The Iconic Nissan 350z GTR Style Bumper - A Guide to This Popular Z33 Mod

The Iconic Nissan 350z GTR Style Bumper

The Nissan 350z is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars of the early 2000s. With its sleek, curved body lines and powerful 287hp V6 engine, it quickly became a favorite among JDM enthusiasts. Many 350z owners sought to make their cars stand out even more by installing aftermarket body kits and accessories. One of the most popular was the 350z GTR style bumper.

The Origins of the 350z GTR Bumper

The GTR bumper gets its name from Nissan's legendary GT-R supercar. The R35 GT-R was first introduced in 2007 and featured an aggressive front bumper with enlarged air intakes and vents. This gave the GT-R a very distinctive look that emphasized its performance capabilities. Aftermarket manufacturers began making bumpers that resembled the R35 GT-R for the 350z, giving the sports car a more aggressive and lowered appearance.

The 350z GTR style bumper replaced the OEM fascia with one featuring a center inlet flanked by larger openings on the sides for the fog lights. Some versions even included functional air vents and intakes to help improve brake cooling. The bumper extended lower than the stock one and minimized the space between it and the ground for a more performance-oriented look. This mod quickly became one of the most popular visual upgrades for the Z33 chassis 350z.

Benefits of Installing a GTR Bumper

There were several advantages to installing a 350z GTR style front bumper:

• More aggressive appearance - The larger intakes and lower profile gave the 350z a much more aggressive and sporty look, like that of the GT-R.
• Improved aerodynamics - Some bumpers offered functional vents and intakes to help reduce lift and improve airflow to the brakes.
• Customization - The bumper allowed owners to put their own stamp on the 350z's appearance.
• Affordable upgrade - Compared to a widebody kit, the GTR bumper was an affordable way to transform the look of the car.

While mostly aesthetic, the transformed front end helped the 350z's presence and street cred among fellow enthusiasts. It took the sports car's subtle design and added a dose of aggression to reflect the power under the hood.

Popular 350z GTR Bumper Options

There were a few brand names that stood out when it came to quality and popularity for 350z GTR style bumpers:

• BN Sports - BN Sports made one of the first and most widely used GTR bumpers for the 350z. Their V1 bumper featured large intakes and vents for optimal airflow and cooling.
• Nismo - As Nissan's official performance division, the Nismo 350z V2 bumper provided a more integrated and OEM-quality solution. It was sleeker than other options but still quite aggressive.
• Vegabond - For 350z owners wanting a more affordable option, the Vegabond bumper delivered great value. It featured a similar shape to the BN Sports and Nismo bumpers.
• Shine Auto - Shine Auto offered a Duraflex bumper that mimicked the R35 GT-R even closer. The extra vents and canards gave it a very track-inspired look.

While there were some variations between brands, most stuck to the same overall concept. A center inlet in between larger fog light openings and a lower profile shape. This gave the Z33 a heavy dose of GT-R inspiration.

Installing a GTR Style Front Bumper

Putting a GTR bumper on a 350z required some mechanical skill and tools to do it properly. Here was a quick rundown of the installation process:

1. Remove the factory bumper - Taking off the OEM fascia required removing several bolts, screws, and clips to free it from the fenders.
2. Modify mounting points - Some bumpers required trimming or adjust mounting locations to fit properly.
3. Install bumper support - A bumper reinforcement bar helped align and secure the new bumper.
4. Mount new bumper - This involved carefully lining it up and bolting it into place. Gaps and fitment had to be checked.
5. Wire lights - The bumper's new fog light housings had to be wired to function properly.

Properly installing a GTR bumper took 4-6 hours for most do-it-yourselfers. Having it painted to match the 350z's body added to the cost but resulted in an OEM-quality appearance. With care, the new aggressive bumper could transform the look of a 350z.

Maintenance of the 350z GTR Bumper

Like any body kit modification, the GTR bumper did require some additional care and maintenance. Here are a few best practices for 350z owners with this upgrade:

• Hand washing - Use a pressure washer carefully around the bumper to avoid forcing water into intakes.
• Avoid scrapes - Low hanging bumpers were more susceptible to scrapes and damage from steep inclines or parking blocks.
• Watch for cracks - The bumper's mounting points and vents should be inspected for any cracks developing over time.
• Check fitment - Ensure the bumper remains aligned and has not shifted over time. Refasten if needed.

With proper installation and some occasional inspecting, the 350z GTR bumper can last for years of enjoyment. It remained one of the most sought-after visual upgrades for Z33 models even long after production stopped.

Conclusion

The Nissan 350z GTR style bumper mod really helped accentuate the sports car's performance potential. Its aggressive intakes and lower profile gave it a lowered, performance look that turned heads. Brands like BN Sports, Nismo, and Vegabond offered options to suit different budgets and tastes. With the right installation and occasional maintenance, a GTR bumper could thoroughly transform the look of any 350z it graced.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of a GTR style bumper?

The 350z GTR bumper gives the car a much more aggressive look with its larger intakes and lower profile. Some versions also improve airflow for better brake cooling. It helps the Z33 stand out from the crowd.

Which brands make the top GTR bumpers?

Some of the best options come from brands like BN Sports, Nismo, Vegabond, and Shine Auto. Each has their own take but sticks close to the R35 GT-R bumper design.

Is this mod expensive compared to others?

The GTR bumper is one of the more affordable 350z mods out there. It can completely transform the look without a widebody kit's high cost and labor.

How long does installation take?

With some mechanical skill and tools, install takes approximately 4-6 hours. The bumper has to be properly aligned and wired up for the fog lights.

Does the bumper require any special maintenance?

Hand washing, checking for cracks, and watching for scrapes/damage will keep the bumper in good shape. Proper install helps it last for years.