• Bride Zeta III
• Corbeau Forza
• Sparco Sprint
• Bride Gias III
• Sparco Evo II US
• Bride Stradia III
• Buddy Club Racing
• NRG Fixed Bucket
• Bride Vios III
• Corbeau FX1 Pro
• Sparco Pro 2000
• Corbeau A4
• Takata Race LE
• Jump to winner

In a hurry? Here is our best 350z seat summary

Daily Choice	Drifted Choice	Runner-Up Choice
Bride Stradia III	Bride Gias III	Bride Euroster II (Red)
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

We’ve been witnessing just how quickly the 350z has been growing in popularity over recent years, and since our fans here at Drifted keep asking us for more Z articles, so we’re more than happy to oblige!

After building up a comprehensive list of 350z guides for various tuning parts that we recommend to build the ultimate 350z, other than our roll cage guide, we’ve not yet covered interior upgrades as much as we’d like.

It probably won’t come as much of a surprise, but seats are one of the most vital parts of any car, after all, it’s what connects you to the damn thing!

Whether you spend your days cruising around in your 350z or if it’s driven a few times at the year at the track, upgraded seats will undoubtedly have crossed your mind at some point.

I mean, let’s face it, we’ve all got a little tail-happy at some point with the stock seat, and almost found ourselves sliding over, awkwardly destined for the passenger’s lap.

That’s before you’ve even entered your first drift day at the local track, where more of your concentration is focused on staying in place rather than keeping the car sideways.

Jokes aside, Nissan understandably designed the seats to be comfortable for basic road use with the occasional spirited driving in mind, so it’s no real surprise that they’re not ideal for racing purposes.

There are many reasons why aftermarket seats are far more ideal than the stock OEM choice. For some owners, height may well be an issue, especially if you’re wearing a helmet. Those valuable millimeters that you once had above your head will soon become an inconvenience once you’ve added the protection.

You can mount an aftermarket seat however you wish, so not only can you mount it lower, but it can also be further back, providing more leg room and head clearance.

Be warned, a lot of the cheap seats and rails will sit higher than stock. They do an extremely basic job of simply ‘placing’ you in the car and for that reason, we have avoided the insanely cheap options and we recommend doing your own research on any setup which you’re potentially considering.

Another benefit is weight saving. The stock seats and rails weren’t designed with weight in mind so you can guarantee that any decent set of aftermarket seats and rails will be far lighter.

That’s not all, aftermarket seats allow you to choose what design you’d like. You can opt for tight-fitting racing-spec bucket seats which will ensure that no matter how much angle you get when throwing it down sideways, you’ll stay in the correct position. However, if you’re on the larger side, there are often various size alternatives, so don’t panic!

Alternatively, you may want a more convenient seat to get out of than a bucket for daily use, perhaps something which provides a little extra bolster support without everyone staring at you when you awkwardly try to climb out of the car when you head to the store.

Before we get started with our guide, we want to give a word of warning. We know how tempting it is to run the latest and greatest JDM products, but there are many fake seats out there on the market, particularly with Bride on both the new and used market.

Bride had some copyright issues which means that outside of Japan, fakes are able to be sold without the customer being aware, so it’s extremely important to make your purchase through an approved vendor.

Some of the replicas may look the part (some don’t, trust me), but safety is extremely important and the last thing we would want is to be involved in a crash with a seat which has had no real-world crash testing.

Safety is ALWAYS the most important thing when tuning, whether you’re rocking a road car or a serious form of motorsport. For the sake of a few hundred bucks extra, it’s worth saving for a few more months to get the real deal.

It’s time to take a look at the awesome selection we have for you. Be warned, some of these seats are about to become very tempting!

If you’re looking to carry out more mods to your 350z, you’re definitely going to want to check out our other articles.

350z Tuning guides

• 350z Coilover guide
• 350z Exhaust guide
• 350z Cold Air Intake guide
• 350z Clutch guide

Don’t have a 350z? Then check out our universal best racing seats guide.

Let’s take a look at our aftermarket 350z seat selection

To find out more about any of these products just click on the product name or photo.

Bride Zeta III

• Manufacturer: Bride
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Discontinued

Updated June 1st 2021: Product discontinued. We recommend taking a look at the latest seats in the Bride range, the Bride Euroster.

Our comment: Bride certainly needs no introduction when it comes to aftermarket seats. These are undoubtedly the most popular seats in Japan and are the seat of choice for some of the best drivers such as Daigo Saito and Naoki Nakamura.

Bride’s Zeta III are quite possibly their most popular seat and there’s certainly no question that they’re one of the best looking!

The base of the seat features a two-piece polyurethane which distributes the body pressure for maximum pedal operability.

Bride seats are notoriously ‘Japanese-sized’, which means that for those of you on the larger size of, well, stick-thin, you may want to consider the large or extra large options. Alternatively, they also have a small, which we’d expect is insanely small!

You can always count on a great selection of variety with Bride seats, so we’d imagine they’ll have your needs covered. Whether you’re after a red carbon-fiber or the HANS device friendly FIA seat there’s something for everyone in their selection.

These are the typically fantastic quality that we’ve come to expect from Bride, and although they’re not the cheapest, you’ll earn back the extra money in scene points anyway!

Manufacturer description: “The ZETA Series comes in 4 types to fit various heights and body types. Its design characteristics are the narrowed-down waistline and small needlepoint design of the shoulder support part. We also offer models which support car models with tight interiors to meet the needs of a broad range of users.“

“BRIDE’s fixed bucket seat ZETA has won in countless races while always keeping drivers safe. The racing comfort model, which has been tuned with consideration for all Motorsports settings, ZETA series“

Corbeau Forza

• Manufacturer: Corbeau
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Corbeau Forza seats here

Our comment: Branded as a ‘competition seat with a price tag for the weekend racer’, the Corbeau Forza is certainly excellent value.

The Forza features five harness slots for your race harness along with integrated shoulder support. Corbeau recommends this for those of you with a 36-38″ waist. They also have a wide alternative if you require a bigger size, which is for up to 44″.

These really are impressive value for money, and although they may not be the most exciting seat, they’re certainly worth considering for the price.

If black doesn’t tickle your fancy, you may want to consider the ‘Red’ variation.

Manufacturer description: “The Forza is the perfect entry level racing seat. The Forza racing seat combines comfort, performance, and safety at an absolutely unbeatable price.“

“If you enjoy racing and want a practical and affordable seat, the Forza is the seat for you.“

Sparco Sprint

• Manufacturer: Sparco
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Sparco Sprint seats here

Our comment: Sparco’s Sprint seats are their entry-level competition seat, which comes in at a reasonable price for the quality. At just $400, these FIA Approved seats should definitely be a consideration.

With a steel tubular frame and 6-point harness slots, these are ideal for both competition and daily driving use. Weighing in at 8.74kg, they’re going to be far lighter than the stock seats.

Sparco says that these are the best-selling seats in Europe, and we can see why. Excellent seats at an even better price point.

There are three color variations to choose from with these – Black, Red, and Blue.

Manufacturer description: “The Sprint is our entry level competition seat, perfect for weekend racers. It carefully balances safety, styling and value. The fastenings for side or bottom attachments on the tubular frame are better positioned on the shell while the holes for fifth and sixth seatbelt points provide improved safety. “

“This seat is made from fire retardant fabric and features contrasting quilting. Available in black, blue and red. FIA approved. “

Bride Gias III

• Manufacturer: Bride
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Bride Gias III seats here

Our comment: These are quite possibly the most stunning seats in the Bride range, and we absolutely love them so you might be wondering why we’ve only rated them 4*.

Let’s be honest, reclining seats aren’t anywhere near as necessary for a 350z as something with rear seats. Combine that with the fact that these are over double the price of the Zeta’s above, the Zeta’s feel more justified for the price tag.

Don’t get us wrong though, the Gias are as comfy as they are pretty, and if you’re looking for reclining seats for your daily, these are up there with the very best. However, for competition use, we would always opt for fixed back seats.

These are more similar to a bucket seat in the thigh region than the Stadia seats as they offer increased support.

These also come in low cushion variations. You can view the full Gias III range here.

Manufacturer description: “By adopting a super monocoque shell structure and an all-aluminum frame, GIAS series is a sporty reclining sports seat which realizes both lightweight and rigidity. The design deeply envelops the driver and realizes high holdability.“

“For the GIAS backrest we utilize a monocoque structure shell for decreased weight and reinforced rigidity. The shell materials we provide are 3 types including the lightweight and strong carbon aramid, the super aramid black shells which have superior tensile strength the same as carbon aramid which is only used by BRIDE, and FRP.“

Sparco Evo II US

• Manufacturer: Sparco
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Discontinued

Updated June 1st 2021: Product discontinued. We recommend taking a look at the latest seats in the Sparco range, such as the Sparco EVO L QRT.

Our comment: Given the number of orders for their larger seats from the US market for the original Evo, Sparco opted to make their Evo II in a larger size in this ‘US’ model.

Featuring an ultra-light fiberglass composite shell, this is an extremely popular seat priced at the higher end of the market.

This has been designed with extensive input from some of the finest racing drivers and is FIA approved and HANS device compatible. An excellent choice for those of you that are intending to race or drift at the track or competitively.

Manufacturer description: “Sparco’s EVO II US Racing Seat offer racing drivers both quality and value you can only expect from the Sparco Evo seat line. Features includes a unique shell shape and fiberglass construction that increases rigidity without adding excess weight. The EVO US II Racing Seat offers re-engineered seat proportions, which provide greater ergonomics.“

“This results in a seat that is both taller and slightly wider than the regular Evo and Evo II seat, making it perfect for taller/larger drivers. The seat belt slots featured on the EVO II US Racing Seat are also repositioned to sit more level with the driver’s shoulders. The Evo II US Racing seat can also accommodate a Hans device for even more added safety.“

Bride Stradia III

• Manufacturer: Bride
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Bride Stradia III seats here

Our comment: The Bride Stradia features a near-identical design to the previously reviewed Gias, with the exception of a shallower thigh area. This makes it perfect for daily driving, but for us, it has priced itself out of the typical daily driver price-range.

Combined with the reclining function, which isn’t vital for 350z’s unless you’re using it as a daily, this only earns itself a 4* rating from us despite once again being a fantastic and incredible-looking seat.

As always, Bride offers a great level of variety to choose from if the Stradia ticks the right boxes for your needs.

Manufacturer description: “STRADIA series’s shape features a lower knee support section compared to GIAS to enable easier boarding and exiting. The backrest deeply envelops the driver the same as GIAS, maintaining the high holdability. Because it utilizes a super monocoque shell structure and an aluminum frame, it achieves both light weight and high rigidity. This model is perfect for those who do not want to sacrifice holdability but are also concerned about ease of boarding/exiting.”

“With the STRADIA, the backrest has an enveloping form that enables high holdability, but the height of the thigh part is just enough to prioritize ease of boarding/exiting while maintaining holdability. This makes for a reclining sports seat which achieves both a suitable holdability and ease of use. In addition, wide-size is available for part of STRADIA lineup.“

Buddy Club Racing

• Manufacturer: Buddy Club
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Buddy Club Racing seats here

Our comment: Buddy Club is another popular seat manufacturer on the Japanese market and are well known for being extremely light (5kg) and well built, with a high-quality standard to match.

This is a performance seat for fast road use, ideal for use with a 4-point harness, however, they aren’t recommended for serious track use due to not having FIA approval.

There are Black and Red color options available and also a ‘Wide’ variation if required.

Manufacturer description: “Buddy club Racing Spec Seats have been tested and used in competition on various racing circuits around the world. This extensive “real world” testing was instrumental in the development of our one of a kind seat bolsters which offer the user support and grip while cornering and has proven extremely effective at even the most severe lateral g conditions.“

NRG Fixed Bucket (FRP-300)

• Manufacturer: NRG
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your NRG Fixed Bucket seats here

Our comment: NRG are known for bringing some great-looking budget parts to the market, and these seats are no exception with the impressive $200 price tag.

These may be ideal for a budget track build, but with car parts, we know that you often get what you pay for, and it looks like it’s the case this time around too.

We’ve heard several reports of the quality being to a low standard with fiberglass and issues with the mounting holes.

These have been included in our list as they’re an exceptional price, but we’d personally look elsewhere for something higher quality.

If you are interested in these, then this is the large variation and you can find the medium one here.

Manufacturer description: “NRG Innovations racing seats are designed with the best of comfort and style to improve the look and performance in any vehicle. Great lumbar support and holding feel as opposed to the stock seats. NRG seats are designed differently to accommodate different harness styles.”

Bride Vios III

• Manufacturer: Bride
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Discontinued

Updated 1st June 2021: Discontinued. We recommend taking a look at the latest seats in the Bride range, the Bride Euroster.

Our comment: If you’re looking for the ultimate low seat, Bride has once again come through with the goods on this awesome fixed-back seat.

This is almost identical to the Zeta, with the exception of the lower fitment, so it all depends what you’re looking for.

The Zeta does have more variety when it comes to sizing, so if you’re looking for a larger seat, that may well be the better option.

Manufacturer description: “Our VIOS line-up includes a total of 5 seats: VIOS III standard model. the premium “Japan” model which uses high-class faux suede for its surface material. the basic SPORT-C model. the REIMS model featuring a full cover extending to the back surface and a one-point accent color. and TYPE-R with a high holdability in its thigh section. It is an active fixed bucket seat which can meet a variety of customers’ needs from sports-oriented to luxury-oriented and fashion-oriented.“

“Because VIOS utilizes BRIDE’s patented Lomax System technology, it enables a low position even in a tight seat space. Even if offsets between the steering and seat centers occur, with the Lomax System it is possible to set the offset to zero*. (In some cases certain models may not reach zero).“

Corbeau FX1 Pro

• Manufacturer: Corbeau
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Corbeau FX1 Pro seats here

Our comment: The Corbeau FX1 is a very similar design to the original Sparco Evo seat but at a fraction of the price. Don’t get us wrong though, the quality isn’t quite as good as the Sparco, nor are they FIA approved.

Corbeau has a good reputation within the budget scene, and if you’re looking to run bucket seats in your daily driver or for light track use, these will be ideal. For serious racing, we always recommend FIA-approved seats in case it becomes a requirement further down the line.

This ‘Pro’ range is the cheapest, which features narrower shoulders with racing in mind. There’s also the wider-shoulder FX1 and the large FX1 seats available.

Manufacturer description: “The FX1 Pro racing seat features composite fiberglass technology. The FX1 Pro combines comfort, performance, and safety at an absolutely unbeatable price. Designed with an emphasis on comfort, this seat is one of the most comfortable race seats you will ever sit in.“

“If you enjoy racing and want a practical and affordable shell seat, the FX1 Pro is a hard one to pass on. As a rule of thumb, the FX1 Pro racing seat will fit up to a 36 inch waist, the FX1 will fit up to a 38 inch waist and the FX1 Wide (black only) will fit up to a 42 inch waist.“

Sparco Pro 2000

• Manufacturer: Sparco
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Sparco Pro 2000 seats here

Our comment: The Sparco Pro 2000 seat has certainly stood the test of time and is still one of the most popular seats on the market.

This great looking racing seat is FIA homologated and is also suitable for use with a HANS device.

Weighing in at just 7.7kg, it should certainly be a consideration for those of you that are looking to go down the more serious motorsport route.

Manufacturer description: “The Sparco Pro 2000 is our most popular competition seat. It combines comfort and ergonomics with safety and performance. The non-slip fabric on the shoulder and cushion area and two lumbar support pads improve cockpit comfort.“

“Made from a light fiberglass composite shell and wrapped in a fire retardant fabric, the Sparco Pro 2000 features a seat design that cradles the body for greater performance. The Sparco Pro 2000 is FIA approved.“

Corbeau A4

• Manufacturer: Corbeau
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Corbeau A4 seats here

Our comment: Corbeau enter the higher end of the market with their extremely popular A4 seat.

This is another reclining option but this time aimed at the more reasonable side of the market than the Bride variants.

These are a great all-rounder for daily and perhaps occasional basic light track use. If you are looking to get seriously involved with motorsports or drifting, we’d definitely recommend the fixed-back seats.

These come in a wide variety of colors, with Black, Blue, Red, Black Suede and Grey/Black Suede to choose from.

A reasonably priced all-rounder for those of you looking for a simple reclining seat for daily use.

Manufacturer description: “The Corbeau A4 seat is a snug fitting touring seat with a fully reclining back. This seat has excellent lateral support with low side bolsters and a low profile design.”

“As a rule of thumb, the A4 will fit up to a 34-36 inch waist while the A4 Wide will fit up to a 38-40 inch waist.“

Takata Race LE

• Manufacturer: Takata
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2008
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Discontinued

Our comment: Best known for their signature JDM-style green harnesses, Takata have also entered the seat market with this great looking selection.

There’s no doubt that Takata knows a thing or two about safety, and these seats would look awesome alongside their harnesses.

These are FIA-homologated, designed 6-point harnesses and also HANS compatible, so they are an excellent all-rounder for those of you looking to get serious at the track.

