"Survival of the fittest", this simple phrase has held true since it was first said in 1864. Although the phrase was originally dubbed to Darwin's theory of evolution (natural selection), the expression can be applied to nearly any subject. Natural selection is the process by which organisms with favored characteristics are more likely to survive and reproduce. In the automotive realm, "survive of the fittest" has played a role in determining the winning cars in a competition and the cars that rule the streets.

Verified Racing Technology (VRT) has become notorious for transforming Nissan and Infiniti VQ35-equipped vehicles into street-and-strip monsters. This reputation emerged in early 2004 when the owner of VRT, Michael Alvarez, began racing his convertible 350Z. After various tuning shops failed to properly tune the street/strip vehicle, Michael decided to bring a solution to those wanting more power from their Nissan or Infiniti. Eventually, the doors were opened to Verified Racing Technology (formerly Violent Racing Technology) in El Cajon, California.

Theory

According to VRT, "Although the Z and G are fast at their relative rated horsepower of up to 300 BHP at the crank, these cars are no match for Corvettes, Vipers, Carrera Porsches, or SVT Mustangs. The 350Z or G35 simply do not have the power-to-weight ratio or "muscle". VRT improves the VQ35's power through forced induction (turbo(s) or supercharger), enhances the handling, refines the braking, and maximizes the grip. As a result, VRT-modified cars simply blow away most other "so-called" super cars. VRT doesn't build race-only cars, we build street-driven sports cars that can be taken to road race tracks and run skillfully with spirit. Our cars still have air conditioning, full stereo systems, and power seats."

To follow the transformation of one of these mild-mannered vehicles into a turbocharged track-ready beast, we'll retrace the steps taken by VRT in constructing their highly-acclaimed yellow 350Z. This 2005 Z has been raced at numerous time-attack events with drivers such as Tanner Foust and Billy Johnson behind the wheel. With various 2nd and 3rd place finishes among serious competition, this car has proved its worth on both the street and strip.

Evolution

The internals of the VQ35 engine are reinforced by replacing the weak factory components with forged connecting rods by Pauter Machine along with 8.5-to-1 compression forged-aluminum slugs by Arias Pistons. With the shortblock buttoned up, the cylinder heads are outfitted with performance components such as high-lift camshafts and upgraded valve springs. Additionally, the intake and exhaust ports of the heads are opened up as well. An aggressive port-and-polish service was performed on the yellow time-attack car, and then the heads were equipped with Jim Wolf Technology's (JWT) R2 camshafts and valve springs. After balancing the engine components and assembling the longblock, the engine was dropped back into the engine bay of the Z.

Outfitting the vehicle with a dependable fuel system was crucial in this build. To initiate the flow of fuel is an Aeromotive 1500 high-volume fuel pump. From the Aeromotive pump, custom VRT fuel lines and fuel rails deliver 100-octane fuel to a set of 850cc/min Deutchwerks fuel injectors. On the engine-management front, ignition and fuel maps are adjusted through Split Second's R4 engine-programming software, while boost pressure is regulated by a GReddy Profec-B electronic boost controller. These modifications set the stage for the Z's forced-induction system, a Jim Wolf Technology 700BB twin-turbocharger system using two Garrett GT30R turbos with internal wastegate actuators. The GT30R receives its exhaust gas from a pair of JWT 700 Race exhaust manifolds. Charged air from the turbocharger is sent to a front-mount JWT 700 air-to-air intercooler, while spent exhaust gas is channeled to custom three-inch downpipes. With 100-octane fuel in the tank, this forced-induction setup laid down a solid 633 wheel horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque when measured on a Dynojet chassis dyno. For comparison, a factory 350Z lays down 240 horsepower on a Dynojet, that's a 38% increase over stock.

Mutation

Shear horsepower just isn't enough when prepping a time-attack vehicle, the suspension needs just as much attention as the engine in this case. To get the time-attack Z up to speed with the competition, VRT's own 24-way adjustable suspension was installed on all four corners of the 350Z. Underneath the car, you'll also find an Eibach sway bar along with a VRT camber kit in the front and rear. The chassis was also further stiffened with a custom rollcage.