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We recently had a customer drop by with his brand new ’12 Black Edition GT-R looking to improve the performance. Factory turbochargers would remain in place, but intake and exhaust components were to be replaced, as well as minor upgrades to the factory fuel system.

PROJECT DETAILS
GT600-R+

• AAM Competition 3 Inch Turbo Intakes
• AAM Competition Race Turbo Downpipes
• AAM Competition High Flow Catted Midpipe
• AAM Competition Sports Exhaust
• HKS Superfire Spark Plugs
• Injector Dynamics 1,000cc Fuel Injectors
• Cobb AccessPort Dyno Tuning Session

 

 

Upgrading the exhaust system si one of the most efficient ways of extracting power from the VR38DETT. Like most turbocharged vehicles, they benefit tremendously from free flowing exhaust. Improving exhaust flow allows the turbochargers to spin more freely, thus helping the engine produce more power. The sound of the GT-R is vastly improved during this process as well.

 

Fuel and ignition were upgraded as well. Colder Heat Range HKS Superfire Spark Plugs were installed, along with massive 1,000cc fuel Injectors from Injector Dynamics.

 

After a dyno and road tuning session using the Cobb AccessPORT, total power output was increased from 450awhp to 563awhp and 572 ft lbs torque. Not bad for basic intake and exhaust upgrades! Dyno video to follow soon.

 

AAM Competition GT900-R Turbo Upgrade Package: The term 'social proof' is used to descripe the actions of people who assume the actions of others reflect correct behavior for any given situation.  To put it in simplier terms, monkey see, monkey do.  Despite this phrase's historically negative associations with human actions, sometimes following the crowd is a good thing.  Take this R35 GT-R for instance.  After researching many of the other GT900-R upgraded R35s completed by the tuning powerhouse AAM Competition, this GT-R owner made the decision to go with a GT900-R upgrade of his own.  That decision led to be one of the best upgrades he's done yet for his GT-R.

 Working with the GT-Rs since they were first released to the US consumer a few years ago, AAM Competition have become extremely efficient at these turbo upgrade packages.  With parts on the shelf, it only takes a week or two for any GT-R to undergo a most dramatic change from a reasonably mannered factory sports car to a land rocket that will quite literally take your breath away. 

With the 2012 Nissan GT-R still barely available at Nissan dealers, we had the opportunity to build one at our shop during the month of June. Like many of the cars we build here at AAM, the exterior looks are always understated, and all of the modifications are done under the hood. The car arrived to us brand new, still carrying plastic covers on the seats and steering wheel.

The first areas that need to be addressed most factory turbocharged cars are the charge pipes. We removed the factory Nissan units in favor of lighter, more durable polished aluminum pieces, hand crafted in house. HKS SSQV blow off valves replace the OE valves, and new intakes were installed to replace the factory air boxes for more optimal airflow.

The exhaust was the next to be replaced, with the entire factory system being removed in favor of AAM Competition Race Downpipes, Midpipe, and Sports Exhaust. Opening the exhaust system allows for the turbochargers to flow more freely to bump the horsepower, and most notably, the exhaust note is elevated to a more aggressive level.

After a dyno and road tuning session using the Cobb AccessPORT, total power output was increased from 450awhp to 558awhp and 611 ft lbs torque. There are not many 2012 GT-Rs on the road to begin with, and the modifications done here at AAM Competition make this one even more unique.

The Spring/Summer track season is in full swing, and if you’re thinking about heading down to your local circuit for an HPDE or track day, you might want to consider doing a brake upgrade first. The ability to stop quickly is just as important as accelerating quickly, especially on a race track. The factory GT-R brakes provide excellent stopping power, but poor longevity. It’s not uncommon for GT-R owners to experience brake fade and warped rotors after a hard day on the track. With AAM Competition’s brake upgrade services, you can avoid the headaches of premature brake fail, and focus on pushing the GT-R harder and harder on the track

We start by replacing the factory rotors in favor of AP Racing ‘J Hook’ brake discs. Directional, curved internal vane design that flows substantially more air than the OEM pillar vane design which means lower temps, less fade, less pad and rotor wear. The rotors also provide Crack resistance much greater than that of the OEM drilled design. Currently used in professional motorsport venues such as NASCAR, the J-Hook groove pattern is designed to provide outstanding bite for the pads, while promoting even heating and cooling of the disc face. AP Racing J Hooks are a proven upgrade for GT-Rs performing on the track.

