Nissan 370Z: Cost, Performance & Turbo Upgrades

For many car enthusiasts across the United Kingdom, the allure of a high-performance sports car is undeniable. The raw power, the precise handling, and the sheer thrill of acceleration are qualities often associated with vehicles costing hundreds of thousands of pounds. However, the dream of owning such a machine doesn't have to remain just that – a dream. The Nissan 370Z stands out as a remarkable example of an accessible sports car that delivers a truly exhilarating driving experience without requiring you to liquidate your entire life savings. But just how much does this potent coupé typically cost, and what makes its engine so special that it's a favourite for aftermarket performance upgrades?

The Cost of Entry: How Much for a Nissan 370Z?

When considering a sports car that offers a genuine taste of performance without the prohibitive price tag, the Nissan 370Z frequently tops the list. Unlike many exotic supercars custom-built with bespoke materials and astronomical price tags, the 370Z presents a far more attainable proposition. For a brand-new unit, the retail price for a Nissan 370Z typically hovered around the forty thousand pounds mark, making it an incredibly attractive option for those seeking a powerful and agile vehicle.

This pricing places it firmly in the realm of what many would consider an 'affordable supercar' – a vehicle that, while not a million-pound hypercar, certainly delivers on the core sensations of power, speed, and precision that performance enthusiasts crave. Furthermore, buyers have the flexibility to choose between a hardtop coupé or a convertible variant, allowing for a personal touch to their driving experience.

To put the 370Z's affordability into perspective, let's look at some other performance cars that offer significant thrills but often come with a higher price point:

Affordable Performance Car Price Comparison (Approximate New Retail)

As you can see, the Nissan 370Z offers a compelling package at a significantly lower entry point than many of its performance-oriented peers. It delivers a substantial punch for its price, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking for a thrilling drive without breaking the bank.

The Heart of the Beast: Is the 370Z's Engine Any Good?

At the core of the Nissan 370Z's appeal is its formidable 3.7-litre V6 engine, boasting 24 valves and producing a robust 332 horsepower. This powerplant, known as the VQ37VHR, is renowned for its responsiveness and the sensation of power it delivers to the driver. Coupled with its relatively light body, the 370Z offers an impressive power-to-weight ratio, contributing to its agility and quick acceleration.

The car typically comes with a 7-speed transmission, offering both automatic and manual modes. For those who enjoy a more engaging driving experience, the manual mode can be operated via conveniently placed paddle shifters on the steering wheel, allowing for rapid gear changes that enhance the feeling of control and precision. The design of the 370Z also adheres to the traditional coupé sports car aesthetic, featuring a sleek, two-seat layout.

Beyond its performance, the 370Z provides a comfortable and well-appointed interior. Features such as automatic temperature control, an excellent audio system, and a modern navigation system enhance the driving experience. A rear-view monitoring display, crucial for a car with its distinctive shape, and Bluetooth connectivity complete a convenient technology package.

Unleashing More Power: Turbocharging Your 370Z

While the stock Nissan 370Z is undoubtedly a capable and exciting sports car, many owners eventually seek to elevate its performance to even higher levels. One of the most effective and popular ways to achieve this is by installing a turbocharger kit. Unlike superchargers, which draw power directly from the crankshaft, turbos harness the energy from otherwise wasted exhaust gases, making them incredibly efficient at generating significant power gains.

A properly configured turbo setup can transform your 370Z, boosting its wheel horsepower (whp) from a stock 280 whp to anywhere between 330 whp and a staggering 500 whp, and even beyond. This substantial leap in power can be controlled by setting the boost at your desired limit, allowing you to tailor the performance to your needs, whether for daily driving or track days. Even at a modest 420 whp, a turbocharged 370Z offers a vastly more exhilarating experience than its stock counterpart.

Reliability of a Turbocharged 370Z

A common concern with turbocharging is its impact on engine reliability. However, it's important to note that the VQ37VHR engine is surprisingly robust and handles forced induction remarkably well. Many enthusiasts have successfully driven their turbocharged 370Zs for thousands of miles as daily drivers without encountering major issues. The key to maintaining reliability lies in correct installation, pairing the turbo kit with appropriate supporting modifications, and running it on a sensible boost level. The VQ37VHR engine can comfortably handle up to 500 whp with its stock internal components. For those aiming for Stage 2 territory (600 whp and above), upgrading internal engine components, particularly the rods and pistons, is highly recommended as they are known to be the weakest links when pushing extreme power. With a meticulously built engine, some 370Zs have even been known to handle an astonishing 1000 whp or more, a testament to the VQ platform's underlying strength.

