Transform Your 370z with a Turbo Kit - Huge HP Gains

Introduction to Boosting the 370z

The Nissan 370z is an iconic rear wheel drive sports car that first debuted back in 2008. With its naturally aspirated 3.7L V6 engine, the 370z offers exhilarating performance straight from the factory floor. However, many 370z enthusiasts are hungry for even more power and have turned to forced induction systems like turbochargers to extract substantial horsepower gains. Installing a turbo kit on the 370z completely transforms the character of the car. A properly tuned turbo setup can reliably produce 400-500+ horsepower to the rear wheels, greatly improving acceleration. Turbochargers work by forcing more air into the engine, allowing more fuel to be burned to make bigger power. While tempting, simply bolting on a turbocharger kit and cranking up the boost is not advisable. Supporting modifications and professional tuning are required to keep the engine safe under boost. With some upgraded internals, an intercooler, proper fuel system, and a tune, big power dreams can be realized.

Benefits of Adding a Turbo Kit

There are many benefits to turbocharging your 370z:

Huge Horsepower Gains

The most obvious benefit is the incredible horsepower gains - often in the range of 200-300hp more at the wheels. This transforms the character of the car from a quick sportscar to a seriously fast supercar slayer. Acceleration becomes ferocious.

Increased Tunability

Bolting a turbo onto the 370z also opens up almost limitless tuning potential. By adjusting the turbo size and boost pressure, power can be dialed up or down. This allows the car to be customized to the owner's desires. Conservative setups can yield smooth, daily-drivable power, while aggressive setups on built engines can unlock 600+ wheel horsepower.

Improved Drivability

With proper tuning, turbocharged cars can offer excellent low and mid range driveability - especially when compared to big stroker/cammed naturally aspirated builds. The boosted power delivery can be adjusted to come on early. This means no waiting for the motor to rev out to make power. Strong torque is available right off idle.

Retains Fuel Efficiency

When driven lightly, turbocharged engines can retain good fuel mileage - similar to stock. The engine only consumes more fuel when the boost is kicked in and the driver gets on the throttle. This allows the benefits of huge power potential without always suffering the fuel economy downsides.

Aggressive Soundtrack

The combination of turbocharger whooshes, blow off valves, and high performance exhaust systems result in an intense auditory experience. The 370z grows a seriously aggressive voice.

Important Supporting Modifications

While tempting, simply slapping a turbo onto a bone stock 370z is asking for trouble. Critical supporting mods must be installed for engine longevity and performance:

Engine Internals

The stock 370z bottom end is generally reliable to about 400-450hp at the wheels. Beyond that power level, forged pistons, rods, and other internals are needed to handle the forces. A built short block or long block is recommended for big power goals.

Tuned Fuel System

More air and boost means the engine needs more fuel. High flow fuel injectors, upgraded fuel pumps, and a fuel pressure regulator tuned to match the turbo and power goals are critical. The engine must run rich under boost to stay safe.

Intercooler

A front mount intercooler greatly reduces intake air temperatures. Cooler air is denser, allowing more power to be made. An intercooler also prevents detonation that can quickly destroy an engine.

Engine Management Tuning

A dyno tune dialed in specifically for the turbo setup and supporting mods ensures safety and optimal performance. The ECU needs to be properly calibrated for boost duty cycle, fueling, ignition timing, etc. Off the shelf tunes won't cut it.

Clutch Upgrades

Once cranking out an extra 100+ lb-ft of torque, the 370z's stock clutch will slip and struggle to transmit the power to the rear wheels. A stage 2 or 3 clutch kit with a stronger pressure plate, disc, and flywheel is mandatory.

Drivetrain Reinforcements

The 370z drivetrain was designed around the power output of the stock V6. Adding hundreds of additional wheel horsepower can quickly overwhelm the rear diff and axles. Upgrading to stronger components is wise to avoid breakage.

Turbo Kit Options for the 370z

Now to the fun stuff - choosing a turbocharger setup. There are a few main options:

Single Turbo Kits

Going with a single turbo is the most cost effective and straightforward approach. A large turbocharger like a Garrett GTX3076R or GTX3576R is capable of supporting 500+ horsepower builds while offering great drivability.

