ZHP NA Build - Search for Expensive Power

[zander271]

I'm finally starting this thread so others can see what NA mods do from the start on these cars. Its been done before but there is a lot of information to wade through AND it doesn't always seem to be done mod by mod.

My car is an 03 ZHP with 155k on it now. It's now a garage queen since I picked up a wagon. Which is why i can really tear into it now.

My last compression test shows my engine is still strong.

cyl1: 200
cyl2: 202
cyl3: 203
cyl4: 200
cyl5: 201
cyl6: 205

Best Baseline dyno 100% stock

https://gq3lja.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4miYQ0-Mc-7PRM_bhZv319FIhN6XHBnBOWFLupn0cxAgGI3slEQXB3Duk2A7 wS0BG7lZkSdbDjDGShxagNeHASKIyDtwoTbX2MZArU6FAb-UvL9DPNtzo4E5ZFZeLFZwnSShiJK_Ghr-rghEEGvVSEitcWbyGUuJLTBuOmKo8x0HYzCtRqrEVsrk1yPVnQ bCS5GG7N1kzpvLm6dJ3AiVyEAw?width=1906&height=927&cropmode=none

Baseline Air Fuel Ratio

https://fg3lja.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4mb0RCLNECt6geH2e5BpSSJsxSrn0pkVTcIqhJk4fm7dy1F30 6IJH-h1IwvTH4yZdH7jfT7cHy3-zapPxe7_ox5WdwFvoKyoBE33-23AD6N8DxKNXXT9-1GLTTGiF7RqzADz_rZhoTSxp89xcBaJKEyHUJP0oSvQ2TAzSLJ Xc5_bNnfFjUHrXDAj0Yds0AMeyosJjdxzrzTEB3eWxPOTZpqg? width=1878&height=822&cropmode=none

Teaser Pics

(Excuse my messy garage atm :facepalm:)
https://gw3lja.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4m0-fmWemZeFLtAHbt4LYMBcPPIwEBMk2xvdJo1xoXZxZu6X_L6eUZ mX3Oral4lP6QC_4v587KYO9NDXYfR0OLpD2Zdftqee_Gt4AB23 LCcz45pkS8x7QDpEY8LzQQiENnm9p_UJ5UlXbDZnKlMtyZqSyq Ve-6pwNn9a6HRCXABp07qNO9RIt27eXEt6onP5xGsJi3HXtHQfVZ6 hPyQ4QoJQ?width=660&height=495&cropmode=none

The goodies going in

Top Speed Headers ($188) that are ceramic coated professionally ($250) (https://www.performancecoatings.com/)

Dinan Long Tube Intake ($200) Completely unused that looks to have been in a box since 2005.

https://ezsddw.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4mxpVns6yugQSsz_67Wh-4tbvbdmEVHhiOFUY1gV23B9V1CanJPn-6SINwf0tiqHDbWZ30spbgJQuejmx5jzN09myz_kQKjlc3uWfie jFmWL_qPNqPekrBsSkY-ozrfVcJof9kfPEaQWg5JMnvV7R5VyKl7_-L0RFR31Lh92OTofeYojKKZ2fRt6kCo8Wr56IbzxY0AF1pnyyLX _Bp8mbv_Q?width=660&height=495&cropmode=none

Dinan Throttle Body ($250)
https://gzvgrg.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4mrO_huZZusQG2k9tSCps_cwirHVLCPyqjA7XrNOl4pX_a9Fs 4nlHNFvs75_LhOD21PI7NxOdTVJtpe_dDfZdcB_9-SbSjaomX4IfH3P4ceGPvUs8L5LIxCOILEW-VqUQWQDRRFZbceOGp375dsfaVh6fFrC_SuhINlp_ps8SCy0s_C puXfAwALa401WoSBbSOpPp3XE-HsS1AF-_RSpB99A?width=768&height=1024&cropmode=none

Headers are going in :excited: View from under the car.

https://jfqqug.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4mYHX6YRyFJS60ydmMotSG-rxMLYQhlOsdQcy8Fiposfbzp3Rl71eF2LSS6hYIdr5tkJ3nh0M Vpw_ed6BlA37g9rKD1JoNJWbyy0SBlKaF0zQDlPW3xEH3d2mDL WPoXecvSYtJf8UkFZjETAJe8mq9DY7v4mdqqos4R_l1g3rUUzA 7Z2EhV7AxUNOtt77hxWheNsTOb8jamBdxi7naIo4F8g?width= 1024&height=768&cropmode=none

Quick look at how stock headers vs TopSpeed headers look side by side.

