Grubbs Vortech install 386.85 rwhp & 314.73 Torque

[HoustonG35]

My coupe is the one that DFW infiniti recently posted. My dyno was 386.85 rwhp and 314.73 torque. As best I can tell the curves look great. My A/F stays right at about 12:1 throughout the entire curve. I am told this is very safe. The only thing I would like to see improve are my torque numbers. Though, they are high, I think they can be improved on.

First impressions: I have never been in something so fast and responsive. I was absolutely floored. The results I achieved were about 30 hp more than I expected. PLEASE understand that my most important requirement was that they be very conservative and take every precaution to insure engine and overall coupe reliability.

I drove from Dallas to Houston the next day (about a 4 hour drive). I had ZERO problems. I drove the car hard. Most of the time I was over 90 mph and took it to 120 mph often. Once I made it up to 140 mph, then my wife started protesting. I guess I cannot complain (she did let me take it to 140).

The gas mileage was noticeable less, but it was not horrible. Considering the amount of playing I did, I expect to get about 2 miles per gallon less than stock.

At about 3000 rpms, this beast turned into the incredible hulk. When I punch it at this level, thus far, everyone that has been in the car was shocked. Most commented that it felt like I was just coming off the line. Acceleration at this point is unbelievable.

Hitting it off the line is not much different than stock. However, about 1/8 seconds later you feel the boost and it scales stronger and stronger until redline (increased to 6800 rpms). By the way I have had no problems with my AT tranny shifting in hard accelerations.

I did have the chance to play with a high end Mercedes for about 60 miles (not sure which one because it was always behind me). When I floored it at about 80 mph, I would pull away from him. I did this many times. Each time, I would take the coupe to about 120 and wait for the Mercedes to catch up. After a few seconds, he would get back on my tail. Since, he was willing to take his car this fast; I am lead to believe that I pulled away due to my coupes extreme performance. I know this is subjective, but after doing this time and time again, I feel that this was the case.

Overall, I am very happy with the setup. I can tell that the system is not stock from the outside, but is barely noticeable inside the coupe. There is a whistle that I don’t like. It does not happen all the time, more like 80% of the time. It is not incredibly loud but, I am very sensitive to such things. There are some posts on ********************** that suggest some fixes. I intend to implement these.

Overall, I am incredibly pleased. Grubbs Infiniti did an excellent job on every level. Their service, expertise, and overall commitment to excellence is second to none.

One note on the Borla exhaust, it’s a tiger. Perfect for my application! It sounds almost stock, but with a deeper note. The tips are thicker than stock and notably different, if you know what you are looking for. Otherwise, they look like they were designed for the coupe. PERFECT COMBINATION!! It also does not hurt that they are significantly lighter than the stock setup.

[Zerk]

Sweet Ride and nice write-up Houston. Are you planning on tracking it? If so I'm dying to see what those numbers could be. It's nice to see the VQ pushing some powerful numbers.

[DFWG35C]

HoustonG35,

Congrats on your Vortech install! Please let us know if you do decide to track the car. 1/4-mile numbers will help other owners determine whether or not to follow in installing the Vortech.

-- DFWG35C http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[NewGCoupe]

What was the final cost?

[timware]

120+ in TX? watch out for armadillos! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Oh, dont let your wife see the vid of the 350z that blew a rear tire at 130 http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[ebdbdave]

Ya! What did it all end up costing you after install and everything? Any warranty issues?

dave

[jdl75]

Great post Houston!

I got a quote from Grubbs for an 04 G w/ vortech (added about $4000 for those interested). I'm greatful for your writeup - it confirms my plans to get the '05 in December!!!

