DIY Stillen Supercharger

wortmeister

I just installed a Stillen kit on my 2009 sport/touring Z (auto trans), and became an instant Stillen disciple. The amazing increase in torque and horsepower absolutely transform the car. This is a great kit, and worth every penny. Installation is easy enough that I can't understand why anyone who knows one end of a wrench from the other would pay to have it installed. The kit is complete to the point you probably won't have to leave your garage to complete the installation--as long as you have a fiber-optic scope to use while installing the right-side manifold bolts. Stillen somehow "overlooks" this requirement. With my supplemental instructions filling the gaps not covered in Stillen's, any average DIY mechanic can install the kit in less than 20 hours. I prepared the attached instructions to help others around potential trouble spots.

The attached instructions must be read in conjunction with those Stillen supplies with the SC kit, available at:

http://www.stillen.com/media_files/407770.pdf

I've attached my instructions in .pdf format, readable by anyone with Adobe Acrobat. This is a link to the pictures in my album on this forum that go with the instructions: Nissan 370Z Forum - wortmeister's Album: Stillen Supercharger Installation pics
If you're serious about an installation and wish further info, ask for it, and I'll respond via this forum's private e-mail. If you live in the Phoenix area, I might provide direct help with the installation.

Attached Files

Stillen SupInstr2-28-11.pdf (124.2 KB, 494 views)

XwChriswX

Congrats on the install. If you're able to, a few of us are gonna try to meet up at the Pavilions on Scottsdale if you can make it that would be sweet to see the kit in person.

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R.I.P. Abby 3/29/10 - 3/30/14

Sibze

You installed it yourself??? Nice

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RIP Tony.

Osiris

Do you have before and after dyno numbers? If so, did you use a mustang or dynojet? I'm curious to see what your "amazing torque" numbers are.

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wortmeister

Sorry about the multiple posts. Happened because I wanted to ensure info was in the DIY forum. I'm retired, 70 years old, and the Z is my daily driver. Rather than dyno numbers, my advocacy of the Stillen kit is based on seat-of-the-pants experience with the difference it makes in real-world driving performance. Best I can describe it, it's like installing another VQ37 in the trunk. I would never have believed a little spinning compressor could make such a difference. The only downside: the low-ratio first gear in the auto trans requires a slow foot on the gas pedal for launches. Even with a limited-slip diff and 9" wide Potenzas, the rear tires melt if you stab the throttle. I'm still learning how fast the pedal can be depressed to get the fastest launch.

I chose the Stillen kit over other's because I wanted reliability, rather than the last horse that could be extracted just before the engine blew. Summer temps in Phoenix regularly exceed 110 degrees, and having a huge air-air intercooler obstructing the entire radiator didn't seem a wise plan. Stillen's air-water intercooler also has advantage of cooling the intake charge immediately prior to entering the cylinders. The cooler the charge, the less chance of supercharging's nemesis: engine-destroying detonation. The flow restriction imposed by routing the entire intake charge through an air-air intercooler requires turning the supercharger faster to attain a given boost level, which can't help the supercharger itself last longer. Stillen's shorter after-supercharger ducting, unrestricted by a full-flow air-air intercooler, also reduces dead space which must be re-pressurized when the throttles are fully opened suddenly, making full power available more quickly.

SoCal 370Z

Rep point for tenacity, tools for the job, installation!

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RCZ

wortmeister: Thanks very much for the information and trying to help people out. There are a lot of people who appreciate your comments on here, don't pay attention to this guy who is bitter because his kit didn't work for whatever reason.

Congrats on the car and the kit. Don't get caught up in a numbers game like a lot of people here do.

Nismoracer

OP is it true you no longer can run the car with VDC on with the SC install? If so do you have to turn it off every time you get in the car or will it stay off once you turn it off?

Osiris

The kit runs fine with VDC on or off.

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wortmeister

The VDC has its own separate CPU, and is unaffected by the Stillen/UpRev -supplied ECU supercharger flash.The VDC can be disengaged, or engaged, via the factory button switch--with or without a supercharger installed. My problem post supercharger installation is that the rear braking force limiting wheelspin on launch, controlled by the VDC computer, is inadequate to prevent frying the rear tires, even if the pedal is stabbed from a 20 mph rolling start. This may be due, in part, to the torque multiplication of the 16.53 final drive ratio with the auto trans' first gear. The higher 1st-gear final drive (14.01)with the 6 speed manual might lessen the problem.

dal1307

I have less problems in 1st with my 5AT (08 G37s) with VDC on. The VDC is continually kicking on and off if I get on it hard though. I don't know what the difference in ratios is between the 7AT and 5AT. However, if I powerbrake to anywhere above 2200 RPM on launch with the VDC off it will spin all he way through 1st if I keep the pedal down. I am still playing around trying to find the best launch method. I am alson on stock sized NITTO Invos which don't hook up very well.

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2008 G37s 5AT, Stillen SC, Stillen CBE, Stillen tranny cooler, DBA 5000 front/4000 rear, Stillen sways, Tein SS-P coilovers, SPC front & rear control arms, Goodridge lines

steveg78

I appreciate the time you have taken to write a proper "supplement". A lot of DIY'ers probably wouldn't take the time to write anything remotely as thorough and organized as what you have. Awesome work! Thanks

wortmeister

Thanks for the nod, Steve.

I believe the primary value of knowledge occurs when it's shared. If Stillen had intentionally written its instructions to ensure successful installations could be accomplished only by professionals, it couldn't have done a better job. Having done the installation myself, I'm convinced that any DIYer who can read could do it, using my supplemental instructions. I'm 70 years old, with all of the mental and physical impairments attendant, and the primary reason I encountered difficulties was because of the deficiencies in Stillen's instructions. Although time-consuming and requiring patience, the installation procedure is so simple and straightforward, I could now do another without even looking at the instructions. Not bragging. It's just that easy.

Incidentally, I'd appreciate constructive input from anyone who has done an installation. I make no claim that my instructions are perfect, and would be happy to incorporate other's ideas into updates.

tiller

how are you liking the stillen supercharger?would really like to hear about how its performing,how many miles on it since installed

wortmeister

I love it! Despite the JATO-fired acceleration, Stillen's claim that gas mileage is only minimally affected by the supercharger has proved to be accurate--as long as you keep your foot out of it--which is extremely difficult to do. As to longevity: so far, so good--but I've thus far driven it less than 500 miles. It's never failed to start, idles like a stocker, and the supercharger still whistles like a happy canary.