https://wgs5uq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4mYaK1rmcQ3jHnnN0tgk0at5DDqWkcBEd5ZMGujT5CChlgMHS NzKnwOQF8NUNAbzO_QLA_NR299olnr-1JDZm6cZMSsenEuFzQRx05XXa7w6ngCgWwma5URkQkqCV7GGZX e0UV4Nk4F8CHtMl-kN7vxs-PrkTrnOM8amh_1q3kqHIHUtx_Np4Ip9sYP0Vum1j6gVh7hDCA6 99U1ZsZM7iGiQ?width=495&height=660&cropmode=none

Dyno Run with just headers Installed (sorry for the poor camera placement)

Link to YouTube is not working :facepalm:

Best Dyno Run with Headers vs Stock (+22whp/+15wtq)

https://ha1kga.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4moNASj6qYhprknLudx9D31U6bLikE_cD_kzDjTmNIT2JFscE SnLdQgzs_K0uhQ3N8HiPCI0YBtkmLikwQQVGJK7uAPmXO1I6WK SfAjDaAenZikl9DSqA1mcAwuQyT3JUJuBmvDjKnkQuONi1HK_h YrMZvWnCnb5mtnAq4FsaEulqO0xsneC1hLjRuyDCuDXmlls_4Q IUG-_-8jMe33KWDXQ?width=1904&height=935&cropmode=none

Best Dyno Run with Headers AFR numbers vs Stock

https://ga3lja.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4miaBosNY4EFSJEEc9PBReUksgJYSPeBc5MF0GF-W501gPIUKh70ZClDMRG2lxAsckiePQoICehCtwcoLuqZo2vD7u FcbLzkqJni7fcHsfEXGRpNZ9e_IjuJnoHTgZJs3slJngAonOYt seJpXGnNMoZzOP6O1ifbAkXvCHw5GEWUSVOZ6kapvngcgs-PZEJcWvm_URaVqX4UhnFI0aVatbog?width=1876&height=818&cropmode=none

Look how similar the day was on these pulls

https://hw1kga.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4mvHtfkho9iCnxGvj4eOKLAtjZWEwMpVErbJeMMQGrkepd8LQ 3dkrU6Nve6CbpiyAgcRCbdZaKYK_PgmOgyx8y48SNG1tSzssBS FSkJffqRcNRbymTK5HQ7u3dGGnyHpQ0oLbHMMNAgheZzi3FKxe 9sSs6N9e6sVKQahcKn5rOiuaGF9_y0gc4n8J6aG1pXEyYCocu_ fwjOoO_gQAR8BzJ4w?width=574&height=100&cropmode=none

2/27/18 Update :str8pimpi

The Dinan long tube intake and throttle body numbers are in.

So something interesting happened when I installed the long tube intake. That 6k drop in power disappeared.

This is a solo SS of the dyno so you can see the curve

https://gq3erq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4md_SKUvGsWi7epYkiLtFIz1UHTbKdJrT4NNqmBC7ecBwCCya ZQz_0SqttVwQN4bw7eIZAERdPpll4oyjF9ZGum1bde6vsRXJP2 pdHaJJCILFArTb9fU3USr5E6PBQ3w1IJH1M_Ag22YqLbac3J8S B-lzblQt0JEU2GwdzV0vdYBC7PdRaO0mnCbqEnKKWt_99LUHjxgC wh0G9Ia3Q_ZQdQw?width=1720&height=841&cropmode=none

Here is the graph comparing the run with just headers and with the long tube intake. You can see I picked up 3-4 WTQ in torque early on and 2-5 WHP on the high end. Great gains and the induction sound is amazing.

https://ga3erq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4milZUy5FbGnewfLHkHfY_8vYr14KFWlWEHeQ-j28c5Ch0J0Wv-i3n0c6jEM4YWYwXjAkKjimwEYyW_dx8ZKbzbhJ_Hcn_eVxbn3O q6vEiytaeeh4RvkWppJ0p7tp3XysPEUOzlMoWM6ro7pc8nEI2C hj81F0OopBFRXpa_BnkTmloT6osKGxotUnECuGhIVNKW2oxQgl NtEpLvTEfXeWzaw?width=1713&height=839&cropmode=none

AFR graph comparing the run with just headers and with the long tube intake


Now with the Dinan Throttle Body Installed.

Low end gained 3-5WHP/3-4WTQ and the high end was 6-9WHP/4-5WTQ

https://fw3erq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4m2ytenl1kPV6PSH32MCjkh0rYANDjrhgB_4f50GYfQRQzVCj jlNWJHTRdUnFZWNiBZG9_J64I0tOaGXtqwN2nS57CN9kNE-UGxcwLZ1WR1dSX-WAjDq4lR842D7D0zqPzHqAk6LNXH0fE_X0seuP6RsvDnYNn1Vj aDO4ThpGaeNn8vEsFjzzwBy7jbT9mhsEirDPaLCFQMbysdZYxz juyxQ?width=1712&height=839&cropmode=none

AFR graph with Dinan Throttle Body Installed

https://fg3erq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4mYGnJeqZbM4OYCaJVzymi3GaKN1SXOKg9KmhE7yRyUv7DpWa 50cAOGvf49a1UlMpdQ1RshbsbiDM7a0vDKUCPXGixCuIVDsBcQ 3U30gpqXB73ZY3DseCXKtfe2Slrnj7a85Yyow-Paekdg3havGYxym3IR5SZOapz7NO-eFx-cWE73zxNEJ_fxcM1iWBx9LEdUkcbJzHtnM4-AunCk0b6dw?width=1688&height=733&cropmode=none

Compare of all runs

+27WHP/+21WTQ gains with just the 3 mods so far.

