Brand loyalty can be a hot topic, especially for an automotive enthusiast. Converting a loyalist from one brand to another requires compelling reasons. In the case of Ford-fanatic Brandon Vidmar, selling his Mustang Cobra was an attempt at embracing his encroaching maturity. He had grown tired of the firm suspensions, streetlight challenges and wallet-emptying modifications. This led to declaring himself free from the tuning scene and on the quest for a more luxurious ride. However, that quest led straight back to a “killer deal” that would be his own undoing. After a fateful test drive of this 2003 350Z, Brandon fell in love with Nissan’s VQ35DE engine. The Z’s performance, looks and interior appointments made him forget all about the VIP rides he had been shopping for and Brandon felt content with his stock Nissan.

Back In The Game

Soon, however, the familiar need for higher power levels overcame the practicality and purpose of buying the 350Z and leaving it alone. Modifications began with an intake and a nitrous-injection system. Before long, the engine received upgraded camshafts and tuning. Frequent trips to fill the nitrous bottles grew tiresome and led to the purchase of a used supercharger kit. The one hundred additional horsepower and 70 lb-ft of torque satisfied him again, but only for a short while. Soon he was swapping the pulleys in the supercharger, looking for more power. A series of unfortunate events ensued, including getting t-boned at low speed, having a trailer hitch damage his bumper and spinning a bearing. It was the spun bearing that finally gave Brandon the excuse to step up the power even further.

No Longer Stock Block

Taking advantage of the damaged VQ’s need for machine work, Brandon decided that a comprehensive engine build would ensure durability and greater output potential. A set of Darton International M.I.D. sleeves reinforced the block, while Altered Atmosphere connecting rods and JE Pistons joined the factory crankshaft to complete the rotating assembly. In the cylinder heads, the valvetrain was upgraded with Jim Wolf Technology valve springs and retainers while S1 camshafts provided additional lift and duration to the valves for greater airflow in and out of the cylinders. ARP L19 head studs were used to secure the longblock assembly together while HKS head gaskets provided a tight and positive seal.

Bigger Boost

Once the block was reinforced and ready to make power, Brandon needed to select his new power adder.Having already tried nitrous injection and supercharging, he decided to investigate turbocharging. Jim Wolf Technology offered several twin-turbo kit options that caught Brandon’s eye.However, it was a specially-designed Jim Wolf turbosystem that Brandon eventually chose. The kit centered around a pair of Garrett GT3076R turbochargers with Jim Wolf exhaust manifolds and 3-inch downpipes. A massive Jim Wolf Technology intercooler chilled the aircharge provided by the twin GT30s before the air made its way to an APS Tallboy intake manifold.

Strength In Numbers

Boasting 28 psi boost pressure requires a significant increase in fuel delivery. An Altered Atmosphere fuel return system, Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator and an in-tank fuel pump upgrade ensured equalized fuel distribution to the six-pack of RC Engineering 750 cc/min injectors. With AEM’s Tru Boost boost controller regulating the twins, Vince at Sound Performance refined the fuel and ignition tables to produce 548 horsepower on a Dynapack dynamometer. A stock Z spins the Dynapack hubs to the tune of 240 horsepower, indicating a relative gain of 128-percent.

Happenings Underneath

Few production cars are equipped to handle the forces that 548 horsepower unleash on a chassis. This domestic killer was no exception and warranted upgrading the brakes and suspension. The stock suspension and sub-frame were reinforced with Stance GR Plus Coilovers to tighten the handling. Since big power generates insane speed, scrubbing that speed away requires massive brakes. The stock Brembo calipers and rotors got the boot in favor of Wilwood Superlite calipers and 13-inch drilled rotors.

Show how ‘N Go

Brandon hesitates to say that he’s finished with this wicked blue Z. The car in its current iteration is impressive, winning the HIN Ohio award for Hottest Advanced Import Vehicle in 2009 and Best of Show at the Chicago D1GP contest. The accolades on the street are an entirely different matter. Brandon’s weakness for stoplight encounters brings an indescribable level of satisfaction with each unwary contender he breaks off. Officially, the Z has already clicked off a 10.92-second e.t. on Mickey Thompson ET Drag radials with a low-boost setting and pump gasoline in the tank. At full boost on race fuel, Brandon expects to see single digits easily. Future upgrades include a complete redesign of the fuel delivery system and a retune on E85. Brandon’s new objective is to eclipse the 1,000 horsepower mark. With a new paint scheme also in the works, Brandon plans to re-victimize past foes on the street and at the strip.