1991 Nissan 300ZX

Owner: Katshiji Yakushiji
Dynamometer model: Dynapak

DYNO 1: Baseline
Baseline air temp @ 65.1 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP. 249.3
Peak TQ. 262.4

Baseline Horsepower: 249.3
Baseline Torque: 262.4

Pros: While we had some down time from our previous Power Page, we were able to break in the clutch. From our last dyno session to this one we were able to pick up a few extra ponies. Then the car boasted 242.3 horsepower and now 253.7 at the same air temperature. This tells us that most likely, the clutch actually helped up out in the long run. Whether it was just the extra break in time or the day, regardless we're not mad.

Cons: A/F was not too bad but we want the car to run a little on the rich side.

Dyno notes: The temperature difference between Part I and Part II was 0.1 degrees but the car was able to pick up 8.7 lb-ft of torque and 7 horsepower at peak power. Power figures are corrected to read flywheel numbers.

DYNO 2: A'PEXi Power FC Computer
Air temp @ 66.3 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run 1.2 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP. 259.8
Peak TQ. 277.7

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 2 - 10
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 17 - 40

3500 to 5500 HP Range: 8 - 12
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 10 - 20

5500 to redline HP Range: 10 - 12
5500 to redline TQ Range: 6 - 10

Pros: The Power FC computer gives you full access to engine control from fuel and timing changes to when to kick the radiator fan on. Its base maps are good enough to get the car running upon first crank.

Cons: Although the base maps are enough to drive on, to go wide open throttle is another story. Tuning is a must and the two ways to go about this is to either go to a Power Excel dealer to have it tuned by laptop or buy an FC Commander and tune it yourself.

Parts Include: Power FC ECU and two strips of Velcro.

Tools required for install: 10- and 12mm socket, Philips screwdriver.

Dyno notes: Install time was only five minutes but tuning took well over two hours to accomplish. However, the A/F is a much richer 11.5 in the high rpm and timing should be at its max for what was on the car.

Install time: pay someone, it's worth it! 6 hours

DYNO 3: A'PEXi Boost Up Kit
Air temp @ 67.1 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run 8 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP. 271.0
Peak TQ. 297.3

2000 to 3500 HP Range: zero
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 15 - 20

3500 to 5500 HP Range: 12 - 20
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 12 - 16

5500 to redline HP Range: 4 - 8
5500 to redline TQ Range: 8 - 12

Pros: The boost up kit is a boost controller built into the Power FC. All adjustments can be done through an FC Commander and boost controller adjustments are identical to an A'PEXi AVC-R.

Cons: Unlike a normal boost controller, boost controller changes must be done by accessing the ECU, which means you would need to purchase an FC Commander.

Parts Include: Boost solenoid, wiring harness, vacuum line, clamps and wire ties.

Tools required for install: 10-, 12- and 14mm socket & ratchet, needle nose pliers and Phillips screwdriver

Dyno notes: Boost was raised from 7 to 11 psi which netted a total peak power output of 271.0. with the increase in boost came an increase in fuel.

Install time: 30 minutes

DYNO 4: A'PEXi Ground System
Air temp @ 66.4 Degrees Fahrenheit
Temperature difference from previous run -7 Degrees Fahrenheit

Peak HP. 274.0
Peak TQ. 298.2

2000 to 3500 HP Range: 1 - 3
2000 to 3500 TQ Range: 2 - 4

3500 to 5500 HP Range: 1 - 3
3500 to 5500 TQ Range: 2 - 4

5500 to redline HP Range: 1 - 3
5500 to redline TQ Range: 2 - 4

Pros: Unlike most ground wire kits, this one uses a voltage stabilizer that requires you to connect battery power to the box.

Cons: This system costs much more than the traditional ground wire kits.

Parts Include: Ground distribution block, five ground wires.

Tools required for install: 10-mm wrench, 12-, 14mm socket and ratchet.

Dyno notes: Just like most ground wire kits, power comes from where you ground the wires. We found that grounding near the alternator and spark plugs works great but placing them near crank triggers tends to make power erratic.

Install time: 30 minutes

Conclusion: While the 300ZX is over ten years old, it can still be considered a high-tech vehicle. Although reaching the turbos to install a boost controller is near impossible, the end result is well worth it. We keep saying that we want our car to run rich to attack the freeway battles, but to go any further the stock injectors need to be replaced with larger ones. Also in our line up will be a larger downpipe and intercooler.