RunFile 03 - Stock
RunFile 12 - Addition of just headers
RunFile 16 - Headers + Dinan Long tube Intake
RunFile 22 - Headers + Dinan Long tube Intake + Dinan Throttle Body

https://5jiidq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4m4aRkR-LxUAu1vZa_3iYIZDRQ4XmpBEYZretYj-TBu6_1qaDUBN9qiDnuIWboxhNDtEhwy7-uh3d262NRfNQRs3sGlaVS3qvEmduwsMjcXwtIvdl0fgPoJZgqY xTYy_d0au3E_7BH7QDsTjzz05DLhBoiPO_NbxJ1A3FztlnPPFU PchRjzSZbLuRLN0w3hs8ZVMBeiYeeW2SVrtR_yBxX7w?width= 1907&height=894&cropmode=none

*Update*

2/27/18 Update :str8pimpi

The Dinan long tube intake and throttle body numbers are in.

So something interesting happened when I installed the long tube intake. That 6k drop in power disappeared.

This is a solo SS of the dyno so you can see the curve

https://gq3erq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4md_SKUvGsWi7epYkiLtFIz1UHTbKdJrT4NNqmBC7ecBwCCya ZQz_0SqttVwQN4bw7eIZAERdPpll4oyjF9ZGum1bde6vsRXJP2 pdHaJJCILFArTb9fU3USr5E6PBQ3w1IJH1M_Ag22YqLbac3J8S B-lzblQt0JEU2GwdzV0vdYBC7PdRaO0mnCbqEnKKWt_99LUHjxgC wh0G9Ia3Q_ZQdQw?width=1720&height=841&cropmode=none

Here is the graph comparing the run with just headers and with the long tube intake. You can see I picked up 3-4 WTQ in torque early on and 2-5 WHP on the high end. Great gains and the induction sound is amazing.

https://ga3erq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4milZUy5FbGnewfLHkHfY_8vYr14KFWlWEHeQ-j28c5Ch0J0Wv-i3n0c6jEM4YWYwXjAkKjimwEYyW_dx8ZKbzbhJ_Hcn_eVxbn3O q6vEiytaeeh4RvkWppJ0p7tp3XysPEUOzlMoWM6ro7pc8nEI2C hj81F0OopBFRXpa_BnkTmloT6osKGxotUnECuGhIVNKW2oxQgl NtEpLvTEfXeWzaw?width=1713&height=839&cropmode=none

AFR graph comparing the run with just headers and with the long tube intake


Now with the Dinan Throttle Body Installed.

Low end gained 3-5WHP/3-4WTQ and the high end was 6-9WHP/4-5WTQ

https://fw3erq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4m2ytenl1kPV6PSH32MCjkh0rYANDjrhgB_4f50GYfQRQzVCj jlNWJHTRdUnFZWNiBZG9_J64I0tOaGXtqwN2nS57CN9kNE-UGxcwLZ1WR1dSX-WAjDq4lR842D7D0zqPzHqAk6LNXH0fE_X0seuP6RsvDnYNn1Vj aDO4ThpGaeNn8vEsFjzzwBy7jbT9mhsEirDPaLCFQMbysdZYxz juyxQ?width=1712&height=839&cropmode=none

AFR graph with Dinan Throttle Body Installed

https://fg3erq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4mYGnJeqZbM4OYCaJVzymi3GaKN1SXOKg9KmhE7yRyUv7DpWa 50cAOGvf49a1UlMpdQ1RshbsbiDM7a0vDKUCPXGixCuIVDsBcQ 3U30gpqXB73ZY3DseCXKtfe2Slrnj7a85Yyow-Paekdg3havGYxym3IR5SZOapz7NO-eFx-cWE73zxNEJ_fxcM1iWBx9LEdUkcbJzHtnM4-AunCk0b6dw?width=1688&height=733&cropmode=none

Compare of all runs

+27WHP/+21WTQ gains with just the 3 mods so far.