Twin Turbo Kits

For maximum power goals, a twin turbo setup with two smaller snails can make 600+ hp. The main benefit of twins is reduced turbo lag. However, installation complexity and costs go up. Weight is also higher.

Supercharger / Turbo Kits

A supercharger and turbo combined into one system is an intriguing option for big power with minimal lag. The supercharger offers boost down low, while the turbo kicks in up top. These kits are rare and expensive, but very potent.

Factory Turbo Swaps

Some opt to go with a more OEM-style turbo setup by importing the turbocharged VR38DETT motor from the Nissan GT-R. This takes a lot of custom fabrication work but utilizes top-tier factory turbochargers and engine internals.

370z Turbo Kit Installation

Properly installing a turbo kit on the 370z is not for the faint of heart. While it can be done in a home garage, expect the process to take 40-60 hours for experienced wrenchers. Patience is key. Some key steps involved:

- Removal of intake, exhaust, and engine accessories to access the engine

- Fabricating turbo manifold and oil and coolant plumbing for the turbocharger

- Mounting intercooler and piping charge pipes from turbo to throttle body

- Installing oil and coolant lines, sensors, and hardware for the turbo

- Upgrading the fuel system with new injectors, pumps and lines

- Dialing everything in on the dyno with a professional tuning shop

Expect many long days of wrenching and troubleshooting. Having an experienced shop tackle the install and tuning is wise for most. While not cheap, you benefit from their expertise.

Pro Tips for Your 370z Turbo Build

If you're planning a 370z turbo build, keep these pro tips in mind:

- Start with a Healthy Engine

Don't turbo a tired high mileage motor. The stock bottom end can reliably make good power if in excellent health.

- Get a Pro Tune

Vital for both performance and reliability. Don't skip this critical step.

- Upgrade Your Clutch First

A slipping stock clutch will lead to immediate problems. Swap in an upgraded clutch before tuning under boost.

- Build Your Fuel System

Rule of thumb is 1000cc injectors and dual intank pumps capable of supporting your horsepower goals.

- Add Engine Oil Coolers

Highly recommended to keep oil temps under control when making big power. Consider both engine and transmission coolers.

- Start Low & Work Up

Begin with wastegate spring and low boost settings. Gradually turn it up as you confirm engine health.

- Monitor AFR and Knock

Use gauges to closely watch air fuel ratios and knock sensor readings to stay safe.

In Closing

Turbocharging the 370z takes this sportscar from nimble to beastly. With proper supporting mods and experienced tuning, turbo Z builds can hit 500-600+ horsepower at the rear wheels - more than double the stock output. While not a simple or cheap process, a boosted 370z build done right provides supercar slaying performance with insane acceleration. The power potential is nearly endless. What's your target output for a forced induction 370z? Let us know!

FAQs

How much power can I expect from a 370z turbo kit?

Properly tuned single turbo kits can reliably achieve 400-550hp at the wheels. Big twin turbo setups on built engines can make 600+ wheel horsepower. Output depends on turbo size, boost and supporting mods.

What supporting mods do I need for a 370z turbo kit?

At a minimum, upgraded fuel system, intercooler, engine management tune, and clutch. Built engine internals highly recommended for big power goals. Oil/transmission cooling and drivetrain upgrades also a good idea.

How much does it cost to turbo a 370z?

Basic single turbo kits start around $5,000. With supporting mods you're looking at $10,000+ for a complete 500hp turbo setup. High end builds with twin turbos and built motors can be $20k+. Pro install/tune adds more.

Can I install a 370z turbo kit myself?

Yes, but it's recommended to have a professional shop do the install and tuning if you're inexperienced. Expect 40-60 hours of challenging work. Patience and mechanical skills required.

Is a turbo 370z reliable for daily driving?

Yes, if done properly. Start with a healthy engine, tune conservatively, don't overboost, keep up with maintenance, and don't abuse it. Many enjoy daily driven 500hp turbo Zs. Just know your limits.