Nissan 370Z Forum

Nissan 370Z Forum (http://www.the370z.com/)
-   Forced Induction (http://www.the370z.com/forced-induction/)
-   -   Test Drove GTM S/C and TT back-to-back--impressions (http://www.the370z.com/forced-induction/30324-test-drove-gtm-s-c-tt-back-back-impressions.html)

Nixlimited 01-16-2011 07:27 PM

Test Drove GTM S/C and TT back-to-back--impressions
 
First things first, sincere thanks to Sam@GTM for meeting me on a Saturday so that I could drive both a S/C (Stage 1) and TT (Stage 2) GTM car. Very nice guy, very clean shop, and very impressive cars.

A little background on me. I have previously had an S2000, 490 WHP STi, and 300 WHP E46 M3. I LOVE turbo cars, but I also appreciate high-revving cars like the M3 which have broad, flat torque curves. I have autocrossed, drag raced (legally) and done several DEs and I am looking for a new car that I can daily drive, take to the track, and have some fun in canyons with. Currently I am considering the 370Z and Evo X as my next platform. Keep in mind that as I am in CA, I have to make certain considerations regarding our draconian "emissions" laws.

Before visiting GTM, I was most interested in the TT kit, but was also swayed by the potential of a CARB-certified SC kit. My impressions of each follows:

TT Kit (Stage 2)

Car started right up, idled completely normally and looked and acted like an otherwise stock car (outside of the fairly agressive exhaust note). Getting out on the street and getting on it a bit gave me the big smile that turbo cars have always given me. The car is very fast. As I was not paying attention to the tach, I am guessing, but I would say boost onset was in the low 3000RPM range and came up to full boost VERY quickly. I didn't experience any flutter or compressor surge. In low gears it was clear the car would have traction issues given the very stout torque. I didn't run the car all the way up to redline--because I did not want to wear out my welcome--but it gave me the sense that it would pull hard all the way to fuel cut. Sound wise, I was surprised (and for my own personal taste a little disappointed) that the turbos were very sedate. You could hear the BPV working during shifts, but otherwise intake and exhaust dominated. I should point out, though, that I had a rotated GT30R STi which sounded like a jet engine spooling up, so I am definitely biased towards a lot of turbo noise. Overall, I am very impressed with the fit and finish of the kit, and the performance was excellent.

SC (Stage 1)

Again, car started right up and idled normally. The first thing I noticed about the SC car was the faint, but very satisfying whine of the Rotrex SC. It's not overwhelming, and it doesn't sound like a twin-screw (which you either love or hate), but it sounds great. Getting out on the street, the difference between the power delivery of the SC and TT was substantial. As the SC is centrifugal-type, boost builds with RPM, and you feel the power of the car come on very smoothly. Even better, you hear the SC doing its work under the hood, which I loved. On gear changes the transitory boost response was excellent and overall the car was a pleasure to drive. The car must have the new BPV setup because I did not experience any flutter. Again, this car was very fast. Certainly not as fast as the Stage 2 TT, but honestly, stop-light to stop-light, this car felt quicker in the sense that it had the responsiveness of an NA car with the awesome supplemental power of the SC across the RPM range. With the TT kit, you definitely have to coax the power out a little more, but when you do, it is phenomenal.

Overall, I am surprised to say that I may be a SC convert (for this car at least). There is no question that the TT puts down noticeably more torque, is more scalable in terms of ultimate output, and is just awesome for anyone who likes turbos, but the SC really, really impressed me. I talked with Sam about this for a while and he wasn't overly surprised. He is, deservingly, proud of both cars, but thinks the SC is underrated, as I now do. And given it is the less expensive option, I have no reason to believe he was not being honest. Both kits have near OEM fit and finish and basically disappear into the car, which is great if you are in CA.

Some other notes:

(1) I had read a while back about some warm-start issues with the SC. I mentioned this to Sam and we tested the car and it started up normally every time, even after heat soaking.

