Ranking Every Nissan 370Z Mod From Best to Worst

The Nissan 370Z (Z34 chassis, 2009-2020) represents the final evolution of Nissan's naturally aspirated V6 sports car era. Built around the VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 producing 332hp (early models) to 350hp (2013+ models), the platform offers excellent modification potential but requires strategic planning.

Unlike turbocharged platforms where power gains are dramatic, the 370Z requires a systematic approach. The VQ37 responds incrementally to modifications, making cost-effectiveness crucial. The platform's heat management issues and hydraulic clutch vulnerabilities mean reliability mods often provide better value than pure power adders.

Quick Navigation

• Quick Answer
• Key Takeaways
• S-Tier Modifications: Essential Upgrades
• A-Tier Modifications: Strong Value with Conditions
• B-Tier Modifications: Track-Focused Value
• C-Tier Modifications: Low Priority Options
• D/F-Tier Modifications: Avoid Entirely
• Build Stage Roadmap
• Bottom Line

Quick Answer

The three highest-value 370Z modifications are an oil cooler kit ($400-800), intake/exhaust combo ($800-1500), and clutch master cylinder upgrade ($150-300). These address the platform's critical weak points while delivering measurable performance gains. Avoid throttle body spacers, electric superchargers, and cheap turbo kits entirely.

Key Takeaways

• Oil temperature management is critical - the VQ37 runs dangerously hot under sustained load
• The factory hydraulic clutch system has a 70%+ failure rate by 60k miles
• Intake and exhaust modifications provide the best power-per-dollar gains on this naturally aspirated platform
• Proper turbo kits start around $8000-10000; cheaper alternatives are false economy
• Factory suspension is adequate for most street use - coilovers only worthwhile for track builds

S-Tier Modifications: Essential Upgrades

Oil Cooler Kit ($400-800)

The VQ37 runs dangerously hot under sustained load, with oil temperatures exceeding 280°F causing power loss and potential engine damage. Quality options include Mishimoto, Setrab, and Z1 Motorsports kits that reduce oil temps by 20-40°F under track conditions. This modification is essentially mandatory for any performance driving and requires moderate installation difficulty over 4-6 hours.

Intake/Exhaust Combo ($800-1500)

The VQ37 is severely restricted by factory airflow components, making this the best bang-for-buck power modification. Top intake choices include the aFe MagnumFLOW Air Filters OER PDS A/F PDS Nissan 370Z 09-11 V6-3.7L - 31-10173 ($400-500), aFe MagnumFLOW Air Filters OER PDS A/F PDS Nissan 370Z 09-11 V6-3.7L - 31-10173 ($350-450), and Z1 Motorsports Post-MAF tubes ($200-300). For exhaust, consider the aFe Takeda 2.5inch SS Exhaust Cat-Back 09-13 Nissan 370Z V6 3.7L Polished Tips - 49-36107 ($1000-1200), aFe Takeda 2.5inch SS Exhaust Cat-Back 09-13 Nissan 370Z V6 3.7L Polished Tips - 49-36107 ($800-1000), or Invidia Gemini ($600-800). Combined gains reach 15-25hp with improved throttle response.

Clutch Master Cylinder Upgrade ($150-300)

The factory hydraulic clutch system represents a critical failure point, with the CSC (Concentric Slave Cylinder) failing in over 70% of vehicles by 60k miles. The Z1 Motorsports Master Cylinder upgrade kit provides an affordable solution, while complete CSC delete kits ($800-1200) offer more comprehensive protection against roadside breakdowns.

A-Tier Modifications: Strong Value with Conditions

Uprev ECU Tune ($500-800)

Professional tuning from Uprev, EcuTek, or Specialty Z providers delivers 10-15hp gains and improved drivability, but requires supporting modifications like intake and exhaust for meaningful results. The naturally aspirated VQ37 shows limited gains on a stock engine, making this modification most valuable after bolt-ons are installed.

Lightweight Flywheel ($400-700)

XClutch 09-20 Nissan 370Z Touring Sport 3.7L Stage 1 Sprung Organic Clutch Kit - XKNI25688-1A aluminum ($400-500) or XClutch 09-20 Nissan 370Z Touring Sport 3.7L Stage 1 Sprung Organic Clutch Kit - XKNI25688-1A steel ($500-600) flywheels reduce rotating mass and improve rev response. Installation requires clutch removal over 6-8 hours of labor. The trade-off includes increased NVH, chatter at idle, and reduced daily drivability comfort.

Sway Bars ($300-600)

Hotchkis, Eibach, and Function and Form NISSAN 370Z Z34 (09+) Type 3 Coilovers Kit sway bars reduce body roll and improve turn-in response for minimal cost. Installation takes 2-3 hours with moderate difficulty. Improper sizing can increase understeer, so balance with other suspension modifications is crucial.