[theeggman1]

For those who may have missed it, check out these numbers. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Grubbs 6MT gets 403.95hp (http://forums.ownersclubusa.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=81&page=0&view=collapsed& sb=5&o=&fpart=1#81)

[HoustonG35]

Idl75,

Your quote sounds quite low. In rough numbers, my SC cost $4400 plus about $1200 for the install, plus tax. I believe I got a very good deal, but hey, there may be better deals to be had. After all, it is a free market economy. If you can get that deal, make sure you get it in writing before any work is done. After doing my research I felt I was getting the best deal around. I hope you can do better

Ebdbdave,

I promised Grubbs I would not give exact numbers, but I can tell you that my cost was around $8,000 for the following: 1. Vortech w/ intercooler. 2. install of Vortech, Borla duel exhaust. 3. install of Borla. 4. oil change. 5. spark plug change (one step cooler), 6. nine lb pulley, 7. free loaner car for 8 days, 9 Incredible service. 10. 2 hours of Dyno time (best investment of all), 11. 9 pin serial cable for easy laptop access. 12 assurances that Grubbs will stand behind their work (priceless).

DFWG35C

I would love to take my coupe to the track. Honestly, I am a bit intimidated. I have never done this, but I know I would love it. If anyone would like to show me the ropes here in Houston or Dallas, I will be most interested.

[RandyWatson]

Great work dude!!!

[zimbo]

The best way to overcome your intimidation at the track is to go there with people you know. The track I go to is *Very* novice friendly and nobody made fun of me the first few times. Gotta start somewhere.

--Steve

[BrianlG35C]

Hitting it off the line is not much different than stock. However, about 1/8 seconds later you feel the boost and it scales stronger and stronger until redline (increased to 6800 rpms). By the way I have had no problems with my AT tranny shifting in hard accelerations.




Is it because you have an auto? I would be a little disappointed if I'd spent 7-8K on FI and I couldn't tell much of a difference from stock, off the line. With around 450hp at the crank, I'd think you'd really feel it. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/confused.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[DFWG35C]

I would love to take my coupe to the track. Honestly, I am a bit intimidated. I have never done this, but I know I would love it. If anyone would like to show me the ropes here in Houston or Dallas, I will be most interested.



HoustonG35,

Our DFW G35 Owners Club goes to Texas Motorplex in Ennis, TX (TX Motorplex (http://www.texasmotorplex.com) 30 miles south of Dallas). Next drag racing event will be in August. TheEggMan has run his ATI Procharger several times there and has some valuable insight along with a few other owners. Tips and techniques for successful launches and shifting are shared real-time. Stay tuned http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/laugh.gif.

-- DFWG35C http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[HoustonG35]

Zimbo,

What track to you go to. Anywhere near Houston?

Brian G35C

Let me clarify. With the VDC on and in full auto, the coupe starts off with a little more power than normal (maybe 20 or 30 hp more). About 1/8 seconds later I am pinned to my seat and the performance only increases. If I take the VDC off and use the manual mode, I can smoke the wheels even in 4th gear. It really is quite a shock. None-the-less I am sure it is nothing like being able to dump a clutch at 5000 rpms in first (but this is really for show).

DFW35C

I would LOVE to meet up with you guys the next time y’all go out. I don’t know about August though. I am a real estate agent in Houston and tend to be VERY busy during August. Furthermore, we always take a week or so for our anniversary in this month ( got to please the the wife). I really cannot complain, she let me spend all this cash on this car. What a great wife, and she is HOT too. Life is good!

[WaiJai]

hot wife?!?! pics now w/ the g35! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[BrianlG35C]

Brian G35C

Let me clarify. With the VDC on and in full auto, the coupe starts off with a little more power than normal (maybe 20 or 30 hp more). About 1/8 seconds later I am pinned to my seat and the performance only increases. If I take the VDC off and use the manual mode, I can smoke the wheels even in 4th gear. It really is quite a shock. None-the-less I am sure it is nothing like being able to dump a clutch at 5000 rpms in first (but this is really for show).




Thanks for clarifying Houston. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif Now that sounds like it's worth the cash! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif Congrats on such a fun ride. How's the sound? Do you hear it only under full acceleration? Is it very intrusive? Thanks for your reply. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[DFWG35C]

DFW35C

I would LOVE to meet up with you guys the next time y’all go out. I don’t know about August though. I am a real estate agent in Houston and tend to be VERY busy during August. Furthermore, we always take a week or so for our anniversary in this month ( got to please the the wife). I really cannot complain, she let me spend all this cash on this car. What a great wife, and she is HOT too. Life is good!