(2) I saw bullitt5897's car in the shop. What a beast! And I know there was some discussion about the wheel color, but it looks awesome in person.

(3) GTM's shop is awesome. 10 lifts, all kinds of R&D space, etc.

Big thanks again to Sam for taking the time to show off two of his babies. :tiphat: I really enjoyed it, and look forward to joining the crowd soon enough.

christian370z 01-16-2011 08:07 PM

That makes me lust after some FI even more, thanks for the great review! When the time comes for my step to a boosted setup, I think my choice would be the S/C kit even though I too am a turbo guy at heart since it maintains the balance and poise of the car which retains the Z's character more than a TT kit in my opinion.

Viera 01-16-2011 09:30 PM

Nice review man

SPOHN 01-16-2011 09:35 PM

I'm sold. I'm flying out and test driving everything there.

weiboy718 01-16-2011 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPOHN (Post 897801)
I'm sold. I'm flying out and test driving everything there.

great! i'll meet you there this coming saturday!

chuckd05 01-16-2011 09:55 PM

I think I would have this car for life If i could do a proper TT or SC build on my Z ....

Great review!

Staples 01-16-2011 10:33 PM

Wow, great review. The best part is how stout these motors are and how much power they can hold safely.

DIGItonium 01-17-2011 01:20 AM

Do you think daily driving (i.e., casual driving at the speed limit) is still fun with the TT setup? I've not experienced turbo cars much other than my dad's Z32-TT auto with JWT tune, but it's a feeling that I miss. It lacks low range response compared to the 370Z, but it is quite fun once boost kicks in. With the added boost and ECU tuning, I'll be happy if I can achieve improved low end response with the TT setup and have an enjoyable daily driver.

SPOHN 01-17-2011 06:41 AM

Daily driving with FI is really not any difference from NA. And for the spirited mood it does have lag in the low range with can be frustrating threw lots of tight turns. Actually a NA car can whoop up on a FI car on smaller tracks. So in the long run there's nothing as good as a TT setup. It will bring a smile to your face every time.

Fezzik 01-17-2011 12:03 PM

Great review of the two F/I options. Its hard to get a side by side comparison like this. Thanks!

wishihadnav 01-17-2011 12:33 PM

nice writeup..you'll be very happy with the SC kit!!

Dembflyr 01-17-2011 12:34 PM

I may have to get myself out to Cali before Sam starts charging for this. :tup:

Nixlimited 01-17-2011 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIGItonium (Post 898038)
Do you think daily driving (i.e., casual driving at the speed limit) is still fun with the TT setup? I've not experienced turbo cars much other than my dad's Z32-TT auto with JWT tune, but it's a feeling that I miss. It lacks low range response compared to the 370Z, but it is quite fun once boost kicks in. With the added boost and ECU tuning, I'll be happy if I can achieve improved low end response with the TT setup and have an enjoyable daily driver.

Of course. The TT is going to be a riot, but I think if you only drive on the street and don't have the opportunity to get out an open it open, the TT may be less fulfilling as compared to the SC. However, it boils down to personal preference so my thoughts/opinions may not be applicable.

dwntwnall4u 01-17-2011 04:37 PM

Thanks for the excellent review. I am planning to get the GTM SC kit. What was the status of getting the SC CARB legal?

#452-LE 01-17-2011 04:43 PM

Your review is greatly appreciated.

NewlyIMPORTed 01-17-2011 05:05 PM

Wow thanks for the review I will be getting the S/C when the time comes.

superchargedg 01-17-2011 06:07 PM

Very nice review....but there is nothing like a TT setup when it spools.

RCZ 01-17-2011 06:10 PM

Thanks a lot for the writeup, lots of good insight and I think you deserve some rep points for this.

Glad to see the S/C kits getting the respect they deserve :)

toner123 01-17-2011 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RCZ (Post 899000)
Thanks a lot for the writeup, lots of good insight and I think you deserve some rep points for this.

