Intro
The Nissan 370Z continues the storied lineage of Nissan’s Z-car series that began with the iconic 240Z in 1969. As the sixth generation of Z sports cars, the 370Z debuted in 2009, carrying forward the tradition of affordable, high-performance Japanese sports cars that deliver driving thrills without exotic price tags.
In Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) culture, the 370Z represents the modern evolution of Japan’s sports car philosophy—balanced handling, responsive powertrains, and driver-focused design. While building on the legacy established by its predecessors, particularly the legendary 240Z and the tuner-favorite 350Z, the 370Z has earned respect among enthusiasts for maintaining rear-wheel-drive purity and naturally-aspirated performance in an era increasingly dominated by turbocharged engines and electronic driving aids.
This particular 370Z build stands out for its thoughtful fusion of performance upgrades and aesthetic modifications that enhance the car’s inherent sporting character without compromising its daily usability. By balancing power enhancements with suspension refinements and subtle visual customizations, this build exemplifies the holistic approach to vehicle modification that defines the most respected projects in contemporary JDM culture.
Builder Profile
A 32-year-old aerospace engineer from Yokohama who relocated to California’s Silicon Valley five years ago. Takumi’s approach to tuning his 370Z reflects his professional precision—methodical upgrades focusing on balanced performance rather than extreme power. His philosophy centers on enhancing the car’s natural handling characteristics while maintaining daily driveability.
Takumi became immersed in the Bay Area car scene shortly after arrival, founding the “Rising Sun Z Club” that bridges Japanese tuning aesthetics with American car culture. He’s known for organizing technical track days where enthusiasts can learn proper driving techniques alongside mechanical knowledge. His 370Z serves as his rolling laboratory, featuring subtle exterior modifications but significant suspension and braking upgrades developed through extensive data collection during track sessions.
Why We Love It
The 370Z isn’t merely Nissan’s final naturally-aspirated Z car—it’s the culmination of a bloodline traced directly to the S30 chassis. Where modern sports cars hide their mechanical soul beneath layers of electronic intervention, the 370Z delivers raw communication through its hydraulic steering rack and six-speed manual’s notchy, mechanical shifts.
Its VQ37VHR powerplant—the zenith of Nissan’s VQ architecture—delivers 332 horses without forced induction, singing a distinctive baritone through its variable valve timing all the way to its 7,500rpm redline. The chassis’ torsional rigidity exceeds that of period supercars, with a perfect front-midship engine placement yielding the 53/47 weight distribution that makes the Z’s neutral handling characteristics legendary among touge enthusiasts.
In Nismo guise particularly, the 370Z represents mechanical purity increasingly absent from contemporary offerings—a vehicle engineered when driver engagement remained paramount over convenience. Its aggressive stance, with haunches that echo the iconic S30’s, honors Yoshihiko Matsuo’s original vision while incorporating distinctly Japanese minimalism through its uncluttered interior and driver-centric ergonomics.
As the market pivots toward electrification, the 370Z stands as perhaps the final accessible expression of Japan’s golden-era sports car philosophy—mechanical, visceral, and unapologetically focused on the connection between driver and machine.
Mods
ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN
- HKS Hi-Power exhaust system
- Stillen Gen 3 Ultra Long Tube intake
- NISMO S-Tune cold air intake
- GReddy twin turbo kit (500-600hp)
- AMS Performance Alpha 9 turbo kit
- Z1 Motorsports 75mm throttle body
- JWT lightweight flywheel
- ACT heavy-duty clutch kit
- Tomei Expreme titanium exhaust manifold
- Motordyne Engineering ShockWave exhaust
- Z1 Motorsports oil cooler kit
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
- KW Variant 3 coilover suspension
- TEIN Flex Z coilovers
- NISMO S-Tune suspension kit
- Cusco adjustable sway bars
- SPL Parts rear camber arms
- Akebono big brake kit
- StopTech Sport brake kit
- NISMO brake pads and stainless steel lines
- Whiteline bushings package
- NISMO front and rear chassis braces
WHEELS & TIRES
- RAYS Volk Racing TE37 SL (19″)
- RAYS Gram Lights 57DR (19″)
- Advan RGIII wheels (19″)
- Work Emotion CR Kiwami (19″)
- Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R tires
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
- Enkei RPF1 wheels (18-19″)
- SSR GTX01 wheels (19″)
- Project Mu wheel spacers
- RAYS lug nuts
EXTERIOR / AERO
- Amuse Vestito aero kit
- Varis wide-body kit
- NISMO Version 2 aero kit
- APR carbon fiber GT wing
- Seibon carbon fiber hood
- J’s Racing carbon fiber front lip
- Veilside carbon fiber rear diffuser
- Rally Backer wide fenders
- Authentic NISMO front bumper
- Carbon fiber side mirror covers
INTERIOR
- BRIDE Zeta III seats
- Takata harnesses
- NISMO shift knob
- Personal steering wheel with NRG hub
- Alcantara dashboard cover
- Z1 Motorsports aluminum pedal set
- Cusco roll cage
- Carbon fiber interior trim panels
- NISMO floor mats
- Defi gauge cluster
ELECTRONICS / ECU
- UpRev ECU tuning
- EcuTek tuning software
- AEM wideband air/fuel gauge
- GReddy Profec electronic boost controller
- Z1 Motorsports Z-Speed speed density kit
- HKS EVC boost controller
- AEM digital display gauge
- Pioneer/Kenwood double-DIN navigation head unit
- Alpine Type-R speaker package
- JL Audio subwoofer system
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The modifications on this 370Z create a cohesive package where each component complements the others to achieve a balanced performance profile. The upgraded suspension components work in harmony with the chassis reinforcements, allowing the increased power from the engine modifications to be effectively put to the ground. The brake upgrades provide stopping power proportionate to the performance gains, ensuring the car remains controllable throughout its performance envelope.
