A2A Intercooler fit for '15+ Nismos?

Jayhovah · 02-20-2018, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcfromfl

Thanks very much for your thoughts, Jayhovah. So there IS an engine oil cooler somewhere? Where the heck is it?!

It's a relatively large sandwich plate between the block and oil filter with two coolant lines running to it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcfromfl

Just for the sake of linking, I found this DIY: z1 oil cooler installation w/ pics On page 3, Z1 provides a pdf to their updated instructions.

In my case, not only would I have to budget for a 34-row, but also a rolling jack stand, and two stationary stands, as I imagine you can't do the install with the tires on the floor. (Required removal of the undershroud?) Alternatively, I suppose I could get ramps from Harbor Freight, but they probably wouldn't clear the underside of the bumper before reaching the tires.

I like the "wait and see" acid test, but I don't relish the idea of having to dig back into the front of the car a second time if it does run too hot to put the cooler on.

I will never dump the clutch, because I know how hard that is on various drivetrain components, and I hate breaking things. Most likely, the s/c will only ever see full boost for short rolling acceleration runs lasting no longer than a minute, and quick blips on the throttle of a few seconds each. I've had the car up to 110 already, and it reaches that speed so quickly I can't imagine holding the pedal to the floor that long very often with the s/c -- I'd be hitting 160!

Sounds like you are hiring out the labor... If I were you I would go ahead and have an air cooler put in and have the OEM cooler deleted (some folks keep both, but the two will work against one another in some situations as the oil/air cooler regulates to ambient while the air/water regulates to coolant temp).

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcfromfl

(BTW, I just got my Uniden R3 in the mail...)

I've been running one since they were released, LOVE it! Make sure you keep up with firmware updates, Uniden has been very proactive in listening to the requests of the community and have been adding all sorts of new features with every update. Pretty refreshing!

bcfromfl · 02-20-2018, 03:25 PM

Thank you both for your help! Much appreciated.

I wasn't intending on hiring out the labor for any of the s/c-related support mods, and will only have the clutch done by someone who knows what they are doing (hopefully RJM...will need to make a road trip). I've got some thinking to do here about the oil cooler, but I'm glad to know at least one forced induction Z doesn't have the aftermarket cooler. Good tip on removing the OEM unit!

Glad to hear the endorsement of the R3. I read a lot of reviews and watched the Vortex videos before ordering...all I'm waiting on now is the wiring harness for the rearview mirror.

Chuck33079 · 02-20-2018, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcfromfl

(hopefully RJM...will need to make a road trip).

Jesus Christ no. Don't let Bobby destroy yet another Z.

bcfromfl · 02-20-2018, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Jesus Christ no. Don't let Bobby destroy yet another Z.

Oooops! Did I miss something somewhere? I was going to have him install his pedal at the same time to save (hopefully) a bit on labor. Bad idea? We have squat in terms of qualified shops in Panama City, FL.

Chuck33079 · 02-20-2018, 04:35 PM

The rjm that makes the pedal is in Canada. The rjm you don't want is in Florida.

Jayhovah · 02-20-2018, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuck33079

Jesus Christ no. Don't let Bobby destroy yet another Z.

Do some searching around on this.

bcfromfl · 02-20-2018, 05:26 PM

OK...blame it on forum thread overload! Thanks for the clarification!

Jayhovah · 02-20-2018, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcfromfl

Thank you both for your help! Much appreciated.

I wasn't intending on hiring out the labor for any of the s/c-related support mods, and will only have the clutch done by someone who knows what they are doing (hopefully RJM...will need to make a road trip). I've got some thinking to do here about the oil cooler, but I'm glad to know at least one forced induction Z doesn't have the aftermarket cooler. Good tip on removing the OEM unit!

Glad to hear the endorsement of the R3. I read a lot of reviews and watched the Vortex videos before ordering...all I'm waiting on now is the wiring harness for the rearview mirror.

