For The Track: Dan’s Supercharged Nissan 350z

Filed under: 350z,Featured Cars and Projects,Performance
by Alvin G @ 10:19 pm on July 13, 2020

Dan F is long time customer of Z Car Garage and we started working with him shortly after he acquired his Nissan 350z. Dan comes from a family of motorsports enthusiasts with his Dad (C6 Corvette) and brothers all enjoying track time together:

In 2012 we installed a Vortech Supercharger and for the next five years Dan regularly tracked this Z33. We fought with oil/water temperature and anything you can think of battling while at the track. Where there was an issue, a solution was devised so he could beat on this Z for 20-30minute sessions easily.

Better, Stronger and Faster

In 2017 with 53k miles on the odometer the factory engine failed in Turn 1 at Laguna Seca. We were at a crossroads: with all the developments we made so Dan’s Z could handle routine track duty should we push the envelope by adding even more power?

The answer, invariably was YES. At the heart of the new build was a Rebello VQ with HR top end and internals including forged pistons and rods, HR head gaskets and headbolts, race bearings, factory compression ratio, JWT C8 cams and JWT HD valve springs:

The major power added was a new Vortech Si wheel offering more hp per pound of boost. Supporting mods included DC sports carb legal headers, EV14 1000c injectors, GT MAF and upgraded fuel pump. Keeping things cool are new oil coolers and a revised ZCG cold-air intake:

The front-mount intercooler was upgraded to an ATP Garrett 900hp unit:

To monitor intercooler efficiency a gauge was installed in the factory cubicle displaying temperature before and after the IC:

A few more pics of Dan’s interior:

Dyno Tuning

With the engine bay all buttoned up Rob dyno tuned the Z using UPREV. The Z is now making 480hp/390tq at the wheels on a conservative track tune to keep heat low. The dyno plots show the previous 91 octane tune (368hp/333tq) and newest 91 octane tune (455hp/365tq):

More Track Mods

An off at Thunderhill gave Dan an opportunity re-engineered his aero pieces. He rebuilt the front splitter, added side blades, rear diffuser and front fender slats:

“For the brake ducts I repurposed old Roush Nascar ducts in dry carbon with standard ducting. The front splitter with spats I made to attach to the Stillen piece. The spats are tied in up the fender to prevent turbulence with the tire as it’s running a 295 front with -3.6 degrees camber.”

“The rear lower diffuser I made from aluminum and marine grade plastic. It has gold heat shielding to protect it from the exhaust, while the bumper diffuser is made by an engineering student down at Cal Poly.”

The front fender vents needed some work to fit:

“I know an engineer who did CAD and outsourced on a group buy. Problem is they are for a 370 and while the outer contour measures the same, the inner distance to the frame rail is less. I didn’t know that until we cut the first hole in the fender! So what was a piece with slats all the way through, I modified to make it shallower and then did the screen to close it off. They are dry carbon as well.”

Dan visited us for exhaust modifications to pass sound restrictions at Laguna Seca. The suspension was also checked and refreshed to keep up with the engine including new SPL lower front control arm bushings.

Stoptech, or Don’t Stop At All

After having an issue in Turn 2 with his AP Racing brakes we installed a Stoptech Trophy Kit utilizing ST60 calipers and 355x32mm rotors:

Enjoy The Track

After the last few years we are happy to report that Dan has happily accumulated 12k miles on the new build. In addition to being a good driver he is a great guy and we enjoyed being a part of his journey. Enjoy these comments below from Rob and Dan, respectively:

“It is special to me that relationships last long. Dan could easily go out and buy the latest fastest sports car, but he likes to do it for the build. It really has Dan F. written all over it. I love when he texts updates from the track. With 500hp+ and to run a session without a hitch is awesome.”

“Rob has been part of the heart and soul of this car as he has helped me build it over the last 10 years. It has been a guinea pig at times to try new methods but he has been a great partner and sponsor through all of it. It’s very fast and very fun being quite easy to handle at the limit. It is maintained for track duty at ZCG.”

Here is a video of Dan autocrossing and running the Z at Laguna Seca, there is even a snip from Larry Chen’s Hoonigan Autofocus :):

Our shared excitement is seeing Dan making personal bests at the track. Dan is fast and here are a few notable times and achivements at his favorite tracks, we are proud of him!

“I’m still looking for time to break 1:40 at Laguna Seca, currently at….140.7 and 123.7 at Thunder Hill West. I’ve consistently run in the top 10 of 100 with Santa Clara Corvette Club AX’s”