Given that these are only a Limited Edition, we highly recommend that you grab yourself a set before they all sell out if they’re the choice for you.

Manufacturer description: “The limited edition TAKATA Race LE Competition Bucket Seat is an incredibly safe, deep sided and extremely rigid seat that still allows freedom of movement for all disciplines.”

“The black Spacer Fabric, stitched in subtle TAKATA Green, keeps you cool. High backed, fully HANS® compatible with increased kidney protection, but relieved below the shoulders for lateral arm movement, this seat allows you to really get over the wheel and take control without any compromise on what is known as one of the most comfortable seats in the industry.“

Our winner

Our winning seat is the Bride Gias III

To pick our winner from this choice of 350z seats, we looked at a number of criteria; performance, quality, popularity, and design.

Based on these criteria we have chosen the Bride Gias III’s to be our winner.

Bride Gias III

There’s a valid reason that Bride are the most popular seats in Japan and the most sought-after across the rest of the world. With their stunning, unique styling and perfect workmanship, these are fantastic looking and comfortable seats.

Combined with the huge selection and variety of sizes, styles, and colors that Bride has to offer, it allows the owner to customize their Gias III’s exactly to their needs.

As the Gias is a reclining seat you will enjoy support, comfort and adjustability that a conventional bucket seat will not be able to offer.

If you’re going for a serious competition seat, you’ll want to take a look at the Zeta IV range, which is both FIA homologated and HANS compatible.

Thank you for reading our Nissan 350z seat guide

We hope that you’re now confident in choosing the right product for your needs, whether it’s cruising on the street or tearing it up at the track!

Enjoyed this article? Make sure you check out more of our 350z tuning guides!

• 350z Turbo Kit guide
• 350z Test Pipes guide
• 350z Headers guide
• 350z Y-Pipe guide
• 350z Supercharger Kit guide
• 350z Intake Plenum Spacer guide
• 350z Roll Cage guide

You can also check out our Ultimate Nissan 350z Buyer’s Guide.

Photography credits

We would like to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

• 350z-uk.com
• Fitted State
• Modified Mag
• Driving Line
• Jznsn2u Photography

If you enjoyed this article then please share it with the buttons at the side and bottom of your screen. Find this information useful? Please post a link to it on your cars owners club. We really appreciate your support.

The post Ultimate 350z Seat Buying Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• Performance Mods
• 350Z Coilover Kits
• 350Z Exhausts
• 350Z Test Pipes
• 350Z Y-Pipes
• Exhaust Heat Wrap
• 350Z Cold Air Intake
• 350Z Plenum Spacer
• 350Z Turbo Kit
• 350Z Supercharger Kit
• 350Z Clutch
• 350Z Hydraulic Handbrake
• 350Z LS Swap
• Styling Mods
• 350Z Rear Diffuser
• 350Z Wing
• 350Z Front Lip
• 350Z Seats
• 350Z Rollcage
• 350Z Steering Wheel
• 350Z Work Wheels

Introduction

Now that we’ve built up an impressively comprehensive list of just about every tuning upgrade that’s worth doing for your 350Z, we’ve opted to get them all in one place to help you build the ultimate Z33.

We’re huge fans of the fifth generation of Nissan’s Z-car line here at Drifted, and with their prices becoming more reasonable than ever, it’s hard to ignore the ridiculous amounts of potential they have to offer.

Whether you’re looking to build a budget drift beater or a sleek and stylish stance car, the 350Z is capable of offering the best of both worlds.

Z-cars have skyrocketed in popularity since the introduction of the 240Z way back in 1970. Over the years, they continually evolved, and the raw driving energy that the 240Z provided still thrives in the 350Z.

Many enthusiasts feel that Nissan’s 350Z was the final Fairlady to capture this emotion, as the popular opinion is that the 370Z has somewhat detoured onto a more modern, refined route.

The introduction of Nissan’s 370Z undoubtedly pleased many of those who were tempted by a 350Z.

As the 370Z has become more affordable, an increasing volume of 350Zs is popping up on the marketplace with irresistible price tags, and it could well be the perfect time to cop your dream Z33.

Given that the 350Z is one of the final ‘true’ JDM drivers’ cars ever produced, it’s highly likely to become a cult classic on the drifting scene in the future.

The Perfect Mix of Affordability and Performance

With the likes of the Fairlady’s more popular sister, Silvia, often hogging the limelight, this has sent their prices skyrocketing in recent years, and 240SX’s now come with a significant ‘scene tax’ stamp duty.

We’ve also witnessed this growth with the likes of BMW’s 3-series, and reasonably priced rear-wheel-drive sports cars are becoming increasingly hard to find, spares are also becoming increasingly scarce.

For that reason, we feel that the 350Z represents the perfect opportunity when it comes to looks, affordability, and also performance.

There’s no shortage of reasonably-priced used parts when the wall-tap turns into an unfortunate wall-crunch, either.

Despite the Z33’s capabilities being impressive as soon as they rolled out of the showroom, there’s no question that both the chassis and engines are capable of providing so much more.

Both the VQ35DE and VQ35HR are fantastic powerplants in stock form, but they’re both hiding heaps of potential that we’re going to help you unleash.

We’ll discuss everything from bolt-on mods to turbo upgrades, and even the JDM fanboys’ worst nightmare – the dreaded V8 swap!

Not only that, but we’ll also look at everything else, from achieving the ultimate handling right the way through to the perfect head-unit. (Well, assuming your new exhaust isn’t too loud!)

Join us as we take a look at our favorite modifications on the market to transform your Nissan 350Z into the perfect weapon for the car park meet, the canyons, or the track.

Performance Mods

Although it’s a fantastic out-the-box package, we can’t deny that the 350Z is somewhat lacking in stock form, especially when going up against a high-performance rival.

Its grunty V6 engine is capable of achieving some tire-spinning fun, and some simple bolt-on engine mods along with a good tune can completely transform the performance.

Likewise, fitting a superior suspension kit is also a fantastic choice to make the chassis handle like it’s on rails, so let’s get started with our favorite coilover kits.

350Z Coilover Kits

Whether your tired stock suspension is beginning to show signs of age, excessive body roll or you feel as though the existing suspension has more to offer, these coilover kits will be the perfect upgrade.

For a comprehensive coilover suspension kit review, before you make your final selection, we highly recommend that you head over to our Ultimate 350z Coilover Guide.

Drifted Coilover Winner

APEXi N1 ExV Damper Coilover Kit

• Manufacturer: APEXi
• Levels of damping adjustment: 32
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 10kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
• Purchase link: Buy your APEXi N1 ExV’s here

Our comment: Japanese tuning legends APEXi have provided a fantastically-priced coilover option for those who of you that are looking for a budget setup, which offers incredible value for money.

They came in as the cheapest coilovers in our in-depth coilover guide, but after looking at their specifications, features, quality of build materials, and price tag, they won the award for the best all-rounder.

Manufacturer description: “APEXi N1 ExV is the newest line of coilover kits from Apexi featuring dual height and 32 way dampening adjustments. ExV, which stands for “Expert Type V” was designed to the be ultimate street suspension with no compromise for ride quality and price”.

“Features include:
– 44mm Monotube Damper w/ 32 way adjustments
– Full dual height adjustable body for fine adjustments
– Spanner wrench and accessories included
– High quality design and manufacturing”

“A must have for anyone doing track days and spirited driving. Will improve car handling and response effectively”.

Drifted Coilover Alternatives

If you’re looking for a more substantial track-oriented setup, then our Track Choice, the Apexi N1 Evolution Damper is going to be a perfect alternative.

Alternatively, our Domestic Choice went to the Stance XR1 coilovers, which offer a mid-range price point alongside impressive performance.

And while you’re at it, consider getting a sway bar kit for some additional stability.

350Z Exhausts

Exhausts are one of the quickest and easiest bolt-on modifications that will completely transform the look and sound of your 350Z, while also providing some minor performance gains.

If you’re modding your 350Z, then an aftermarket exhaust is a must-have addition.

You can also invest in a high flow cat for another performance boost!

Make sure you check out our 350Z Exhaust Guide to experience the true potential that these upgraded exhaust systems and catalytic converter kits have to offer, as we’ve also included videos with sound clips from each model.

Drifted Exhaust Winner

TOMEI Expreme Ti 350z exhaust

• Manufacturer: TOMEI
• Internal pipe diameter: 60.5mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Single 76.3mm exit
• Primary exhaust system material: Titanium
• Purchase link: Buy your TOMEI Expreme Ti 350z exhaust here

Our comment: TOMEI’s Expreme Ti series offers incredible value for money, and also looks the part with its burnt titanium tip.

You’re going to struggle to find better value for money than this incredibly light exhaust, which is why it’s become so popular throughout the JDM tuning world.

As for sound, expect to finally release the full potential of the 350Z’s V6 extraordinary pops, bangs, and wails as it roars to life!

Manufacturer description: “Instead of creating an exhaust system that focuses only on maximum peak power, Tomei’s priority for this kit is overall engine performance gains. Each tube’s length and size are selected to suit the engine’s characteristics and chassis to maximize torque, response, and exhaust flow efficiency. The use of titanium combined with the single piping layout reduces overall weight from approximately 45 pounds to an ultra-low 10 pounds”.

Drifted Exhaust Alternatives

With impressive performance gains, the free-flowing AAM Competition 3″ True Dual Titanium Tip exhaust comes highly recommended for high-powered forced induction builds. coilovers, which offer a mid-range price point alongside impressive performance.

Be warned that our Premium Choice AAM exhaust is on the loud side, and most definitely won’t win over any neighbors!

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly single-tip exhaust, then our Budget Winner, the ISR Performance Single GT Exhaust, could be the solution.

This bargain exhaust is more circuit, and neighbor-friendly, featuring a muffler and silencer and utilizes a single 115mm tailpipe.

350Z Test Pipes

Test Pipes are often one of the first reasonably-priced modifications for your 350Z, and you’ll achieve the most out of your VQ35 engine once you get the improve the restrictive stock exhaust flow.

When combined with a performance exhaust system, headers, and a CAI, you’ll undoubtedly see even more significant improvements.

In case you’re not already aware, test pipes don’t go down well in most states, so we recommend doing your research before purchasing.

If you’d like to take a look at the alternatives on offer, then make sure you head over to our 350Z Test Pipes guide.

Drifted Test Pipes Winner

AAM Competition 350z Test Pipes

AAM states that their test pipes have the highest flow available, and we have no reason to doubt them.

With dyno graphs backing up their 8-10 RWHP claims from a stock 350Z, they certainly seem to have brought the most impressive product to the market at an extremely reasonable price.

Combine this with exceptional quality, fitment, performance, and compatibility with reducing CEL’s, and it’s a no-brainer why so many 350Z owners opt for the AAM Test Pipes.

Manufacturer description:

• Highest Flow Available
• Dyno testing has shown 8-10 RWHP gains on a stock 2004 Nissan 350Z!
• Precision TIG welded T-304 Stainless Steel
• T304 stainless steel flanges
• Saves 11 pounds

350Z Y-Pipes

Y-Pipes merge the VQ35’s exhaust headers onto the exhaust, and these override the restrictive, emission-reducing OEM part.

These will provide a far superior exhaust tone, minor power improvements, and also provide you with some welcome weight-reduction.

If you’d like to check out the alternatives on offer, then make head over to our 350Z Y-Pipes Guide.

Drifted Y-Pipes Winner

AAM Competition 350z Y-Pipes

AAM Competition has once again won us, and most 350Z enthusiasts over with their fantastic Y-Pipe offering.

Featuring exceptionally high quality at a reasonable price, these T-304 Stainless Steel Y-Pipes will be the perfect addition to your 350Z, providing an impressive 8 RWHP over the restrictive OEM system.

Manufacturer description: “Using smooth 2.5″ mandrel bent tubing and stainless steel flex joints which flow into one large 3″ tube, the AAM Comp Y-Pipe improves upon the factory Y-Pipe’s restrictive design by allowing a substantial increase in the mass of exhaust flow, and reduces the backpressure and thermal stress, which helps to unleash the engine’s potential for increased power and torque”.

• Inlet: 2.5″
• Factory Y-Pipe: approx 16 lbs
• AAM Comp Y-Pipe: approx 12 lbs
• Weight savings: 4 lbs
• Recommended install time: 1 hour

350Z Headers

Exhaust headers are another popular upgrade when it comes to getting your VQ35 engine breathing to its true potential.

Although the stock headers aren’t too restrictive, tuning houses across the world have spent years refining the perfect designs for maximum power gains.

TOMEI have taken the win this time around, but if you’d like to take a look at the other options, then make sure you head over to our 350Z Headers Guide.

Drifted Headers Winner

TOMEI Expreme V2 350Z Exhaust Headers

The TOMEI V2 headers took the win because of the performance gains and price point. Picking up a pair of TOMEI headers is an excellent choice for any 350z owner that wants improved power delivery, increased top-end power, and enjoys a great exhaust tone.

The headers are well built, look fantastic, and comes with everything you need to bolt right on. When combined with a free-flowing exhaust system, the performance gains will be impressive for an NA engine.

Manufacturer description: “The new Tomei Expreme exhaust manifold V2 design targets a sharper throttle response, a true race-exhaust sound, and increased power gains. Tomei tests their designs on both a dyno and in real road conditions in the Z Masters race series in Japan, so you know you are getting an exhaust manifold that gives you a competitive edge”.

“This exhaust manifold gives you the high airflow you need for a better driving experience”.

• The Tomei Expreme exhaust manifold V2 is engineered for maximum performance
• The pipe bends are designed to maximize exhaust flow efficiency
• The merging section joint angles have been flow tested
• Bolt on kit

Exhaust Heat Wrap

Heat wrap is perfect for making the most out of your new exhaust components, such as your headers.

Exhaust wrap will not only improve their lifespan due to heating up and cooling down effectively, but it also provides increased engine efficiency by keeping the engine bay temperatures down.

Some wraps are rated to improve engine bay temperatures by up to 50%, which is a vast improvement for such reasonable value.

If you’re looking to upgrade your breathing mods, we’d highly recommend fitting heat wrap before installing.

Make sure you also check out the alternatives in our Exhaust Heat Wrap guide.

Drifted Exhaust Heat Wrap Winner

DEi Titanium Thermal Exhaust Wrap

DEi’s Titanium heat wrap is equipped with LR technology, which has been made from pulverized lava rock and stranded into a fiber material before being woven into a proprietary weave.

Titanium wrap is engineered to be more durable than other wraps on the market and also more durable, providing improved thermal performance and reliability.

DEi’s wrap is one of the best when it comes to withstanding heat, too. With 1800˚F direct heat and 2500˚F radiant, it’s undoubtedly going to be perfect for your needs.

Manufacturer description:

• Withstands 1800˚F direct/2500˚F intermittent heat
• Promotes increased flow for improved performance
• Reduces temperature & vibration breakdown
• Extremely pliable for a tight and secure wrap
• DEI HT Silicone Coating not required
• Pre-wetting roll not necessary for wrapping
• Hi-tech carbon fiber look
• High resistance to abrasions, oil spills, temperatures and vibration breakdown

350Z Cold Air Intake

Upgrading the VQ 35’s intake is typically one of the first performance modifications that 350Z owners carry out.

Changing out your stock airbox and filter for an aftermarket unit will increase the power, improve throttle response, generate increased intake noise, and improve the look of the engine bay.

Cold air intakes are easy to fit yourself, and for Nissan’s 350z, they offer impressively cost-effective performance benefits.

Drifted 350Z Cold Air Intake Winner

Takeda 350Z Cold Air Intake

Takeda is claiming that this high-quality cold air intake is going to bolt on an extra 19bhp and 16flt/lbs of torque to your 350Z.

Although we take that with a pinch of salt, if it’s anywhere near, then it’s a substantial gain for less than 300 bucks.

The Takeda Air Intake is an impressively designed, yet simple kit, which includes an aluminium short ram pipe with a Takeda Pro Dry S oil-less filter.

We feel that this CAI is a real bargain, but if you’d like to view the alternatives on the market, then head to our 350Z Cold Air Intake Guide.

Manufacturer description: “Takeda Retain is the Takeda Short Ram lineup. These intakes create simple, bolt-on horsepower that requires simple, quick installation and no bumper removal. Some of the short ram intakes include a wrinkle black heat shield”.

“Takeda Air Intake Systems use a revolutionary new Pro Dry S Filter Media that works without filter oil. This media is easier and faster to clean than traditional foam, and requires no costly and messy solvents or oils”.

“Takeda filters can be cleaned in a matter of minutes and are ready to use after only a couple of hours of drying time. Unlike pre-oiled or disposable filters, Takeda Filters are Lifetime Filters that will last as long as you own your vehicle”.

350Z Plenum Spacer

Intake plenum spacers are a cost-effective power modification for both stock and modified 350z (VQ35DE) engines.

Shortly after Nissan Z33 was released, tuners and enthusiasts discovered that there were inefficiencies in the design of the standard intake plenum that showed potential for improvement.

They found that by increasing the volume of air passing into the intake plenum, it could liberate increased horsepower and torque.

