The Nissan 370Z has long been a popular choice for enthusiasts who want a Grand Touring car, but aren’t happy with the other options on the market such as the Mustang. The Z34 provides an exceptionally well-balanced chassis, short wheelbase, superb VQ37VHR engine, and all the comfort of a proper GT car. That being said, the 370Z is far from perfect and there are a few modifications that drastically improve performance and reliability.
To help you find the perfect modifications for your 370Z and explain why you need each mod, we’ve created this short guide!
#1 Coilovers
Aftermarket suspension is a must-have item for all Nissan Z cars, the 370Z included. The reason for this is simple: OEM suspension parts are created for everyday users, not enthusiasts. This means the 370Z doesn’t have the suspension needed for maximum performance, because everyday users just want it to feel a little sporty and compliant with all road conditions.
Before you stick aftermarket coilovers on your 370Z it’s important to also upgrade your tires, because increased spring rates and reduced body roll really won’t have any positive impact on handling unless the tires are also better. Aside from performance, aftermarket coilovers give you the chance to get your 370Z low and more aggressive looking.
- Lower ride height
- Improved handling
- Aggressive appearance
#2 Intakes
Because all internal combustion engines (including the VQ37VHR) work as air pumps, the two easiest solutions for increasing power are getting more air into the engine or making it easier to get the air out. If you want to get more air into your VQ37 without the help of forced induction, you’ll need an intake system that provides minimal flow restrictions.
The VQ37VHR in the 370Z features a dual intake system that provides a lot of flow. With an aftermarket intake, the filters are typically relocated above the crash bar right inside in the front bumper. This filter location provides the engine with more air from outside the engine bay. Cold air is more oxygen dense than hot air, so reduction intake air temperatures with an aftermarket intake is a great way to add power to your 370Z.
- More power
- Great induction sound
- Reduced IAT
#3 Exhaust
For those who want the most power possible their 370Z, the next best modification is an aftermarket exhaust system. For most enthusiasts, a catback exhaust is the easiest solution and provides decent power gains as well as give their 370Z that iconic VQ sound. Aside from power and sound, an aftermarket catback is generally significantly lighter than the stock exhaust!
If you want the biggest power gains possible, you’ll also want to invest in headers and possibly test pipes. With a header-back exhaust your 370Z can see power gains over 30hp depending on your setup and other modifications.
- More power
- VQ exhaust note
- Reduced weight
#4 Oil Cooler
One of the unfortunate flaws of the VQ37 is thermal efficiency. For every day, around town driving your 370Z probably runs in the ideal operating temperature range. The problem occurs during canyon runs or track days, where the 370Z gets very hot, very quickly. This is also a problem for some older VQ engines and the most common solution is an aftermarket oil cooler.
With an aftermarket oil cooler, you’ll be installing a larger and thicker cooler, and typically they’re mounted in more ideal locations compared to stock. With increased capacity and improved cooling, an aftermarket oil cooler can massively decrease engine temperatures on track. Without an oil cooler, your 370Z’s oil can get so hot that it loses lubricity and your engine can become permanently damaged.
- Reduced engine temps
- Improved engine longevity
- Better efficiency
#5 Supercharger
At a certain point, there is a power limitation for all naturally aspirated engines. There’s only so much air the VQ37 can suck in to create combustion. The next step to increasing power is to force even more air into the engine. Typically this is either done with turbocharger or superchargers, but in the case of 370Z superchargers are generally more popular because of the high-cost of turbocharger kits.
Once of the really great benefits of a supercharger kit on your 370Z is massively increased low-end torque. This greatly improves light-to-light driving since you shift earlier and stay in low RPM ranges. Equally as important, peak power is massively improved with a supercharger kit and depending on how small of a pulley you run, you can see power increases of up to 350hp or more.
- Unmatched power
- More low-end torque
- Improved driving experience