i had a sc in my car a few years ago. since that time, i have gone back to stock and not in the modding mode anymore. now i will help a friend install a sc onto his max. since it's been a few years, there are some things i remember and some i'm not quite sure. so i got a few questions.


1. do i need to drain the coolant when i install the modified thermo housing? if i remove it without draining the coolant, wouldn't coolant come out? and when i put the housing back on, do i need any kind of sealant?

2. the kit includes a 300zx mafs. how does it go on? just splice the connector onto the stock harness? can he run this 300zx mafs with the stock injectors?

3. only mod he has now is a technosquare ecu. i guess he needs to remove that right? would keeping it mess things up?

4. gauges question: i suggested he get boost, fuel pressure, and egt. correct? or should he get a wideband instead of the egt? i'm not too sure what a wideband does. i just heard this from another friend.

5. he doesn't even have a ypipe now. is that ok? is running the sc with stock exhaust components ok for the time being?


sorry if some are newbish questions. it's been like maybe 5 yrs since i last had the sc.


also, should i charge him for the install?

 

10char!!! ^^

 

also if he want to upgrade his v2 to a T trim, he has to remove the mounting bracket first right? or can he send the sc with bracket to vortech? i hope the latter because he nor i have any tools to remove the bracket.

 

What 98Maxedout said pretty much sums it up. I'll add the following:

What size pulley are you going to install? I ask because more than likely you will not need/benefit from a 300zx (Z32) MAF. Also FWIW, if you're using the stock Stillen charge pipe and a Z32 MAF, you'll have to cut/modify the piping so that the Z32 MAF can be oriented according to Iansw's sticky here in this forum. I have a Z32 MAF, and have yet to test/confirm what Ian states about the orientation. I just followed blindly Yes, the Z32 MAF can work with the stock injectors, but it's more suited for 370's or 440's to keep the tuning/adjusting to a minimum.

Definitely pull the TS ECU. It's not programmed for forced induction.

Wideband is a must if you want to get into serious tuning and make sure your AFR is ideal throughout the power band. It works in conjuction with something like a SAFCII or VAFCII, EMB, or EMU. If you have a 3.125 pulley or bigger, and don't want to purchase extra stuff and headaches/time of tuning, you can safely skip the wideband and FP gauge IMO. All you really need is a boost gauge just to make sure you're hitting the corresponding boost of the respective pulley you have.

Not having a ypipe/exhaust system for the time being is ok.

Yes, definitely charge him for the install!


Yes, the blower ultimately has to be removed from the bracket. Keep in mind that not doing so is going to add to the shipping fee. I'm sure Vortech wouldn't mind too much assisting you with it, however, it's very easy to do IMO. Can't you borrow/find a basic set of allen wrenches?

 

the sc kit has the 3" charge pipe. it's a 3.125" pulley. and yes you're right about if he could he would hold off other purchase for now. he's a college student with just a part time job. i'm sure he want to do the bigger injectors, wideband, smaller pulley, etc. later on.


thanks wizard and maxedout for the info. i'll relay this to him.

 

I would not run a T-trim unless he is ready for a lot of other supporting mods. The T-trim flows a lot more air, it would be a waste on a stock exhaust car, and you will need the supporting fuel and drivetrain mods to support it.

 

is the T trim really that more powerful? is a T trim with the 3.125 pulley more powerful or a regular v2 with a 2.87 pulley? can he do a reg v2 with a 2.87 then? supporting mods such as larger injectors, afpr, and eu? as far as drivetrain mods, he's an auto. he just have the vb mod and tranny cooler. maybe he should just stick with the reg v2 with the 3.125 pulley? can his auto support a 2.87 pulley?

 

I personally would not run a T-trim with a 2.87 pulley on a daily driver auto. The T-trim does flow a lot more air, he is going to make 1-2 psi more on the same size pulley, and boost is going to come on sooner. The T-trim is a serious charger, and it doesn't sound like he plans on building a serious performer, just something to have fun with, so I would save my money. That stock exhaust is going to seriously kill performance, that engine is going to be choked trying to move all that air. That is what I would spend my money on.

With a 2.87 pulley, your already going to need at least 370cc injectors. AFPR not required. A EU would be best to maximize performance, and you may want to pull a little timing depending on how he drives, weather, fuel quality, etc that affect pre-ignition. The EU is not plug and play however, it takes a lot of wiring and patience, combined with a lot of research into tuning basics, as well as a wideband gauge and a laptop. JWT is another option if you just want to set it and forget it. Don't forget to upgrade the fuel pump and colder plugs.

 

i didn't know a T trim is that serious. so even a T trim on a 3.125 pulley wouldn't be recommend on a daily driver auto? also i know the T trim upgrade isn't cheap either. like $800 + right?

 

ok i asked a very trustworthy friend of mine, jay25 , and even he said to stay away from the T trim. ok then how about a 2.87" pulley, that should be ok right?

 

y pipes are cheap. at least throw one of those on.

 

IMO, you'll be playing with fire. A 2.87" pulley requires supporting mods like Matt said. ie bigger injectors, tuning, Intercooler/Aftercooler etc. Your FP is going to be through the roof trying to keep up with how much air you'll be pushing.

If you're willing to go all out, sure go for it. Otherwise stay with a 3.125 pulley.