The next part of the upgrade consists of replacing the factory brake pads for high performance pads from Endless. Ceramics are known to be one of the most vital and essential compounds that influence braking capacity. Every material has been carefully chosen for the MX72 in order to produce minimal noise and dust while producing high friction at lower temperatures. The MX72 improves upon the ever-popular CC-X compound in that braking stability is improved at higher temperatures. And yet, the MX72 actually decreases rotor wear. Even pedal feel, which is already typically great with semi-metallic material pads, was further improved upon. These pads will perform exceptionally well on the track, without sacrificing day to day driving comfort. We also offer the full line-up of Ferodo, Carbotech and Pagid brake pads so no matter what your braking needs are, we've got you covered.

Lastly, the inadequate factory brake fluid is addressed. Even before rotors or pads begin to go, factory brake fluid often reaches it's boiling point, making brake feel in the pedal less and less responsive. You'll notice you have to begin braking earlier and earlier before the apex of turns, which will cause your lap times to being to increase. Flushing out factory brake fluid in favor of a racing brake fluid is a must for weekend racers. Motul are famous for their synthetic automotive lubricants, and their RBF600 racing brake fluid is among the best on the market. With an extremely high boiling point of approximately 325°C / 617°F , it maintains adequate pressure in your brake lines during heavy track use.

Please visit our Contact Page for more information regarding this service, or to schedule an appointment for your GT-R.

AAM COMPETITION TWIN TURBO 370Z A/T

The next car to come out of the performance import factory at AAM Competition is a 2010 370Z 7AT. This build is unique in a sense that very few car builders anywhere in the US had upgraded an automatic 370Z with forced induction. But having built Twin Turbo automatic HR 350Zs and G37s in the past, we knew we were up to the task. What we ended with was a great street car that is, dare we say, more enjoyable than a traditional manual transmission. We know, blasphemy right? But it's hard to say for sure, and you'd have to drive this car for yourself to know where we are coming from. Maybe some of you will be inclined to built your automatic 370Z in the same fashion. Until that time, these pictures and a short video clip will have to suffice.

Here with the engine finally out, the real work can begin.

Custom mounted Defi gauges are becoming a common face with our forced induction builds. Our customers love the fact that the gauges mount in the factory location, and the gauge face fades to black when the car is turned off. Nissan really should look into that for their next Z car.

What's a sports car without some track inspired wheels? This customer decided on a Advan RS setup. For us, this wheel never goes out of style.

What was the line, "With great power comes great responsibility?" I think Peter Parker's Uncle said that in the Spiderman film, but it really is true. It makes sense to upgrade your brakes when you have a car that's going to be hurling itself into hyperspace at breakneck speeds. You never know when you'll need to haul the car down back to earth. These 6 and 4 piston AP Racing brakes should do the trick.

Nobody likes riding around in a sports car at stock ride height. The monster truck height is great, if you're planning to take your Z off-road. These KW V3 Coils will help us put the car down a bit, enhancing the look of the car with the new Advans as well as improving handling.

This is what we're really here for though, right? These Greddy 20G turbochargers should help the 370Z put down close to 450rwhp. This turbo kit has great power, great fitment, and high quality parts; a prime option for anyone looking to go FI.

These HKS Super Sequential BOVs will be hidden out of sight behind the front bumper. But they'll make their presence known if you build up enough boost pressure. Next time that kid in the Chevy Cavalier tries you on the highway, just give him a little warning hiss to let him know he won't be living out any Fast and Furious fantasies with this one.

The AAM Comp R-Line exhaust is a must for a car flowing this amount of exhaust volume. The factory exhaust or a 2.5" aftermarket exhaust won't let the turbochargers breathe properly, as well as exacerbate heat build up. 3" is a much more efficient option for flowing the increased exhaust gas generated by the turbos.

We'll leave you with some parting shots of the completed car and a video compiling the entire build on YouTube. This automatic transmission holds up surprisingly well given the amount of additional power generated by the engine. Driving this car reminds us of a baby GT-R. It's very quick, shifts well, and it's twin turbocharged. Actually, Nissan should take note and make their next Z car Twin Turbo from the factory. If they can put a turbo in the Juke, they can put a turbo in a Z.