How Much HP Needed to Reach 300 MPH in a Nissan 350z?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the horsepower requirements for a 2007 Nissan 350Z to reach a target speed of 300 MPH, particularly in the context of Texas Standing Mile competitions. The vehicle will undergo an engine swap from a VQ35DE to a VK56DE, with a twin-turbo setup. Calculations indicate that approximately 1,600 HP is necessary to overcome aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance at that speed, with an ideal target of 1,800 whp at the wheels for optimal performance. The discussion emphasizes the importance of both power to accelerate and power to maintain speed, alongside considerations for vehicle weight and aerodynamics.

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  • Familiarity with engine performance metrics, specifically horsepower and torque
  • Knowledge of turbocharging systems, particularly twin-turbo setups
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  • Research Nissan VK56DE engine performance and tuning options
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This discussion is beneficial for automotive engineers, performance tuners, and enthusiasts focused on high-speed racing, particularly those interested in modifying Nissan vehicles for competitive events.

  • #31
The battery ( and/or capacitor bank) would be purchased. I don't know of a commercial high power density 2000 HP e motor source.

Sure, the power density is doable, but with non trivial engineering and manufacturing chops. Tesla's motors for instance are 2.5 HP/lb (4kW/kg), and even higher power density is reportedly available, though these are built in the hundreds of HP range. Challenges include mechanical loads on the windings, with 200 lb-ft race car typical torque, and heat rejection when packing a lot of power into a small space, especially for the rotor. Guys like the OP have been machining high performance IC engines from scratch for a century. E-motors at 2000 HP and 3 HP/lb? Not that I know of. Dividing the load among multiple motors at 300 mph would present other challenges, like multiple gear boxes, and stable vehicle control.Example GE 1.5 MW generator and gearbox, when high power density is not a design constraint:

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  • #32
Why mess with internal combustion? Because that's what I know. Why not electric power? Because I don't know anything about it. Lol
 
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  • #33
Nissan Jon said:
Because that's what I know.

That's actually a very good reason.
 
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  • #34
I'm worried the amount of boost pressure necessary to generate said level of power would be too much for the stock motor. (assuming your engine, or the one you plan on purchasing is stock) From my knowledge of speed-machines, most cars running in the range you hope to achieve are running on 12+ psi, which few engines (apart from something to the likes of rb26s or 2jzs) can handle. At least for very long. Forged internals however, are always an option. Are you hard set on the vk56?
 
  • #35
automotiveadam7 said:
I'm worried the amount of boost pressure necessary to generate said level of power would be too much for the stock motor. (assuming your engine, or the one you plan on purchasing is stock) From my knowledge of speed-machines, most cars running in the range you hope to achieve are running on 12+ psi, which few engines (apart from something to the likes of rb26s or 2jzs) can handle. At least for very long. Forged internals however, are always an option. Are you hard set on the vk56?

Well, my shop represents Nissan motorsports, and I intended to stay with in the Nissan family. The only V8 option in the Nissan line up is the VK, however, as a testament to Nissan innovation, Nissan Supercar AU built a 714bhp Naturally Aspirated VK50, on almost entirely stock upper components and completely stock lower parts.

Now, I'll be far from stock. We'll be running primarily titanium parts, like: block sleeves, rods, pistons, ect., 320,000 psi head bolts, the works.

2,500 bhp is really easy to achieve, making it reliable is tricky, but cramming it all in a Z33 body will be the real challenge.
 
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  • #36
Another Ford GT, this time 279.9 mph. (280.1 at Arkansas). Despite the claim of no body mods, there's a 1 1/2" or so spoiler added to the rear, perhaps to direct air flow over the braking chute. The Ford GT body is based on a Lemans race car (Ford GT40), and is less prone to speed related issues (lifting of rear end or lifting of front end and blowover). My impression is that the 350Z body style is going to produce lift at high speed without some modifications. If there's enough excess power such as the drag cars, the entire body can be pitched nose down to produce downforce.

 
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  • #37
Nissan Jon said:
Now, I'll be far from stock. We'll be running primarily titanium parts, like: block sleeves, rods, pistons, ect., 320,000 psi head bolts, the works.
Oh, well you're set then.
 
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