 

Let me check the specs again of the T-trim vs the SC SQ trim and report back.

On a side note, I really don't see the point of having the higher flowing blower in conjunction with a 3.125 pulley. If you want more boost, just drop pulley sizes with the standard V2 SC SQ blower.

Start small, and change the system as his needs change. Jumping two feet first usually leads to disaster.

T-trim upgrades are at least $800, but I think more like $1200 last time I spoke with Vortech.

 

hm...maybe you're right. 3.125 pulley should be more than enough to keep him happy. he still needs to get a ypipe and maybe a high stall converter.

if the blower has about 30k miles on it, should it be rebuild? might as well get it rebuild since the sc isn't install yet right?

 

guys...what size fuel line hose do i need? is it 5/16"? and how about the vacuum hose line? is it 1/4"? what other hose do i need? heater hose? can you tell me what size i need and about what length? thx.

 

30K should still be ok, but since you have it off already, it might be best to have it rebuilt and start fresh but thats totally up to you.

Fuel = 5/16" Fuel line, NOT Vac line
Vaccum = 5/32" Vac Line

You'll also need PS Line which is 3/8" Power Steering Line, RE-Inforced. To re-route the ps lines down and out away from the blower.

What do you think you'll need heater hose for ??

 

thanks matty. heater hose? i have no idea, just been a long time since i work on a car nevermind a sc install.

 

anyone know what size hex keys for the v1 bracket? i need to know the size so i can buy the correct keys so i can remove the bracket. thx.

 

I believe its 7/32.

 

ok so if he's going to stay with the 3.125 pulley and stock injectors, isn't it pointless to put in the 300zx maf? it won't have any benefit with stock injectors right?

 

There is no need for it, he will be fine with the A32 MAF.

 

 

thx. i will tell him. although i think he should hold onto the z32 maf for later on when he does upgrade his injectors and what not.

 

I would.

 

anybody think a boost gauge will fit in the ash tray pocket? i wonder can i drill a hole on the cover of the ash tray and fit a gauge in there? that would be sweet if it's possible.

 

Yes. It's been done before.

 

Yea you see that alot. Im going to be installing a Volt meter there over the winter

-matt

 

will the gauge sit flush? should i get an extra one just in case i mess up?

 

It can, but your skills/craftsmanship will have to be dead on. And securing it will be a little bit more tricky. Choice is yours.

I wouldn't buy an extra one until things go sour. Just go slow and take your time, it should come out alright.

 

he should convert to stick i dont think that auto will hold for aa long time

 

ok he got the kit today. man, one word: filty! the thermostat, ss oil lines and timing chain cover had oil all over. there were in plastic ziplocks though. also the pancake filter needs to be replaced. he said it was fine, but clearly it's bad. i got two questions:

1. can i use brake cleaner on those items to clean the oils off?


2. where can i get another pancake filter? and what is the part number for it? is there like a larger size one that can fit?

 

maybe a newb question but intested where can i get a turbo/sc kit for the 01 maxima?

 

1. yes
2. I believe the original Stillen pancake filter was a Stillen exclusive. You can order the same filter, but you'll have to cut/drill your own holes for the BOV and crankcase recirc. hoses if you're mimicking Stillen's original design.
But, skip it. Get the bigger 4" pancake filter. Info/part numbers are in the stickies, or search for '4" pancake filter'. It's been posted many times.

On a side note, why did he send the timing chain cover???

Here in the Force Induction Classifieds section.........

 

he sent me the timing chain cover because it's for the drain tube on the sc. it's the little timing cover thing.


i got another question. the sc definitely needs a rebuild. the bracket can be remove by using allen keys. how about the pulley itself? a pulley puller? and then use an allen key? i don't know if i can remove the bracket and pulley. i heard it's very hard. i got no air tools. best i could do is try to remove it with a breaker bar and the right size allen key socket.

 

i guess we have to forget all this sc talk. i just found out this morning, my friend wrecked his maxima yesterday night. i don't have all the details yet. he's in the hospital as we speak. i'm going to visit him after work. not sure of his injuries, but shouldn't be anything serious i think. update you guys later.

 

Well that sucks. Hope the injuries are minor and he gets out quick.

 

Damn, my regards.

 

ok i just visited him at the hospital. he has a slight concussion. so the doctor had him stay overnight for observation. he should be out later today or tonight. i didn't see his car, but from he told me the whole front end was damaged. he hit a tree, not directly straight on, but still enough that the whole front end including the engine was damaged. apparently he semi dozed off a bit and lost control, then hit the tree. i think he's lucky he only got a concussion.

now what? with the sc i mean. sell it i guess? he did asked me if i want to buy it. i have no interest. well i'll wait until he's out and then see what he wants to do. if he wants to sell it, i will help him.

 

How about helping him find a new Max after he recovers? Then proceed with the SC install.

 

he thought about getting another maxima, this time a 5spd one, but decided to go another route. think he will stay with the nissan family though, it will be either a 240sx or 300zxtt. oh, i saw the car today at the junkyard. man...i can't believe he just have a concussion after seeing the damage. someone up there must been looking out for him.

btw, one good thing if any from this, he gave me his technosquare ecu. i'm done with modding, but i can refuse a free mod right?

btw, the sc kit is for sale.