The Nissan 370Z comes from the factory as a seriously capable sports car. With 332 hp and sharp handling, it doesn't need modifications—but it rewards them handsomely. The VQ37VHR engine responds well to bolt-ons, and the chassis has untapped potential. Here's how to unlock it.
Before You Mod
If you have a 2009-2014 370Z, address the galley gasket issue first. Don't invest in performance mods until the engine is bulletproofed.
Handling Modifications
The 370Z's chassis is its greatest asset. These mods make it even sharper.
1. Performance Tires
| Cost | $800-$1,400 (set) |
| Performance Gain | ★★★★★ |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
The single best handling mod. Quality performance tires transform grip, turn-in response, and overall confidence. The 370Z's staggered setup (front: 245, rear: 275) means you'll need different sizes front and rear.
Top Picks: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02, Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RS (track)
2. Coilovers
| Cost | $1,200-$3,500 |
| Performance Gain | ★★★★★ |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
Adjustable coilovers sharpen the 370Z's already excellent handling. The ability to tune damping and height lets you dial in the perfect setup for your driving style.
Top Picks:
- Budget: BC Racing BR ($1,000-$1,200)
- Mid: KW V3, Fortune Auto 500 ($2,000-$2,800)
- Premium: Ohlins Road & Track, KW Clubsport ($3,000+)
3. Sway Bars
| Cost | $350-$700 |
| Performance Gain | ★★★★☆ |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
Upgraded sway bars reduce body roll and improve turn-in. The 370Z benefits most from a larger rear bar to tighten up the rear end.
Top Picks: Hotchkis Sport, Whiteline adjustable, Progress rear bar
Intake and Exhaust
Unleash the VQ37's voice and add some power.
4. Cold Air Intake
| Cost | $300-$600 |
| Power Gain | 5-12 hp |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
The 370Z's intake is already pretty good, but a quality cold air intake improves airflow and adds aggressive intake sound. Best paired with a tune.
Top Picks: Z1 Motorsports intake, Stillen Gen 3, AEM cold air intake
5. Cat-Back Exhaust
| Cost | $800-$2,000 |
| Power Gain | 5-15 hp |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
A cat-back exhaust unleashes the VQ37's incredible sound. The 370Z sounds absolutely menacing with a proper exhaust—deep, aggressive, and unmistakably VQ.
Top Picks: Tomei Expreme Ti, Fast Intentions, Motordyne Shockwave, Invidia Gemini
6. Test Pipes / High-Flow Cats
| Cost | $250-$700 |
| Power Gain | 10-20 hp |
| Value | ★★★☆☆ |
Removing the restrictive factory cats opens up significant exhaust flow. High-flow cats maintain emissions compliance while still improving flow.
Note: Test pipes are off-road use only. Will trigger check engine light without tune.
Power Modifications
7. ECU Tune
| Cost | $600-$1,200 |
| Power Gain | 15-30 hp (with bolt-ons) |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
Essential for unlocking the full potential of your mods. A quality tune optimizes fuel, timing, and VVEL for maximum power and drivability.
Top Picks: UpRev, Ecutek, AAM Competition
8. Headers
| Cost | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Power Gain | 15-25 hp |
| Value | ★★★☆☆ |
Long-tube headers are one of the biggest naturally-aspirated power gains. Installation is labor-intensive but the results are worth it.
Top Picks: Motordyne ART, Fast Intentions, PPE headers
9. Plenum Spacer
| Cost | $200-$400 |
| Power Gain | 5-10 hp |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
A plenum spacer increases intake manifold volume, improving high-RPM airflow and power. Simple bolt-on mod.
Top Picks: Motordyne 5/16" spacer, Z1 Motorsports spacer
Braking Upgrades
10. Brake Pads
| Cost | $200-$500 |
| Performance Gain | ★★★★☆ |
| Value | ★★★★★ |
Better brake pads improve stopping power and pedal feel. For street use, choose pads that work well at lower temperatures.
Top Picks: StopTech Sport, Hawk HPS 5.0, EBC Redstuff
11. Stainless Steel Brake Lines
| Cost | $100-$200 |
| Performance Gain | ★★★☆☆ |
| Value | ★★★★☆ |
Stainless lines eliminate the spongy feel of rubber lines, giving a firmer, more consistent pedal.
Top Picks: Stoptech, Goodridge, Z1 Motorsports
Drivetrain
12. Lightweight Flywheel + Clutch
| Cost | $1,200-$2,500 |
| Performance Gain | ★★★★☆ |
| Value | ★★★☆☆ |
A lightweight flywheel dramatically improves throttle response and rev speed. Pair with an upgraded clutch for the complete package.
Top Picks: JWT lightweight flywheel, Exedy Stage 1, Competition Clutch
Build Recommendations
Street Performance Build ($3,000-$5,000)
1. Performance tires
2. Cold air intake
3. Cat-back exhaust
4. ECU tune
5. Brake pads + fluid
Result: ~350-360 hp, improved sound, better braking
Canyon Carver Build ($8,000-$12,000)
Street Performance plus:
6. Coilovers
7. Sway bars
8. Test pipes or high-flow cats
9. Stainless brake lines
Result: ~365-375 hp, dramatically improved handling
Full Build ($15,000-$20,000)
Canyon Carver plus:
10. Headers
11. Plenum spacer
12. Lightweight flywheel + clutch
13. Big brake kit
Result: ~385-400 hp, track-ready performance
The 370Z responds beautifully to modifications. Start with handling mods to exploit the excellent chassis, then add power. With a full bolt-on setup and tune, you'll have a car that rivals vehicles costing twice as much.