This build strikes a careful balance between street drivability and circuit capability, with a primary focus on responsive handling and predictable power delivery rather than outright horsepower figures. The modifications were selected with intentional restraint, preserving the car’s inherent character while enhancing its strengths. The staggered wheel setup and suspension tuning demonstrate a focus on balanced cornering behavior rather than specialized drift or drag performance.
The build philosophy emphasizes functional improvements over purely aesthetic changes, though the subtle exterior modifications enhance the car’s appearance while serving aerodynamic purposes. This 370Z represents a thoughtful time attack approach—capable of weekend track days with quick lap times while remaining comfortable and reliable enough for regular street use.
FAQ
Is the Nissan 370Z reliable?
The 370Z is generally considered a reliable sports car with robust VQ37VHR engine architecture. Many examples have surpassed 100,000 miles with regular maintenance. The platform benefits from Nissan’s extensive experience with the VQ engine series, resulting in fewer major issues compared to many competitors.
What are common problems with the 370Z?
Common issues include steering lock failures (especially in 2009-2011 models), CSC (Concentric Slave Cylinder) failures in manual transmissions, oil gallery gasket leaks in higher mileage examples, and premature brake wear. Early models may also experience excessive oil consumption.
How much horsepower can a tuned 370Z make?
A moderately tuned 370Z can reliably produce 350-400whp with bolt-on modifications and proper tuning. With forced induction (supercharger or turbo), 450-550whp is achievable while maintaining reliability. Built engines can support over 600whp but require considerable investment.
What are the best first modifications for a 370Z?
The most effective initial modifications include a quality exhaust system, cold air intakes, ECU tuning, and upgraded brake pads with high-temperature fluid. Suspension upgrades like coilovers or sway bars considerably improve handling characteristics without compromising reliability.
How does the 370Z compare to the 350Z?
The 370Z offers improved rigidity, more refined handling, increased power (332hp vs 306hp), and a more premium interior compared to its predecessor. The 370Z is slightly smaller but features more modern technology and safety features. Many enthusiasts prefer the 370Z’s styling and driving dynamics.
What is the maintenance cost for a 370Z?
Maintenance costs are moderate for a sports car. Expect to pay more than average for consumables like tires ($800-1,200 per set), brakes ($300-800 depending on quality), and premium fuel requirements. Major services occur at 60,000 mile intervals with costs ranging from $600-1,000 depending on location and service provider.
Can the 370Z be used as a daily driver?
Yes, the 370Z functions well as a daily driver with reasonable fuel economy (18-26 MPG depending on driving style), comfortable sport seats, and adequate cargo space for a two-seater sports car. However, limited visibility, road noise, and firm ride quality may be considerations for those with longer commutes.
Conclusion
The Nissan 370Z represents the culmination of Z-car heritage, delivering raw driving pleasure in an era of increasingly computerized automobiles. With its naturally-aspirated V6, six-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive configuration, it upholds the purist driving experience that has become increasingly rare in today’s market. Despite its age, the 370Z remains relevant through its mechanical honesty and accessible performance metrics that continue to attract both new drivers and seasoned enthusiasts.
As one of the last affordable Japanese sports cars to maintain traditional performance values, the 370Z occupies a special place in JDM culture. Its lineage traces back to the iconic 240Z, embodying the philosophy that defined golden-era Japanese performance cars: balance, reliability, and driver engagement above all else. For enthusiasts, the 370Z represents more than transportation—it symbolizes a connection to automotive heritage that transcends generations, offering an authentic driving experience that resonates with the core values of JDM enthusiasts worldwide.