An efficient way of taking advantage of this is by adding a spacer to the intake plenum.

Intake plenum spacers have been dyno proven to yield more than 10 BHP. For only a couple of hundred dollars, they provide incredible gains for the cost.

Not only do they improve performance, but they’ll even provide improved mpg, making it a real no-brainer.

Keen to know more? Check out our full 350Z Intake Plenum Spacer Guide here.

Drifted 350Z Plenum Spacer Winner

Skunk2 350z Intake Plenum Spacer

The Skunk2 intake plenum spacer is now on version 2 and, this latest revision offers you excellent value for money.

With a dyno-proven 10 BHP gain, claims of improved throttle response and, enhanced gas mileage, the Skunk2 offering makes a perfect case for itself.

Manufacturer description: “Skunk2’s revised Nissan/Infiniti VQ35 Composite Intake Plenum Spacer V2.0 is dyno proven and road tested to outperform all other intake manifold plenum spacers”.

“Skunk2’s Intake Plenum Spacer V2.0 features a number of improvements, including a thicker design that increases plenum volume, lowers intake temperatures, and allows the engine’s front cylinders to breathe more efficiently”.

“All of this results in gains as high as 10 hp, increased throttle response, and a fuel efficiency increase of more than 2mpg. Unlike competitors’ spacers, Skunk2’s Intake Plenum Spacer V2.0 is constructed from an aerospace thermo-polymer composite that offers superior thermal insulation characteristics when compared to aluminum spacers or other heat-insulating gasket materials”.

350Z Turbo Kit

The stock 285 PS may be adequate for the street, but if you’re serious about increasing power from the naturally aspirated VQ35 engine, then you’re going to have to dig deep.

Tuning a naturally aspirated engine is expensive, but can certainly provide some much-needed power gains, which will undoubtedly help with getting your 350Z sideways at the track!

There are several 350Z Turbo Kits available, so make sure you head over to our full 350Z Turbo Kit Guide before making the substantial decision.

Drifted 350Z Turbo Kit Winner

Jim Wolf Technologies Twin Turbo kit

The JWT kit is a great starter turbo kit that comes in at a mid-level price point.

Offering 125 WHP out of the box and impressive reliability claims, this could be the perfect solution to safely increasing your power.

Further upgrade options for this kit are also available to make things even more exciting.

With the high quality of components, USA based manufacturing and support base, low boost twin-turbo response, motorsport-proven track record (the kit was developed on their own competition car), and price point the JWT Twin Turbo kit makes an exceptional case for itself.

Manufacturer description: “JWT originally designed this kit as a feasibility study in conjunction with Garrett and Infiniti’s product planner at the time. The kit is designed around the O.E. criteria for reliability, no boost lag, and safe but significant power levels”.

“The JWT Twin Turbo Kit has accomplished this and more over thousands of miles of reliable track and street use since it’s release. All critical airflow junctions use application specific castings to maximize flow and eliminate boost lag. Turbo outlets have isolated waste paths to improve turbine efficiency”.

“JWT has combined high efficiency Garrett GT Ball Bearing Turbos, Garrett charge cooler cores (700+hp rated) with over 300 individual parts, to create the most complete and reliable bolt on forced induction system available for Nissan and Infiniti VQ35 vehicles”.

“No other boosting solution combines the reliability, performance, and throttle responsiveness of this system”.

“This system is complete requiring no other modifications to deliver an additional 125WHP and much more with additional JWT upgrade stages”.

350Z Supercharger Kit

We’ve already taken a look at our Turbocharger options that are available on the market above.

However, for those of you that are looking for a more linear power delivery, a supercharger kit is likely to be the ideal choice.

Not sure about the differences between the two forced induction options? We highly recommend that you take a look at our Turbocharger vs. Supercharger Guide before you make your decision.

If you’re interested in the other supercharger options available for the 350Z, then head over to our 350Z Supercharger Guide.

Drifted 350Z Supercharger Kit Winner

Vortech Supercharger Kit

Vortech has put their years of valuable knowledge in the supercharging scene to create the ultimate kit for 350z owners.

Vortech combines great value for money with impressive build quality, reliability, and customer service. Not only that, but it’s also one of the most convenient supercharger kits to install (around 8-12 hours).

With owners making an impressive 410hp from the kit and 440hp from the ‘Rev-Up’ variation, it’s easy to see why so many have made this their choice. This kit also includes upgrade options to gain additional power, with over 577 RWHP being achieved!

From ease of installation, value for money and upgradability, this will future-proof your 350Z to ensure that you’re always at the top of your game.

Manufacturer description: “The 350Z system uses Vortech’s V-3 SCi supercharger. Continued development in Vortech’s Lab resulted in the V-3 SCi. The “i” stands for improved and with its new patented oil control system and state of the art centrifugal compressor stage this V-3 literally blows away the competition. Industry leading 75% adiabatic efficiency [SAE J1723 standard] means less heat is being generated, reduced drive power and more net power is produced. Less heat also means better durability, easier on the engine than any turbo installation”.

“Vortech supercharger systems are a great value. Dollar for dollar, Vortech systems deliver more horsepower than virtually any other method of upgrade. Also, driven normally, gas mileage usually increases”.

“Vortech’s 350Z Supercharger Systems are available as either a complete, fully calibrated bolt-on system, or as a Tuner Kit for custom installations at over 500 HP. And with Vortech’s many upgrade solutions, there is always more power when you are ready”.

350Z Clutch

Sooner or later, it’ll be time to replace your 350Z clutch, but it can be challenging to decide whether an OEM replacement or an aftermarket uprated clutch is likely to be best for your needs.

The 350Z’s clutch and gearboxes certainly aren’t the quietest or smoothest, but it’s part of the beauty of the Z33.

When deciding which clutch is best for your needs, we highly recommend considering the plans for your 350Z.

If you have long-term big power goals, then we highly recommend investing in an uprated performance clutch right away.

If you’re interested to know more about 350Z clutches, we’ve gone into far more detail with the full range of products on the market in our 350Z Clutch Guide.

Drifted 350Z Clutch Winner

Jim Wolf Technologies (JWT) Clutch Kit

JWT continues to bring incredible products to the 350Z market, and their clutches certainly don’t disappoint. Given that most owners reading this guide won’t be planning to go crazy power, it’s the best bang-for-your-buck choice for those who want a simple, reliable alternative to the stock clutch.

If you are planning for substantial power gains, there are still plenty of other options out there. You’ll want to check out the ATS, EXEDY, and South Bend/DXD selection.

For those of you that aren’t looking at substantial power increases shortly, EXEDY has a reasonably-priced OEM replacement, which will be perfect for your needs.

Manufacturer description: “1200KG clamping force and a smooth organic disc makes this the best choice for street / track 350Z-G35 including boosted cars!”

350Z Hydraulic Handbrake

It is common knowledge that the stock brakes on the 350Z leave a lot to be desired. The same goes for the hand brake as well.

Is your stock handbrake struggling to live up to your drift hero expectations? A hydraulic handbrake is a perfect solution for your issues.

Sure, the stock hand brakes in the 350Zs may well be adequate for your needs when kicking the back end out in a parking lot.

However, when it comes to tricky initiations at the track, a hydraulic handbrake is going to be the best choice to maximize your potential.

Other benefits of switching to a hydraulic hand braking system are that the traditional handbrake operates on a cable, and over time, mainly when used in anger, that cable will end up stretching and potentially snapping. Repeatedly.

For that reason, those of you that are keen to drift their 350Z’s will undoubtedly need to consider upgrading to a hydro at some point soon, and our Hydraulic Handbrake Guide provides you with everything you need to know.

Drifted 350Z Hydraulic Handbrake Winner

OBP Motorsport Pro-Drift V3 Lockable Hydraulic Handbrake

UK-based OBP Motorsports are one of the highest-regarded brands in motorsport, and commonly found in competitive drift cars which vouch for their reputation.

The exceptional quality of this hydraulic hand brake upgrade and its fantastic price has unsurprisingly earned praise as it deservedly conquers the top spot.

Manufacturer description: “The Pro-Drift V3 – Our Flagship Hydraulic Handbrake. The pinnacle of engineering, which can be universally mounted for any Motorsport application”.

“With an ergonomic design, manufactured from Aircraft Grade T6061 Aluminium and incredible build quality. The Pro-Drift V3 is the only choice for serious contenders”.

350Z LS Swap

We’re going to end our performance section with the opportunity to carry out a rather drastic performance upgrade.

Don’t get us wrong here, both the VQ35DE and HR are fantastic engines, and with the addition of supercharging and twin-turbocharging both being an option, they are capable of becoming a real weapon.

However, we’ve witnessed first-hand just how expensive aftermarket forced induction on a stock engine can become.

If you’re lucky enough to have deep pockets, it is undoubtedly a solid choice, but if you’re looking for an improved power-to-money ratio, LS swaps often offer more potential. (Sorry, Japan.)

If you’re keen to stir up a little controversy, then why not create stupendous amounts of noise and have enough power to comfortably throw it down sideways at the track while also maintaining reliability?

LS-swapping is certainly nothing new, and 350Z owners have been doing it since the early 2000s, but with today’s off-the-shelf products, it’s more affordable and convenient than ever.

Sure, you’re going to upset your JDM fanboy buddies while you feel the need to scream ‘LS THE WORLD!’, but you’ll soon forget about that when you’ve got a smoke trail billowing from the rear tires, and you can comfortably make the round trip to the local track day without breaking down.

Not to mention the fact that you can then go on to turbocharge your LS1 to create even more ridiculous power gains.

If you’re willing to consider V8 swapping your V6 350Z, then we’ve provided you with everything you need to know in our 350Z LS Swap Guide.

Styling Mods

The tuning potential of the 350Z certainly doesn’t stop at performance upgrades, and there’s a huge selection of choices out there when it comes to perfecting the sleek lines of the 350Z.

Although the 350Z looks excellent in stock form, there’s certainly room for improvement, especially if you want a drift build or a show car with loads of camber that stands out. We hope that these upgrades will help you craft your unique vision.

We think we’ve covered just about everything in our guides, but if there are any additional styling modifications that you’d specifically like our help on, then don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

350Z Rear Diffuser

Do you think that your Fairlady’s rear end could do with some improvements? If so, we’ve got plenty of solutions for you to see what takes your fancy in our full 350Z Rear Diffuser guide.

When it comes to rear diffusers for the 350z, there are a few tried and tested extremely popular methods, and will drastically transform that slightly dull factory rear end.

If you’re looking for a carbon fiber diffuser, it’s worth remembering that it’s a difficult material to get perfect, and high-quality carbon fiber generally comes at a price, which doesn’t make it too ideal for drifting!

With fiberglass products, they’re easily tweaked, repaired, and modified, and they’re often going to need some form of adjustment to get the perfect fitment.

You can either get a professional body shop to do this for you (trust me, they’re used to modifying fiberglass parts!) or take on a DIY job of your own.

Drifted 350Z Rear Diffuser Winner

Circuit Sports 350z Rear Diffuser

The Circuit Sports rear diffuser comes in both unpainted fiberglass or carbon fiber variations, depending on how much you’re looking to spend.

Circuit Sports are well known for delivering excellent quality for competitive prices. Whether you’re after stunning carbon fiber or wanting your diffuser to match the rest of the car, they have the perfect answer.

This diffuser is a fantastic choice for those of you that are running either a single-exit exhaust as you can purchase the optional extra exhaust block-off cap.

Manufacturer description: “Circuit Sports UV Protected Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser for Nissan 350Z Z33. Enhance the rear end of your 350z with this beautiful gloss rear diffuser”.

“Comes standard with dual exhaust cutouts and for single exhaust 350Z’s. Please purchase the block off cap separately”.

350Z Wing

There’s a huge variety of 350z wings on the market, so we’ve narrowed it down to some of the best, and most popular picks out there in our 350Z Wing Guide to save you countless hours of searching.

There are a variety of reasons why owners fit rear wings, from the smaller trunk lip, which provides a subtle addition to polish off the rear-end, right the way through to the damn right outrageous chassis-mounted wings for the ultimate head-turner.

Whether you’re looking to add some subtle styling to your stanced-out street Z or looking to whack the local media guy around the head with your gigantic wang of destiny, there’s undoubtedly an ideal choice for you on the market.

Drifted 350Z Wing Winner

Big Country Labs Atmosphere Demolisher Wing Kit

Big Country Labs have been increasing in popularity over the years with their audacious approach to the big-wing game.

Sure, their BGW’s might not be to everyone’s taste (that’s what tuning is all about!), but there’s no doubt that their Atmosphere Demolisher kit will completely transform the look of your Z.

These look insane on slammed, widebody cars, and if you’ve got a big build planned and you’re looking to make an impression at the track or the meet, you’ve most likely met your match!

With a vast array of customization options, which allows you to choose the upright style, material (carbon fiber is available), size, and even your personalized choice of end-plates, this allows for a unique finishing touch to your ride.

We know of several owners running BCL wings, and they’ve been delighted with them. Dare to be different!

Manufacturer description: “Big Country Labs wing decks are made of the highest quality materials to stand up to your toughest beatdown. Fiberglass decks are vacuum-formed and arrive in a smooth matte finish. Carbon fiber decks feature a tight weave and ultra high gloss finish”.

“All wing decks include stainless steel mounting hardware, cup-washers, and adjustable laser-cut aluminum endplates”.

Kit includes:

• Wing deck in 1700mm or new 1850mm
• Upper Brackets
• Trunk Brackets
• Uprights
• Endplates
• Stainless steel hardware kit with counter-sunk washers

350Z Front Lip

Although the 350Z looks excellent in stock form, the OEM body kit is missing that ‘ground-hugging’ look, and by adding a front lip to your existing Nissan bumper, it can completely transform the front-end.

There’s a wide variety of selections available for 350Z’s on the market, and in our full 350Z Front Lip Guide, we’ve taken a look at the various options that are available out there.

If you’re frequently heading to the track, it may be an ideal choice to look at some of the cheaper FRP options, since that minor crash will probably be a bit more painful if you’ve also got the thought of carbon fiber repairs to consider.

Drifted 350Z Front Lip Winner

Seibon CW Style Carbon Fiber Front Lip

Based on quality, value, fitment, customer service, and popularity, we opted for this stylish carbon fiber offering from Seibon as our Drifted Winner.

Admittedly, there will be better options in our full guide for those of you that will be drifting their 350Z’s.

As far as looks go, we think that the Seibon lip looks pretty damn awesome, and we’re confident that you won’t be disappointed with Seibon’s quality, either.

Manufacturer description: “Seibon Carbon components are carefully hand-crafted using only the finest materials. Our production team offers superior craftsmanship with over 15 years of experience working with carbon fiber”.

“Every component is constructed with a consistent weave pattern. Our production processes allow exceptional carbon/resin ratio, creating high product stiffness that also leads to extra strength”.

”For a stunning finish, our products are coated with a glossy clear coat that does not chip or flake. We meticulously inspect all of our components and stand firmly behind our products so that you can enjoy peace of mind with every genuine Seibon Carbon product”.

350Z Seats

If you intend to use your car on the track, whether it’s for drifting, grip racing, or even autocross, you’re going to have to consider swapping out your seats at some point, as the stock ones will most likely end up throwing you around the car.

When pushing the car to the limits, the last thing you want to do is have a tug-of-war match with the steering wheel against the slippy stock seats.

As well as firmly holding you in place, there’s a whole range of additional reasons why aftermarket seats are ideal for any tuned car, and we explore all of them in the full Ultimate 350z Seat Buying Guide.

Drifted 350Z Seats Winner

Bride Gias II

Although there’s a wide range of incredible seats in our guide, the highly-acclaimed JDM legends, Bride took the win with their incredible Gias II seats.

If you’re a fan of JDM upgrades, Bride seats should undoubtedly be a consideration and are well worth saving up for, offering unrivaled comfort, and looks.

Just make sure you don’t end up buying fakes, as seats are one of the most vital safety aspects when it comes to upgrades. You may be surprised to hear that there are a LOT of fake Bride’s on the market, sadly.

We’ve chosen the Gias II for their reclining back function, which makes them practical on both the street and the track, but if you’re building a track-oriented car, then we have plenty of fixed-back alternatives in our guide which will be worth considering.

Manufacturer description: “By adopting a super monocoque shell structure and an all-aluminum frame, GIAS series is a sporty reclining sports seat which realizes both lightweight and rigidity. The design deeply envelops the driver and realizes high holdability”.

“For the GIAS backrest we utilize a monocoque structure shell for decreased weight and reinforced rigidity. The shell materials we provide are 3 types including the lightweight and strong carbon aramid, the super aramid black shells which have superior tensile strength the same as carbon aramid which is only used by BRIDE, and FRP”.

350Z Rollcage

If you’re going to be pushing your 350Z to the limits at the track, then a rollcage is another must-have safety feature that you’ll need to integrate into your build.

Admittedly, they’re not the most exciting things to spend money on, but you can’t put a price on safety.

We’ve covered all of the options available in our full 350Z Rollcage Guide, and we highly recommend taking a look at what best suits your needs, whether you’re after a bolt-in or welded cage.

