New Nissan Z Build Guide

BUILD STATUS

We are currently waiting to install the Z1 Motorsports VRX70 Ball BEaring Turbo kit! Stock turbo setup is getting borning. The goal for this car is a full on VR30 drag car for the track.

Welcome to Racebox, the premier destination for all things VR30! For enthusiasts looking to elevate their 2023+ Nissan Z's capabilities, Racebox offers an expertly curated build that combines performance, aesthetics, and reliability. Here's an inside look at the components and upgrades that comprise our prefered setup, showcasing the possibilities for anyone ready to take their Nissan Z to the next level.

Z1 Motorsports Upgraded Turbos

The key to making over 700 wheel horsepower in any VR30, is the Z1 VRX70B (ball bearing) turbos! We have been extremely involved in the tuning development of Z1 turbo setups, having installed and tuned them since the very first batch of the original journal bearing sets. Since their release, we can confidently say that we have tuned the MOST Z1 turbo cars out of anyone in the world. With the amount of data we have behind us, having tested every setup imaginable, we are able to provide the best Z1 turbo tuning service for our customers looking to maximize the VR30 platform!

Engine Modifications

The supporting mods we need for the Z1 turbos start in the engine bay, the AMS Performance intake and intercooler kit are chosen for its exceptional ability to improve airflow and cooling. The new AMS Dual low-pressure fuel pump, along with the Spool FX-200 high-pressure fuel pump, Spool 2050cc injectors and AMS flex fuel kit, provides a robust fueling solution that's essential for harnessing E85's high-performance potential. The dual LPFP setup is new for the VR30 in 2024, and we will do a separate write-up to explain in depth its huge benefits, and why we think it's an essential mod for any upgraded turbos VR30 wanting 650whp or more!  Adding a Forced Inductions interchiller ensures that charge air temperatures remain low, especially in those long lines at the drag strip staging lanes in the summer. We will probably also do a separate blog post about the interchiller system, detailing how it works, and how it improves performance. The exhaust system is upgraded with Boosted 6 Autowerks full 3.5 inch downpipes and matching 3.5 inch dumps. Due to the restrictive nature of the VR30 head design, it is imperative to reduce exhaust back pressure as much as possible, hence the huge downpipes and lack of a catback exhaust system.

Transmission

The stock 9-speed auto transmission is retained, it has held up fine to our launch control on prepped tracks. However, transmission tuning would be hugely beneficial not only for WOT shifts, but also daily drivability since the OEM auto shift logic is terrible. As of July 2024, EcuTek annouced that they are working on updates for the VR30, including TCM tuning, so hopefully we have some good news soon!

Driveline

Improvements to the driveline include the OEM Performance Z LSD, complemented by Z1's upgraded diff cover, diff brace, solid diff bushings, and rear subframe collars. These upgrades provide a solid foundation for handling increased power/torque, ensuring durability and reducing flex under load. Before all the above upgrades, we broke the OEM diff cover doing launch control on track at FL2K 23, ending our weekend early. With an upgraded diff cover and all supporting mods in the rear end, we took the car out again on track, and broke the next weak link: the stock Sport trim open diff. If you plan to drag race your Nissan Z, the base model differential just will not hold up to the abuse. We have found this weak point the hard way, traveling across the country and thousands of dollars down the drain, so our customers won't have to.

Tuning

A cornerstone of the build is the custom EcuTek calibration by Racebox, designed to harmonize the upgraded components for optimal performance and drivability. It's worth noting that Racebox has tuned more VR30 engines than any other tuner worldwide, a testament to our experience and expertise in extracting maximum performance from these engines. Our journey with modifying and tuning the VR30 started in the early days of the VR30 Infiniti Q50 and Q60s, back when the best option for upping the power was a piggyback tune. We have definitely come a long way!

Wheels & Tires

The chosen wheel and tire setup includes OSS Forged custom RPF1 style drag pack wheels, paired with high-performance Mickey Thompson ET Street R tires in the rear. The Street R is probably our favorite tire for high power applications, both for the track and the street, just don't get caught lacking in the rain with them on your car! For a more daily type drag tire, we recommend the MT ET Street SS or Nitto NT555R2.

Other Performance Enhancements

Additional enhancements focus on chassis and cosmetics. The Z1 big brake kit, alongside suspension upgrades such as Feal coilovers and various Z1 components, to fit our needs for a drag car. Cosmetic additions, like the Southbay Autoworks carbon rear spoiler and shifter paddle extensions, are something we thought the car was missing from the factory, so we took liberties by adding them.

A Tailored Approach

While the setup outlined here represents Racebox's drag build for the Nissan Z, it's important to acknowledge the wide array of quality parts available on the market. Enthusiasts may achieve similar results using alternative components that meet their specific needs or preferences. Not everyone builds their cars for drag racing. The flexibility in choosing parts allows for a customized approach to building a high-performance vehicle, with Racebox's proven tuning expertise serving as the backbone for any recommendations you will get from us.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on the journey to enhance a Nissan Z is an exciting prospect, offering the chance to unlock the car's full potential. When Nissan revealed the new RZ34 with the VR30, we knew then this is the car that will take the engine to a whole new level with a lighter chassis and new transmission options. The aftermarket is also more alive than ever, with a major name in the sports car genre sparking new interest in the VR30, the same way the GR Supra jump started the development of B58TU aftermarket parts and tuning. Racebox is dedicated to guiding enthusiasts through this process, leveraging our unparalleled experience in VR30 tuning to ensure each build not only meets but exceeds expectations. Whether following our recommended setup or exploring alternative high-quality parts, Racebox is the definitive partner for achieving automotive excellence.