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Nissan
Skyline 350GT
Under the
hood (stock ~170rwkw)
Nissan has ended production of RB engines due to the stricter emissions
and technology advancements. A more compact all alloy V6 engine with
a 3.5 litre capacity (called the VQ35) is now found on Nissans plenum
models. There are no turbo models at this stage but the 2007 Nissan
GTR will more than likely feature a twin turbo version of this engine.
Nissan quoted the engine to have 206kw but the actual figure is closer
to 220-230kw with excellent mid range torque, not bad for a naturally
aspirated 3.5 litre.
Having a natural
aspirated engine is certainly an advantage as throttle response is better
and obviously there is no turbo lag. However when it comes to modifying
modern engines like this one things get expensive rather quickly and
basic mods don’t improve performance as much as it would on a factory
turbo car.
Engine
Tuning
Exhaust
The VQ35 is a great sounding engine even in stock form but are a little
quiet, an aftermarket exhaust give an aggressive note and unleash a
few extra kilowatts. The 350GT has a twin exhaust system as standard
which flows relatively well for a factory system a cat back exhaust
will give small gains but if to feel the difference extractors, and
a highflow cats will also be needed. This is an expensive exercise.
Intake
Now we have the exhaust side of the engine breathing the next step is
to get more air into the engine. Either use a high performance air filter,
or replace the air box with a POD style air filter. If you choose to
go the POD filter route I recommend you fabricate some type of shield
to keep hot air from the engine bay away from your intake. A cold air
intake to the filter from the front of your Skyline will also give you
a performance advantage.
Plenum spacer
Several companies make a "spacer" which rests between your
lower plenum and upper plenum, to increase plenum volume and reduce
restriction.
Crank Pulley
Gains have been added by installing a aftermarket crank pulley
ECU Edit
Some Performance shops are able to edit the standard ECU's settings
timing, air fuel ratios and all other aspects of your stock ECU can
be edited. In my opinion this is the best most cost effective option.
An aftermarket ECU will give good
power gains and improve drivability. One popular option is the Apexi SAFC
(Super air flow computer). The SAFC is a piggy back to the ECU and works
by tricking the ECU into thinking your engine is getting more or less
air than your engine actually is. Tuning should be done be a professional
on a dyno. A better but more expensive option is the Apexi Power FC which
replaces the standard ECU. Many people choose the Power FC as its less
expensive than other aftermarket ECU's, and it plugs straight into you
old loom so there is no need to cut any wires. All parameters of your
car can be tuned with a Power FC but once again it should be dyno tuned
by a professional. Please note the power FC cannot be used an automatic
transmission.
Flywheel
Many people choose to upgrade the flywheel at the same time this increases
acceleration but you may loose a little torque.
Conclusion
The 350GT is very expensive to modify and unless you have a fat wallet
the power gains vs. performance my not be worth the cost to you. With
all the mods listed above you would probably be lucky to have more than
200rwkw, a gain of roughly 30rwkw from stock.
If you want serious power
from this engine forced induction is your best option, many companies
(especially in the US) make these kits, from mild supercharger kits,
to radical twin turbo kits. The most impressive kit I could find was
the APS twin turbo kit which has very little lag and the potential to
make up to 600kw at the flywheel with supporting mods. If you wish to
keep the standard internals over 300rwkw would not be recommended. Visit
APS of more information.
Please
use this as a guide only I recommend consulting a professonal before
carrying out any of these modifications. Nissanskyline.6te.net takes
no responsiblity for any problems you may encounter from following this
guide.
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