Drifted 350Z Rollcage Winner

ER Spec Nissan 350Z Drift Roll Cage

This roll cage from ER Spec has been built by the Nissan experts at Enjuku Racing specifically with drifting in mind.

Each kit is hand-made to order, and this specific option requires welding, which is the best choice for the ultimate safety levels, and aimed at enthusiasts or competitors that are serious about their drifting or racing.

This kit is a real bargain, but you will need to consider whether you’ll be fitting it yourself, with a buddy, or taking it to the local experts (which we’d personally recommend.) Although this option comes with an additional cost when it comes to fitting, it’ll be worth it for peace of mind.

If you are interested in caging your 350z, then our 350z bash bar guide may be worth a look.

Manufacturer description: “Stay safe with an ER Spec drift car roll cage. Designed to protect you and manufactured with durable steel, this cage is a professional grade upgrade to your vehicle’s safety profile. It’s a must-have safety feature for any race vehicle”.

“This drift car roll cage is weld-on, not bolt-in, therefore we strongly recommend these be installed by a professional fabricator experienced with installing roll cages. If you have any questions regarding bar placement or fitment please contact us prior to installing the cage completely”.

350Z Steering Wheel

Another consideration when it comes to modding is an aftermarket steering wheel, which replaces the chunky and somewhat awkward stock wheel, with something that’ll give you far more confidence when drifting.

If you’ve not upgraded your stock steering wheel before, you’ll be surprised how much of a difference a nice steering wheel can make to the feel of the car when driving, especially if you’re spinning the wheel from lock-to-lock when throwing the car sideways.

There are plenty of choices out there, so make sure you head over to our Ultimate Racing Steering Wheel Guide before you make the tricky decision.

Drifted 350Z Steering Wheel Winner

Nardi Deep Corn

Nardi is a legendary brand in the steering wheel game, and they’ve been impressing enthusiasts across the world since 1932.

From old-school race cars to modern-day top-level drift competitions such as D1GP, they’re hard to beat when it comes to looks, but they also offer exceptional quality for a reasonable price.

There are a variety of options and materials available for Nardi wheels, so make sure you check out our full guide.

Manufacturer description: “Nardi has been developing the highest quality steering wheels since 1932”.

“Nardi steering wheels are extremely prestigious and represent for many, the ultimate finish to the interior of a race or prestige car. Italian made with excellent quality materials, they enjoy an exemplary finish and are acclaimed worldwide. Used as OEM pieces by Mazda, Subaru, Ferrari, Pagani and many more”.

WORK Wheels

Okay, so admittedly they aren’t 350Z specific, but we feel that WORK are quite literally the most incredible wheels on the market, and they will undoubtedly transform the look of your 350Z and also give you instant hero status in your neighborhood. (We don’t hold any guarantees on that last statement, but it’s highly likely!)

We’ve spent a lot of time looking through all of the various options on the market when it comes to WORK Wheels, and we’ve got specific guides that will provide everything you need to know if you’re planning to fit them to your 350Z.

First up are WORK Emotion, these are their most affordable product line but still retain the same quality that you’d expect from their most expensive wheels.

Emotion is one of the most popular of their thirty product lines and is best known for bringing us wheels such as CR Kai, Kiwami, right the way through to their incredible three-piece CR-3P’s.

Next up is the WORK Meister range. The S1 wheels which are pictured above are the cult classics of this range. And the deep-dish three-piece’s are absolute head turners.

Be careful if you decide to fit these to a drift car, though, as you’ll probably shed a tear if they get damaged!

Finally, we have the WORK Equip range, which is best known for bringing us the Equip 05 wheels, which are another classic on the JDM tuning scene, and suit the 350Z perfectly.

If you can’t stretch to a set of brand new custom spec WORKS, you can always look for a used set, and purchase 350z wheel spacers to make them sit just right.

Conclusion

There we have it! This colossal guide should provide you with the perfect products to build the ultimate Fairlady.

If our picks haven’t been quite what you were looking for, then make sure you visit the full guide for each section, where we’ve compared any product that we feel is worth considering on the market.

If we’ve missed any mods that you’d love to see in our guide, then please feel free to drop us a line, and we’ll be more than happy to compare the best products for you to take your pick.

If you’re looking for the best 350z lowering springs on the market, here’s our Ultimate 350z Lowering Springs Guide.

Want to learn more about the latest addition to the Z family? Then, check out our Ultimate Nissan 400Z Guide.

Have a look here to learn more about the Z cars of yester-year which paved the way for the 350Z.

Thank you for reading our 350Z Mods guide.

If you enjoyed this article, then please share it with the buttons at the side and bottom of your screen. If you’ve found this information useful, then please take a moment to share it with other Nissan 350Z enthusiasts. We appreciate your support.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

• Ravspec
• Ravspec
• Fitment Industries

The post Ultimate Nissan 350z Modification Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• ISR Performance 350z LS/T56 Kit
• Transmission
• Driveshaft
• Oil Pan
• Headers
• Wiring Harness
• Oil Filter Mounts
• Clutch Lines
• Clutch Master Cylinder Kit
• Power Steering Line
• Performance Radiator
• Conclusion

With the ever-increasing prices of popular JDM drift platforms such as the S-chassis, there’s no surprise that enthusiasts are hunting down the perfect reasonably priced car to throw down sideways.

As much as it pains us to admit it, gone are the days of finding a $1,000 240SX that needs fixing up before rubbing doors with your buddies at the track.

Even if you did decide to empty your pockets and pay the scene tax, you’re likely to be left with a rusting shell that has a destroyed KA which has spent its years being bounced off the rev limiter.

While there are many excellent beginner drift car alternatives out there and plenty more epic cars which can be had on a budget, there’s no doubt that the 350Z is becoming increasingly tempting for its bargain price tag.

It offers great looks on the outside and has a stylish, modern interior and many of the comforts you’d expect from a modern car in a sleek, refined package.

Created by Nissan in 2002, the Z33 was their return to the sports-car game after ceasing production of the 300ZX six years earlier. It immediately took the market by storm, which is all the better for buyers, with many reasonably-priced options featured on the used marketplace.

With the modern-day 370Z entering the game, they’re currently out of the price range for most drift enthusiasts, so we will look at one way of maximizing the true potential of its older sibling in the form of a controversial V8 swap.

Now, don’t get us wrong here, both the VQ35DE and HR are fantastic engines, and with supercharging and twin-turbocharging being an option, they can become a real weapon.

However, we’ve witnessed first-hand how expensive aftermarket forced induction on a stock engine can become. It is undoubtedly a solid choice if you’re lucky enough to have deep pockets.

But what if you want to stir up a little controversy, create stupendous amounts of noise, and have enough power to comfortably throw it down sideways at the track while maintaining reliability?

LS-swapping is certainly nothing new, and 350z owners have been doing it since the early 2000s, but with today’s off-the-shelf products, it’s more affordable and convenient than ever.

Sure, you’re going to upset your JDM fanboy buddies while you feel the need to scream ‘LS THE WORLD!’, but you’ll soon forget about that when you’ve got a smoke trail billowing from the rear tires, and you can comfortably make the round trip to the local track day without breaking down.

Why are the LS engines so popular?

LS1 motors have been around since the early 90s, and this notorious, affordable block has been swapped into just about everything imaginable since. They’ve since become the most commonly-swapped variant for 350z’s and also the most convenient.

One of the best features of the LS engine is the ability to swap over parts from other LSx variations, providing cheap and effective upgrades.

For example, simply fitting an LS2 head onto your LS1 essentially creates an LS6 engine, providing better flow as it squeezes out additional ponies. Result!

With either a lightweight, all-aluminium or the heavier cast-iron LS1 block offering, both would soon become immensely popular in almost every form of motorsport worldwide. The eventual capabilities have proven insane horsepower figures, with some tuners hitting the 1,400hp mark.

To obtain these crazy horsepower figures, you might want to check out our LS1 turbo kit guide.

Sure, you’ll need to throw some serious cash at it to get anywhere near these figures. Still, just like the VQ, there are forced induction or stroker possibilities if you wish to achieve immense power, whether now or further down the line when that lust for more power begins rearing its ugly head again.

Once you’ve added all of the bolt-on mods available for a naturally aspirated LS1, you can expect to get around 420hp, which is more than capable of spinning up the tires and putting a massive grin on your face in the 350z.

If you’ve been offered a cheap LS2, it’s certainly worth considering. You can check out our thoughts in our LS1 vs LS2 guide.

This great video from TampaBay Builds provides a great summary on modifying the LS1 if you’re considering doing so:

Which cars came with the LS1 from the factory?

GM’s LS1 engines were produced between the 97 and 04 model years in the U.S. and into 05 on the international market. If you’re looking to bag yourself a cheap LS1, they can be found in the following cars:

• Chevrolet Corvette C5
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Pontiac Firebird
• Pontiac GTO

Is the LS1 the best choice?

The LS1 is undoubtedly a fantastic powerplant, but the selection of cars GM placed them within certainly leaves a lot desired in the quest for a solid handling chassis, which is why the far lighter, nimble 350z is the perfect, affordable base for your upcoming project, especially given its price range.

Of course, if you have big bucks to spend, there are plenty more insane LS engines available, and if you’re looking for significant power figures, then the more expensive choices are capable of 700hp straight out of the box. Or crate, for that matter.

To keep this guide simple, we’ll stick with the mighty LS1 and show you precisely what must be done to make your V8 transition as smooth as possible. With the same blocks being used for all of the LSx series, chances are this will fit others too, but it’s worth double-checking first.

Let’s take a look at what we need for your 350z LS swap

Thankfully, our friends at Enjuku Racing have provided everything you’re going to need to slide the LS1 into your shiny engine bay (you have cleaned it up before it goes in, right?!).

ISR Performance 350z LS/T56 Swap Mount Kit

• Manufacturer: ISR Performance
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase links: Buy the ISR Performance LS/T56 Swap Motor Mounts |
  Buy the ISR Performance LS/T56 Swap Mounts With Shifter & Optional Extras

Our comment: Now that you’ve removed your VQ and your LS1 is eager to enter its new home, you will need something along the lines of the ISR Performance LS / T56 Swap Mounts for the Nissan 350Z Z33 kit.

This is ISR Performance’s one-stop solution to getting the LS mounted into your Z33 chassis, and it does so incredibly well.

Their provided urethane engine mounts and transmission mount bushings dampen the engine vibration without being overly stiff, which is the perfect answer for daily driven and track cars.

Utilizing a small base mount pedestal and separate mount bracket, these mounts can pivot to provide the perfect fitment and easy installation to your subframe.

Also included in this kit is the ISR T56 350z shifter relocation kit for those intending to stick with the stock LS1 T56 transmission, allowing it to fit into the factory position on the 350z.

However, the OEM CD008/009 gearboxes may be a better shout, so we’ll also show you what’s required if you wish to go with the modern alternative further down.

If you want to buy the complete kit, you can add the ISR high ground clearance design headers, which bolt to the stock 35z Y-pipe location to keep your existing exhaust setup and save scraping the bottom of the car.

However, if you’re also looking to upgrade your exhaust setup while you’re there, you’ll want to check out our 350z Y-pipes and exhaust guides!

On top of this, the final option in the Enjuku package deal also includes the oil pan you’ll need eventually, which we’ll also discuss below.

As you can imagine, buying the package deal comes at an unbeatable price, so we highly recommend doing that if you intend to buy them all anyway.

Transmission

ISR Performance Transmission Adapter – LSx to 350Z CD00x

• Manufacturer: ISR Performance
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the ISR Performance Transmission Adapter – LSx to 350Z CD00x

Our comment: This kit is perfect for mating any Gen III/IV LS engine to the factory 350z transmission to save you from needing the GM T56.

Also included in this kit are a billet aluminium flywheel and hi-torque starter.

This also allows for a 350z clutch kit to be used, which is super convenient if you’ve already upgraded your clutch. It may be a perfect opportunity if you’ve not upgraded this yet. We’ve covered the best in the market in our 350z clutch guide to help narrow the selection!

Here’s everything that’s included in the kit:

• Billet Transmission Adapter Plate
• Billet Aluminum Flywheel
• Hi-Torque Starter
• Starter Heat Shield
• Pilot bushing
• Shifter Bracket
• Linkage adapter
• Flywheel Bolts
• Dowel Pins

Collins Adapters – LS/VQ Adapter Plate

• Manufacturer: Collins Adapters
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the Collins Adapters – LS/VQ Adapter Plate

Our comment: If you’re purely looking for an adapter plate, Collins Adapters offers an alternative that allows you to retain all of the LS1’s stock clutch and flywheel components.

You must cut the existing bell housing from your CD00x transmission and bolt the adapter plate to the LSX bell housing. This then bolts to the LS transmission.

This kit has a clutch disc, a new input shaft seal, every required bolt, and a pilot-bearing adapter.

You must ensure you’ve got the correct bell housing, flywheel, pressure plate, and T56 slave cylinder.

ISR Performance LS1 T56 Transmission Shifter Extension Relocation Kit

• Manufacturer: ISR Performance
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the ISR Performance LS1 T56 Transmission Shifter Extension Relocation Kit

Our comment: If you opt for GM’s OEM T56 gearbox, you’ll want to look at ISR Performance’s Transmission Shifter Extension Relocation Kit.

This enables the shifter to be extender to be moved -7 inches backward from its original T56 Camaro location so that it slots in nicely in the OEM position in your 350z.

Driveshaft

ISR Performance LS 350z Driveshaft

• Manufacturer: ISR Performance
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Check out the ISR Performance LS Swap 350z Driveshafts

Our comment: Whether you’ve decided to opt for the CD00x OEM Nissan gearbox or the GM T56 for your build, the ISR driveshaft has you covered.

These steel or aluminium uprated shafts for the factory 6-speed or LS T56 gearboxes feature larger, replaceable, and greaseable u-joints capable of handling up to 650whp. This is perfect for most setups unless you intend to run substantial power figures.

Oil Pan

ISR Performance/Canton Racing Oil Pan Kit

• Manufacturer: ISR Performance/Canton Racing
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the ISR Performance/Canton Racing Oil Pan Kit

Our comment: The baffled oil pan kit is next on the must-have parts list. We’d highly recommend getting this in the package deal above to save some money for additional parts!

Created in a collaboration between ISR Performance and Canton Racing, you can count on being in good hands with this baffled oil pan, which helps to prevent oil starvation during heavy track use, or drifting.

This is for use with the ISR mount kit, so if you don’t opt for the other parts in the ISR/Enjuku kit, it’s worth checking if this will fit to avoid potential disappointment further down the line.

Headers

ISR Performance High Ground Clearance LS Headers

• Manufacturer: ISR Performance
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the ISR Performance High Ground Clearance LS Headers

Our comment: These awesome customized headers allow for higher ground clearance when fitting your LS1 and are produced from high-quality 304 stainless steel. These are once again designed to go with the rest of the ISR kit, and we highly recommend purchasing it along with that and the oil pan for maximum savings.

These are designed to fit your existing 350z exhaust setup, so you can settle with your current setup or get a shiny new one while you have everything already removed.

Wiring Harness

Wiring Specialties LSx Canbus Pro Series Wiring Harness

• Manufacturer: Wiring Specialties
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the Wiring Specialties LSx Canbus Pro Series Wiring Harness |
  Buy the Wiring Specialties Pro Series LSX GEN IV Wiring Harness

Our comment: Wiring is always one of engine swaps’ trickiest and most problematic aspects. However, the guys over at Wiring Specialties have had so many requests for 350z harnesses that they’ve produced this fantastic off-the-shelf setup!

This enables full functionality of your 350z interior and won’t cause any issues with CANbus in a convenient plug-and-play package. If you read any old threads online which state that the tacho, engine temp, or fault lights have been causing issues, you won’t need to worry about any of these issues with this awesome kit.

With many different accessories and variables to choose from in the selection process, we’re confident that the Wiring Specialties kit will be perfect for your needs.

For those of you that are lucky enough to be considering the LSX Gen IV swap, they’ve also answered your prayers with this kit.

Oil Filter Mounts

Canton Racing Remote Oil Filter Mounts

• Manufacturer: Chase Bays
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the Canton Racing Remote Oil Filter Mounts

Our comment: If you intend to use your LS-powered 350z for track racing, canyon runs, or drifting, we highly recommend opting for the remote oil filter mounts. These are also great for oil filter relocation.

This is designed for high-performance applications and includes two 1/2″ N.P.T. in and out ports. Unused ports can be used for a temperature or oil pressure sender.

Clutch Lines

Chase Bays 350z T56 Clutch Line

• Manufacturer: Chase Bays
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the 350z T56 Chase Bays Clutch Line

Our comment: For those intending to keep the T56 transmission and would like an improved pedal feel along with improved engine bay aesthetics, you’ll want to check out this Chase Bays Clutch Line.

This is perfect for withstanding the pressures of harsh driving and is made from 3AN stainless steel, which travels from the clutch master cylinder to the slave cylinder. This also includes a 16″ bleeder line which provides convenient bleeding.