Glad to see the S/C kits getting the respect they deserve :)



WHAT, WHAT. S/C sucks TT or go home. LOL j/p you are right he deserves a rep point i will give him one for such a detailed review.
Frank

weiboy718 01-17-2011 08:08 PM

i am not going to drive his TT 370Z when i get there this weekend. i know how i am, if i like it i'll do anything to get it LOL.

Mr.Squeeze 01-17-2011 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weiboy718 (Post 899167)
i am not going to drive his TT 370Z when i get there this weekend. i know how i am, if i like it i'll do anything to get it LOL.

You know your going to drive it man lol I know I would lol.

Also great review A+ for it.

weiboy718 01-17-2011 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Squeeze (Post 899180)
You know your going to drive it man lol I know I would lol.

Also great review A+ for it.

no no no! maybe Sam will drive and i sit and get a feel for it haha

98intrigue 01-17-2011 08:47 PM

And now I want to go FI even sooner...

vividracing 01-17-2011 10:16 PM

wow awesome review!

DIGItonium 01-18-2011 12:34 AM

My head hurts from constantly debating between the two. It seems like I would benefit greatly from a daily driven SC setup over a TT setup in terms of throttle response. As ricey as it seems, I like the TT sound. Plus, I miss the TT feeling of the Z32.

Man this is really noobish, but I seriously haven't driven a turbo car in a long time. Perhaps I should take my dad's Z32-TT out again. His car spools up easily for daily driving and it's fun, so this is what I hope to achieve when giving my car the TT treatment. :confused:

Viera 01-18-2011 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewlyIMPORTed (Post 898921)
Wow thanks for the review I will be getting the S/C when the time comes.

I'll be waiting. :happydance:

weiboy718 01-22-2011 07:29 PM

i just test drove GTM's S/C 370Z this morning. my first impression was "WOW". this thing moves on just about every single gear. it felt smooth, lot's of low end power when you need or want it. what a big difference between my kit and GTM's. i was driving around and i only had a big @$$ happy grin in my face during that short drive. i can't wait till everything is done.

Thank You Sam!

GraphiteG37S 01-22-2011 07:39 PM

That's awesome Wei... How long does Sam think he'll have your car?

Nixlimited 01-23-2011 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weiboy718 (Post 907485)
i just test drove GTM's S/C 370Z this morning. my first impression was "WOW". this thing moves on just about every single gear. it felt smooth, lot's of low end power when you need or want it. what a big difference between my kit and GTM's. i was driving around and i only had a big @$$ happy grin in my face during that short drive. i can't wait till everything is done.

Thank You Sam!

You're switching from Stillen to GTM, right?

weiboy718 01-23-2011 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nixlimited (Post 908070)
You're switching from Stillen to GTM, right?

yes sir!

Nixlimited 01-23-2011 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weiboy718 (Post 908108)
yes sir!

Nice. Impressive kit, no?

weiboy718 01-23-2011 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nixlimited (Post 908623)
Nice. Impressive kit, no?

yes, the GTM kit is very impressive! good response with lot's of low end power. i'm blown away in every aspect on my test drive. i still can't believe what a difference it has between my kit and theirs.:tup:

wishihadnav 01-24-2011 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weiboy718 (Post 908722)
yes, the GTM kit is very impressive! good response with lot's of low end power. i'm blown away in every aspect on my test drive. i still can't believe what a difference it has between my kit and theirs.:tup:

so you liked the test drive?:icon17:

weiboy718 01-24-2011 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wishihadnav (Post 909259)
so you liked the test drive?:icon17:

I didn't like it. I LOVED IT LOL

Flyboy 01-26-2011 04:26 PM

Not going to wait on the stage 2?

Solus 01-27-2011 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nixlimited (Post 897619)
First things first, sincere thanks to Sam@GTM for meeting me on a Saturday so that I could drive both a S/C (Stage 1) and TT (Stage 2) GTM car. Very nice guy, very clean shop, and very impressive cars.

