From Nissan 350Z & 370Z Wiki
Source: http://www.dragsport.com/issue/2004/1004_cover_story.shtml
Balance of Boost
HKS Supercharges the 350Z
Text & Photos by Michael Ferrara
HKS is no stranger to performance as the company recently celebrated 30 years of performance engineering. The company's first-rate engineering has resulted from lab- and dyno-based R&D that has been verified by motorsport participation and real-world evaluations. For over three decades, HKS has produced parts designed to improve and address all aspects of vehicle performance tuning. The pursuit of "tuning" during a generation has allowed HKS to manufacture exhaust and intake systems, full suspension systems, performance electronics and a host of turbocharger and turbocharger-related components. However, one area never before explored was that of supercharging. That is until now. HKS recently set out to not only explore supercharging, but to bring this technology to new heights for performance enthusiast consumers.
Why now?
A question recently posed at a media day held by HKS was "if you have been successful for so many years in the science of performance turbocharging, why would HKS look to supercharging now"? The answer was that there were many reasons that made "now" the right time and, more importantly, many reasons that make the 350Z and G35 platforms the right car.
350Z and G35 Reality Check
There are many great things about both the 350Z and the G35 platforms. Both vehicles have exceptional chassis rigidity, a great suspension, a great price and a stock powerplant that provides a decent amount of power. However, there are also a number of non-cooperative aspects to these platforms. The engine compartment is extremely tight making it difficult to work around. The VQ35 engine itself is well-built for its original power output, but tuners in search of additional power have found that the stock connecting rods can let go above the 380-to-400 wheel horsepower mark.
Today's Supercharger Technology
Today's superchargers are much different from those of yesteryear. The Eaton roots-type supercharger has a much improved efficiency over its ancestors. Today's centrifugal superchargers have a much better design and efficiency than the original McCullogh/Paxton design. The Rotrex HKS supercharger takes supercharger technology to an entirely new level. The Rotrex HKS supercharger uses a compressor section that is identical to that of a turbocharger. As a result the compressor efficiencies are identical to that of a turbocharger. This is something that no other supercharger can deliver.
The high-efficiency compressor of the Rotrex HKS supercharger teams with a planetary-roller-driven transmission that's designed to provide 60,000 miles of service before needing a change of the lubricant in its self contained oil system. Unlike gear-driven superchargers, the Rotrex HKS supercharger uses a planetary-roller traction drive. The result is a quiet supercharger that gets its job done without whining.
The Right Car
Due to its cramped quarters and the power-handling limitations of the stock VQ35 powerplant, HKS identified the 350Z/G35 Coupe as the "perfect" platform for their first supercharger system development. By going the supercharger route, the installation time is significantly reduced. There are no exhaust manifolds, turbos, downpipes or charge-air pipes to fit under the engine. Instead, the supercharger gets a front of the engine placement. Both the charge air intercooler and supercharger oil cooler get a front-mount location.
The Supercharger System Components
The HKS Rotrex supercharger system for the 350Z is truly complete down to the last nut and bolt. A cast-aluminum bracket mounts the supercharger to the front of the engine. The pulley system contains all of the necessary pulleys and idlers along with the belts. Charge-air piping is crafted from aluminum tubing while the air-inlet to the supercharger is cast and also acts as the home to the factory air-mass sensor. The charge-air piping directs flow to the front-mount intercooler. All charge pipe connections are made with silicone connectors. An HKS compressor bypass valve is also included.
On the fuel side, an in-tank replacement fuel pump is included. Additional fuel is tapped from the factory fuel line and fed to the HKS additional injector assembly that houses two 525 cc/min injectors. The injectors take cues from the HKS S/C-piggyback fuel computer. The computer includes a direct plug-in adapter harness that required no cutting or splicing to make the connection.
The superchargers oiling system is completely self contained. The reservoir, feed lines, oil cooler and return lines are all included along with the special traction oil that must be used with the HKS Rotrex supercharger.
For more on this article and more grab a copy of DSport Magazine on newsstands and tuning shops nationwide!
