I love this forum! Great way to share info and learn a lot about what to do and what not to do. Thanks to all that contribute!
I've been looking at the various FI options, read many many threads and have come to the conclusion that the stock Stillen SC system would work best for my uses. Please don't come back to me with a TT is better. It may be for you but to me handling and corner control is the most important thing with my Z. I just want more power than stock. I like the fact that a SC car has a very linear power curve and the boost is proportional to engine RPM. No surprise boost while deep in a corner. I've driven a Porsche 930 Turbo and while it is scary fast it is also a beast to control because of the boost curve. Been there, done that, no thanks!
What I would like to know from members that have actually installed the Stillen is what level of difficulty should I expect during the install. I have built engines, trannys and done car restorations so I'm no noob to working on cars. One of the most difficult jobs I have done was to replace the knock sensor on my 2000 Frontier. Dang, what a job! 16 hours just to replace a $40 part. The sad thing was that after all that work the truck drove just like it did before the sensor went bad. I think I'll have a better return on time investment with the SC upgrade. At least the car will have more power.
One thing that sounds difficult is torquing the intake plenum. I have seen mention of a special wrench to reach the nuts/bolts. Any info about that?
Somewhere on the forum, I have it book marked, someone posted an addendum to the Stillen instructions and it looks to be very helpful calling out tools needed that are not mentioned in the Stillen instructions. Luckily I already have an inspection camera (needed to do the knock sensor replacement) so that item is covered. I picked up the $80 camera from Harbor Freight and it does the job!
I do not plan on altering the kit unless it has a drivability issue. The as installed ~420RWHP will do nicely (I'll get that pesky M3 that I see some mornings on my way to work).
The plan is to do the install next summer to my basically stock Z. By the time I get around to the install I will have the Fast Intentions CBE and Hotchkis sway bars on the car. My car is mostly a DD so I do not plan anything extreme. I can already scare the crap out of my wife with it. We do enjoy a good curvy road ride but I like to go faster than she likes. Without the handle by the door to hold onto (we call them GOD ALMIGHTY bars, because that is what people would yell as they grabbed them) she has to hold on to the door handle while I have my fun. I turn up the stereo to drown out her screaming
