The turbos tucked under the wings of the V6 are not the standard 18Gs but are upgraded 20G units from Turbo Engineering Corporation (TEC). They have the same housing but the exhaust side has been clipped seven degrees to facilitate a freer flow. The intake side has been machined by TEC to accept the larger 20G compressor wheel.
Other originalities abound in this engine. For example, water methanol injection was installed right after the photo shoot while a custom return fuel system ensures enough fuel reaches the GReddy 720cc main and 650cc secondary injectors. Only closer inspection reveals the more efficient shape of the Crawford Z car Version IV plenum. The stock unit is taller towards the back while the Crawford unit is one size all around which promotes better flow.
While this engine may stand alone with its power, its computer does not. The Z employs a piggyback setup from GReddy. The e-Manage has had the mapping changed by Stockton and Purdum. At the same time, a GReddy Rebic IV runs the 720cc sub injectors, which remain in place after the previous 440cc injectors were swapped out. The GReddy PRofec e-01 is the in-cabin computer which can be used for an array of items such as changing boost or the engine speed when boost comes on. But Stockton notes they usually just go in there with a laptop. A Stillen grounding kit is used to ensure all the electronics are at optimal performance levels at all times.
While the engine bay is nice, the cabin is where we spent most of our time. Racing seats from Sparco held us firmly in place while GReddy readouts gauged the oil pressure and oil temp as we explored the winding switchbacks around Boulder. After finally finding the traction control switch, we were able to "calmly" drift the Z around the alpine corners, still slightly slick from a summer shower. The Z is incredibly balanced and flickable for a 3,500-pound car. With forced induction it becomes even more of an elated exercise in traction control. The Z tore into the endless undulating curves ascending the mountainside like an eager four-year-old into her birthday presents.
Whether the Boulder locals appreciated or despised the Nismo's rapid approach and disappearance remains to be seen. Either way, it appears that these guys from Boulder have their A-game on as their Nissan is a show-and-go machine of the nth degree.
2003 Nissan 350ZExteriorVeilSide Version III Full Body Kit (Widebody)
Wheels And TiresKinesis Wheels: Front 19 x 9, Rear 19 x 12Michelin Pilot Sports: Front 245/35/19, Rear 315/25/19
SuspensionTein Type Flex Coil-OversNismo Sway BarsStillen Rear Camber AdjustersStillen Rear Toes Arms
DrivetrainNismo L.S.DThe Driveshaft Shop Level 5 AxlesRouge Short ShifterATS Triple Disk Clutch
EnginePauter RodsCP Piston 8.5:1 Pistons (.020-over)Jim Wolf Technology Cam Set Titanium Valve RetainersCrawford Z Car Version IV PlenumRC 650CC InjectorsCustom Return Fuel SystemAeromotive A1000 Fuel PumpAeromotive Fuel Pressure RegulatorReddy Twin-Turbo Kit (upgraded to TD05-20G turbosReddy Front Mount IntercoolerReddy Type-R Blow-Off ValveRandom Technology Hi-Flow CatsStillen Dual ExhaustStillen Grounding KitReddy Iridium PlugsBlitz Aluminum RadiatorUnorthodox Racing Underdrive Pulley Set
ElectronicsReddy e-ManageReddy Rebic IVReddy 720cc Sub Injectors (2)Reddy PRofec e-01Reddy Fuel Pressure GaugeTechnosquare Reflashed ECUReddy Boost GaugeReddy EGT Gauge (2)Reddy Air/Fuel Gauge
InteriorSparco Milano Leather SeatsSparco 5-Point HarnessesKrik Racing Roll Bar Nismo Carbon Fiber Shift KnobPioneer 760-MP CD PlayerPioneer 6 Disc CD ChangerAlpine Type-R 10-inch Subwoofer