Starting a clean thread here to document my custom turbo build. This has been under development for the last two years but only in the last two months have I started working with an installer here in Houston.
Powerfab Auto is planning and completing this build here in Houston, under my watchful eye. I'm a pain in the ass customer and either call or email every day. So far the guys have been nothing but helpful and nice to me, so I've been enjoying my working relationship with my first high-dollar build.
Where we are today and what got me to this point is listed below. I have not included any mods that don't directly relate to performance.
For the past two years (and as documented by Infititi Scene threads) I have been slowly preparing each system in my car for Forced Induction.
With a forced induction engine in mind, exhaust was upgraded to the all stainless Stillen dual exhaust.
///2555
Added the plenum spacer:
///4444
The automatic transmission has been built with new internals, a cooler, Shift Kit and a Torque Converter Modification.
///6180
Stoptech BBKs were added to handle the higher demands of a boosted car on the brakes. Major improvement was not stopping distance, but heat dissapation and lesser brake fade under hard driving.
///5445
Lowering springs, wheel spacers and suspension bracing were added to improve handling characteristics.
///5298
///4756
Oil catch was added to capture blow-by from increased valve cover pressures.
///7952
Other minor things were done as well, such as adding a damper crank pulley and lightweight accessory pulleys. Also all new silicone coolant hoses.
///6404
Finally, I had the car dyno tuned to take advantage of all my "breathing" mods.
///8682
And that brings us to where we are today, which is one week away from dropping off the car for final installation.
As I decided to go with a turbo application, I knew the limiting hardware would be my engine. The VQ engine can be boosted on stock internals in the range of 375 - 425 whp. More than that and the engine doesn't last very long according to forum lore. I also have a high mileage car - my FX has 110,000 miles on it, starting from 0 when I bought it new in 2004. So it just made sense for me to build the engine for more than I really need to ensure longevity. The next weakest link is the connecting rods. The longblock package I have purchased is essentially giving me a brand new motor with forged aftermarket internals. My core is being swapped out for an engine that is currently being built. This is a similar package to what I'm getting, but not exact:
http://www.importpartspro.com/st1vqloblni3.html
Wiseco Pistons .020 over
Eagle/SCAT H Beam Rods
ARP Rod Bolts
Block inspected and cleaned
Block redecked
Block Bored and Honed using a Torque Plate
Rotating assembly balanced
Crank magnafluxed and the journals micro-polished
New Moly coated Race Spec main bearings installed
New Moly coated Race Spec rod bearings installed
Block prepped and assembled
New OEM VQ35HR Head Gaskets
Heads inspected and cleaned
Heads redecked
Ported exhaust and intake runners
3 angle valve job
New OEM Valve stem seals installed
Valve Stem Heights set
Cold Clearance set for stock cams
Heads prepped and assembled
New OEM Rev-up Oil Pump
Heads bolted to block and torqued to spec
This long block work makes my VQ happy up until about 650whp. That's more than I need and perfect for keeping a lower power goal on my engine safe for miles to come.
The turbo manifold we will use comes from a custom G35 that made 550whp on Powerfab's dyno. Some of the same tubing will be modified to fit my FX, with changes for fitment of the wastegate, BOV and turbo in the engine bay. All hot side pipes are ceramic coated and use V-band clamps. Plan is to place the turbo about where the Stillen CAI currently sits.
The intercooler will be a custom installation. The downpipe will Y-split off to the stock cats, using the dual Stillen exhaust.
Fuel delivery has been upgraded to an aftermarket fuel return style system that allows boost referenced fuel pressure regulation. Here's the kit:
http://www.cj-motorsports.com/catdes2.htm
And I'll be using an upgraded fuel pump (Walboro 255), injectors and spark plugs as well.
The turbo selected is a GT35R, good for delivering 500-550whp on a 3.5L engine. This is output is under the build level of the engine purposefully for safety and reliability. I want another 100K+ miles out of this engine.
http://www.tialsport.com/prod_tc_gt_35r.htm
Flow to the turbocharger will be controlled with a 44mm wastegate
http://www.tialsport.com/prod_wg_44.htm
And intake pressure will be regulated by the 50mm BOV
http://www.tialsport.com/prod_bv_q.htm
Of course, the whole plan hinges on the EMS & tuning - a Haltech platinum pro ECU with added boost control, wideband sensor and IAT sensors in place of the MAF.
http://www.haltech.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=91&Itemid=78
These are the core components of my build. As I get progress photos and things develop and mature, I'll be updating the thread with as much info as I can. Glad to share it with the community that got me here.
