R34 Gtr Stage 2 Upgrades

[Phil 34GTR]

Johnny,

I agonised over this when going to stage 2 last year. For what it's worth, my 2 cents are added within your original text below. I know that I ultimately went over the top with my catalogue of bolt-on stage 2 mods, but the performance of the 440rwhp machine that I have ended up with is leap years beyond what I had after stage 1. One thing that's not on your list (and the one item that caught me out big, big time) is coilpacks. My advice is don't scrimp here, add a set of SplitFires to your basket and be done with it. My stockies, plus other "claimed" similar brands crapped out around 380rwhp, and cost me valuable dyno time and commensurate dollars to boot. Added cost yes, but reliability guaranteed in my experience.

All the best with your mods.

Best Regards

Phil

Hi guys, for a while ive been planning the next stage of mods for my R, after reading the forums for peoples advice and experiences, I think i have an idea of what i want. Just after some clarification or criticisms so i can make a start on purchases.

oh, jst quick, my car is rarely driven and never has or will be taken to the track/drags; after anything over 300awkw with more low to mid range power/reduced lag

Intake: Will change from my apexi pods back to the stock airbox; i have an apexi panel filter and a nismo snorkel.

I kept my pods, but now understand the stock airbox is probably a better set-up from the inlet temp perspective. I might refit my stock unit.

AFM: Would my stockers handle this power level or would a nismo upgrade be worthwhile?

My research indicated that airflow requirements for 400rwhp will max out the stockers. I understand that a good tuner can map beyond,

but I went with the Z32's and left the maths to the PFC. As -9's with supporting mods can give you a tad more rwhp than your stated goal, my view is that the additional cost of the AFM upgrade in the context of a safe and reliable stage 2 set-up is very much worthwhile. Much debate is available on here over Nismo's Vs Z32's, however both do the job for approximately the same overall cost (when comparing new for new).

Turbine: Seems that 2860-9 would be the go as they are off the shelf and bolt-on.

From everything I've read, I would totally agree. However, they weren't (at least around this time last year) readily available, hence I was to resigned to paying a few bob more for the GTSS units until I was offered a pair of Tomei B7660's for a similar price. I have no regrets over my misfortune! Their boost threshold is relatively low, and they haul all the way to the red line!

Water/Oil lines: Thinking of braided lines for the turbos as the solid OEM lines possibly can move and rupture (found this out on my s15)

For the few extra dollars involved re parts, probably worthwhile, as the additional labour costs will be all but absorbed within the cost of the rest of the bolt-on's.

Intercooler: Keeping the stocker but ill have it cleaned out of oils/deposits for the best efficiency

Stock can handle anything you can throw at an unopened RB26.

Dump Pipes: As ive read many times, the stockers will be fine; might have the internals grinded of jagged edges

I had the same done to mine. Worth also grinding the nibs off the internal bores of the exhaust manifold outlets.

Front Pipe: Have a stock pipe on ATM, worthwhile for an upgrade?

I upgraded from front pipe through to catback at stage 1. Can't see the benefit in doing one without the other.

Injectors: Will stock provide enough flow - perhaps a fuel pressure regulator to boost the pressure?

As with the AFM's, my understanding is that at 400rwhp+ you will be slightly beyond the limit of the stock injectors. As you state your goal is "anything over 300awkw", I would consider changing to 550cc or thereabouts. As I went with the B7660 tubbies, I ultimately upgraded to 600cc injectors. Like everything else with these beasts, one slight change leads to another, and another..........!!

Fuel Pump: Maybe a drop-in nismo upgrade - is this required?

For general street use I would say no. If you are going to thrash the pants off it (which I doubt from the way you obviously value your car),

then maybe it is something to consider. At the time of my mods, I had the stock pump flows and pressure shop tested. The pump still looked and behaved like brand new after 45,000k's of working life. Again, in the grand scheme of things it is small bickies to upgrade, but where you draw the line is the greatest, and often most personal of dilemmas.

Cam Gears: Not sure about which brand; maybe HKS, tomei etc

Definately one of the best investments that you can make (should be a standard "stage 1" mod in my view). I went with the Tomei's, coupled with the type B Poncams (yes, I couldn't help myself yet again, but like you, I had to do all that I could to eradicate that dreaded "lag"). Don't really know how much the Poncams contributed to my low end torque (which is phenominal), but the increased and delicious burbling sound of the RB26 at idle is worth the extra bucks alone!