HoustonG35

Any wife that gives 2 thumbs-up on the purchase of a G35C is a great wife! My wife raced Camaros and Vettes in the early 70's and appreciates the G35C's performance. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Normally, the elapsed times and speeds are poor in August in Texas anyway; perhaps September/October will be better. Stay tuned and stay married! You'll live longer. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-- DFWG35C http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[ebdbdave]

Hey HoustonG35, thanks for all your honest input. It's things like this (i.e. experiences) that make this forum as awesome as it is.

Thanks!
Dave

[HoustonG35]

DFWG35C

I would love to go out with you guys. I will keep an eye on the forum for the exact date. BTW my brother & law have been talking about going to one of those race schools for a vacation. Anyone have any experience with this? He wants to go to one that uses Mustangs. I have always been a GM guy (now Nissan/infiniti).

BrianlG35C

I love the sound. It is slightly deeper than stock. At certain midrange RPMs it is noticeably louder (but this great). The high RPM sound is just a massive roar, not earth shattering, but it lets you know there is something dangerous lurking. What I really love (as does my wife) when you are just driving normally the BEAST sleeps. There if virtually no indication of the power within.

WaiJai,

If I can get my wife to pose I would love to share my joy with you. She has NO idea how beautiful she is (inside and out), so if you ever see her, make sure you tell her the truth, she is HOT. BTW, I have been married for 4 years and dated her for 6 years prior to this. I think she is lovelier today than ever before.

Ebdldave,

As I mature I think I have identified some truths: not to preach here, but to reaffirm
1. Integrity counts
2. Character is judged by how you deal with difficult situation
3. Openness and honesty benefits everyone
4. Have a thick skin and remember that we are all human/imperfect

[Edretti]

Very nice!!! Can't wait to see the first G/350z hit 380+tq! That will be the sh*t then! Anyway congrats and nice beast!

[ebdbdave]

Houston, truer words were never spoken.

Dave

[BrianV]

$1200 labor for the install of a intercooled SC, Borla Exhaust, Spark Plugs, Oil Change, and dyno time sounds excellent.

At first I thought $1200 alone for an SC install... ouch, but factoring in the extras, that's not bad at all.

One could assume the dyno tuning time alone would cost $300+ at an independent shop, the Borla install would be near $100 as would sparks.

[HoustonG35]

I felt I got a very fair deal from Grubbs. Most importantly, I am confident they will stand behind their work.

My goal in the near term is to get my torque up. I think I have the "UPGRADE BUG". Thus, I think I will start looking at internal upgrades in the future.

[Rabbid_Racer]

Hey Houston

Glad to hear that you are indeed happy with the install we did. Just thought you might like to know that after all we went through with Vortech on this people still want this done. All you guys that want to know more give me a call at Grubbs

Thanks
JOHN
817-359-4114

[af412]

Grubbs is a class act. I am the recipient of their FIRST Vortech install. I live in Japan and ordered my G35c, and supercharger, via e-mail and telephone. When I arrived to pick up my car, they were finishing up the tuning. After a few hours and a test drive, I was on the highway headed to Montgomery, AL (for work)...no problems. I then drove it from AL to Kansas City...no problems. My sister now has my car and she drove it down from KC a few Friday's ago to have a Borla Exhaust and RT Cats installed. Round trip and still no problems.

Grubbs provides the best service I have ever received. My dealer (Ron Smith) e-mails me asking how my family is doing. Alex and John e-mail asking about how the car is doing (and about JDM parts...sorry I haven't replied, been gone). I thought I had a problem when I was in AL. Took it to a shop (didn't take it to Infiniti cause I found a shop that installed Vortechs). Grubbs was with me all the way. They had numerous discussions with the shop to ensure all was good. Grubbs even sent me a check to cover the cost of my rental while it was at the shop. Turned out it wasn't a big deal. Actually gave the shop a case of beer and called it even (must be an AL thing).

Grubbs provides EXCELLENT service and they know what they are doing. And YES, my car is still under warranty. I’d do it over a 100 times. I only wish I was in the US on a more permanent basis so I could enjoy my car. It's OK though cause I drive a skyline here.

OK, I'll quit blabbing and post some pics.
-Rob

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[Dr_Dave]

Nice pics. Makes me so jealous.