RADICAL 80'S From OPTION [October, 2006]

TOP > FEATURE > RADICAL 80'S > FAIRLADY Z 300ZX

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Contact : ULTIMATE  http://www.ultimate.co.jp

Introducing two different tuning approaches of the same platform!
The Fairlady Z has been Nissan's primary flagship, representing the automotive market for over 40 years. The long nosed, rear hatchback design was introduced in the first S30 Fairlady, and the shape was maintained until the Z312 models released in 1983.   Over the time frame of that evolution, the straight 6 L series (L20/L28) were replaced with the V shaped VG20/30ET engines. The V series engines produced 230 hp (gross) and was the most powerful production engine in its class until Toyota released their 7M-GT. The VG engines were Nissan's weapon of choice in the mid 80s era where the top vehicle manufacturers were struggling to build the most powerful engine.   Here, we would like to introduce two 300ZXs which is equipped with the VG30DET that ULTIMATE had gotten a hold of.   The stock hood scoop on the bonnet means that it is an anniversary edition, and under that it comes equipped with a GT2855 turbine. Going even further into detail, VG30DETT 0.5mm oversized pistons and connecting rods, crankshaft had been stuffed into this assembly.   The pipe layout around the front mount intercooler (VG30ET were intercooler-less) and the surge tank hand been redesigned to minimize pressure drop. A GT-R fuel pump, 440cc injectors and a reprogrammed stock ECU were also thrown in the mix. This setup is good for 350 horsepower at 1.0 bar of boost. Full boost is realized at 3000 rpms, still retaining good mid-range torque. The tuning is well balanced between sufficient power and torque.	On the other hand, the 2nd Z31 that's present today is outfitted with a custom manifold T78 turbine good for 550 horsepower. Enabling this kind of power are a combination of forged 89mm pistons, strengthened VG30DETT connecting rods, and increased displacement of 3.1 liters.   Around the head assembly, the valve squish area had been matched up with the combustion chamber and European spec 264 degree camshafts were mounted. The 550cc injectors, reprogrammed ECU had been fully tuned.   Compared to the GT2835, the T78 shows its character at the top power range, specifically reaching full boost at 4500 rpm.   Both these Z31s utilize a vertically mounted Z32 radiator since the Z31 unit do not really work well with front mounted intercoolers, causing overheating issues. Mr. Takakamo from ULTIMATE states “a Z32 radiator setup is highly recommended. This will solve any cooling issues and the air conditioning system should work more freely.”

	As opposed to the wide and low stature of the Z32, the S30 generation until the Z31 started with a short and long nosed design. The steering response that results from this design is one of the aspects that the Z31 and S30 owners adore.			The vehicle in front is the T78 setup, and the GT2835 setup is pictured in the rear. Normally, the surgetank pipe extends to the left headlight. Despite the cramped space around the strut tower and the A/C compressor, a 60mm piping is strictly recommended. The entire layout has been changed when installing the front mount intercooler, and 70mm pipes were fabricated for the driver's side.
	A 70mm butterfly N15 throttle body was matched up to the intake piping to minimize pressure drop in the system. This modification provides more kick once the gas pedal is depressed.			The Z32 radiator sits directly behind the radiator support wall. Although the Z31 radiator is bigger in capacity, the Z32 radiator is recommended for increased cooling capabilities. The air conditioning condenser is off of a Z32 as well.
	Z33 calipers and rotors were adapted for this setup. Although the calipers are a one sided piston type, the pads and the rotors are almost 20mm larger. A master cylinder and brake booster off of a Z32 were also used.			The T5 Borg Warner transmission that is included with the VG30DET are known to have weak synchromesh gears. To fully withstand the power of the T78, a transmission from a Z31 300ZXR had been used.
	9 inch wide Gram Light 57 Pros front +15, rear +25 offset wheels were determined to be the optimum size for this setup. Trust 6 pot calipers with +355mm rotors on the front, and 4 pot calipers +330mm rotors on the back were mounted.			The entire multi-link suspension system off of an R34 had been transplanted on the T78 Z31. The rear suspension hugs the road substantially better than the factory spec trailing arms. This modification was performed mainly to increase traction and the results were well worth it.

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