So we're back at it again, trying to give you a real world feel for the mods you're looking to purchase for your 350z or G35 Coupe
and maybe have a bit of fun in the process. Today we're taking a look at the Motordyne MREV2 and the Motordyne 5/16" Plenum Spacer.
This has come to be known as the definative midrange mod for the G35 Coupe and you'll soon see why.
But before we get right to the dyno results I'd like to take a moment to point out a few new modifications to the project car since we last saw it.
Just a few cosmetic enhancements including tinted headlights, taillights, sidemarkers, and spoiler light as well as a new style Nismo Oil Cap.
This vehicle is also equipped with an upgraded sound system including the JDM Double Din upgrade with a Kenwood Head Unit, three alpine amplifiers, two Infinity 10" Subwoofers, Infinity 6x9 speakers in the deck lid, Infinity 6.5" Speakers in the rear passenger area, Pioneer 6.5" Components up front, a 3 farad capacitor, Pioneer Inno Portable XM radio, and the absolutely necessary iPod hookup.
Alright, now onto the new performance mods! Below is a photo of the Motordyne parts we'll be installing and running on the dyno. Significant props go out
to Motordyne for putting out a wonderful product that comes perfectly packaged with detailed installation instructions.
The installation of the MREV2 and 5/16" spacer is fairly simple and can be done with basic hand tools by anyone with a bit
of mechanical prowess in a couple of hours. Here at SRD we bill this job out at an hour and a half simply because we've got
the experience to get it done a bit quicker. The first step to getting the old intake plenum out of there is to disconnect the
intake arm and get it out of your way. If you are taking this project on yourself be sure to take care with the MAF sensor as
damaging it will result in a check engine light and a poorly running vehicle.
Once we've got the bolts that hold the upper half of the plenum out, it's as simple as pulling it off and setting it aside while we remove
the bolts for the lower plenum.
Once the lower plenum is removed, we apply the new gasket provided with the MREV2.
With the new gasket in place, it's time to put the new parts on and take a quick comparison look between the new and old lower plenums.
With the MREV in place, we place the spacer in and add all the included hardware to increase the overall volume of the plenum.
With the new parts installed, it's time to head to the dyno to see what we've gained. I can tell you that my first impression is "wow". The car
sounds amazing and the butt dyno indicates a bit more pickup in the midrange. But I don't trust the butt dyno, so lets look at some real results and
since you shouldn't take my word for how it sounds, check out the movie below.
After a few baseline runs with the new setup, the midrange claims seem to be true but there seems to be a bit of a drop off at the top end. Hopefully we'll be able to take care of that.
Hmmm, doesn't look like it. After many runs tuning with the UTEC we were unable to correct the drop off at the top end. Peak power
comes out about the same, but it happens about 1000 rpm sooner than before.
Here's a look at the AFR we ended up with after the tuning.
Here are a few additional comparison charts from our last dyno session when we had just installed the cold air intake.
So what's the verdict? We gained 15 whp in the mid range but lost 11 whp in the last 1000 rpms. Peak power stayed about the same
but it happens a bit earlier than before. Around town the car is definately quicker than before and as long as it is shifted slightly before
redline it should be faster on the track as well. And there isn't a whole lot of concern about the loss in the top end as
our next few modifications to the exhaust system should alleviate the motor running out of breath.
Bottom line: Great modifications for the money and a must do for anyone looking for a bit more power around town.