Ah... I assumed you would be hiring it out since you were budgeting for jack stands, etc... If you're going to be putting any work into it yourself I suggest getting geared up in general for working on the car. Once you go down a path of modding this deep you will always have something you want to fix, add, or tinker with. =) An oil cooler is a pretty easy one to do, and to tell you the truth, if you are mechanically inclined I'd imagine the SC+A2A is not all that bad to DIY either.

If you do want to farm out the SC install and are willing to drive 8 hours south to Tampa Bay, you are far better off driving 5 hours the opposite direction to Z1 in Georgia. If it's gotta be Tampa you would be safer just coming straight to my house lol.

bcfromfl · 02-20-2018, 10:21 PM

Thanks for the offer, Jayhovah! The clutch is intimidating, and I wouldn't trust it to any of the...dare I say...redneck mechanics around here. (They just beat the heck out of our 2016 Mazda3 at the dealership -- nowhere is safe!)

The part I'm dreading the most about the support mods is the fuel end of it...pump, top hat, upgraded electrical, and rails. I've copied TBatt's thread on this for reference, but I just have this feeling that it's going to be a bear. The actual s/c, belts, intake, and intercooler seem like a piece of cake by comparison.

I did a little research this afternoon, and found a shop in Tallahassee -- Tallahassee Speed Shop -- which I might trust for the clutch and pedal. I haven't called, but I think they have a dyno, too. I'll keep looking. There might be something over in Pensacola, but that's twice the distance of Tally.

Jayhovah · 02-20-2018, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcfromfl

Thanks for the offer, Jayhovah! The clutch is intimidating, and I wouldn't trust it to any of the...dare I say...redneck mechanics around here. (They just beat the heck out of our 2016 Mazda3 at the dealership -- nowhere is safe!)

The part I'm dreading the most about the support mods is the fuel end of it...pump, top hat, upgraded electrical, and rails. I've copied TBatt's thread on this for reference, but I just have this feeling that it's going to be a bear. The actual s/c, belts, intake, and intercooler seem like a piece of cake by comparison.

I did a little research this afternoon, and found a shop in Tallahassee -- Tallahassee Speed Shop -- which I might trust for the clutch and pedal. I haven't called, but I think they have a dyno, too. I'll keep looking. There might be something over in Pensacola, but that's twice the distance of Tally.

Ohhh I misunderstood you - you are farming out the clutch job and RJM (the good one) pedal... Honestly any competent mechanic can do that job so I wouldn't stray too far and I am sure you could find someone local. I've done all my own work including my TT kit with the exception of my clutch/flywheel/CSC job which I took to a local mechanic. Just go to your local Cars&Coffee meet and ask all the guys with expensive cars where they go =)

When I was looking for the guy I used I just googled and found an independant shop with good reviews and drove over to check it out.. pretty clean operation and there were a bunch of nice and rare/interesting cars on the property for service so I knew this was the right guy. Be prepared to pay a little more for labor hours at a good shop.

The RJM pedal (particularly the latest version) is supposedly a very easy install...the creator even suggests you DIY it so you have a better understanding of the mechanism. I'd say try it on your own!

I actually grew up in Pensacola! Still visit a few times a year as my folks are pretty rooted over there.

TBatt · 02-21-2018, 12:00 PM

Yes, the newest RJM pedal is a pretty easy install if you consider working under the dash of a Z "easy".......

Nothing really challenging with changing out the Z's clutch. It's not that much difference than most other cars. Not easy, but not all that difficult provided you have a lift.

My recommendation would be to get an oil cooler kit and install it first. Get a feel for working on the car and having to remove the bumper cover and belly pan. You will see how things fit and what tools are needed. After making that a successful weekend project you should be ready for the SC install. Plan on that taking a couple of days at least. And then there is the tuning.......

bcfromfl · 02-21-2018, 02:26 PM

Thanks again, Jayhovah and TBatt! I don't own a lot of tools, and no jacks or lifts, so, I have to weigh the costs of outfitting my garage along with my inexperience with involved mechanical stuff, too. There's a lot I don't know, and sometimes instructions assume you know little things that they don't include, but are vital to doing a job right. That's the sort of thing that makes me hesitate about tackling the clutch, for example. I know the pedal is supposed to be "easy," but again, easier if the car is a few inches off the floor. (I did read a thread somewhere about someone building a low padded bench alongside the rocker panel. That might be doable. But then the HD clevis and master cylinder I'm clueless again!)

