Mike_Gruizinga

Thank you. I am a very active member on both Z31P (mod actually..lol) and 88hybrid. Unfortunately, the few people I asked couldn't help.I was hesitating to post a thread about it on my "home" forums..it may come down to that though. I figured I would try here after reading a few other plenum build threads on this site. Best of luck to your dad and his '86. NA2T's are quite fun.

Thank you! Perhaps I posted this in the wrong section?

Hello, I have constructed a custom intake plenum for my VG30ET (Z31 application) in Solidworks 2007. Its a simple sheet metal design which is rather common for custom Z31 intakes, and is apparently somewhat effective. I would like to run a flow analysis on the plenum, but I do not have access to the proper software. If anyone would like to donate their skills or time, it would be much appreciated. The goal here is not as extensive as MutantZ's plenum build, I simply want to ensure relatively even cylinder filling, and cut down on swirling. I would like to get this done as soon as possible. I need to get this produced like...next week! Must make Branson z fest again! i have attached a picture of my design, and its application below: Thank you!

It's been done. Check it out here: http://www.z31performance.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2536

ummm...? I don't understand... $15 per side+steel+ceramic coat=$20 for everthing? $15 to CNC Mill 1/2" steel to a VG30 exhaust flange? Do they already have the pattern in their computer or what? I assume you looked at the pictures on the links i posted...They are a rather complex pattern. Most of the cost of the flanges is in labor intensive designing of this "pattern" on the computer, so that the mill can cut it out. Care to explain how they are gonna do all that work for next to nothing? I would be intersted in a set at that price. Thanks -Mike

That is one very very sick setup. I like it alot! Nice Job! -Mike

Its the setup and running of the CNC mill that drives the cost up. Especially on a low-production run like this one. Its only $57.50 per flange... And I definately havent seen any $90 VG30E(t) headers on ebay. If there really are $90 headers for VG30E(T)'s available, I would like to know where to get them... Until then, just buck up the extra $25 and buy yourself some sweet SS flanges. -Mike

According to the FSM (EM-15) the exhaust manifold does not need to be removed for cylinder head removal. This coincides with my personal experiences in dealing with Z31 VG30E cylinder head removal. Im not sure why you would think that the exhaust manifolds need to come off. The crossover pipe will need to be unbolted (and the downpipe if drivers-side head), but the actual exhaust manifold can remain solidly rusted to the head. This is a great point. If you were going to swap in the Maxima engine, you would not only need to remove the Maxima's exhaust manifolds, but also remove the Z31's manifolds (and bolt them to the maxima-spec VG30E). Removing the exhaust manifolds is usually a PAIN! -Mike

It's really not hard to do a HG on a z31. You might want to look into the cost and labor of simply replacing the gasket, and sticking with the engine you have. I dont see it taking more time or money than swapping that Maxima VG30E. Keep in mind the work required in messing with that auto trans, exhaust manifolds (always rusted stuck) and swapping all your z31 VG30E parts over to the Maxima VG30E. Unless something is wrong with your VG30E i say use it. Build up the maxima engine on the side with the require z31 parts, fresh paint, new gaskets, water pump, timing belt/tensioner, cams, a turbo, whatever else and swap in reliable performance in the future. Just my .02 -Mike

If do some reading in Stevez31's post (link posted above) you will see that a few others had the same question as you. How do you use the SS studs with those 1/2" flanges? The few people that ordered the flanges who have SS studs are planning on machining out the stud holes in the flanges, in an effort to "countersink" the holes. I dont know if countersink is the right term... but that is probably the easiest solution. Maybe PM a few of the members who will be doing that for more information... It looks like SteveZ31 is advertising the flanges here on Hybridz in the classifieds under the name "theZ". They were just posted today, and as of right now, only 3 pairs are left. Quick! send him a PM! Heres the link: http://classifieds.hybridz.org/showproduct.php?product=3940 Good luck on your Pathy project BTW. It sounds interesting. -Mike

Over at www.z31performance.com there are 2 members currently producing Exhaust flanges for the VG30E(T): SteveZ31 is making 1/2" thick CNC machined 304 stainless steel 1 piece flanges (1 flange per cylinder bank) priced per pair at $115 + $5 shipping in the US. He is also making the same flanges out of mild steel priced per pair at $100+$5 shipping in the US. Here is the link: www.redz31.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3092 StreetFighter will be making 3/8" thick CNC machined stainless steel flanges. These will be individual port flanges, with each port having is own 2 bolt flange. Prices arent listed yet, but send him a PM for more information. Here is the link: www.redz31.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3252 Also, you should consider buying stainless steel exhaust studs. -Mike

Actually it might be pretty easy to source one from a 88-89 z31. They used T25's, and most people upgrade to the T3's found on the 84-87 z31's. I see them for sale on z31performance.com quite a bit...http://http://www.redz31.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2939 Also I think Jason (www.redz31.com) might have one or two laying around... -Mike -Mike