A little background on me. I have previously had an S2000, 490 WHP STi, and 300 WHP E46 M3. I LOVE turbo cars, but I also appreciate high-revving cars like the M3 which have broad, flat torque curves. I have autocrossed, drag raced (legally) and done several DEs and I am looking for a new car that I can daily drive, take to the track, and have some fun in canyons with. Currently I am considering the 370Z and Evo X as my next platform. Keep in mind that as I am in CA, I have to make certain considerations regarding our draconian "emissions" laws.

Before visiting GTM, I was most interested in the TT kit, but was also swayed by the potential of a CARB-certified SC kit. My impressions of each follows:

TT Kit (Stage 2)

Car started right up, idled completely normally and looked and acted like an otherwise stock car (outside of the fairly agressive exhaust note). Getting out on the street and getting on it a bit gave me the big smile that turbo cars have always given me. The car is very fast. As I was not paying attention to the tach, I am guessing, but I would say boost onset was in the low 3000RPM range and came up to full boost VERY quickly. I didn't experience any flutter or compressor surge. In low gears it was clear the car would have traction issues given the very stout torque. I didn't run the car all the way up to redline--because I did not want to wear out my welcome--but it gave me the sense that it would pull hard all the way to fuel cut. Sound wise, I was surprised (and for my own personal taste a little disappointed) that the turbos were very sedate. You could hear the BPV working during shifts, but otherwise intake and exhaust dominated. I should point out, though, that I had a rotated GT30R STi which sounded like a jet engine spooling up, so I am definitely biased towards a lot of turbo noise. Overall, I am very impressed with the fit and finish of the kit, and the performance was excellent.

SC (Stage 1)

Again, car started right up and idled normally. The first thing I noticed about the SC car was the faint, but very satisfying whine of the Rotrex SC. It's not overwhelming, and it doesn't sound like a twin-screw (which you either love or hate), but it sounds great. Getting out on the street, the difference between the power delivery of the SC and TT was substantial. As the SC is centrifugal-type, boost builds with RPM, and you feel the power of the car come on very smoothly. Even better, you hear the SC doing its work under the hood, which I loved. On gear changes the transitory boost response was excellent and overall the car was a pleasure to drive. The car must have the new BPV setup because I did not experience any flutter. Again, this car was very fast. Certainly not as fast as the Stage 2 TT, but honestly, stop-light to stop-light, this car felt quicker in the sense that it had the responsiveness of an NA car with the awesome supplemental power of the SC across the RPM range. With the TT kit, you definitely have to coax the power out a little more, but when you do, it is phenomenal.

Overall, I am surprised to say that I may be a SC convert (for this car at least). There is no question that the TT puts down noticeably more torque, is more scalable in terms of ultimate output, and is just awesome for anyone who likes turbos, but the SC really, really impressed me. I talked with Sam about this for a while and he wasn't overly surprised. He is, deservingly, proud of both cars, but thinks the SC is underrated, as I now do. And given it is the less expensive option, I have no reason to believe he was not being honest. Both kits have near OEM fit and finish and basically disappear into the car, which is great if you are in CA.

Some other notes:

(1) I had read a while back about some warm-start issues with the SC. I mentioned this to Sam and we tested the car and it started up normally every time, even after heat soaking.

(2) I saw bullitt5897's car in the shop. What a beast! And I know there was some discussion about the wheel color, but it looks awesome in person.

(3) GTM's shop is awesome. 10 lifts, all kinds of R&D space, etc.

Big thanks again to Sam for taking the time to show off two of his babies. :tiphat: I really enjoyed it, and look forward to joining the crowd soon enough.


+Rep. Thanks for the writeup :D

98intrigue 01-27-2011 11:31 AM

I dream of boost. No lie, I had a dream a few nights ago.

wishihadnav 01-27-2011 11:35 AM

^^haha this guy..

David@UAMotorsports 01-27-2011 12:12 PM

Boost>sex

toner123 01-27-2011 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David@UAMotorsports (Post 914622)
Boost>sex

Alright lets not get crazy

Only click this if your over the age of 18
( Click to show/hide )
boost during sex>all


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:24 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2