Most owners of the new 350Z are probably very happy with their new baby. After all,
it's fast as the previous gen 300ZX twin turbo and as a bonus costs a lot
less! Then again, most gear heads aren't happy with going just fast, they
always want to go even faster. Enter longtime Nissan tuner, Steve Millen
Sportscars, (a.k.a. Stillen). Steve Millen has been making go faster parts
for Nissan cars since the early 90s and it shows with their huge catalog
of parts. So the new Z was a perfect fit for a forced induction kit. Before
we go any further, most of the speed freaks are asking? How much
horsepower? Well, Stillen insiders tell us their target is between 75-80
horsepower for the base S/C kit. Ok, that's not earth shattering but if
you also add on their new exhaust and intake systems, you're easily gonna add
near 100 ponies to the bottom line.
Supercharger
The next question during development, would they go with a turbocharger or
supercharger kit? Stillen has racked up experience with both turbochargers
and superchargers. Stillen built a complete supercharger kit for the
fourth gen Maxima's VQ30DE engine while their 300ZX turbo experience was
limited to the VG30DE engine which is unrelated to the VQ35DE found in the
new 350Z. At least with a supercharger kit, they could build upon some of
the lessons learned from the Maxima application even though the Maxima's front
wheel drive engine transverse orientation versus the Z's rear wheel drive
longitudinal mounting would prevent them from using the same type of
supercharger. Another bonus; S/C are usually more responsive at all RPM
ranges versus a turbochargers which usually kick in at higher RPMs.
The new Stillen 350Z supercharger is based on a Roots Style Eaton Blower
supercharger. Stillen was responsible for the majority of
engineering/packaging and consulted with S/C whiz, Jerry Magnuson for
highly technical issues like "flow diametrics." The initial boost
will be a relatively low 6 psi. The kit will include a 7th fuel injector
to increase the amount of fuel delivered to the engine. Stillen plans on having 4 or more different levels of performance available. As customers progress up the stage chart with the
supercharger, they'll have to add things like a larger 7th injector to richen the
fuel/air package, fuel rails, etc. - not necessarily in that order.
Stillen may finish up later with an intercooler option for the maximum sustainable gain.
The base supercharger 70 horsepower target is based on gaining CARB approval.
Stillen views this as very important for customers so they can be smog
test legal. For other customers, Stillen will offer 'off-road use only' options to the package.
The customer will have to modify the hood of the 350Z once they've installed
the SC. Stillen will offer a complete paint-ready hood in fiberglass as
pictured on page 3. Or customers can opt for the scoop only. The scoop is a full front
to rear (windshield) scoop that the customer can be installed onto the stock
hood, available in fiberglass and carbon fiber. In the case
of the fiberglass version, the customer will save some painting expense in
that they only have to have the scoop painted to match. Of course with the
carbon fiber option, it would only need to be installed.
Oh...and yes G35 owners, Stillen plans on porting over the S/C kit to the
Sports Coupe. If you're a G35 sedan owner and want the S/C kit for it, click
here...
Exhaust
According to insiders, Stillen went through five different exhaust designs
and they finally settled on a system with some back pressure which the VQ
engine seems to benefit from. Stillen claims a an increase 13 horsepower
and 14 lb-ft of torque at the same factory peak ratings. We'll have
more info on the exhaust system soon. Stay tuned!
Exterior:
Brakes:
· STILLEN Front Fascia
· STILLEN Side Rockers
· STILLEN Rear Valance
· AP Racing 4-Piston 1-Piece
Big Brake System (Front) 13" Rotors
· Pagid Pads (Front), Metal Matrix
Pads (Rear)
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