Powerfab Auto is planning and completing this build here in Houston, under my watchful eye. I'm a pain in the ass customer and either call or email every day. So far the guys have been nothing but helpful and nice to me, so I've been enjoying my working relationship with my first high-dollar build.
Where we are today and what got me to this point is listed below. I have not included any mods that don't directly relate to performance.
For the past two years (and as documented by Infititi Scene threads) I have been slowly preparing each system in my car for Forced Induction.
With a forced induction engine in mind, exhaust was upgraded to the all stainless Stillen dual exhaust.
///2555
Added the plenum spacer:
///4444
The automatic transmission has been built with new internals, a cooler, Shift Kit and a Torque Converter Modification.
///6180
Stoptech BBKs were added to handle the higher demands of a boosted car on the brakes. Major improvement was not stopping distance, but heat dissapation and lesser brake fade under hard driving.
///5445
Lowering springs, wheel spacers and suspension bracing were added to improve handling characteristics.
///5298
///4756
Oil catch was added to capture blow-by from increased valve cover pressures.
///7952
Other minor things were done as well, such as adding a damper crank pulley and lightweight accessory pulleys. Also all new silicone coolant hoses.
///6404
Finally, I had the car dyno tuned to take advantage of all my "breathing" mods.
///8682
And that brings us to where we are today, which is one week away from dropping off the car for final installation.
As I decided to go with a turbo application, I knew the limiting hardware would be my engine. The VQ engine can be boosted on stock internals in the range of 375 - 425 whp. More than that and the engine doesn't last very long according to forum lore. I also have a high mileage car - my FX has 110,000 miles on it, starting from 0 when I bought it new in 2004. So it just made sense for me to build the engine for more than I really need to ensure longevity. The next weakest link is the connecting rods. The longblock package I have purchased is essentially giving me a brand new motor with forged aftermarket internals. My core is being swapped out for an engine that is currently being built. This is a similar package to what I'm getting, but not exact:
http://www.importpartspro.com/st1vqloblni3.html
Wiseco Pistons .020 over
Eagle/SCAT H Beam Rods
ARP Rod Bolts
Block inspected and cleaned
Block redecked
Block Bored and Honed using a Torque Plate
Rotating assembly balanced
Crank magnafluxed and the journals micro-polished
New Moly coated Race Spec main bearings installed
New Moly coated Race Spec rod bearings installed
Block prepped and assembled
New OEM VQ35HR Head Gaskets
Heads inspected and cleaned
Heads redecked
Ported exhaust and intake runners
3 angle valve job
New OEM Valve stem seals installed
Valve Stem Heights set
Cold Clearance set for stock cams
Heads prepped and assembled
New OEM Rev-up Oil Pump
Heads bolted to block and torqued to spec
This long block work makes my VQ happy up until about 650whp. That's more than I need and perfect for keeping a lower power goal on my engine safe for miles to come.
The turbo manifold we will use comes from a custom G35 that made 550whp on Powerfab's dyno. Some of the same tubing will be modified to fit my FX, with changes for fitment of the wastegate, BOV and turbo in the engine bay. All hot side pipes are ceramic coated and use V-band clamps. Plan is to place the turbo about where the Stillen CAI currently sits.
The intercooler will be a custom installation. The downpipe will Y-split off to the stock cats, using the dual Stillen exhaust.
Fuel delivery has been upgraded to an aftermarket fuel return style system that allows boost referenced fuel pressure regulation. Here's the kit:
http://www.cj-motorsports.com/catdes2.htm
And I'll be using an upgraded fuel pump (Walboro 255), injectors and spark plugs as well.
The turbo selected is a GT35R, good for delivering 500-550whp on a 3.5L engine. This is output is under the build level of the engine purposefully for safety and reliability. I want another 100K+ miles out of this engine.
http://www.tialsport.com/prod_tc_gt_35r.htm
Flow to the turbocharger will be controlled with a 44mm wastegate
http://www.tialsport.com/prod_wg_44.htm
And intake pressure will be regulated by the 50mm BOV
http://www.tialsport.com/prod_bv_q.htm
Of course, the whole plan hinges on the EMS & tuning - a Haltech platinum pro ECU with added boost control, wideband sensor and IAT sensors in place of the MAF.
http://www.haltech.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=91&Itemid=78
These are the core components of my build. As I get progress photos and things develop and mature, I'll be updating the thread with as much info as I can. Glad to share it with the community that got me here.
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I bet you cant wait to take that baby out on the road again, good luck with custom built turbo fx!! Hey side question is that powerfab you go to on 1960 behind whataburger??