Clutch Master Cylinder Kit

Sikky Swap Master Cylinder Conversion Kit LS1 350z

• Manufacturer: Sikky
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the Sikky Swap Master Cylinder Conversion Kit LS1 350z

Our comment: If you want to get the most out of your clutch, Sikky has created this full kit, a perfect all-around clutch master cylinder conversion kit.

Featuring a CNC billet aluminium adapter plate, you also get a Wilwood 7/8″ master cylinder, stainless braided lines, and a Sikky adapter fitting, which threads into the factory GM slave cylinder without any modifications required.

On top of that, there’s also the bleeder line, custom bracket, and all required hardware and fittings.

The Sikky kit is a popular choice, and it’s easy to see why with its impressive quality and reasonable price tag.

Power Steering Line Kit

Sikky 350z LS1 Swap Power Steering Line Kit

• Manufacturer: Sikky
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the Sikky 350z LS1 Swap Power Steering Line Kit

Our comment: The final puzzle piece for your LS swap is Sikky’s Power Steering Line Kit.

This fits LS1 & LS2 power steering reservoirs and allows for full adjustability with its swiveling design. This can withstand maximum durability and heat during high-temperature racing conditions and withstanding 48,000 PSI of pressure! This kit also includes the low-pressure power steering return line with clamps.

Performance Radiator

C&R Performance Radiator

• Manufacturer: C&smp;R Performance
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33)
• Purchase link: Buy the C&R Performance Radiator

Our comment: I know, I know… I stated that you’d already completed the puzzle! That’s because a stock 350Z radiator would be sufficient for a stock LS1 in typical daily driving situations.

However, an uprated radiator should be on your to-do list if you intend to hit the track or bounce off the redline in tire-shredding harmony.

Conclusion

There you have it! With a few minor additions, such as an air intake, you will be all set to fire up the V8 powerplant and experience ‘that’ LS roar for the first time. Well, hopefully!

Be warned that engine swaps require a lot of time and patience. They’re one of the most rewarding modifications in the long run, but the chances are that they will constantly test your limits.

This is why we’ve opted for these off-the-shelf parts that have had comprehensive R&D carried out and have been tried and tested over hundreds of thousands of miles.

If you do happen to get stuck along the way, a quick owners club or Google search will undoubtedly find owners in the same position previously willing to offer a helping hand.

Thankfully, the 350z fits three 52mm gauges perfectly in the dashboard for you to keep an eye on the temperatures and ensure that everything is operating as it should be. Enjuku has an impressive selection for you to check out for that finishing touch!

You can rest easy knowing that should you now crave additional power in the future. The LS engine has many modifications all the way to forced induction for those ultimate-power setups!

Now that you’ve finished your LS swap, it’s time to hit the track and shred those tires – you’ve earned it!

Thank you for reading our Nissan 350z LS Swap guide

We hope you’re now confident in choosing the right products for your needs to give your Nissan the powerplant it (arguably) deserves!

Photography credits

We want to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

• Tuner Battlegrounds
• Revvolution
• DSport Mag
• ISR Performance
• Enjuku Racing

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Find this information helpful? Please post a link to it on your cars owners club. We appreciate your support.

The post Ultimate 350z LS Swap Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• JWT Twin Turbo kit
• Turbonetics Turbo Kit
• HKS GT Full Twin Turbo kit
• HKS GT-SS Twin Turbo kit
• GReddy Twin Turbo kit
• APS Twin Turbo kit
• SFR (Speed Force Racing) Twin Turbo kit
• AAM Competition 350Z Twin Turbo kit

In a hurry? Here is our 350z turbo kit summary

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice
Turbonetics Single Turbo kit	Jim Wolf Technologies Twin Turbo kit	SFR Twin Turbo kit
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

The Nissan 350z is a great car. The engine runs like a finely tuned machine. Modern styling, rear-wheel drive, a howling v6, and now, at reasonable prices, the 350z makes a tempting proposition.

It’s these features and more that won the 350z a place in our best drift cars for beginners article.

However, there is one small snag – power.

The stock 285 PS may be fine for the street, but if you want to increase power from the naturally aspirated VQ35DE you will have to dig deep. Tuning a naturally aspirated engine like the VQ35DE is expensive and yields limited results.

So what can you do with your 350z if you want more power?

Forced induction

Since the 350z (Z33) has become a mature platform, many tried and tested 350z Turbo kits are available to you. There are also plenty of supercharger kits available.

Not sure what to go for?

Then check out our detailed turbocharger vs supercharger guide to determine which forced induction is suitable for your Z.

If you are still reading, then it’s a turbo kit you are after, but which kit is right for you?

We have written this guide to help you make your 350z turbo kit decision a little easier.

Turbocharging The Nissan 350z

There’s no question that although they look fantastic, Nissan’s 350z is a heavy car, and with the stock engine, it can feel a little low on power when trying to keep up with other performance cars.

Thankfully, the VQ35DE and VQ35HR engines found in the 350z can produce far more power than Nissan provided from the factory, and they’re strong enough to handle 400 WHP from forced induction in stock form.

Turbo kits provide the best bang-for-your-buck upgrades for unlocking the true power potential of these engines.

Before a turbo upgrade, you’ll need to consider the supporting breathing mods, such as an exhaust system, Y-Pipes, Test Pipes, Headers, and a Cold Air Intake.

Depending on the extent of your power goals, you may also want to consider opting for a uprated clutch while you’re already doing the work.

Don’t forget about the suspension too. We highly recommend carrying out a coilover upgrade.

Although it’s easy to get carried away with chasing down colossal power gains, handling is essential to get the most out of your setup.

If you want to go even further, check out our 350z mods guide, where we explain everything you need to know about upgrading your Z.

Before you go into any serious tuning on your Z, make sure that your battery is in excellent condition.

For those of you that intend to go beyond the stock-engine safety bracket of 400 WHP, you’ll need to consider carrying out internal upgrades to your engine rather than regretting it later.

Uprated head gasket upgrades are highly recommended, but additional internal upgrades, such as pistons, rods, and cams, are also readily available on the market.

Another consideration for upgrading to a turbocharged setup is cooling, with bolt-on parts such as a front-mount intercooler, an uprated radiator, and an uprated fuel pump.

Having a highly-regarded tuner install the kit correctly can make a massive difference in power delivery and long-term reliability.

Feeling like turbocharging is a little out of your price range right now? Then why not pick up an intake plenum spacer?

A perfect solution for affordable horsepower for your VQ35DE.

Let’s take a look at our 350z turbo kits

To read more about any of these products, click on the turbo kit name or photo.

Jim Wolf Technologies Twin Turbo kit

Our comment: The JWT kit is a great starter turbo kit that comes at a mid level price point. Offering 125 WHP out of the box and impressive reliability claims could be the perfect solution to safely increasing your power. Further upgrade options are available to make things interesting. Nice kit!

Manufacturer description: “JWT originally designed this kit as a feasibility study in conjunction with Garrett and Infiniti’s product planner at the time. The kit is designed around the O.E. criteria for reliability, no boost lag, and safe but significant power levels.”

“The JWT Twin Turbo Kit has accomplished this and more over thousands of miles of reliable track and street use since it’s release. All critical airflow junctions use application specific castings to maximize flow and eliminate boost lag. Turbo outlets have isolated waste paths to improve turbine efficiency.”

“JWT has combined high efficiency Garrett GT Ball Bearing Turbos, Garrett charge cooler cores (700+hp rated) with over 300 individual parts, to create the most complete and reliable bolt on forced induction system available for Nissan and Infiniti VQ35 vehicles.”

“No other boosting solution combines the reliability, performance, and throttle responsiveness of this system.”

“This system is complete requiring no other modifications to deliver an additional 125WHP and much more with additional JWT upgrade stages.”

Turbonetics Single Turbo kit

Our comment: Turbonetics are a well-known brand that have been producing turbochargers since 1978. Their turbos have found homes on nearly every import and domestic platform over the years.

Offering a potential 450 PS from a Turbonetics 60-1 turbo charger this kit should give any 350z owner enough grunt to keep them satisfied. It is also the most affordable kit in our guide.

Manufacturer description: “Direct bolt on! Includes:

• Authentic Turbonetics 60-1 turbo charger ( good for 450hp)
• Authentic Turbonetics 38 Evolution wastegate
• Stainless steel turbo manifold set
• Stainless steel turbo downpipe
• Bolt-on intercooler kit (with intercooler 30×7.5×3)
• Type-rs blow off valve
• Oil line kit with all fittings (oil drain, oil feed)”

HKS GT Full Twin Turbo kit

UPDATED 25th March 2021: This product has now been discontinued.

Our comment: HKS is a premium Japanese parts brand that only puts out high-quality gear. Their GT series turbochargers are highly sought after, and with these cast iron manifolds, you should have no problems. Big HKS fans right here.

Manufacturer description: “Twin Turbo Set Up Kit with turbochargers for high power spec Z33.Turbines can be selected from quick response GT-SS, well balanced GT2530 and high power GT-RS.Stock catalytic converters can be used with the kit.In order to install Set Up Kit, some modifications, making suction and other pipes and ECU setting are required.”

HKS GT-SS 350z Twin Turbo kit

UPDATED 25th March 2021: This product has now been discontinued.

Our comment: For those of you tempted by the HKS kit above but haven’t quite got the budget to stretch to the GT kit, they offer a cheaper alternative, which still offers a decent power upgrade, along with the typical HKS quality and reliability we’d expect.

Where you would expect to achieve around 315-400 HP from the more expensive kit above, the GT-SS is more suited to around the 315 HP mark.

Sure, it won’t make for the most insane build imaginable. Still, given the price tag, it offers a fantastic opportunity over the higher-powered kit for those who want a reasonably-priced, reliable twin-turbo setup for your Z.

The main positive of the GT-SS is its quick-spooling ability, which makes for a fantastic reasonably-powered fast road setup with minimal spooling time required.

Manufacturer description: “HKS Turbo Kits offer unsurpassed performance and craftsmanship from a full turbo upgrade for factory turbocharged vehicles. These kits consist of new, larger HKS designed turbos, new precision crafted exhaust manifolds, HKS poppet-style external wastegates, flanged exhaust downpipes, and all associated hardware for a complete and detailed installation.”

“HKS Full Turbo Upgrades are designed and sized to promote phenomenal top end horsepower and a good range of response throughout the RPM band for the amount of airflow. From the HKS precision crafted exhaust manifolds and downpipes to the HKS signature turbos and wastegates, each turbo kit is crafted to provide high levels of performance, quality and reliability.”

Greddy Tuner Twin Turbo kit

UPDATED 28th February 2020: This product has now been discontinued.

Our comment: GReddy is another premium Japanese tuning company, and they have an excellent reputation with their turbochargers in the past. This twin turbo kit comes in at our highest price point; however, the parts list looks pretty complete—a solid choice.

Manufacturer description: “This tuner kit features larger TD06SH-20G (900hp capable) turbos with a type 32R Front Mount Intercooler. The VQ35HR turbo kit includes all of the necessary hardware and parts to bolt right on to your car, including cast manifolds, racing downpipes, external wastegates, w/g dump pipes, a cast oil pan, and airinix intakes.”

“Because the turbos were designed to be used on lower boost stock motor applications as well as fully built race motors, it’s possible to increase the power significantly for serious performance gains. Users can enjoy flexibility when it comes to fueling options, with plenty of room to upgrade.”

APS 350z Twin Turbo kit

Our comment: Initially, APS offered two widespread solutions to the 350Z turbo market, and although the single turbo option is no longer available to purchase, the typically-preferred twin-turbo kit is still available from resellers.

Of course, we would contact the reseller before purchasing to ensure they have the kit in stock. However, although a decent range of spares is usually available for the kit, this may put some potential buyers off.

There are sometimes mixed feelings about this kit, but it mainly appears to lack big-power preparation, which has caused head gasket issues on the stock setup.

However, many owners have achieved over 100,000km with no issues, thanks to the correct tuning and supporting mods.

We recommend upgrading the head studs, along with a heavy-duty head gasket, and potentially going with forged engine internals to get the most out of this kit while still maintaining reliability.

Although the single turbo kit was a popular choice, many switched to this more impressive twin-turbo setup further down the line.

This kit can achieve the maximum power potential of the 350Z engine and could potentially reach the 600hp mark with the correct internal engine upgrades.

Manufacturer description: “Insane horsepower and monster torque, the APS High Output System moves the 350Z performance enthusiast exclusively into the supercar owner’s club. Best of all, the APS enhanced 350Z delivers uncompromised driveability.”

“Crisp throttle response, tidal waves of torque, silky smooth highway cruising, and excellent fuel economy all add up to an outstanding daily driver – and at your whim, mash the pedal and unleash the beast within!”

SFR 350z Twin Turbo kit

Our comment: Speed Force Racing has one of the highest-regarded reputations in the 350Z tuning scene.

The owner, Tim, is known for customizing each turbo kit to suit each owner’s individual preferences.

Thanks to the company’s personal touch, there’s a wide variety to choose from when finding the perfect kit. Should you have any further custom requirements, we have no doubt they’ll be happy to help.

Not only do they make an ideal ‘stock block’ setup, which can push out 476WHP at 10.4 PSI, but if you’re willing to go all-out with your 350Z build, they’ve got dyno-proven potential to reach 898WHP!

Manufacturer description: “The 350Z and G35 is definitely a well rounded sports car.They have the looks that make people turn their heads.The handling of these cars is great and the power is adequate.”

“However, we felt the the performance hungry enthusiast might find the performance a bit anemic.For most people, this is not enough so we developed the Speed Force Racing twin-turbo system.Now you can have a dyno proven 476 horsepower at the wheels out of your 350Z/G35 on a completely stock motor!”

AAM Competition 350z Twin Turbo kit

Our comment: Made in the USA, the AAM Competition 350Z twin-turbo kit is one of the ultimate picks for a complete bolt-on, OEM fitment turbo kit design for your Z that’s still readily available on the shelf.

With the potential to push out up to 700 WHP alongside the usual supporting mods from this kit, they also offer a Stage 2 alternative, rated for an epic 900+ WHP!

AAM is up there with the best in the industry, and although they might not be the cheapest if money isn’t too much of an issue, this should undoubtedly be a consideration.

Manufacturer description: “The all new AAM Competition Nissan 350Z HR Twin Turbocharger System is the latest Forced Induction kit to hit the market. With innovative features, cutting edge technology, reliable operation and of course maximum power, the AAM Competition Nissan 350Z HR Twin Turbocharger System is the best forced induction system available for your Nissan 350Z HR.”

“The AAM Competition Nissan 350Z HR Twin Turbocharger System is the new standard for what you should expect for a 350Z HR Twin Turbocharger Kit. This is the most powerful, OEM style fitment turbocharger system with innovative technology and long term reliability available today. These turbocharger systems are capable of producing maximum power and with a built motor can easily achieve results in excess of 700+ wheel HORSEPOWER.”

Our winner

Our winner is the JWT Twin Turbo kit

To pick our winner from this choice of 350z turbo kits, we looked at many criteria; ease of installation, power levels, upgrade potential and price point.

Based on these specs, we have chosen the JWT Twin Turbo kit as our winner.

Jim Wolf Technologies Twin Turbo kit

With the high quality of components, USA-based manufacturing and support base, low boost twin turbo response, motorsports proven track record (the kit was developed on their competition car), and price point, the JWT Twin Turbo kit makes an excellent case for itself.

The Turbonetics kit looks pretty decent and is very affordable for a turbo kit; however, you will be limited by the turbocharger if you want to chase more power with a built engine. The single turbo also suffers from more turbo lag.

The two Japanese kits look like great systems; however, retailers are running out of stock as they become discontinued, so finding replacement parts may be a struggle. The higher price point on both units also slightly marked them down.

So thanks to Jim Wolf Technology for helping 350z owners looking for more power by putting out a great product!

Thank you for reading our 350z turbo kit guide

Now that your 350z’s power is cranked up to eleven, why not address the suspension? Our 350z Coilover guide is perfect for guiding you into your next set of suspensions.

Need a fresh, uprated intake for your new turbocharger? Try our 350z cold air intake guide. If you are going to be increasing your VQ’s power level, then consider our 350z clutch guide.

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The post Ultimate Nissan 350Z Turbo Kit Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• Introduction
• 350z Oil Type – What’s Best?
• How Often To Change 350z Oil
• How To Change 350z Oil
• Conclusion

Introduction

Are you struggling to figure out which oil you need for your Nissan 350z and how to replace it? Well, that is about to change.

Interestingly, cars are similar to the human body. Though it may sound absurd, the human body contains blood. Similarly, your pride and joy will rely on the correct oil.

If a specific blood type is incompatible with the body, it will suffer considerable damage. As a result, before a blood transfusion can occur, the blood must be screened for compatibility.

The same can be said for an automobile because it needs a recommended oil to function correctly.

Furthermore, ignoring this recommendation may impact the engine performance and, in the long run, may result in permanent damage.

So, that’s why you need to obtain the proper guidance to ensure that you have all the necessary information for your 350z oil.

