For better performance, anywhere from improved horsepower, torque, and throttle response, one of the best modifications you can do for your Nissan 350Z is upgrading its downpipe. Custom performance downpipes like the one mentioned can drastically improve the acceleration and note of the exhaust, leading to an overall enhanced driving experience.
Improving modifications that can be done can change the voltage’s efficiency, however, if you can improve the car’s exhaust system, this will completely improve the car’s throttle response. Making sure that the engine can breathe properly is completely necessary for achieving maximum power, especially in performance cars.
Performance Factors of a Downpipe
The Nissan downpipe, just like the exhaust system of other cars, is an equally important component of the vehicle and needs to be carefully maintained. The downpipe serves to strengthen and enhance the stock exhaust system for any Nissan below or beyond an aftermarket manifold. The 350Z, along with other cars in the same category, are equipped with stock downpipes that use catalytic converters in order to maximize car efficiency and throttle response.
Fitting with an aftermarket downpipe or increasing the flow on the Nissan downpipe alleviates restrictions on the exhaust gases. This leads to reduced backpressure along with aiding turbo spool and increased horsepower. With the reduction of the backpressure, the exhaust flow is greatly enhanced, thus allowing the engine to perform at its peak for better throttle response and acceleration.
How A Downpipe Adds More Horsepower
The primary reason that car enthusiasts upgrade their 350Z downpipes is due to potential horsepower increase. Spent exhaust gases are more easily flowed out of the engine and so the engine has to exert lesser power to expel the waste gases. This allows for a more efficient combustion cycle, leading to greater power output in the engine.
By optimizing the air flow, the incorporation of a well designed Nissan downpipe alongside an upgraded exhaust system, intake, and tuning can provide horsepower gains up to 10-20 HP. These gains are even further apparent with a tune that optimizes the A:F ratio and also the improved exhaust flow.
Throttle Response And Torque Gains
Upgrading to a 350Z downpipe provides an overall improvement on torque aside from horsepower. With torque being amount of force that drives the vehicle forward and having an engine well on an RPM range will improve acceleration and with the decrease of backpressure torque delivery improves.
A Nissan downpipe improves throttle response, meaning there is a faster reaction to a driver’s throttle input. Enhancing the flow of exhaust increases the engine response speed, resulting in the car feeling more lively and responsive. Whether you use your 350Z on the everyday street or are taking it to the race track, having faster throttle response improves performance significantly.
Sound Improvement From A Downpipe
As previously stated, some people use the Nissan 350Z downpipes not because of performance, but for the sound improvement. While aftermarket options can increase performance, it is their remarkable sound that many fans enjoy. Because aftermarket downpipes have reduced flow restrictions, the exhaust system is able to sound deeper and louder, which a lot of people love.
If you want subtle changes in your 350Z’s sound profile, a downpipe from Nissan is great. But, some high-flow downpipes will require adjustments to fix local emissions rules, so keep that in mind.
Tuning and ECU Modifying
Tuning the ECU becomes necessary if you wish to gain all the potential benefits that 350Z downpipe offers. While it is possible to install a downpipe without tuning, it only makes the car annoyingly difficult. An ECU remap allows the engine to take advantage of any extra air flow being introduced.
A proper tune aids in optimizing the air-fuel mixtures, allowing the engine to work at optimal levels. Without a tune, the horsepower and torque gains may be limited, and in some scenarios, the check engine light may come on due to the altered emission readings.
A tune is recommended after the Nissan downpipe is installed to boost the results in the performance levels in your 350Z.
Considerations and Installation
The installation of a 350Z downpipe requires some level of mechanical skill and the right tools. Although many enthusiasts opt for the downpipe replacement themselves, it is safer to use a professional if you yourself are not experienced with exhaust system changes.
When purchasing a Nissan downpipe, be sure it aligns with the rest of your exhaust elements. Some downpipes are never fitted over stock exhausts unless some custom work is done like market exhaust, or special mounting brackets.
Also, check the emissions laws in your region. Some aftermarket downpipes eliminate catalytic converters and that is not allowed in some states or countries. If you have to get through emissions tests, you can go for a high-flow catted downpipe instead of a cat-less option.
Conclusion
The most cost-efficient method of amping up horsepower, torque, and engine efficiency on a Nissan 350Z is via a high-performance 350Z downpipe. A Nissan downpipe does a great job at letting the engine breathe which improves exhaust flow while reducing restriction, leading to noticeable performance improvements.
Not only does this modification increase power, but it also improves throttle response, increases the aggression of the exhaust tone, and overall makes driving more fun. If you’re serious about extracting the most from your Nissan 350Z, buying a quality Nissan downpipe is one modification that will lead to immense improvements in both enjoyment and performance.
