Customizing Your Nissan 370Z with Body Kits, Wheels, Suspension Upgrades and More

Upgrading Your Nissan 370Z with a Custom Front Lip

If you're looking to add some aggressive styling to your Nissan 370Z, one of the best mods you can make is installing a custom front lip. A new front lip completely transforms the look of the 370Z's front end and gives it a much more performance-oriented aesthetic. Here's everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and maintaining a front lip kit on your Z.

Benefits of Adding a Front Lip

There are a few key benefits that come with installing an aftermarket front lip on your 370Z:

• Improved styling - A front lip adds an aggressive, low-slung look to the front of the car. It accentuates the strong lines of the Z's front fascia.
• Aerodynamic improvements - Many front lips feature built-in dive planes or splitters that improve front-end downforce for better high-speed stability.
• Customization - An aftermarket front lip lets you put a unique, personalized touch on your Z's exterior styling.
• Protects the bumper - A front lip made from durable materials like polyurethane can protect your bumper from scratches, scrapes and damage from minor bumps and road debris.

There are many different front lip options available for the 370Z, from subtle enhancements to full-on splitters and diffusers. Choosing the right one comes down to your priorities for aesthetics and performance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Front Lip

Here are some key factors to think about as you search for the perfect front lip kit:

• Fitment - Ensure any lip you select is made specifically for the 370Z to ensure a precise OEM-quality fit.
• Materials - Lips are commonly made from polyurethane or ABS plastic. Polyurethane lips are more flexible and durable.
• Finish - Matte, gloss, and carbon fiber finishes are available to match your preferences.
• Installation method - Some lips attach via self-tapping screws, while others use strong 3M automotive tape.
• Splitter style - Lips with splitters protruding outward tend to be more aggressive and track-oriented.
• Canards/dive planes - Small fins on the lip help direct airflow and add another eye-catching detail.
• Cost - Prices range from around $100 for simple polyurethane lips to over $1000 for full carbon fiber splitters.

It's a good idea to browse multiple manufacturers to find the right balance of style, cost, and performance for your needs.

Installing Your New Front Lip

Here is a quick overview of the installation process:

1. Wash and dry the front bumper thoroughly to remove dirt, wax, and debris.
2. Test fit the lip to ensure proper alignment before attaching. Some trimming or sanding may be required if fitment issues arise.
3. Use rubbing alcohol to clean the area where the lip will be attached. For optimal bond, remove any residual oil or polish from the bumper.
4. Attach the lip using the included 3M automotive tape or self-tapping screws, applying steady pressure as you go. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
5. After installation, give the tape adhesive at least 24 hours to fully cure before driving the vehicle.

A professional installation is recommended if you don't have experience working with automotive adhesives and precisely aligning body components. Never rely solely on tape - always use the included hardware as well for a secure install.

Caring for Your New Front Lip

Follow these tips to keep your new front lip looking its best for years to come:

• Hand wash the lip gently using soap and water to prevent scratching. Avoid harsh chemicals or cleaners.
• Inspect the lip frequently for any cracks or damage from road debris. Small cracks can be filled but larger cracks require replacement.
• Check the mounting hardware regularly and retighten if needed to prevent detachment.
• Avoid scraping the lip when pulling into driveways or parking garages.
• Apply a wax or sealant to keep the lip protected from UV rays and environmental contaminants.
• Remove the lip before having your car repainted to avoid overspray damage.
• Store the lip indoors when not installed on the car to prevent warping.

With proper care and maintenance, a quality front lip like those made by Stillen, Seibon, or Duraflex will enhance your 370Z's look and performance for many years of driving enjoyment.

Customizing Your Nissan 370Z with JDM-Inspired Mods

The 370Z's muscular good looks already stand out from the crowd, but there are plenty of ways to inject even more JDM style into your Z with these on-trend modifications:

Lower Your Stance

Dropping your car closer to the asphalt is a quick way to transform the 370Z's presence. You have a few options:

• Lowering springs - The most affordable option. Quality springs will improve handling while reducing wheel gap.
• Coilover suspension - More adjustable for dialing in the perfect ride height and performance. Popular kits include BC Racing and KW Variant 3.
• Air suspension - Completely customizable ride height. Allows you to park low but raise up for driving. Airrex and Air Lift make quality air suspension components.

Keep in mind that dramatically lowering your Z may impact drivability and require fender rolling for adequate wheel clearance.