I've also considered doing the rear bushings and subframe collars myself in the future, but, the same cautions above come to light. Now I've got the car all apart and rear axle inoperable, and no easy way to get it to someone to do right!! The distance from our home to even the nearest Billy-Joe-Bob-We-Hack'm-Right Shop is twenty miles.

TBatt -- you mentioned the tune, and I noticed you did Ecutek and Seb, which is the route I plan to go. I've searched and read everything I can (including Seb's blogs), but nowhere mentions recommendations on laptops, OS, that sort of thing. We've got a desktop and two older iPads, but no laptop, so I was thinking of finding a cheapo one on Craigslist or something just for this purpose. Does the interface use USB 2, and what operating system does the software require?

That brings up another issue, am I going to have to prepare for the inevitable codes? I was looking at the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII scan tool and app. Folks don't seem to talk too much about that sort of thing here, but I don't want to have to be tethered to the dealership all the time...who might be reluctant to touch the car once I've voided all the warranties!!

Jayhovah · 02-21-2018, 02:48 PM

Your fear is really getting the better of you here... We all started somewhere and at some point you just need to bite the bullet and start turning that first bolt to the left. Just be careful, mindful, take your time, seek plenty of advice from good sources (the more knowledgeable members on this forum are a treasure trove of information), and buy the proper tools as you need them. This type of work isn't rocket science and you aren't going to need to start taking welding classes or anything. If you want to learn how to do this stuff there really is only one way and I think you'll find its a lot easier than you think if you just take your time and think everything through. Mistakes will happen and you will learn how to avoid them in the future, and how to correct them when they inevitably happen.

When I started tearing my car down and installing my TT, I hadn't modified a car for almost 20 years and even then I was just a clueless teenager. Just go for it. Eventually you will get to the point where you stop worrying about how much tools cost, and start looking for reasons to get new ones lol.

OR - just decide to hire all your work out... there is nothing wrong with that either if you can afford it. I personally like to do everything I can myself because the build itself is what gets me the most excited.

For the RJM pedal - people rave about Ryans customer support. If you start to get confused I am pretty sure he will help you through it. Email him and ask about it up front if you are apprehensive.

For the Ecutek updates - I use my 5 year old windows laptop. You need two USB ports. Email or call Seb and he will help you, he is a very helpful guy! If you stick to the good vendors that have a track history of tech support you should have a fine experience!

For the code reader - if all you want is to read/clear codes, you can buy a cheap bluetooth one. I used one for a couple of years that was $12 on Amazon Prime and I only got rid of it to upgrade to a nicer one that was fast enough to handle realtime data display.

Do you have a buddy who has done any modifying? Even simple stuff like an intake or something... I think you just need someone to be there with you and help you through it to get you started with some confidence.

Edit: You should check if there are forum members in your area that are willing to lend you a hand... there was another thread around here not too long ago where someone was apprehensive about doing some work and someone invited them to come over and offered to help them through it. It gave me the warm fuzzies just reading about it. Car guys love to help car guys. If you were in my neighborhood I would absolutely offer to help you out.

bcfromfl · 02-21-2018, 03:37 PM

Thanks for your thoughts, Jayhovah. I've been haunting this board for over a year even before I bought the car, trying to learn as much as I can, and you're right -- I'm always blown away by the helpfulness of members, and the amount of good, solid information here.

I like to do things myself, and generally live by the mantra, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." But I also understand my limits, too, and respect what good mechanics know from experience that I'll never know. After examining all that I want to do with this car, I have a pretty good idea what I'll be able to do without too much difficulty, and the things that are probably beyond my capabilities. This car is by far the priciest and nicest car I've ever owned, and I don't want to mess it up.

