW ecu. The car will be run on dyno before and after to insure safe operation and best timing so no pinging. My turbo Guy thinks these motors can take even more boost, but I just looking for 225-230 rwhp I'll post results April/May -ish. I may upgrade to a programmable ecu, my tuner would like that too.

 

[bergrider]

I used a 300ZX turbo to build a T3/T4 hybrid. I liked the gentle curve of the Z31 downpipe which can be seen here. I also like the liquid cooled center section.

 

[Dave M]

can you expand the discussion on that turbo in the pic? the liquid cooling looks interesting. Are you saying its a 300zx turbo? or a 300zx turbo that was customized? I am working on my turbo engine on a test stand, have a A/F ratio kit coming so I can check that out while on the stand. I have been going back and forth on the need to go with a MS3 or some other ECU vs OE turbo ECU. Recently I read from a Zman post that the OE turbo ECU has the ability to learn, I did not know that, makes it more sophisticated than I thought. But for the problem with locating the AFM in the S30 with AC, I like the idea of OE. Somewhere I read of putting the AFM/Filter infront of the core support, then running a tube back to the turbo, that takes care of the lack of space. Another idea would be to remove the stock 280z AFM mounting perch, and free up that space for the fitment of the stock turbo piping and AFM (I presume). If i went that route I would likely drill out the spot welds and install some rivnuts so I can reinstall a custom perch OR be able to return back to the original perch if I ever wanted to go back to NA. My car is a survivor in very good condition and I dont like the idea of hacking it up.

Datsun 280zx turbo test stand completed - YouTube

 

[indy83turbo280zx]

I went with a stock T3 turbo, HKS intercooler, GReddy electronic boost controller. and went to 12psi of boost and it put out 250rwhp.
I changed out the turbo to a T3/4 hybrid. Built a full 3" mandrel exhaust from the turbo back utilizing v-band clamps. EGR delete.
Downpipe is 3" mandrel. Connects to turbo and to the exhaust using v-band clamps.

I had tor drop the boost back down to 6psi to avoid detonation, so I now slam up against the boost limiter if I romp on it.
The long overdue next step is M&S with larger injectors which will allow me to turn the boost back up and target 375rwhp in a 2800LB car.
Over 400rwhp would require forged internals. If I don't do that, then I won't scare the heck out of myself and turn into a Mustang leaving C&C and embarrass myself the Z community.

 

[Dave M]

LOL on the leaving the C&C
we had one of those montly down the street from me, always had a cop on site, the day the cop does not show up some ding bat smacked into a fence/wall across the street when leaving in his dad's BMW. (was a euro dads car C&C).

Supercar Fails on Instagram: “BMW M4 having a bad day at Cars and Coffee in Orlando, Florida 🇺🇸😬⁠ ⁠ #supercarfails #bmw #m4 #bmwm4 #orlando #windemerecarsandcoffee”

 

[indy83turbo280zx]

OUCH! I hate to a see a car damaged like that.