This Nissan 350z oil guide will reveal everything you need to know about Nissan 350 oil and how to change it.

Nissan 350z Oil – What’s Best?

There are several considerations when choosing the ideal oil for your needs, depending on your climate and budget.

Oil Weight

When considering the engine oil used for Nissan 350z, we need to consult the recommendation as stipulated in the Nissan owner’s manual, in which Nissan states that you can use either the 5W-30 or 10W-30 motor oil.

But, your choice is also dependent on the weather condition in your region.

When the weather is hot, like in the summer, you can use the 10W-30, and during cold weather in winter, you should use the 5W-30 weight oil.

The 5W-30 is a code that represents the viscosity and the temperature. The W stands for winter with a viscosity of 5, which makes it thinner and less dense, and that’s why it is most suitable for winter because it flows better.

While the last number, “30”, represents the viscosity in hot weather, and the higher the number, the more viscous the oil.

Oil Specification

According to Nissan’s owner manual, engine oils used for Nissan should meet the API (American Petroleum Institute) or ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) certification and SAE viscosity standard.

Synthetic or Conventional

When selecting an oil type, you also have to consider the synthetic or conventional composition.

Experts always recommend the synthetic blend because it is better on engines and has lesser impurities. And it has a longer lifespan than the conventional blend.

Where the conventional oil requires changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, the synthetic range is between 10,000 to 15,000 miles. Therefore, though synthetic oil has this ability, it is advisable always to change the oil after 7,500 miles.

Another angle to look at is the mode of driving. For example, when you intend to drive your Nissan 350z very hard, it will be wise to cover your engine with a synthetic blend oil.

It protects your car engine from strain when you tow or haul heavy materials such as your spare drift wheels.

How Often To Change 350z Oil

The frequency at which you should change your oil depends on a few different factors.

For example, the year make of your 350z, the type of oil you’re using, and your driving habits influence how often you need an oil change.

If you have a newer 350z, you can probably get away with changing your oil every 5,000 miles or so.

However, if you have an older model or tend to drive in stop-and-go traffic frequently, you might need to change your oil more often.

If you’re using conventional oil, it’s typically recommended you change it every 3,000 miles. However, you can usually go a little longer between synthetic oil changes.

How To Change 350z Oil – A Step-By-Step Guide

To effectively change the oil in your Nissan 350z, you will have to follow every instruction carefully.

But, before we get into the step-by-step guide, adequate preparation needs to be made to ensure that all the tools you need are made available.

Preparation

When preparing to change oil, you will need to get the necessary tools and materials. And you will have to dress appropriately in your gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any harmful substances.

These are the tools and materials needed to change your Nissan 350z oil:

• Motor oil (5W-30 or 10W-30)
• Oil filter
• Funnels
• Drain pan
• Shop towel
• Oil filter wrench
• Sockets set
• Gloves and safety glasses
• Jack
• Wood and jack stand

Step-By-Step Process

Follow these simple steps closely to ensure the best outcome:

Step 1: Jack up your car

Since the Nissan 350z is a low car, you will need to jack the car. But before you do that, ensure that you use a block of wood and a jack stand to block one wheel to prevent it from rolling.

Step 2: Open the car hood

Locate the interior hood release lever in your car’s cabin, and lift it. The hood will pop up, and then release the safety catch and raise the hood.

Next, lift the hood prop and insert the end to suspend it.

Step 3: Warm up your vehicle

Start your car for a few minutes to warm the engine because dirty oil will come out more conveniently and faster when it is hot.

Step 4: Loosen the oil filter cap and pull out the oil dipstick

Locate the oil filter cap and loosen it, as this will also increase the rate at which the oil flows out.

Step 5: Remove the plastic panel covering the bottom of the engine

At the bottom of your car, locate the plastic panel covering the engine at the bottom and unscrew it and remove the clips.

Step 6: Unscrew the drain bolt

Locate the drain bolt, and unscrew it to allow the oil to drain into the drain pan.

Step 7: Fix the drain bolt and use a copper drain plug gasket

You can get the copper drain plug from the Nissan Parts Counter for just $1, and Nissan recommends a special copper drain plug 2mm thick. After draining the oil out, install the drain bolt with a wrench.

Step 8: Use the oil filter removal tool to remove the oil filter

To replace the oil filter wrench, you can purchase this from Nissan with the part number “KV10115801”.

A filter wrench is a small tool used for tightening the filter at 11-15 FT-LB or 14.7-20.5 NM. Before tightening the oil filter, use your finger to apply oil to the filter o-ring.

Step 9: Clean visible oil on the filter and drain bolt region.

Clean the drain bolt area and the filter if there is spilled oil around them. And then re-install the plastic cover.

Step 10: Remove jacks, jackstand, and the wood

After installing the plastic cover, raise the car using the jack and remove the jack stand and wood from the wheel before lowering it to the ground.

Once you’ve ensured that everything has been removed from under the car, you can lower it.

Step 11: Use a funnel to pour new oil into the car

Pour your fresh oil carefully into your 350Z using a funnel, but ensure that you check your manual for the capacity you need to add.

Then, use the oil dipstick to determine the level, or you can gauge using the high and low levels in the dipstick.

Step 12: Check for leaks

Start the engine for a few minutes and inspect the drain plug for leaks.

Conclusion

The Nissan 350z is a fantastic car for both drifting and daily driving that works well with the recommended 350z oil type.

You will have an excellent driving experience if you adhere to the suggestions and recommendations highlighted above, with your 350z performing to the best of its abilities.

Although this guide for changing oil is very detailed and easy to follow, ensure that you do your due diligence to follow it carefully without skipping steps.

Finally, ensuring the longevity of your engine requires frequent maintenance check-ups, improving your vehicle’s performance and lifespan.

So, there we have it! We hope that we’ve covered everything you could want to know about 350z oil in this guide.

Are you looking for upgrades for your 350z now that your fresh oil has got it running sweeter than ever?

We’ve got plenty of 350z tuning guides for you to enjoy, from turbo kits and exhausts to coilovers and bash bars.

Thank you for reading our Nissan 350z oil guide.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with the buttons at the bottom of your screen. If you’ve found this information useful, please take a moment to share it with other 350z enthusiasts. We appreciate your support.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

• Rian Castillo on Wikimedia Commons

The post Ultimate 350z Oil Guide – Everything You Need To Know first appeared on Drifted.com.

• Stillen Dual
• Fujitsubo Legalis-R
• Magnaflow Street Series Dual
• Invidia Gemini Cat-Back
• ISR Performance Series II Titanium
• ISR Performance EP Dual Tip
• ISR Performance Single GT
• HKS Hi-Power 350z
• Tanabe Medallion Concept G
• Buddy Club Pro Spec
• TOMEI Expreme Ti
• APEXi Hybrid Megaphone EVO
• AAM Competition 3″ True Dual
• APEXi N1
• Agency Power Ti
• GReddy GPP RS
• Jump to winner

In a hurry? Here is our 350z Exhaust summary

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice
ISR Performance single GT 350z Exhaust	TOMEI Expreme Ti 350z Exhaust	AAM Competition 3" true dual 350z exhaust (Titanium tip)
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

The Nissan 350z has become an accessible way for newcomers to enter the world of drifting and one of the first modifications that new 350z owners make is to upgrade the car’s restrictive OEM exhaust system.

Who is this exhaust guide for?

We have written this exhaust guide to help you decide on your 350z’s new exhaust system by giving product information, pricing, photos and video clips for nine of the most popular 350z exhaust systems currently available.

We have also included links for where you can purchase each system. Want to free up a few more horsepowers on a budget? Take a look at our 350z test pipes guide.

Already have test pipes and looking for the perfect compliment to your new exhaust system? Then treat yourself to a performance Y-Pipe.

Stillen Dual 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: ? mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 114.3mm exhaust tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: Stillen
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: Coming in at a mid-range price point the Stillen Dual exhaust system boasts considerable dyno proven performance improvements over the stock exhaust system. The exhaust yields a calm and mellow sound while cruising however it takes on an aggressive bark while under load.
• Manufacturer description: “Your stock Nissan 350Z exhaust system is restrictive and hiding its true potential power. Stillen Dual Exhaust System reduces back pressure from your stock Nissan exhaust, delivering 16 horse power and 14 Ft/Lbs torque gains. At idle the Stillen Exhaust System waits and hums, however, once you press on the gas the aggressive raw exhaust tones growls fearlessly. All Stillen Exhaust Systems are covered with a Lifetime Warranty, giving the peace of mind. Step to the next level of performance with the Stillen Dual Exhaust System for your Nissan 350Z.”
• Purchase link: Stillen Dual 350z exhaust

Stillen Dual exhaust video

Fujitsubo Legalis-R 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 76.3-60.5mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 117mm exhaust tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: Fujitsubo
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: Fujitsubo is a Japanese manufacturer with a reputation of producing street suitable exhaust applications that fit correctly. The Legalis-R is a stylish dual tip system that is focused on performance and track safe sound levels. The manufacturer quotes an 83db sound level with just the catback fitted. Price wise it is creeping into the higher end of these systems however with Japanese brands you do get what you pay for in fit and finish.
• Manufacturer description: “The Legalis R exhaust is Fujitsubo’s most popular exhaust system. Designed for street use, it improves both low-end and mid-range power. All Fujitsubo Legalis R exhaust systems are constructed of stainless steel and are available in two different tip styles. Round with slanted tip or oval, depending on the car application.”
• Purchase link: Fujitsubo Legalis-R 350z exhaust

Fujitsubo Legalis-R 350z exhaust video

Magnaflow Street Series Dual 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 63.5mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 101mm exhaust tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: Magnaflow
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: Magnaflow is a well reupted domestic (USA) brand and the street series 350z dual exhaust system is a well built exhaust. Stainless steel construction, dual tips and sensible mufflers keep sound within track safe levels. Price wise this is a mid-range system. A solid contender.
• Manufacturer description: “MagnaFlow Performance Exhaust got its start as a natural extension of Car Sound Exhaust Systems, Inc., our parent company, that specializes in superior catalytic converter technology. Car Sound Exhaust Systems, Inc. has spent 25 years earning a reputation as a market leader around the world. Today, we at Car Sound/MagnaFlow are extremely proud of this and stake our 25 years of experience and reputation on each and every one of our products. Dyno Tested And Proven To Make Power, Performance Gains In Horsepower And Torque, 100% All Stainless Steel, Mandrel-Bent/All Welded/Built To Last, Limited Lifetime Warranty Against Manufacturing Defects.”
• Purchase link: Magnaflow Street Series Dual 350z Exhaust

Magnaflow Street Series Dual 350z exhaust video

Invidia Gemini 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 60mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 101mm exhaust tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: Invidia
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: The Invidia Gemini is a popular exhaust among the 350z community, the system runs 60mm pipework and twin 110mm exhaust tips. The tips can be offered in a stunning burnt Titanium finish. Fully Titanium pipework is also available for those looking to shed as much weight as possible. The exhaust note is deep and sonorous. Price wise the Gemini lands around the mid-range. A solid choice.
• Manufacturer description: “This exhaust is constructed with high-quality SUS304 stainless steel, CNC-machined flanges, and manufactured with a polished finish. Each system features mandrel-bent stainless steel piping for maximum exhaust flow and reduced back pressure. These exhausts are engineered to produce strong mid to top-end power gains, as well as an increase in horsepower and torque.”
• Purchase link: Invidia Gemini 350z exhaust

Invidia Gemini 350z exhaust video

ISR Performance Series II Full Titanium Single GT 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 77mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Single 115mm exhaust tip
• Primary exhaust system material: Titanium
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: ISR
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: The latest offering on the market is the ISR Performance Series II Titanium Single GT Exhaust, which is quite possibly the most exciting opportunity if you’re after the ultimate value-for-money performance exhaust for your Z.

Sure, it might not tick the ‘JDM yo’ boxes of the Tomei, but it certainly comes with its unique benefits.

First off, it’s cheaper. Secondly, at an incredible 9lbs, it’s the lightest offering on the market. Thirdly, (in our personal opinion, of course) we feel that it sounds superior to the Tomei offering.

With a deep, aggressive tone, along with precision welding and a burnt tip design, it’s a tough choice deciding between this and the Tomei if you’re willing to consider a single-exit option.

• Manufacturer description: “ISR Performance Series II Single GT exhaust is a y-pipe back exhaust system made of Full Titanium to ensure the lightest weight and quality. This Single exhaust gives you all the advantages of unrestricted flow to maximum horsepower while retaining a deep and aggressive exhaust tone. The perfect combination for both naturally aspirated and forced induction applications.”
• Purchase link: ISR Performance Series II Titanium GT 350z exhaust

ISR Performance Series II Full Titanium Single GT 350z exhaust

ISR Performance EP dual tip 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 77mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 77mm exhaust tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: ISR
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: This is our entry level solution if you are not concerned with exhaust volume level and you enjoy the sound of an unmuted VQ35DE. Hit play on the video below to hear it in action.
• Manufacturer description: “This is a Race type Straight pipe exhaust system. Straight 3″ diameter piping splits to dual 3″ tips. New Brushed Finish with Polished Tips. What’s in the box: 1x front pipe with resonator box, 1x 3″ rear section with dual 3″ Tips, 2x 2 Bolt 3″ Exhaust gasket, 4x Bolts, 4x Nuts.”
• Purchase link: ISR Performance EP dual tip 350z exhaust

ISR Performance Series II Full Titanium Single GT 350z exhaust video

ISR Performance single GT 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 77mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Single 115mm exit
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: ISR
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: Our second exhaust system is another offering from ISR. This exhaust includes a muffler and silencer which bring the volume down to circuit friendly levels. Instead of twin “blast pipes” this system uses a single 115mm tailpipe. Good value for money.
• Manufacturer description: “Own the road with a growling 350z Y-pipe back exhaust from ISR Performance Racing. A wide, 3-inch pipe gives you reduced back pressure for more horsepower, while the full stainless steel construction with highly polished muffler and tip gives you the look you need to turn heads.”
• Purchase link: ISR Performance single GT 350z exhaust

ISR Performance single GT 350z exhaust video

HKS Hi-Power 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 60mm
• Tailpipe configuration: 120mm Dual titanium tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: HKS
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: The HKS system is one of the more pricey exhaust systems however if you know HKS then you know the fitment, sound and performance will be high quality. Hit play on the video to hear how it sounds.
• Manufacturer description: “Brand new full cat-back dual exhaust for your Z33 from HKS. This exhaust is fully polished 60mm piping with 120mm titanium tips. This exhaust is something to behold – fits great, looks and sounds amazing, VERY deep tone compared to others on the market. Exhaust includes H-Pipe as well. When bolted onto car, you can not see the secondary resonators on top of the canister, ONLY main muffler.”
• Purchase link: HKS Hi-Power 350z exhaust

HKS Hi-Power 350z exhaust video

Tanabe Medallion Concept G 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 70mm – 60mm
• Tailpipe configuration: 100mm Dual tips
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: Tanabe
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: The Tanabe Medallion Concept G exhaust system comes in at a medium price point and offers excellent build quality and performance coupled with a responsible 93db sound level. This would be ideal if you attended tracks with restrictive volume limits.
• Manufacturer description: “The CONCEPT G is an all new motorsports-developed exhaust system for the 2003-2006 Nissan 350z that features high power benefits, while maintaining responsible sound levels. Using the all new ‘continuous strand’ ADVANTEX packing material technology, CONCEPT G acheives extremely high levels of exhaust system efficiency, while maintaining a street driveable, extremely clean sound output that is under 93db. The full SUS304 stainless CONCEPT G is designed for optimal pipe routing as well as ground clearance. It’s sporty appearance and angle-cut tip is ideal for the sports car & sport compact driver.”
• Purchase link: Tanabe Medallion Concept G 350z exhaust

Tanabe Medallion Concept G 350z exhaust video

Buddy Club Pro Spec 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: ?
• Tailpipe configuration: Single ?mm exit
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: Buddy Club
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: The Buddy Club system is another mid-level priced exhaust that offers great looks, deep tone and a reasonable volume level.
• Manufacturer description: “Buddy Club Pro Spec is a super light weight and highly efficient muffler that is made to perform for circuit runs. In its street version, to optimize torque in the low to mid speed range, it is equipped with an efficient middle silencer (resonator). Pro Spec Mufflers were designed for high performance as well as meeting sound level standards. With its deep throaty tone, it echoes its racing lineage.”
• Purchase link: Buddy Club Pro Spec 350z exhaust

Buddy Club Pro Spec 350z exhaust video

TOMEI Expreme Ti 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 60.5mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Single 76.3mm exit
• Primary exhaust system material: Titanium
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: TOMEI
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: The TOMEI Expreme Ti series are highly regarded exhaust systems, they offer stunning titanium build materials, sleeved joins, massive weight savings and a beautiful burnt titanium tip. They are designed to use efficient pipe routing to significantly increase power levels. Considering everything you are getting I think this exhaust system is a bargain.
• Manufacturer description: “Instead of creating an exhaust system that focuses only on maximum peak power, Tomei’s priority for this kit is overall engine performance gains. Each tube’s length and size are selected to suit the engine’s characteristics and chassis to maximize torque, response, and exhaust flow efficiency. The use of titanium combined with the single piping layout reduces overall weight from approximately 45 pounds to an ultra-low 10 pounds.”
• Purchase link: TOMEI Expreme Ti 350z exhaust