I'm astonished that you installed your TT yourself! That, to me, represents about the highest level of DIY I know of, not to mention a serious investment in tools!

I'm kinda an old married guy, and don't know many folks nearby...let alone those who enjoy working on cars. This part of the Florida panhandle is a weird place -- hard to describe. (My wife and I moved here in 2005 from Vero Beach, FL, because of a promotion for her.) For a time I was checking the subforum for possible locals, but gave up after a while. I will only see another Z on the roads around here maybe two or three times a year, and they may be vacationers and not locals.

Thanks for the tips on the OBDII and laptop -- I'll keep my eyes peeled for something appropriate and utilitarian.

Thanks again for your help!

Jayhovah · 02-21-2018, 03:59 PM

Right on... you know you better than anyone else! Sounds like you have it pretty well figured..

Installing the TT was difficult because of inexperience, and I had the benefit of another amateur mechanic and a lift... it STILL took more than two weeks working every day because we had no idea what we were doing and the instructions were trash. Gamma did eventually provide us a support contact and that guy was able to help us through the whole ordeal... even still, a TT kit isn't that bad. At the end of the day, we were still only removing parts and replacing them with one that were designed to fit in their place. If I did the same kit again on another car we could probably do it in 3 or 4 days.

I remember when I had a 350 and a user named "Boosted Probe" on the my350z.com forums started a build thread where he was fabricating his own one-off turbo setup. It was coming out so good people started to ask if he would make it into a kit... that guy became Boosted Performance and is responsible for turbocharging a ton of Z's and G's. Now THAT guy was a serious DIY'er!

Keep us updated on how your build goes... next time I am driving through maybe I'll stop in and let you buy me a beer lol

02-20-2018, 03:25 PM	#32 (permalink)
bcfromfl Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Youngstown, FL Posts: 256 Drives: 2015 PW Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 9	Thank you both for your help! Much appreciated. I wasn't intending on hiring out the labor for any of the s/c-related support mods, and will only have the clutch done by someone who knows what they are doing (hopefully RJM...will need to make a road trip). I've got some thinking to do here about the oil cooler, but I'm glad to know at least one forced induction Z doesn't have the aftermarket cooler. Good tip on removing the OEM unit! Glad to hear the endorsement of the R3. I read a lot of reviews and watched the Vortex videos before ordering...all I'm waiting on now is the wiring harness for the rearview mirror. Last edited by bcfromfl; 02-20-2018 at 03:31 PM.

02-20-2018, 04:35 PM	#35 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	The rjm that makes the pedal is in Canada. The rjm you don't want is in Florida. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

02-21-2018, 12:00 PM	#41 (permalink)
TBatt Track Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 832 Drives: 2019 GT-R Rep Power: 20168	Yes, the newest RJM pedal is a pretty easy install if you consider working under the dash of a Z "easy"....... Nothing really challenging with changing out the Z's clutch. It's not that much difference than most other cars. Not easy, but not all that difficult provided you have a lift. My recommendation would be to get an oil cooler kit and install it first. Get a feel for working on the car and having to remove the bumper cover and belly pan. You will see how things fit and what tools are needed. After making that a successful weekend project you should be ready for the SC install. Plan on that taking a couple of days at least. And then there is the tuning....... __________________ RJM pedal, Hotchkis Sway Bars, FI TDX, FOG Light, Z1 Slotted Drilled rotors, Stillen SC, Quaife ATB, Z1 Oil cooler, AEM Gauge Set, Galeforce gauge mount, Avant Garde M590 Hypersilver w/RE-11, TopgunZ A2A kit., ECUtek tuned by Seb: ROLL TIDE!

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02-20-2018, 05:26 PM	#37 (permalink)
bcfromfl Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Youngstown, FL Posts: 256 Drives: 2015 PW Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 9	OK...blame it on forum thread overload! Thanks for the clarification!

