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Page 2 - Monthly Archives: March 2016

  1. It's Still OEM to Me - Exhaust R&D, Part 1: Stock System Review

    It's Still OEM to Me - Exhaust R&D, Part 1: Stock System Review

    As much as we like to keep things cool here at Mishimoto, we couldn't keep ourselves away from the exhaust system once we got our hands on the hot new 2016 Camaro SS. This is a very impressive car, but we have a few ideas on how to make it even better.

    Now let's give credit where credit is due; GM did pretty well on this one, and even the stock 2016 Camaro exhaust took our breath away. It sounds absolutely sublime, and I'm sure you will all agree after giving it a listen.

    But once our engineers picked their jaws up off the floor and stopped doing burnouts in the parking lot, they told us that we weren't the only ones having breathing problems after hearing that monstrous 2016 Camaro exhaust. In fact, they told us that the exhaust might make it hard for that glorious LT1 to breathe too! Fortunately, this ailing patient came to the right doctors; our team reckons they can make some improvements to help this Camaro breathe better and even squeeze out some more power while they're at it. First

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  2. Mishimoto Waterjet Enhancements

    Mishimoto Waterjet Enhancements

    Our shop contains many unique tools and equipment to help aid our R&D team in the process of product development and testing. One of our more recent acquisitions is a very nice Waterjet machine. We've used this device to cut airbox pieces, catch can brackets, shop signage, fan shrouds, and many other components that can be constructed from flat sheet material. This tool been helpful in speeding up development projects, and we've really enjoyed learning about its many features.

    Waterjet Basics

    Despite being compact in physical size, this radiator is a dual-pass unit with a very dense fin composition. Cooling efficiency is quite impressive from such a small footprint. Although pressure won't be absurdly high, this radiator has strengthened tubes that can withstand around 100 psi. In addition to these benefits, the connection points on this radiator feature a threaded female port to accept different size and style connections. We intend to use -16AN fittings for the lines, which is an option

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  3. GTO Oil Cooler R&D, Part 4: Temperature and Pressure Testing

    GTO Oil Cooler R&D, Part 4: Temperature and Pressure Testing

    Before completing this project, we need to evaluate the performance benefits of adding this GTO oil cooler. We are confident that our cooler location is receiving ample airflow, so we should see a nice drop in oil temperatures.

    Test Conditions and Apparatus

    We have two different tests to conduct for this particular kit. First, we will record temperature and pressure data to determine the improvement in efficiency.

    To provide accurate data, we need to ensure that our process is repeatable and reduces as many variables as possible.

    Conditions

    • Driving: 65 mph highway cruise
    • Time: 5 minutes
    • Ambient temperature: 68°-75°FNo thermostat installed

    Apparatus

    ·         AEM AQ-1 Data Logging System

    This type of test is not as strenuous as most would anticipate for a performance product. The data we obtain will provide the most accurate comparison of efficiency during steady-state conditions, which should support the addition of an oil cooler. We are also testing without a thermostat in place, which

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  4. Mishimoto Nissan 350Z Silicone Induction Hose Pre-Sale!

    Mishimoto Nissan 350Z Silicone Induction Hose Pre-Sale!

    PRE-SALE LINK

    R&D is complete and we've started producing our first batch of silicone induction hose kits!

    While this process takes place we are launching a discounted pre-sale for those interested in picking up this awesome induction hose.

    Check out the final details below and click the pre-sale link to check out our product page.

    MSRP: $150.00

    Pre-Sale Price: $79.95

    Expected Ship Date: 4/13/16

    • Direct fit for the 2003-2006 Nissan 350Z
    • Up to 4 whp / 6 wtq gains over the stock rubber induction hose
    • Installs in under 30 minutes
    • Fits with the stock air intake system or Mishimoto Performance Air Intake
    • Installs with no tuning necessary
    • 5-Ply Silicone construction for added durability and long service life
    • Silicone hose reinforced with steel rings to prevent collapse
    • Pre-installed CNC connector provides a quick and easy installation
    • Fits a wide range of Nissan / Infiniti vehicles with the VQ35DE engine
    • Available in black, blue, or red
    • Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty

    PRE-SALE LINK

    Let us know if

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  5. Mishimoto Welcomes the New Titan XD

    Mishimoto Welcomes the New Titan XD

    Recently, quite a few exciting development vehicles have arrived at our headquarters, but none received quite the same welcome as our Titan XD.

    Mishimoto's Nissan Titan XD
    Mishimoto's Nissan Titan XD

    Last Friday, we set out to our local Nissan dealership to pick up the newest member of the Mishimoto family, and we wasted no time in making the Titan feel welcome. While the head of our Production Department was inside doing whatever it is you do when purchasing a new vehicle, the rest of Team Titan was wasting no time in revealing to the world the proud new owners of this Titan XD.

    Laying the banner on Mishimoto's Titan XD
    Laying the banner on Mishimoto's Titan XD

    Laying the banner on Mishimoto's Titan XD
    Laying the banner on Mishimoto's Titan XD

    A little to the right, guys.

    Although the northeast had just experienced some late-season snow, Team Titan arrived at our engineering facility without a hiccup, with our Titan XD ready to be put on display.

