Stay Of Execution - Track Test

ATI's solution to fuel management comes from Aeromotive in the form of its billet digital FMU. An inline fuel pump is added to raise fuel pressure under boost. The pump output is adjusted by a cabin-mounted controller, based on boost and rpm through the use of a set of dials and sliders, much like an audio equalizer. It works well, too.

All the nasty gases exit through a JIC stainless Y-pipe, then the Bullet DE Type-1 titanium exhaust system. The bolt-ons are effective, and with a proper FMU tune, the Z rolled 379 hp to the wheels on our dyno. Lights tripped at 13.1 seconds at 107 mph on our quarter mile.

Since our testing, the stock clutch has been replaced with an Exedy carbon-carbon twin-disc clutch and flywheel package; the KAAZ two-way locking rear differential has also had its preload adjusted to 60 percent for improved performance.

Due to the typical attitude of cars during drift competition, cooling is always a sore point. Koyo Radiator and Ziel continue to work together on an adequate radiator package for sideways Zs. The current prototype running on the JIC car is nearly there, though further improvements are forthcoming. A custom Ziel oil cooler is also mounted in the lower fender.

Understanding that airflow to and from radiators has a huge effect on efficiency, Ziel clad the Nissan in a smooth-looking N1-spec body kit. The rear wing is a JIC house prototype.

StopTech four-piston calipers clamping massive-and we mean massive-14-inch two-piece rotors are kept around to simulate a traveling train wreck. Putting one's foot into the middle pedal will bring the car to rest in 99 feet from 60 mph, simultaneously adjusting your entire view of the physical universe.

The interior best illustrates the car's work-in-progress status. From the rear seats back, it's all bare metal, and Ziel has begun fabrication of what will ultimately be a fully certifiable roll cage. Four points now, more points later.

Cobra Suzuka carbon-Kevlar seats are used. An OPM deep-dish steering wheel brings control a little closer to the driver. Beautiful new HKS DB Chrono electronic meters are mounted in the middle of the dash, providing oil and water temperature, along with boost pressure readings. In a nod to competition, the audio has been completely deleted, with a simple carbon panel replacing the head unit in the dash.

Starting in 2004, Ziel will be tearing into the chassis again, looking to remove more weight, improve cooling and maybe even make a little more power. It's all done in the name of product development. They have fun, so you can buy better parts.