Twin Turbo Kits for the 370Z

Twin-turbo kits are a popular choice among 370Z owners, often favoured for their quicker spool times and reduced turbo lag. This is achieved by using two smaller turbines instead of one large one, leading to a more immediate power delivery. The aesthetic of twin turbos also appeals to many, often appearing very clean and almost OEM-like in the engine bay. Here are some of the best twin-turbo kits available:

AAM Competition

AAM Competition is highly regarded for producing a twin-turbo kit that significantly minimises turbo lag. This is largely due to their use of BorgWarner EFR series turbos, which feature Gamma Ti (titanium aluminide) turbine wheels. This advanced material, commonly found in aerospace applications, boasts low weight and inertia, allowing the turbines to spool up much faster. As a result, boost kicks in approximately 1500 revolutions per minute quicker than with typical twin-turbo setups. AAM's kit is often described as a 'turn-key solution' as it includes almost everything needed, such as an engine management system and a Walbro 225 fuel pump, providing a gain of around 200 whp and 140 wtq over stock.

Fast Intentions

For those who love to fine-tune their build, the Fast Intentions twin-turbo kit offers extensive customisation options. Enthusiasts can choose from various engine management systems, fuel system upgrades, pipe coating styles, and even different turbos like the Garrett GTX2860RS. The advantage here is that all parts can be sourced together, eliminating compatibility issues. This kit incorporates cutting-edge components such as TiAL blow-off valves and a cast-stainless steel turbine housing for improved airflow and weight reduction. Even the cooling components are precisely designed using computer-aided software, reflecting the exceptional attention to detail and build quality.

Greddy

Greddy is a well-established and trusted name in the forced induction market, with many boosted Zs running their kits. While sold as a 'tuner kit' without fuel management initially, Greddy offers an optional comprehensive fuel management kit that includes a pre-programmed E-manage Ultimate system, injectors, an upgraded pump, a regulator, and a return system. This complete bolt-on kit is designed to achieve around 500 whp with a safe, low boost of 6 psi, provided the 370Z has other supporting upgrades like an aftermarket exhaust system and a high-performance fuel delivery system.

GT Motorsports

The GTM turbo kit is extremely popular among VQ37VHR owners, having been originally developed for the Infiniti G37 and perfectly adapted for the 370Z. This kit is offered in various stages – Stage 1 (500HP), Stage 2 (700HP), Stage 3 (900HP), and Stage 4 (1000HP) – with each stage including different components tailored to the power goal. For instance, the Stage 1 kit comes with Garrett GT28RS turbos, Denso 600cc injectors, and a Walbro 225 LPH fuel pump. While the turbos may not be as advanced as those in the AAM kit, they are highly reliable, with the Stage 1 kit being particularly favoured for its balance of power and durability.

SFR (Speed Force Racing)

SFR turbo kits gained significant traction in the 350Z community, and while perhaps less ubiquitous for the 370Z due to increased competition, they remain a high-value option. This kit is often more affordable than some competitors but still provides top-tier components such as Turbonetics 60-1 turbos, 38mm TiAL wastegates, UpRev Osiris engine management, an AEM 320 LPH pump, and K&N air filters. It’s designed to fit both manual and automatic 370Zs, and the installation is relatively straightforward, making it a viable option for those on a tighter budget who might consider a DIY installation.

Single Turbo Kits for the 370Z

While twin turbos excel in low-end torque and quick spooling, single turbo kits are chosen for their ability to deliver massive top-end power. This makes them a favourite for drag racers and enthusiasts who prioritise sheer power output. Despite the potential for more turbo lag compared to twin-turbo setups, single turbos can be maintenance-friendly and, in some scenarios, even more drivable. The lag can be viewed as an opportunity to drive without stressing the engine, beneficial in stop-and-go traffic. When the boost does kick in, the wait is often well worth it, delivering an exhilarating surge of acceleration.