Wider Wheels + Sticky Tires

A more aggressive wheel/tire fitment pushes the 370Z's style to the next level. Some options include:

• Wider aftermarket wheels like lightweight RAYS or SSRs in 18x9.5 or 19x10.5 sizes
• Staggered setup with larger rear wheels
• Low-profile performance tires for maximum grip without stretching your sidewalls too thin
• Square setup with equally sized wheels front/rear for balanced handling
• Meaty tires like Nitto NT05 maximizing contact patch

Wider wheels maximize the Z's potential while allowing you to fill out the bulging fenders for an ultra-flush fitment.

Add Some Aero

Enhance both form and function with strategic aero additions like:

• Front lip spoiler
• Side skirts
• Rear diffuser
• Adjustable rear wing
• Canards
• Vortex generators

Quality carbon fiber components from trusted brands like Seibon and GReddy amplify the Z's sporty silhouette. Prioritize pieces that also improve grip and stability at speed.

Freshen Up the Lighting

New lighting upgrades the 370Z's good looks while improving visibility:

• HID or LED conversion kits for the headlights and foglights
• Boomerang-style JDM LED side marker lights
• LED interior lighting packages
• GTR-style LED tail lights
• Underglow neon tube kits synced to music

Visually enhance your Z's face with unique JDM-style lighting touches.

Accessorize the Interior

Improve your driving environment with these easy interior mods:

• Sport pedal covers and foot pads
• Leather/Alcantara shift boot and parking brake handle
• Upgraded mats like Lloyd Luxe avec Nissan logo
• Custom gauges like Defi Advance Z
• Bolstered sports seats or reupholstered OEM seats
• Short throw shifter for tighter shifts
• Leather/suede steering wheel cover
• JDM inspired shift knob

Quality accessories that complement the Z's interior ambiance are plentiful. Tailor your cockpit with personalized touches.

Protecting and Maintaining Your Modified Nissan 370Z

Here are some tips for protecting your investment once you've customized your 370Z with performance and visual upgrades:

Use a Front Bra

Installing clear polyurethane protection film across the front bumper, hood, side mirrors and headlights will defend against rock chips and debris damage from daily driving.

Wash Regularly

Frequently hand wash and wax your modified Z to prevent dirt and contaminants from damaging the finish. Be extra gentle around front/rear lips and side skirts.

Inspect Fasteners

Check wheels, lips, wings, and other components frequently to ensure hardware remains tight. Catch loose fasteners early to prevent damage.

Park Carefully

Avoid parking next to curbs or high concrete dividers that could scrape your side skirts or lips when existing the car. Take wider turns into parking spots.

Get Pro Wheel Alignments

Alignment issues accelerate uneven tire wear. Get regular alignments after suspension or wheel changes to extend your performance tire investment.

Store OEM Parts

Keep unused OEM components like bumpers in protected storage. This makes restoration easier if you later sell the car or want to return it to stock form.

Fix Damage Promptly

Address any scraping, cracking or collision damage immediately to prevent it worsening over time. Use touch-up paint as needed.

With attentive care and maintenance, your modified 370Z will deliver performance and eye-catching style mile after mile for years to come.

FAQs

What are some popular cosmetic mods for the 370Z?

Popular cosmetic mods include installing a new front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser, carbon fiber components (like trunk, hood, or roof panels), widening the fenders, and upgrading the lighting with LED/HID bulbs.

What kind of performance upgrades work best on a 370Z?

Common power-boosting mods are intake and exhaust systems, ECU tunes, test pipes, lightweight pulleys, big brake kits, upgraded clutch/flywheel, lowering springs, wider wheels & tires, and coilover suspensions from brands like BC Racing.

How much power can I expect from basic bolt-on mods?

With just simple bolt-on mods like intakes, exhausts, tunes, etc. owners typically see around 30-50 hp gains. More extensive builds with built engines, turbos/superchargers, etc. can reach over 600hp.

What is the best starter performance mod?

An aftermarket cat-back exhaust system is often the best starter mod. It frees up horsepower, delivers great V6 growl, and has simple bolts-on installation. Brands like Stillen, ARK, and HKS make great systems.

Should I lower my Z and how much?

Lowering springs or coilovers are great for enhancing the look and reducing wheel gap. Lower about 1-2 inches for improved handling without major drivability impacts. Go with quality brands like Eibach, KW, or BC Racing.