    Mishimoto's Titan XD entering our engineering facility
    Mishimoto's Titan XD entering our engineering facility

    Mishimoto's Titan XD entering our engineering facility
    Mishimoto's Titan XD entering our engineering facility

    Like proud parents, we paraded the Titan

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  6. Cooling The Camaro. 2016+ SS Primary Radiator R&D, Part 1: Stock Radiator Evaluation

    Cooling The Camaro. 2016+ SS Primary Radiator R&D, Part 1: Stock Radiator Evaluation

    Mishimoto has been involved in the heat exchanger business for quite some time. Our team has produced many optimal aftermarket cooling solutions for vehicles new and old. We are finding now that OE heat exchangers have been improving substantially. This is occurring because vehicle curb weights have risen, and the horsepower war has continued to produce increasingly massive power output numbers.

    Now, this isn't to say there isn't room for improvement. Stock cooling systems are typically adequate for a stock vehicle in street-driving conditions and in some instances, light track driving. Once owners begin adding sticky tires for longer-duration lapping, stock heat exchangers have trouble keeping fluid temperatures properly regulated.

    Considering the weight and power output of the 2016 Camaro, we expect to see a need for improvement in both the primary and secondary radiator systems. This particular R&D project will cover the creation of our aluminum primary radiator for this vehicle.

    Stock

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  7. Treat Your Transmission. Ford 6.0L Powerstroke Transmission Cooler R&D, Part 2: Mishimoto Prototype

    Treat Your Transmission. Ford 6.0L Powerstroke Transmission Cooler R&D, Part 2: Mishimoto Prototype

    Now that we have designed our 6.0L transmission cooler prototype in SolidWorks®, our team has begun work on constructing our first prototype. We will be using this prototype to verify fitment on our truck and perform heat-soak testing to determine any cooling benefits provided by the larger core size.

    Mishimoto 6.0L Transmission Cooler Prototype

    Check out a couple shots of our first prototype unit!

    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler
    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler

    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler
    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler

    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler
    Mishimoto 6.0 Powerstroke transmission cooler

    Size Comparison

    We are increasing the size of this cooler for greater fluid capacity and improved heat transfer. Although the core height remains the same, we've increased the width to provide greater surface area for airflow. Check out a couple shots showing a size comparison of our cooler against the factory 31-row unit.

    Ford 6.0 transmission cooler size comparison
    Ford 6.0 transmission cooler size comparison

    The next two images will give you a better idea of the additional width we've added with our

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  8. 350Z Silicone Intake Hose R&D, Part 2: Test Fit and Testing

    350Z Silicone Intake Hose R&D, Part 2: Test Fit and Testing

    It's now time to test fit our prototype 350Z intake hose to verify fitment. If any changes are needed to enhance or ease the installation process, now is the time to do so.

    Mishimoto silicone 350Z intake hose installed
    Mishimoto silicone 350Z intake hose installed

    We have a slight adjustment to make on the length of the CCV hose connection, but otherwise, our 350Z intake hose mounted nicely.

    Mishimoto silicone 350Z induction hose installed
    Mishimoto silicone 350Z induction hose installed

    Dyno Testing

    Power gains from an intake hose can vary from one vehicle to the next. This typically depends on the existence of any restrictions within the stock hose. To test for power gains, we set up our 350Z test vehicle on our Dynapack™ for a few pulls.

    Check out the video compilation from our runs. VQ sounds are always welcome in the shop!

    Dyno Results

    Each 350Z induction hose setup was on the vehicle for numerous runs until we were able to produce three consistent pulls. We took an average of the three pulls to create the final plot for each setup. This process reduces variables from testing

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  9. A More Durable Degas. Mishimoto's Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Aluminum Degas Bottle R&D, Part 3: 3D-Printed Prototypes

    A More Durable Degas. Mishimoto's Ford Powerstroke 6.0L Aluminum Degas Bottle R&D, Part 3: 3D-Printed Prototypes

    With a rough 3D model in place, we started constructing our 3D-printed prototypes to finalize our 6.0L degas bottle design and to refine any areas where adjustments are needed.

    Due to the large size of this degas unit, we printed the bottle in multiple sections and then attached each portion together.

    Below is a look at our first 3D print fitted into place on our 6.0L.

    3D-printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle

    3D-Printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle
    3D-Printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle

    3D-printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 Powerstroke degas bottle

    Our first prototype needed some work. The rear portion of the bottle had clearance concerns, so we adjusted and tweaked a few of the faces of our design.

    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle

    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle

    The big change we needed to make to this design was the angle of the rear portion of the bottle.

    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle
    3D-printed 6.0 degas bottle

    Adjustments were made to the design, and we printed a second 3D prototype. I wonder if our printer is beginning to feel used and abused. Do 3D printers have feelings?

    Check out

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  10. The Dyno Results - Camaro SS Intake, Part 3

    The Dyno Results - Camaro SS Intake, Part 3

    We have undertaken an intriguing project. The stock intake design for this 2016 Camaro SS is quite unique and working to increase performance has been a challenge, but here at Mishimoto, we welcome challenges! In the previous post, we went through the different iterations our Engineering Team had created, and we designed a prototype for testing. More testing was needed, however, before we could achieve the level of performance we wanted from this design. We will go through a detailed analysis of our final numbers for this Camaro cold-air intake project.

    Collecting the Dyno Data

    IMG_1778r
    Dyno testing for Camaro cold air intake

    We strapped our Camaro SS onto the dyno so we can start the long sessions of data collection. First, we needed to establish a new baseline and test the prototype we showed in our last entry.

    Old prototype Camaro SS parts
    Old prototype Camaro SS parts

    As a quick reminder, the stock inlet diameter measured 4.5 inches. Our intake also has a 4.5 inch mass airflow (MAF) housing and filter inlet diameter - the

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