Ok... the tc is a great car but it's no secret that it isn't a performance vehicle. I am trying to decide between turbo (most likely zpi stage 0) and getting a used 04 350z or something like it. I have never driven a tc with a turbo setup so the question is basically is it worth it?

Update: I bought the 350z and it drives like a dream, a wet dream. Pics are on thier way, hopefully tomorrow if the weather clears. Anybody in this predicament, I strongly suggest the 350z. Thanks to everyone for helping me decide.

 

Yes it's worth it to turbo your tC. But it's more worth it to turbo a 350Z and drift.

I got both, and I have fun in both. The tC is ***** faster than our Z, but our tC can't take a corner like the Z, and you can't drift it. I plan on Twin turboing the Z as well.

But seeing as how you seem that you are on a budget, you should stick to a boosted tC. Because the Price for aftermarket parts on a more expensive car are DOUBLE that of a less expensive one.

I.E.

TC full exhaust = $400-$500 bucks

350Z full exhaust = $700-$1200 bucks

 

Thanks rhythmnsmoke. That's what I was looking for. I'm not going to be racing. I just want a more enjoyable experience for freeway onramps and such. I would imagine you have alot more than the stage 0 though... Can the stage 0 keep up with the z?

 

I really like the Z, but I also kinda like the fact that the tC has ALOT of upgrades you can do. I like taking a lower HP car and building it into a HP beast. LOL. Z's are def. sick.

 

I have turbo on tc and I tell you it is nice to smoke 350z,g35,evo,sti,s2000 and others.those cars are 30000$ and up,and my tc beats the crap out of those cars.
So haveing a fast scion tc its alots of fun.good luck.

 

If it were me and I already owned the tC I think I would do the turbo for all the reasons that everybody else has stated (having a fast a$$ scion that can spank a lot of way more expensive cars)

BUT

If I didn't already own the tC and I wanted something fast and fun...350z all the way.

 

A Stage 0 will beat a 350Z. Not by a whole lot, but it will do it.

Louis (crew member of ours) just got his Stage 0 installed. Took it to the drag strip on Stock scion tires.

First time he has ever driven a boosted tC, and his first time at the drag strip in it.

14.3 in the 1/4mile

First time I took our completely stock 350Z to the drag strip

Stock 350Z tires

After three runs, my best time was a 14.1 in the 1/4mile.

The Z will be faster at the strip with a good driver, unless you have DR's on your Stage 0, then you can run low 14's/high 13's if you are a good driver. On the street though, you don't have to be a good driver, you can pull on a stock 350Z with a Stage 0 tC.

 

I'd have to agree with salteen, if i didnt already buy the tC i would have bought a 350z or something like that, but since i have the tC im looking to try and boost it before summer hopefully.treadstone or zpi stage 0, not sure yet but we'll see . g/l with w/e you choose to do

 

Ok... Great. Now that I know it has the hp the other issue is reliabiity. Is it possible to install the zpi stage 0 with no problems?

 

also remember that the tc is probably much cheaper to insure because it's not a sports car. just turbo it and don't mention it to your insurer and they will still treat it as a 160 hp compact 4 bangor.

however a nissan z with nearly 300 hp and rear wheel drive and manual gearbox and your age will likely make you pay alot more. and yes parts for a car like a z are much more expensive.

 

I'd go turbo. In fact, i was faced with a similar situation. I leaned more towards the Z, but the $500 and change insurance quote turned me right around. Helllloooo stage 1!!

 

I think there is a DIY install for a ZPI Stage 0 somewhere on this site.

 

HeirAutomotive, Yeah there is, but it is 10 pages of mechanical problems. I'm hoping I can avoid any issues. Has anyone ever pulled this off? Maybe pro install will eliminate problems?

 

It's simple. Nothing but pipes and manifold. The only mechanical problems in that DIY page was that he had to shorten the charge pipe to give a little more clearance. The Kit has since then been revamped I'm sure. That DIY is very old.

 

Self install is doable, I would not rush the install, rather take your time. And check and recheck all the bolts, and clamps. And monitor you car with gauges. Boost, 02 Wideband and Oil Pressure.

I would get the oil pan professionally tapped using welds, and pressure tested for leaks. ZPI sells pretapped oil pans for a good price. Loctite all bolts, and re-tighten all bolt after cooling the engine down after a hard run. This should be done at least 3-4 times. New bolts go through a heat cycle until they fully adjust and stay in place.3

Also, heat wrap the oil return line since it will be running very close to the downpipe.

Also don't mess with the preset boost, unless you are running an intercooler or an equivalent substitute.

 

on another note about $$$. if you start drifting in a z, think how many tires you'll go through! lol.

not for the weak of wallet.

 

thats the desion im gonna have 2 make and so far i think its gonna be the Z i love verything about it and 306hp stock for 27k is a steal plus een if u turbo a tc u lose warrenty, turbo lag, the gearing on the tc suks *****, exuast sounds like a ferraris, the 350 is just a more quality car 15 months 2 go til i get mine

 

I can vouch for that one as well.... And I run Kuhmo's not junkyard tires.

 

This is what the insurance company is going to do to you since your so young and buying a sportscar:

 

best smiley icon ever!
if any of you have an xB on USAA they consider it a SPORT wagon....that's some sh#t right there.... hahahaha