STS (Squires Turbo Systems)

The STS single turbo kit is unique due to its controversial rear-mounted design. By positioning the turbo away from the engine bay, it effectively removes a significant heat source (temperatures can reach 700°C) from the engine compartment, decluttering it and allowing for easier maintenance. Furthermore, the turbo's exposure to ambient air can reduce its temperature by approximately 260°C, potentially improving overall performance. This kit also allows owners to retain their stock exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, intake manifold, and even throttle bodies, which can significantly reduce the overall cost. While there are debates about slower spool times and risks of debris or damage from bottoming out (though unlikely), the STS kit offers around 410 whp at a low boost of 5.5 psi. It's particularly well-suited for track-only 370Zs, where the cooling benefits are maximised and the risk of debris is lower.

Soho Motorsports

Soho Motorsports is renowned for its high-quality, simple, and exceptionally well-thought-out single-turbo kits. Building on their success with the Nissan 350Z, they've created one of the best single-turbo kits for the 370Z. Recognising the somewhat cramped engine bay of the 370Z, Soho Motorsports developed a 'reverse rotation' technique for their top-mounted turbo. This ingenious space-saving method re-routes hot and cold piping to make the most of the available room. The kit incorporates components from leading brands such as Garrett, Turbosmart, Injector Dynamics, and Aeromotive, ensuring top-tier quality and performance. This robust setup delivers around 500 whp on 8.5 psi of boost, offering an incredible balance of power and reliability.

The Verdict: Choosing Your Ultimate 370Z Turbo Kit

Deciding on the best turbo kit for your Nissan 370Z ultimately depends on your driving style, budget, and performance goals. However, based on the options available and their distinct advantages, here are our top picks:

• The Ultimate 370Z Twin Turbo Kit: AAM Competition
  If your priority is OEM-like driveability with a substantial power boost and you despise turbo lag, the AAM Competition kit stands out. Its use of advanced BorgWarner EFR turbos ensures an incredibly quick spool, delivering power almost instantaneously.
• The Best Nissan 370Z Single Turbo Kit: Soho Motorsports
  For those who appreciate simplicity, exceptional build quality, and desire massive top-end power, the Soho Motorsports single turbo kit is the undisputed champion. While there might be a touch more lag than a twin-turbo setup, its well-engineered design and high-quality components ensure it can handle significant abuse, making it a reliable powerhouse.

Whether you opt for a twin or single turbo setup, transforming your Nissan 370Z with forced induction is a surefire way to unlock its full performance potential. It's an investment that promises to elevate your driving experience to thrilling new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Nissan 370Z

Q: Is the Nissan 370Z considered a supercar?

A: While not typically classified alongside ultra-exclusive, multi-million-pound hypercars, the Nissan 370Z is widely regarded as a high-performance sports car. It embodies many characteristics sought in supercars, such as a powerful engine, strong acceleration, and precise handling, all within a much more accessible price bracket. For many, it offers 'supercar thrills' without the 'supercar' price tag.

Q: What is the typical horsepower of a stock Nissan 370Z?

A: A stock Nissan 370Z, equipped with its 3.7-litre V6 VQ37VHR engine, typically produces around 332 horsepower (HP) at the crankshaft. In terms of wheel horsepower (WHP), which is the power delivered to the wheels after drivetrain losses, it's usually around 280 WHP.

Q: Can I daily drive a turbocharged Nissan 370Z?

A: Absolutely. Many enthusiasts daily drive their turbocharged 370Zs. The key to reliable daily driving lies in a professional installation, proper supporting modifications (like upgraded fuel systems and cooling), and a conservative tune (running on lower boost levels). The VQ37VHR engine is known for its robustness even under forced induction, provided it's well-maintained.

Q: What's the main difference between twin-turbo and single-turbo kits for the 370Z?

A: The primary difference lies in power delivery characteristics. Twin-turbo kits, using two smaller turbos, generally spool up quicker and offer less turbo lag, resulting in more immediate power. Single-turbo kits, typically using one larger turbo, tend to have more turbo lag but are capable of producing much higher peak horsepower and torque, particularly at higher RPMs.

Q: Do I need to upgrade engine internals for a turbocharged 370Z?

A: For power levels up to approximately 500 WHP, the VQ37VHR engine's stock internals are generally considered robust enough to handle the increased stress. However, if you plan to push beyond 500 WHP, especially towards 600 WHP or more (Stage 2 and beyond), upgrading components like connecting rods and pistons is highly recommended to ensure long-term reliability and prevent engine damage.

If you want to read more articles similar to Nissan 370Z: Cost, Performance & Turbo Upgrades, you can visit the Automotive category.