Before I get into it, here are my goals for modding:
1. No actual engine or suspension mods needed, not going to track the car.
2. I would like to gain extra HP
3. I absolutely do not want a set up that is too loud or gives a drone sound on the interstate
1. Fair enough, but you may want to look into a small oil cooler, perhaps a 19 row depending on local ambient temps and if you push the car a little bit for the added cooling.
2. Any exhaust mod is going to gain extra HP, and a tune after you're done modding will give you an extra few plus make the system run a lot smoother.
3. Then you'll want to stay away from long tube headers and non resonated test pipes or exhausts.
I have been working with someone at Concept Performance and they have answered some questions for me. I want some feedback from you based on my current selections. Let me know what you think.
Do you mean Concept Z Performance?
Mods I think I will go with:
1. Injen SP1989P Cold Air Intake - I want as much HP as possible but still easy to install.
These will require the removal of the front bumper for the install, and the replacement of your OEM washer fluid reservoir with one they supply. It's a bit messy. Also you will need to remove the bumper to clean the filters periodically. If you are alright with all of this, then no worries. But if you want easy to install, they may be a bit much.
You could look into the Stillen Gen II Intakes, or the R2C Intakes which stay in the engine bay if you want the polished metal look. Honestly, the car already comes with a "cold air intake" practically so if you're looking to save costs and just improve a piece here and there, look into Z1 Post MAF tubes and Drop In filters. They are the best bang for buck on the intake side.
2. Stillen 508385C Ceramic Coated Headers. Want to try to avoid significant heat to engine. They said these help that…?
These will remove the OEM heat shields that come on the stock headers, so heat transfer will be greater. Though I have the Long Tube Headers without heat shields and have seen no problems due to heat. That being said, the still headers are so close in design to the OEM headers, it is not worth the cost/labor to install them if you're not trying to suck every HP out of the motor you can. The stock headers will suit you fine and your money is better spent on other mods.
3. Motordyne VQHRART Advanced Resonance Art test Pipes.
These are great for giving that hint of rasp you get from Test Pipes (and exhaust smell as well, so that's something to consider), without the drone. You will see an increase in engine volume, but nothing on par with a complete non-resonated system. I am planning to get these myself in the spring.
4. Akrapovic Titanium Evolution Exhaust – seems a bit on the muted side, but excellent build? Listened to clips and sounds good. Anything else to suggest for a system?
Akrapovic is a good name in the motorcycle exhaust world, so I can see why you'd follow them on the Z. The exhaust is super light, being Titanium, however that also comes at a huge price. The system is almost $3000 and thats not including either the rolled titanium or carbon fiber tips which are another $700. If cost is not a problem for you, then by all means get this exhaust. Having heard it in person, I can tell you it will definitely give your Japanese car a European sound. Although I do believe it was a bit raspy, and not the good kind of rasp either. But sound is subjective so take that as you will.