TOMEI Expreme Ti 350z exhaust video

APEXi Hybrid Megaphone EVO 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 70mm-75mm-60mm x 2
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 115mm exits
• Primary exhaust system material: SUS304 Stainless steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: APEXi
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: The APEXi Hybrid Megaphone is a great looking system that boasts solid performance and offers a well engineered, long lasting build quality.
• Manufacturer description: “The Hybrid Megaphone EVO is a complete stainless steel exhaust system, from the main muffler canister and piping to the internal silencers, resonators, hangers, and brackets. This system provides both form and function which delivers durability, a sense of security, a comfortable sound, and overwhelming high-end power.”
• Purchase link: APEXi Hybrid Megaphone EVO 350z exhaust

AAM Competition 3″ true dual 350z exhaust (Titanium tip)

• Internal pipe diameter: 76mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 76.3mm exits
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel & Titanium tip
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: AAM
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: The AAM Competition system boasts impressive performance gains and is well suited to high power forced induction buils. The tone sounds nice and warm and the volume is on the loud side. Possibly not track friendly.
• Manufacturer description: “The AAM Competition 3″ True Dual Exhaust System is the highest flowing exhaust systems available for the 350Z. This exhaust has been designed to support the most demanding volume and velocity flow requirements. The AAM Competition exhaust system comes with a specially designed 3″ inner diameter flange on each side that bolts directly to either the factory cat pipes or most aftermarket 2.5″ test pipes. Twin mandrel bent 3” polished stainless steel T-304 16 Gauge exhaust tubes run along each side of the 350z’s undercarriage. Two high-flow stainless steel resonators ensure straight through flow and a deep exhaust note.By significantly decreasing thermal load, the AAM Competition 3” True Dual exhaust system provides the maximum reliability for your VQ35 engine and its internal components. Preliminary testing has shown gains over 40rwhp on high horsepower turbocharged 350Z cars compared to original equipment. The AAM 3″ Competition True Dual exhaust system is a perfect match for any turbocharged 350Z, including 800rwhp+ competition setups.”
• Purchase link: AAM Competition 3″ true dual 350z exhaust (Titanium tip)

AAM Competition 3″ true dual 350z exhaust (Titanium tip) video

APEXi N1 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 70mm-80mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Twin 90mm exits
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: APEXi
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: The APEXi N1 system looks great, has dyno proven power gains and sounds fantastic. Very reasonably priced.
• Manufacturer description: “The straight-through canister projects from the car at an angle, which helps smooth the exhaust flow. The canister is built from SUS 304 stainless steel and features 90mm tip with aggressive style. This exhaust uses 70-80mm piping. NEW Stainless Steel Model. Dyno Proven to give 8.1 RWHP.”
• Purchase link: APEXi N1 350z exhaust

APEXi N1 350z exhaust video

Agency Power Ti 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 76.2mm
• Tailpipe configuration: Single 114.3mm exit
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: Agency Power
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: We really like this system – Agency Power are a great brand who put out some quality products and this “Ti” exhaust is no different. Beautiful welding, light weight, solid performance and a lovely tone at a great price point makes this a fantastic cat-back prospect for any 350z owner. Five stars!
• Manufacturer description: “The need for power, quality, and style has once again been executed by Agency Power with their brand new catback exhaust system for the Nissan 350Z. This new stainless steel exhaust system features a single titanium muffler setup with a titanium 4.5.”
• Purchase link: Agency Power Ti 350z exhaust

Agency Power Ti 350z exhaust video

GReddy GPP RS Race 350z exhaust

• Internal pipe diameter: 76mm (3″)
• Tailpipe configuration: Single 114.3mm (4.5″) exit
• Primary exhaust system material: Stainless Steel
• Fitment: Nissan 350z (Z33)
• Manufacturer: GReddy
• Value for money:rating
• Our comment: When it comes to the aftermarket tuning scene, very few brands compete with the quality, fitment, and finish that GReddy provides.

So, you’re probably thinking that this exhaust is going to be way out of a reasonable price budget? We’re delighted to tell you that’s not the case.

The GPP RS Race exhaust is a genuine bargain for 350z owners willing to consider a single-exit system.

Not only is it a bargain, but it also provides a weight saving of around 32lbs over the stock OEM exhaust.

If you’re (understandably) thinking this all sounds too good to be true, there is one thing to be considered – volume.

That’s right, much like the bargain-priced Tomei Expreme Ti, this thing is loud – 102dB loud, to be precise!

While it’s not QUITE as noisy as the Tomei, it’ll potentially leave some more mature, sensible owners opting for alternatives.

You may want to consider resonated test pipes and the optional silencer to keep the noise down, especially on longer journeys.

Otherwise, this is an absolute bargain with fantastic airflow to maximize performance.

• Manufacturer description: “The GPP RS-Race for the 2003-08 Nissan 350Z is our most aggressive system for the Z33 chassis. The RS-Race is ideally suited for turbocharged or other race engine applications (or customers who just want an aggressive sounding exhaust), which require less sound suppression and maximum flow.”
• Purchase link: GReddy GPP RS Race 350z exhaust

GReddy GPP RS Race 350z exhaust video

Which 350z exhaust is our winner?

There are a plethora of quality exhaust systems available for your 350z and depending on budget you have some great options. In my personal view I prefer modifications in the mid-range, so for the exhaust I would invest in more then an ISR system but less then the AAM Competition system.

With that in mind I would pick the TOMEI Expreme Ti. It is a great looking system with it’s burnt titanium tips and with thin walled piping and reduced bends the system yields solid power gains. Another benefit of titanium is the considerable weight savings compared to the OEM system.

If you’re not sold on the Tomei yet looking for a bargain single-exit full titanium exhaust, then the additional weight saving and sound of the ISR Performance Series II Full Titanium Single GT Exhaust is likely to make it the perfect choice.

These features coupled with a spine tingling V6 wail makes the TOMEI Expreme our winner.

If you want to match your new exhaust system with an upgraded set of exhaust headers to make the most of your power gains then check out our 350z header guide.

Article updates

• 15 November, 2021 – Added ISR Performance Series II Titanium exhaust
• 27 May, 2020 – Added Agency Power Ti exhaust
• 01 July, 2019 – Removed Auto Produce Boss Type 3 exhaust system as it is no longer available. Added APEXi Hybrid Megaphone EVO to exhaust guide.

Thank you for reading our 350z exhaust guide

Now that your 350z is sounding sweet why not look at upgrading the suspension? Our 350z Coilover guide will give you the low down on the best suspension setup for your needs. Want to free up more power? Try our 350z cold air intake guide.

Looking for an exhaust for your Infinity G35? Try our G35 Exhaust guide.

Wanna see an incredible tuning style? Check out the Bosozoku exhausts here!

You will also find our Nissan 350z oil guide very helpful if you’re planning to replace your Z’s oil.

The post Ultimate Nissan 350z Exhaust Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• Introduction
• DEPO OEM-Style
• ANZO Crystal
• ANZO Projector Halo
• Spyder Auto DRL LED
• Spec-D JDM Style
• Spec-D SMD LED Strip
• Spec-D OEM HID & LED DRL Strip
• Spec-D Dual LED Halo
• CG Projector JDM Style
• Oracle LED Multicolored Halo Kit
• Our winners

In a hurry? Here are our 350z Headlight winners

Budget Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice
Spec-D JDM Style 350z Headlights	DEPO OEM-Style 350z Headlights	Spyder Auto DRL LED Projector 350z Headlights
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

Introduction

With the earliest models of the 350Z fast approaching their 20th birthday, updating the look of your Fairlady is likely to make for the perfect present.

It’s hard to believe that the first models of the hugely popular Z rolled out of the showroom in 2002.

If you’re like us, and you remember the initial launch, it’s also a blunt reminder that we’re getting on a bit!

Thankfully, sprucing up the look of your Z is far easier than reversing the human aging process, and headlights are often a perfect place to start.

Tuners often opt for aftermarket headlights, but if yours are looking old and tired, and you’re fearing the worst that you’re never going to get them looking their best again, think again!

Since the OEM headlights are plastic, they frequently deteriorate over time, especially those fortunate enough to live in warmer climates where UV rays take their toll.

If you’re wanting to get your OEM lights looking their best, this helpful tutorial will show you how to restore and renew them back to their best.

However, let’s be honest – particularly when it comes to the earlier models, they’re beginning to look a little outdated now, and an upgrade is likely to provide the perfect solution.

Nissan proved that they agreed with this in various facelifts that followed, with the 2006-onwards facelift headlights becoming ever more sought after by those looking for an OEM upgrade.

However, if you’re fortunate to find a set of these in good, used condition, then be prepared to empty your pockets, as these beauties sure don’t come cheap!

For this reason, we’ve written this guide to show you some of the more affordable, aftermarket 350Z headlight options, alongside some of the cheaper OEM-style alternatives to consider.

Caring for your headlights

If you’ve opted to polish your existing headlights with the tutorial above, make sure that you use a suitable UV coating to protect your hard work.

We’d also advise doing this on your new headlights, which will provide a transparent layer of protection from the harshest elements that’ll continue to give a foggy look to the plastic.

For those getting started with drifting, we’re guessing that you may have found yourself here after getting carried away with the excitement of it all, before being harshly reminded of your lack of sideways experience.

If that’s the case (don’t worry, we’ve all been there), make sure you consider a 350Z bash bar to ensure that your shiny new headlights stand the best chance of survival next time around.

Nissan 350Z headlight installation

Once you’ve received your headlights, they’ll come with installation instructions. Still, we highly recommend checking out this 350z DEPO headlight installation video which simplifies the entire process, including removing your front bumper.

With that covered, let’s check out the best Nissan 350Z headlights on the market!

Best Nissan 350Z headlights

We’ve searched the market to find the best headlight options available for the Nissan 350Z.

In this comparison, we’ll be considering budget, mid-range, and high-end headlights, along with our personal opinions when it comes to value for money.

DEPO OEM-Style Xenon HID Headlight Lamp with Ballasts Set

• Manufacturer: DEPO
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2006-2009 (HID Only)
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: DEPO OEM-Style Xenon HID Headlight Lamp with Ballasts Set

Our comment: When it comes to asking 350Z enthusiasts for the most popular headlight choice, the answer will be simple – 2006 onwards.

Despite the massive selection of aftermarket options out there, it’s the facelift OEM choice that is likely to get the vote.

Unfortunately, the facelift headlights from a Nissan dealer are likely to cost you an arm and a leg, which is where this DEPO offering becomes a far more appealing option.

At a fraction of the price of the OEM units, it’s easy to see why so many 350Z owners are instead opting for these fantastic quality “OEM-style” lights.

With a 10-year warranty included, these will undoubtedly be the perfect choice for many enthusiasts looking to freshen up their Z.

Manufacturer description: “This item is backed by our 10-year warranty. In the event this item should fail due to manufacturing defects during intended use, we will replace the part free of charge. This warranty covers the cost of the part only.“

ANZO Crystal Headlights (Black)

• Manufacturer: AnzoUSA
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2005 (Non-HID)
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: ANZO Crystal Headlights (Black)

Our comment: These sleek and stylish crystal offerings from ANZO will freshen up the look of your Z.

Featuring a crystal design with black housing, these subtle touches help the lights stand out from the crowd.

Ensure that you have the correct model Z before purchasing, as these lights will only fit the 03-05 non-HID variant.

Manufacturer description: “AnzoUSA offers the best quality performance lighting products at an affordable cost. All AnzoUSA products are SAE and D.O.T. compliant to FMVSS No. 108; and manufactured in our state-of-the-art ISO 9002 and QS 9000 quality certified factory.“

“Our lighting products are designed using CAD/CAM computerized equipment and these modern designs are then tested using 3-dimensional testing machine to insure precision and accuracy in the research, development and design of our molds.“

Anzo Projector Headlights Halo (Black)

• Manufacturer: AnzoUSA
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2002-2005 (Non-HID)
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Anzo Projector Headlights Halo (Black)

Our comment: If you liked the design above, but an LED halo design is a temptation, these could make a perfect alternative.

With a clear lens and black housing, this projector-style light also utilizes halogen bulbs, both of which provide white light.

You’ll once again need to ensure you have a ’02-05 non-HID 350Z for these to be a plug-and-play setup.

Manufacturer description: “AnzoUSA offers the best quality performance lighting products at an affordable cost. All AnzoUSA products are SAE and D.O.T. compliant to FMVSS No. 108; and manufactured in our state-of-the-art ISO 9002 and QS 9000 quality certified factory.“

“Our lighting products are designed using CAD/CAM computerized equipment and these modern designs are then tested using 3-dimensional testing machine to insure precision and accuracy in the research, development and design of our molds.“

Spyder Auto DRL LED Projector Headlights

• Manufacturer: Spyder Auto
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2002-2009
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Spyder Auto DRL LED Projector Headlights (Black & Chrome)

Our comment: If you’re looking to modernize your Z with daytime running lights (DRL), then we highly recommend these headlights from Spyder Auto.

Once installed, we feel that these are one of the best-looking options out there, and Enjuku Racing provides a choice of Black or Chrome internal designs, depending on your personal preferences.

Manufacturer description: “These projector headlights are designed to improve looks and visibility for your vehicle.“

“They are made by OEM approved and ISO certified manufacturers. They are made with OEM standard quality and are designed for stock lights direct replacement.“

Spec-D JDM Style Headlights w/ Black Housing

• Manufacturer: Spec-D Tuning
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2002-2009 (Non-HID)
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Spec-D JDM Style Headlights w/ Black Housing

Our comment: Known for providing good quality lights on a budget, Spec-D Tuning brings this subtle OEM-style option with black housing to provide a meaner look to your Z.

These are plug-and-play on non-HID 02-05 Z’s and are known for being good quality for the price, but don’t expect the same standards as the premium choices.

Manufacturer description: “Spec-D headlights are designed to be a direct replacement for your factory headlights and require no modifications, cutting or wire splicing to install.“

“These headlights are designed to provide you with a much brighter and cleaner light to improve safety and appearance. Every Spec-D Tuning light is DOT approved, ensuring it’s street legal and can be a direct replacements.“

Spec-D Projector Headlights SMD LED Strip (Black or Chrome)

• Manufacturer: Spec-D Tuning
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2003-2005 (HID Only)
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Spec-D Projector Headlights SMD LED Strip (Black or Chrome)

Our comment: Redline360 provides various internal and lens color options for these lights, which also include an SMD LED light strip for a unique touch, which looks fantastic at night.

These will only be plug-and-play on 02-05 350Z models with factory HID headlights.

Manufacturer description: “Spec-D headlights are designed to be a direct replacement for your factory headlights and require no modifications, cutting or wire splicing to install.“

“These headlights are designed to provide you with a much brighter and cleaner light to improve safety and appearance. Every Spec-D Tuning light is DOT approved, ensuring it’s street legal and can be a direct replacements.“

Spec-D Projector Headlights LED DRL Strip

• Manufacturer: Spec-D Tuning
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2006-2009 (HID Only)
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Spec-D Projector Headlights LED DRL Strip

Our comment: If you liked the LED design above but own a later-model (0609) Z, these are a great alternative to the desirable facelift lights.

For those that prefer these over OEM options, you’ll likely turn over a decent profit by switching to these great-looking LED DRL strip alternatives!

Manufacturer description: “Spec-D headlights are designed to be a direct replacement for your factory headlights and require no modifications, cutting or wire splicing to install.“

“These headlights are designed to provide you with a much brighter and cleaner light to improve safety and appearance. Every Spec-D Tuning light is DOT approved, ensuring it’s street legal and can be a direct replacements.“

Spec-D Projector Headlights Dual LED Halo (Black/Chrome/Smoked)

• Manufacturer: Spec-D Tuning
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2002-2005
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Spec-D Projector Headlights Dual LED Halo (Black/Chrome/Smoked)

Our comment: The final option from Spec-D tuning integrates something a little different with this fantastic dual halo & LED choice.

If you happen to own an 02-05 Z, you’re in luck, as these will be a great finishing touch to your front end.

Manufacturer description: “Spec-D headlights are designed to be a direct replacement for your factory headlights and require no modifications, cutting or wire splicing to install.“

“These headlights are designed to provide you with a much brighter and cleaner light to improve safety and appearance. Every Spec-D Tuning light is DOT approved, ensuring it’s street legal and can be a direct replacements.“

CG Projector Headlights JDM Black

• Manufacturer: CG Distribution
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2002-2005 (Non-HID)
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: CG Projector Headlights JDM Black

Our comment: If you’re on a budget and looking for a subtle, aftermarket look for your Z, then these could tick the right boxes.

With a similar design to the original OEM lights, a black housing around the reflective internals gives meaner aesthetics without being over-the-top.