RunFile 03 - Stock
RunFile 12 - Addition of just headers
RunFile 16 - Headers + Dinan Long tube Intake
RunFile 22 - Headers + Dinan Long tube Intake + Dinan Throttle Body

https://5jiidq.dm2301.livefilestore.com/y4m4aRkR-LxUAu1vZa_3iYIZDRQ4XmpBEYZretYj-TBu6_1qaDUBN9qiDnuIWboxhNDtEhwy7-uh3d262NRfNQRs3sGlaVS3qvEmduwsMjcXwtIvdl0fgPoJZgqY xTYy_d0au3E_7BH7QDsTjzz05DLhBoiPO_NbxJ1A3FztlnPPFU PchRjzSZbLuRLN0w3hs8ZVMBeiYeeW2SVrtR_yBxX7w?width= 1907&height=894&cropmode=none

[nextelbuddy]

sweet! 27 whp is not shabby at all. strong and consistent compression numbers on that engine as well.

[JPMo]

Great thread

[Vas]

Headers are a must on the m54.

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[Sockethead]

All your graphs look great! Lucky that you can get a dyno run after each mod... some of my graphs are years apart. It's interesting to see how the DME added fuel with each significant mod. As you verified, the best (Most increase) mod I installed was the headers.
I imagine you're running the stock exhaust too?

[cornercarver]

Wow - I've never seen the stock exhaust manifold lying on its side...Those f-ing things are restrictive! Now I see why the car picks up so much power with headers.

OP: I'm guessing you didn't replace the cats? I wouldn't expect to see a 22hp increase with cats installed. 22hp is a HUGE gain on a NA motor with this displacement. If you did, what did you replace them with? Did it throw any codes after the header swap?

(Edited to remove my question about the 02 sensors...Somehow missed that in the photo.) :facepalm

[derbo]

Wow - I've never seen the stock exhaust manifold lying on its side...Those f-ing things are restrictive! Now I see why the car picks up so much power with headers.

OP: I'm guessing you didn't replace the cats? I wouldn't expect to see a 22hp increase with cats installed. 22hp is a HUGE gain on a NA motor with this displacement. If you did, what did you replace them with? Did it throw any codes after the header swap?

(Edited to remove my question about the 02 sensors...Somehow missed that in the photo.) :facepalm

Yea, the cats are on the manifolds..that is one of the main reasons I never did headers. CARB is a pain in the butt to deal with.

[danewilson77]

Thanks for sharing your hard work and data. Very much appreciated.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[zander271]

All your graphs look great! Lucky that you can get a dyno run after each mod... some of my graphs are years apart. It's interesting to see how the DME added fuel with each significant mod. As you verified, the best (Most increase) mod I installed was the headers.
I imagine you're running the stock exhaust too?

Correct stock exhaust, not 100% sure yet if I want to go aftermarket yet because its very loud already.


Wow - I've never seen the stock exhaust manifold lying on its side...Those f-ing things are restrictive! Now I see why the car picks up so much power with headers.

OP: I'm guessing you didn't replace the cats? I wouldn't expect to see a 22hp increase with cats installed. 22hp is a HUGE gain on a NA motor with this displacement. If you did, what did you replace them with? Did it throw any codes after the header swap?

(Edited to remove my question about the 02 sensors...Somehow missed that in the photo.) :facepalm

No cats were reinstalled. I had my SAP(and secondary MAF) and post O2's coded out so no CEL.

[cornercarver]

No cats were reinstalled. I had my SAP(and secondary MAF) and post O2's coded out so no CEL.
Are you in the States? If so - how do you pass inspection?

ps; Car looks great. Is it parked on a slope or something in that ^ pic? (Something odd about the angle.)

[Sockethead]

Some states don't have any physical or emission testing/inspection. OH and SC are two that I know of...

[san]

Some states don't have any physical or emission testing/inspection. OH and SC are two that I know of...

Michigan and Indiana are the other 2 I know


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[cornercarver]

Some states don't have any physical or emission testing/inspection. OH and SC are two that I know of...
MA does... Not the emissions test; they just plug into the computer, but they conduct a visual inspection to confirm all the emissions equipment is in place. :shifty

[Sockethead]

That's the way NJ is too. They have cameras in the floor of the inspection facility

[zander271]

Are you in the States? If so - how do you pass inspection?

ps; Car looks great. Is it parked on a slope or something in that ^ pic? (Something odd about the angle.)

Yep I'm in Washington State, near Seattle. Where I have my car registered I never have to go through emissions. I would be able to pass though as both the SAP and post O2's read as ready.

That's my car at a huge meet that happens in Leavenworth, WA. Part of the main drag that goes through town is on a hill which is why it's sloped. Hoping to get some rollers of the car, the last huge PWN car meet it was gross and rainy so the ZHP didn't venture outside and I took the 325xit.


That's the way NJ is too. They have cameras in the floor of the inspection facility

Camera's would not be able to see much we have a plastic shield and reinforcement plate in the way.

[johnrando]

Great info! Will digest it more.

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