Ceramic Coating: Turbine exhaust housing; worthwhile?

Can't help you here as I have never looked into it.

My current mods produce 255awkw: have a power fc, HKS EVC, Fujisubo cat-back, high-flow cat and apexi pods. Creatd motorsports tuned the car and ive been very happy so ill stick with them.

I know this is a bit of a long thread and alot of information ive searched for previously but im just after a quick final review by anyone who cares to chime in - would be much appreciated

Thankyou in advance

-Johnny

PS: here she is now sporting some new nismo skirts and rear pods - im also grabbing a Z-tune bonnet (finally)

[STATUS]

Good catch ^^ yeah unfortunately the r34 GTR has the worst ignition issues of all skylines and as i posted below i dont hink ive had one come through that didnt need them ( http://www.skylinesaustralia.com/forums/R3...e-t319966.html )

[Johnny]

Johnny,

I agonised over this when going to stage 2 last year. For what it's worth, my 2 cents are added within your original text below. I know that I ultimately went over the top with my catalogue of bolt-on stage 2 mods, but the performance of the 440rwhp machine that I have ended up with is leap years beyond what I had after stage 1. One thing that's not on your list (and the one item that caught me out big, big time) is coilpacks. My advice is don't scrimp here, add a set of SplitFires to your basket and be done with it. My stockies, plus other "claimed" similar brands crapped out around 380rwhp, and cost me valuable dyno time and commensurate dollars to boot. Added cost yes, but reliability guaranteed in my experience.

All the best with your mods.

Best Regards

Phil

Thankyou Phil, i much appreciate your taking the time to share your experiences as although ive read a bunch of threads, its great to have someones 1st hand experience in one go.

Im going to look into the coilpacks; are splitfires a good choice? any other brands worthwhile?

Im down for some injectors and AFM's (too bad i didnt buy a d-jetro) and the fuelpump is only 29k old so i hope it will flow well. I made sure i have plenty of backup budget for any other parts i require.

Im currently searching for parts so i hope some traders wouldnt mind PM'n me with some parts in the list hehe!

Will keep posted on my build, hopefully grab some photos too

again thankyou for your input, it helps alot!

-Johnny

[HEKT1K]

Splitfires are the only way Johnny. i bought another brand a fair while back and they were rubbish. turns out i didn't need them (misfire was caused by something else) so luckily i was able to return them.. my 14yr old stock ones were in better condition!

anyway SF-DIS-005 is the part number you want. Get them off nengun, exchange rates are pretty good atm so you'll save money compared to buying from local traders

[Phil 34GTR]

Johnny,

^^^^^Totally agree with Ric, go with the SplitFires. True they are more expensive than some of the alternatives, but they will ultimately save you dollars, plus a whole lot of grief in my experience. Keep us posted on how you are doing, I can guarantee that you will not regret it!

All the best, Phil

Thankyou Phil, i much appreciate your taking the time to share your experiences as although ive read a bunch of threads, its great to have someones 1st hand experience in one go.

Im going to look into the coilpacks; are splitfires a good choice? any other brands worthwhile?

Im down for some injectors and AFM's (too bad i didnt buy a d-jetro) and the fuelpump is only 29k old so i hope it will flow well. I made sure i have plenty of backup budget for any other parts i require.

Im currently searching for parts so i hope some traders wouldnt mind PM'n me with some parts in the list hehe!

Will keep posted on my build, hopefully grab some photos too

again thankyou for your input, it helps alot!

-Johnny

[STATUS]

Splitfires are the only way Johnny. i bought another brand a fair while back and they were rubbish. turns out i didn't need them (misfire was caused by something else) so luckily i was able to return them.. my 14yr old stock ones were in better condition!

anyway SF-DIS-005 is the part number you want. Get them off nengun, exchange rates are pretty good atm so you'll save money compared to buying from local traders

Johnny,

^^^^^Totally agree with Ric, go with the SplitFires. True they are more expensive than some of the alternatives, but they will ultimately save you dollars, plus a whole lot of grief in my experience. Keep us posted on how you are doing, I can guarantee that you will not regret it!

All the best, Phil

Splitfires only.