The Nissan 350Z is one of the best platforms for modifications. The VQ35 engine responds well to bolt-ons, the chassis is balanced and capable, and the aftermarket support is massive. Whether you want better sound, more power, or sharper handling, this guide covers the best mods for your 350Z.
Mod Value Rating
We rate each mod on three factors:
Performance Gain: How much improvement you'll feel
Value: Bang for your buck
Reliability Impact: Effect on long-term reliability
Tier 1: Essential First Mods
Start here. These mods improve the driving experience without affecting reliability.
1. Short Throw Shifter
| Cost | $150-$400 |
| Install Difficulty | Easy DIY |
| Performance Gain | ★★★☆☆ |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
The stock 350Z shifter is vague and has long throws. A short throw shifter reduces throw by 30-45%, making shifts faster and more precise. This is one of the most satisfying mods you can do.
Top Picks: Nissan OEM NISMO shifter, JWT short throw, B&M short throw
2. Performance Tires
| Cost | $600-$1,200 (set) |
| Install Difficulty | Shop install |
| Performance Gain | ★★★★★ |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
Tires are the single biggest handling improvement you can make. Quality performance tires transform the 350Z's grip and responsiveness.
Top Picks: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Continental ExtremeContact Sport, Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS (track)
3. Brake Pads and Fluid
| Cost | $200-$500 |
| Install Difficulty | Easy DIY |
| Performance Gain | ★★★★☆ |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
Better brake pads improve stopping power and pedal feel. High-temp brake fluid prevents fade during spirited driving.
Top Picks: StopTech Street Performance, Hawk HPS 5.0, EBC Yellowstuff. Fluid: Motul RBF 600
Tier 2: Intake and Exhaust
The classic bolt-ons. Modest power gains with great sound improvements.
4. Cold Air Intake
| Cost | $250-$500 |
| Install Difficulty | Easy DIY |
| Power Gain | 5-10 hp |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
A cold air intake improves airflow and adds aggressive intake sound. Power gains are modest without a tune, but throttle response improves noticeably.
Top Picks: Z1 Motorsports intake, Stillen Gen 3 intake, K&N Typhoon
5. Cat-Back Exhaust
| Cost | $600-$1,500 |
| Install Difficulty | Moderate DIY |
| Power Gain | 5-15 hp |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
The VQ35 sounds incredible with a proper exhaust. A cat-back system frees up exhaust flow and unlocks that signature VQ growl.
Top Picks: Tomei Expreme Ti, Invidia Gemini, Borla Cat-Back, Motordyne Shockwave
6. Test Pipes or High-Flow Cats
| Cost | $200-$600 |
| Install Difficulty | Moderate DIY |
| Power Gain | 10-20 hp |
| Value | ★★★☆☆ |
Replacing the restrictive factory catalytic converters with test pipes or high-flow cats significantly improves exhaust flow. Note: Test pipes are for off-road use only and will cause emissions failures.
Top Picks: Berk Technology test pipes, Motordyne ART pipes, AAM high-flow cats
Tier 3: Suspension
Transform how your 350Z handles corners.
7. Coilovers
| Cost | $1,000-$3,000 |
| Install Difficulty | Moderate DIY |
| Performance Gain | ★★★★★ |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
Quality coilovers allow you to adjust ride height and damping. The handling improvement is dramatic—sharper turn-in, better body control, and more confidence in corners.
Top Picks:
- Budget: BC Racing BR Series ($1,000-$1,200)
- Mid-Range: KW V3, Fortune Auto 500 ($2,000-$2,500)
- High-End: Ohlins DFV, KW Clubsport ($3,000+)
8. Sway Bars
| Cost | $300-$600 |
| Install Difficulty | Easy DIY |
| Performance Gain | ★★★★☆ |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
Larger sway bars reduce body roll and improve turn-in response. Adjustable bars let you fine-tune handling balance.
Top Picks: Whiteline adjustable, Hotchkis Sport, Progress rear sway bar
9. Chassis Bracing
| Cost | $100-$400 |
| Install Difficulty | Easy DIY |
| Performance Gain | ★★★☆☆ |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
Strut tower braces, subframe braces, and chassis reinforcement improve rigidity and steering precision.
Top Picks: Z1 Motorsports strut brace, SPL subframe brace
Tier 4: Power Mods
For those who want more than bolt-ons can provide.
10. ECU Tune
| Cost | $500-$1,000 |
| Install Difficulty | Dyno tune recommended |
| Power Gain | 15-25 hp (with bolt-ons) |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
An ECU tune optimizes fuel and timing for your modifications. It's the key to unlocking the full potential of intake, exhaust, and other mods.
Top Picks: UpRev, Ecutek, JWT
11. Headers
| Cost | $800-$2,000 |
| Install Difficulty | Difficult |
| Power Gain | 15-25 hp |
| Value | ★★★☆☆ |
Long-tube headers are one of the biggest power gains available for a naturally-aspirated 350Z. Installation is labor-intensive due to the tight engine bay.
Top Picks: Tomei Expreme, PPE headers, Motordyne ART headers
12. Forced Induction (Advanced)
| Cost | $5,000-$15,000+ |
| Install Difficulty | Professional required |
| Power Gain | 100-300+ hp |
| Value | ★★☆☆☆ |
Supercharger or turbo kits can push the 350Z into 400-600+ hp territory. This requires significant supporting mods (fuel system, clutch, tune) and affects reliability.
Top Picks: Vortech supercharger, JWT twin turbo, AAM twin turbo
Recommended Build Order
Stage 1: Daily Driver ($1,000-$2,000)
1. Short throw shifter
2. Performance tires
3. Brake pads and fluid
Stage 2: Street Performance ($3,000-$5,000)
Stage 1 plus:
4. Cold air intake
5. Cat-back exhaust
6. ECU tune
Stage 3: Track Ready ($7,000-$12,000)
Stage 2 plus:
7. Coilovers
8. Sway bars
9. Headers + test pipes
10. Big brake kit
Mods to Avoid
- Cheap eBay parts: You get what you pay for. Stick with reputable brands.
- Extreme lowering: Slammed 350Zs look cool but handle poorly and destroy components.
- Heavy wheels: Big heavy wheels slow acceleration and hurt handling.
- Skipping the tune: Bolt-ons without a tune leave power on the table.
The 350Z rewards quality modifications with improved performance and driving enjoyment. Start with the basics, buy quality parts, and enjoy the build process.