02-20-2018, 10:21 PM	#39 (permalink)
bcfromfl Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Youngstown, FL Posts: 256 Drives: 2015 PW Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 9	Thanks for the offer, Jayhovah! The clutch is intimidating, and I wouldn't trust it to any of the...dare I say...redneck mechanics around here. (They just beat the heck out of our 2016 Mazda3 at the dealership -- nowhere is safe!) The part I'm dreading the most about the support mods is the fuel end of it...pump, top hat, upgraded electrical, and rails. I've copied TBatt's thread on this for reference, but I just have this feeling that it's going to be a bear. The actual s/c, belts, intake, and intercooler seem like a piece of cake by comparison. I did a little research this afternoon, and found a shop in Tallahassee -- Tallahassee Speed Shop -- which I might trust for the clutch and pedal. I haven't called, but I think they have a dyno, too. I'll keep looking. There might be something over in Pensacola, but that's twice the distance of Tally.

02-21-2018, 02:26 PM	#42 (permalink)
bcfromfl Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Youngstown, FL Posts: 256 Drives: 2015 PW Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 9	Thanks again, Jayhovah and TBatt! I don't own a lot of tools, and no jacks or lifts, so, I have to weigh the costs of outfitting my garage along with my inexperience with involved mechanical stuff, too. There's a lot I don't know, and sometimes instructions assume you know little things that they don't include, but are vital to doing a job right. That's the sort of thing that makes me hesitate about tackling the clutch, for example. I know the pedal is supposed to be "easy," but again, easier if the car is a few inches off the floor. (I did read a thread somewhere about someone building a low padded bench alongside the rocker panel. That might be doable. But then the HD clevis and master cylinder I'm clueless again!) I've also considered doing the rear bushings and subframe collars myself in the future, but, the same cautions above come to light. Now I've got the car all apart and rear axle inoperable, and no easy way to get it to someone to do right!! The distance from our home to even the nearest Billy-Joe-Bob-We-Hack'm-Right Shop is twenty miles. TBatt -- you mentioned the tune, and I noticed you did Ecutek and Seb, which is the route I plan to go. I've searched and read everything I can (including Seb's blogs), but nowhere mentions recommendations on laptops, OS, that sort of thing. We've got a desktop and two older iPads, but no laptop, so I was thinking of finding a cheapo one on Craigslist or something just for this purpose. Does the interface use USB 2, and what operating system does the software require? That brings up another issue, am I going to have to prepare for the inevitable codes? I was looking at the BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBDII scan tool and app. Folks don't seem to talk too much about that sort of thing here, but I don't want to have to be tethered to the dealership all the time...who might be reluctant to touch the car once I've voided all the warranties!!

02-21-2018, 03:37 PM	#44 (permalink)
bcfromfl Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Youngstown, FL Posts: 256 Drives: 2015 PW Nismo 6MT Rep Power: 9	Thanks for your thoughts, Jayhovah. I've been haunting this board for over a year even before I bought the car, trying to learn as much as I can, and you're right -- I'm always blown away by the helpfulness of members, and the amount of good, solid information here. I like to do things myself, and generally live by the mantra, "If you want something done right, do it yourself." But I also understand my limits, too, and respect what good mechanics know from experience that I'll never know. After examining all that I want to do with this car, I have a pretty good idea what I'll be able to do without too much difficulty, and the things that are probably beyond my capabilities. This car is by far the priciest and nicest car I've ever owned, and I don't want to mess it up. I'm astonished that you installed your TT yourself! That, to me, represents about the highest level of DIY I know of, not to mention a serious investment in tools! I'm kinda an old married guy, and don't know many folks nearby...let alone those who enjoy working on cars. This part of the Florida panhandle is a weird place -- hard to describe. (My wife and I moved here in 2005 from Vero Beach, FL, because of a promotion for her.) For a time I was checking the subforum for possible locals, but gave up after a while. I will only see another Z on the roads around here maybe two or three times a year, and they may be vacationers and not locals. Thanks for the tips on the OBDII and laptop -- I'll keep my eyes peeled for something appropriate and utilitarian. Thanks again for your help!