B-Tier Modifications: Track-Focused Value

Coilover Suspension ($1000-3000)

Budget options like BC Racing BR series ($1000-1200) provide adjustable ride height and damping control. Mid-range choices include Function and Form NISSAN 370Z Z34 (09+) Type 3 Coilovers Kit ($2000-2500) and Ohlins Road & Track ($2500-3000). The factory suspension remains adequate for most street use, making coilovers worthwhile only for track-focused builds or specific stance goals.

Brake Pads/Lines/Fluid ($200-500)

PosiQuiet 10-16 Nissan 370Z w/ Std Brakes / 14-15 Infiniti Q50 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads - 105.09052 pads suit street use, while PosiQuiet 10-16 Nissan 370Z w/ Std Brakes / 14-15 Infiniti Q50 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads - 105.09052/12 handle track duty. PosiQuiet 10-16 Nissan 370Z w/ Std Brakes / 14-15 Infiniti Q50 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads - 105.09052 or PosiQuiet 10-16 Nissan 370Z w/ Std Brakes / 14-15 Infiniti Q50 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads - 105.09052 stainless steel lines paired with PosiQuiet 10-16 Nissan 370Z w/ Std Brakes / 14-15 Infiniti Q50 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads - 105.09052 or PosiQuiet 10-16 Nissan 370Z w/ Std Brakes / 14-15 Infiniti Q50 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads - 105.09052 fluid improve pedal feel and fade resistance. Factory brakes handle street driving adequately, making upgrades necessary only for track use.

Fuel System Upgrades ($800-2000)

Return fuel systems, larger fuel pumps, and surge tanks from Aeromotive, PosiQuiet 10-16 Nissan 370Z w/ Std Brakes / 14-15 Infiniti Q50 Rear Ceramic Brake Pads - 105.09052, and Radium Engineering prevent fuel starvation under high G-loads. Installation requires fuel tank removal and significant technical expertise. These modifications only benefit serious track use or forced induction builds.

C-Tier Modifications: Low Priority Options

aFe MagnumFLOW Air Filters OER PDS A/F PDS Nissan 370Z 09-11 V6-3.7L -

$92

Short Ram Intake ($200-400)

AEM, aFe MagnumFLOW Air Filters OER PDS A/F PDS Nissan 370Z 09-11 V6-3.7L - 31-10173, and Injen short ram intakes provide minimal performance gains compared to proper cold air intake systems. Installation takes about an hour, but these designs primarily enhance sound rather than power output.

Strut Tower Braces ($100-300)

aFe MagnumFLOW Air Filters OER PDS A/F PDS Nissan 370Z 09-11 V6-3.7L - 31-10173, Tanabe, and Stillen strut tower braces offer minimal chassis stiffening benefits on street-driven vehicles. Installation requires only 30 minutes, but measurable performance improvements remain marginal except on dedicated track cars.

Shift Knob/Short Shifter ($50-300)

Weighted knobs and short shifter kits from Mishimoto, Z1 Motorsports, and OEM sources provide subjective feel improvements without measurable performance benefits. These modifications represent personal preference items rather than functional upgrades.

D/F-Tier Modifications: Avoid Entirely

Throttle Body Spacers ($50-150)

These devices provide no measurable gains on the VQ37 engine despite marketing claims. Modern fuel injection systems render throttle body spacers ineffective, making them pure marketing gimmicks.

Electric Supercharger Kits ($200-500)

These kits cannot provide meaningful boost pressure despite physics-defying advertising claims. They offer no real performance gains and may cause electrical system issues.

Cheap eBay Turbos ($1000-2000)

Poor quality construction, lack of tuning support, and reliability problems make budget turbo kits false economy. Proper turbo systems start around $8000-10000, with cheaper alternatives leading to expensive failures.

Build Stage Roadmap

aFe MagnumFLOW Air Filters OER PDS A/F PDS Nissan 370Z 09-11 V6-3.7L -

$92

aFe Takeda 2.5inch SS Exhaust Cat-Back 09-13 Nissan 370Z V6 3.7L Polis

$1890

Best First Three Modifications ($950-1600)

• Oil Cooler Kit ($500-800) - Essential reliability upgrade
• Intake System ($300-500) - Best power-per-dollar modification
• CSC Upgrade ($150-300) - Prevents catastrophic failure

Expected gains include 8-12hp with significantly improved reliability.

Best $3000 Build Path

• Oil cooler kit ($600)
• Intake system ($400)
• Cat-back exhaust ($800)
• ECU tune ($600)
• CSC upgrade ($200)
• Installation costs ($400)

This combination delivers 20-25hp gains, improved drivability, and enhanced reliability.

Bottom Line

The 370Z rewards strategic modification planning over random bolt-on accumulation. Start with the oil cooler, intake/exhaust combo, and CSC upgrade to address the platform's critical weaknesses while gaining meaningful performance. Avoid gimmicky products like throttle body spacers and cheap forced induction kits that promise unrealistic results. The naturally aspirated VQ37 responds best to breathing modifications and reliability upgrades rather than expensive suspension overhauls that provide minimal street benefit.