CG Distribution provides a UV coating that prevents the lens from getting faded/perished by the sun, as we’ve all (annoyingly) experienced with the stock lights!

On top of that, there’s also a 90-day warranty should there be any faults.

These should be a definite consideration for 02-05 Z owners with halogen lights and the 6-pin harness that aren’t looking to spend big bucks.

Manufacturer description: “CG Distribution offers the best quality performance lighting products at the lowest cost.“

“All CG Distribution products are S.A.E. (Society Automotive Engineers) and D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) compliant to FMVSS no. 108 (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards); and manufactured in a state-of-the-art ISO 9002 and QS 9000 quality certified factory.“

Oracle Lighting Multicolored LED Headlight Halo Kit

• Manufacturer: Oracle Lighting
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z (Z33) 2002-2005
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Oracle Lighting Multicolored LED Headlight Halo Kit

Our comment: Our final offering certainly provides something a little different for those of you that intend to stand out from the crowd.

Rather than buying an entirely new set of lights, Oracle Lighting has come up with this innovative alternative for those that want to keep the OEM look during the day but turn heads at night.

You’ll need to disassemble your existing lights, which won’t be for everyone, before either installing a halo color of your choice or taking advantage of their color-changing technology.

Using the premium ColorSHIFT w/2.0 Controller option, you’ll be able to change your halo settings at the touch of a button – and there sure isn’t a shortage of buttons!

Alternatively, opting for the BC1 ColorSHIFT will allow you to install an app on your smartphone, allowing you to control the halo color and settings via the Oracle Lighting app. Pretty neat, huh?

Although this may not be to everyone’s taste, we’re always keen to see fresh ideas enter the market, and we feel that Oracle has done a great job with this product.

Manufacturer description: “Looking to modify your vehicle’s lights for a customized, eye-catching style? The ORACLE Lighting halo kit for the 2003-2005 Nissan 350Z offers a perfect solution with an expertly-crafted design, brilliant colors with the best quality LED components, and unique features that will satisfy any car enthusiast.“

“Easily control the halos with one of our easy-to-use controllers, and consider the popular ColorSHIFT®, which gives the user RGB control thanks to the 5050 tri-node LEDs that allow you to select any color imaginable.“

Our winners

Let’s take a look at our favorite picks when it comes to 350Z headlights.

Our Drifted Choice goes to DEPO

Our 350Z headlight winners are DEPO.

Providing exceptional quality to rival Nissan’s OEM units at a fraction of the price, DEPO has earned itself the most respected reputation for those looking to replace or upgrade their original headlights.

DEPO OEM-Style Nissan 350Z Xenon HID Headlights with Ballasts Set

Our Premium 350Z Headlight Choice

Our Premium Choice is the Spyder Auto DRL LED Projector Headlight.

They’re certainly not the cheapest, but these fantastic-looking headlights will make your 350Z headlights rival the 370Z designs.

We’ve seen these fitted, and they not only look fantastic, but the quality is second to none.

If you’re happy to spend a little extra on a premium aftermarket option, we’d recommend checking these out.

Spyder Auto DRL LED Nissan 350Z Projector Headlight

Our Budget 350Z Headlight Choice

Our Budget Choice are the Spec-D JDM Style headlights.

Spec-D has stuck with what works for these ‘JDM style’ headlights.

A subtle black housing provides a perfect finishing touch to this bargain-priced opportunity based on the original OEM design that Nissan intended.

If you’re looking for the best bang-for-your-buck, these are going to be a worthy contender.

Spec-D JDM Style Headlights w/ Black Housing

Thank you for reading our Nissan 350Z Headlight guide.

There’s a fantastic selection available on the market for 350Z owners.

We hope we’ve found you the perfect solution for your needs. All you need to do now is ensure that your drifting skills are up to scratch so that you can keep them looking like new!

Now that you’ve got your brand-spanking-new headlights sorted, why not check out our other 350Z tuning guides?

If you’re looking for styling upgrades, we’ve checked out the best wheels and spacers, rear wings, rear diffusers, and front lips on the market for 350Z owners.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to upgrade your power next, our 350Z turbo, supercharger, LS swap, test pipes, cold air intake, and exhaust guides will provide you with the perfect solutions.

Photography credits

We would like to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

• @Nuski_z33 at Fitment Industries
• @bagged_z33 at Fitment Industries
• @_its_bernard_ at Fitment Industries
• @lukez_z33 at Fitment Industries
• @bybrandino at Fitment Industries

If you enjoyed this article, then please share it with the buttons at the side and bottom of your screen. Find this information useful? Please post a link to it on your 350Z owners clubs. We appreciate your support.

The post Ultimate 350z Headlights Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• Who Makes Rocket Bunny 350Z Kits?
• Rocket Bunny 350Z Kit Cost
• Replica Rocket Bunny 350Z Kits
• Rocket Bunny 350Z Wheel Specs
• Conclusion

When it comes to widebody aero kits, very few have achieved the same level of success as the Rocket Bunny kit, especially for Nissan 350Z owners.

Loved by drifters, stance enthusiasts, and brave daily-driven 350Z owners, the Rocket Bunny kit suits the lines of the 350Z to perfection, and with their most recent V2 kit, it’s now looking even more refined than ever.

Who Makes Rocket Bunny 350Z Kits?

Since you’re likely to see the names TRA Kyoto, Pandem, and often GReddy thrown into the mix, it’s easy to understand why so many are confused by the origins of the Rocket Bunny kit.

Kei Miura at TRA Kyoto (Top Racing Arts Kyoto) is the designer of each Rocket Bunny kit, sold as ‘Pandem’ in the US due to copyright issues.

When Miura-san creates each Rocket Bunny/Pandem kit, an incredible amount of work goes into creating a unique design from scratch.

While many aftermarket widebody kits are known for terrible fitment and disappointing quality, Kei Miura proves time and time again why it pays off to buy the genuine product rather than a Rocket Bunny “replica” kit.

Not only are the highest quality materials used, with perfected curing times obeyed, but the sheer amount of work that goes into designing these kits is mind-blowing.

While most aftermarket body kits are initially formed from a clay-based design, it’s Miura-san’s in-depth knowledge of computers that gives him the edge over competitors when it comes to precise fitment.

To begin, each car that receives the Rocket Bunny treatment is fully laser-scanned, which creates a precise digital rendering of the vehicle – in this case, a Nissan 350Z in its original factory form.

Kei Miura then uses this 3D model as a blank canvas as he re-creates the design entirely from scratch, providing the opportunity to implement his unique visions.

One of the most admirable traits is his ability to combine modern-day styling along with a sprinkling of old-school class from the JDM legends of yesteryear, with a subtle hint of the likes of the Bosozoku era added into the mix.

Eager to maintain the overall original styling and design of the car as Nissan had intended, he sets to work with creating his creations that have soared to popularity across the globe.

Using the 3D model, he can create and edit CG renderings of each design, enabling him to see the finished product in digital form before the physical end-product gets created.

Once perfected to his harsh standards, undoubtedly smoking his way through endless packets of cigarettes in the process, it’s time to begin the real-world 3D model of the freshly designed Rocket Bunny kit, which looks like this:

With the design finalized, it’s time to load up enormous chunks of polystyrene, which are then placed into the CNC mill at TRA Kyoto to create the master molds that each brand new, unique Rocket Bunny kit will later be crafted from.

Now that the mold is created, it’s time to use the finest quality FRP materials with meticulous care to ensure that each kit leaves the factory with the highest manufacturing standards imaginable.

Along with their unique designs, Rocket Bunny/Pandem’s focus on quality and fitment has earned the brand one of the highest-regarded reputations in the aftermarket modified tuning scene.

Upon the Rocket Bunny Pandem kit leaving the factory, it’s time for the likes of US distributor GReddy to deliver them to eager fans and tuning enthusiasts across the globe.

Although the 350Z is possibly the most sought-after Rocket Bunny body kit, there are also kits available for the GT86, BR-Z, FR-S, and GT-R.

They’ve also recently launched stunning kits for the new Toyota GR Supra and the Lexus RC/RC-F platforms.

Rocket Bunny 350Z Kit Cost

For many potential owners, the price of a Rocket Bunny kit can often become the make-or-break element when deciding whether the kit will suit their needs.

Meanwhile, for others, it may be the difference between opting for the real deal or considering a replica kit, which we’ll be discussing more in-depth later in this guide.

When it comes to the genuine Rocket Bunny/Pandem 350Z body kit created by specialists TRA Kyoto, here are the options for you to consider.

For the latest prices, make sure you head over to the official US distributors at the GReddy USA store:

Full kit:

• Complete widebody aero kit with wing – Part number: 17020350

Individual parts:

• Front bumper (only, with integrated front fender extensions) – Part number: 17020351
• Front lip (only) – Part number: 17020352
• Front over-fenders +40mm (only, does not include bumper extensions) – Part number: 17020353
• Rear over-fenders +80mm (only) – Part number: 17020354
• Rear diffuser (only) – Part number: 17020355
• Rear “ducktail” wing (only) – Part number: 17020356
• Front bumper mesh (only) – Part number: 17010239
• Front lip sport rods (only) – Part number: 17020359
• V2 LED DRL/signal light kit (only) – Part number: 17010230

Although the kit is far from cheap, you’re paying for the quality and near-perfect fitment that Miura-san and his team pride themselves upon.

All of the Rocket Bunny/Pandem FRP aero comes with a raw gel-coat finish, which will require preparation to fill minor surface imperfections and potential hairline cracks in the finish and smooth out the surface.

Although you could carry out the work yourself, we’d highly recommend that it’s done by reputable body shop professionals, as we’ll expect that you’ll want to ensure that the job is carried out to the highest standards.

If you’re experienced with this, then, by all means, feel free!

The 350Z Rocket Bunny kit uses the original sills and rear bumper, with the overfenders adding the width to the car, but you’ll still require some extensive bodywork to ensure the perfect fitment.

Due to the width of this kit, if you want to ensure perfect fitment, the overfenders will replace your stock fenders, which will require cutting, and potentially fender rolling and sealing to smooth off the lip before the final kit fitment.

As you may have guessed, the cost of the kit, along with the prep work, cutting and sealing of the arches, and then the fresh new paint job, which you’ll undoubtedly want to complete the look, all adds up to a pretty penny.

While it’s certainly not cheap, 350Z costs continually improving, and thanks to the modern sibling, the 370Z, becoming increasingly affordable, it means that you may well be able to bag yourself a bargain 350Z.

However, what if you’re looking for the Rocket Bunny styling, but you’re not willing to fork out the big bucks?

That brings us to our next section…

Replica Rocket Bunny 350Z Kits

It comes as no real secret that there’s no shortage of replica (fake/whatever you want to call them) Rocket Bunny kits out there.

While we strongly recommend supporting creators, especially when they’ve put the amount of work that Miura-san does into his work, we can see why drifters would prefer to go down this route.

Let’s face it – there’s nothing more disheartening than waiting for your fresh new aero to get shipped from the motherland, only to see it exploded to smithereens on your first visit to the track.

When it comes to a missile beater, or a hard-driven drift car, fitment and quality aren’t really at the forefront of your agenda, either.

So, while you can go down the likes of the Duraflex route when it comes to sourcing a replica Rocket Bunny kit, you’ll probably want to brace yourself for a little more than minor fitment issues.

While TRA Kyoto ensures that quality and fitment are at the forefront of the agenda when creating their genuine kits, it’s doubtful that’ll be the case with a replica.

Unfortunately, this often means that you’ll have a terrible fitting kit, and while this might not bother missile drift car owners, you may end up regretting it if you’re opting for a clean show car.

We’ve all seen “that guy” who thinks he’s getting a bargain with his replica body kit, only to take it to the local body shop experts, to receive a several-thousand dollar bill to get the shoddy-fitting kit sitting perfectly.

Even then, the quality is likely to be far inferior to that of the original Rocket Bunny kit.

With cheap FRP vs genuine parts, it can often be the difference between scraping your way over a speedbump or crashing into it, in which case, the body shop will undoubtedly be happy to see you return!

For many reasons, we highly recommend that you don’t opt for the “buy cheap, buy twice” method, and if you’re looking to daily drive or have your Rocket Bunny 350Z as a clean, potential show car, then we highly recommend opting for the real deal.

On the other hand, if you’re not bothered about fitment or quality, and you’re likely to be running the wall and rubbing doors with your buddies at the track on the weekends, you’re likely to be better off opting for a rep kit.

Either way, you’re also going to have to consider which wheels will suit your newly-wide-bodied Z, which brings us to our next section…

Rocket Bunny 350Z Wheel Specs

As you may have guessed, the aftermarket wheels that you opt for on your Z could potentially make or break the look once you’ve decided to go down the Rocket Bunny route.

Using the stock wheels is going to be out of the question. Given the +80mm extension that you’re going to have to accommodate for on the rears, wheel spacers are a no-no, too.

Fitting skinny wheels with gigantic spacers will not only look ridiculous when anyone peers inside the wheels, but it’ll leave your Z looking like it skipped leg day from the rear!

Examples from Fitment Industries:

18” example – Work Meister S1 3P Custom

Wheel sizes:

• Front – 18” x 11” | Offset -20
• Rear – 18” x 13” | Offset -46

Tires:

• 315/30 front
• 335/30 rear

(May require 10mm spacers to clear Brembo/uprated brake kits)

19” example – Weds Kranze LXZ

Wheel sizes:

• Front – 19” x 14” | Offset -15
• Rear – 19” x 16” | Offset -35

Tires:

• 305/30 front
• 345/30 rear

These are just two examples of possible wheel fitment, but there are many more potential solutions when it comes to fitment.

My350z.com has a fantastic wheel size calculator to help you choose an ideal width for your Z, but it’s worth remembering that cutting the arches will provide far more clearance than the stock body:

If you’re considering a fully custom set to ensure the perfect fitment, then we highly recommend checking out Work Wheels, which can be custom-built to perfection.

If you’re looking for some examples of perfect Rocket Bunny 350Z fitment, make sure you check out the gallery at Fitment Industries.

Once you’ve decided on the perfect wheel fitment, you’ll also need to determine what tires you wish to run, which will need to be factored into your budget.

Typically, the chunkier the tire, the more expensive they’re likely to be, and if you’re intending on throwing it sideways, the costs will soon add up!

Conclusion

Kei Miura has done an incredible job when it comes to designing the Rocket Bunny kit for the Nissan 350Z.

Updating the modern styling as Nissan intended, with a touch of old-school class, has provided the perfect opportunity to make the older sibling arguably outshine the current 370Z.

While there will be quite a few considerations regarding whether a Rocket Bunny kit will suit your needs, we hope we’ve covered them all in this guide.

Considerations will include cutting into your stock fenders, choosing a suitable set of super-wide wheels, and some chunky meat to go on them.

It may be a more cost-effective option for those of you who are planning on drifting your Rocket Bunny 350Z to go down the replica route, assuming you’re not too much of a perfectionist when it comes to fitment.

Although we rarely recommend replica products, having FRP frequently kissing concrete walls is one of the few exceptions where we think it could make sense from a cost perspective.

With that said, if you’re looking to build a stance, or show car where quality and fitment are vital, then we would undoubtedly be opting for the real deal.

Those looking to daily drive or frequently drive to meets in your slammed Rocket Bunny 350Z may also want to consider going down the air suspension route.

Doing so will ensure clearance in tricky situations where you don’t fancy scraping your fiberglass masterpiece on the ground!

Once you’ve got your Rocket Bunny kit fitted, along with the shiny new shoes, make sure you remember that she wiiiiiiiiide now – as curbs are undoubtedly going to become your enemy!

So, there we have it! We hope that we’ve covered everything you could want to know about Rocket Bunny 350Z’s in this guide.

Thank you for reading our Rocket Bunny 350Z guide.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with the buttons at the bottom of your screen. If you’ve found this information useful, then please take a moment to share it with other 350Z and Rocket Bunny enthusiasts. We appreciate your support.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:

• Fitment Industries
• Pandem USA
• ShopGReddy.com

The post Ultimate Rocket Bunny 350z Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• OEM (EXEDY) Replacement
• JWT (Jim Wolf Technology)
• Competition Clutch
• ATS Carbon Pro
• ACT
• EXEDY
• South Bend/DXD Racing
• SPEC
• McLeod
• RPS Max
• Clutch Masters
• Enjuku Racing Package
• Jump to winner

In a hurry? Here is our 350z clutch kit summary

Runner-Up Choice	Drifted Choice	Premium Choice
South Bend/DXD Nissan 350Z Clutch Kit	Jim Wolf Technologies (JWT) Clutch Kit	ATS Carbon Pro 350Z Clutch Kit
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

As most 350Z owners will already know, the clutch and gearbox combination in them isn’t the smoothest, nor the quietest from the day they rolled out of the showroom.

It’s something you come to live with, and it becomes one of the quirks of the car. Us petrolheads very rarely expect things to be perfect, and if it adds some personality, then so be it!

With 350Z’s now mostly heading into the higher mileage regions, chances are you’re probably going to need to consider changing your clutch at some point in the near future. Or, maybe you’re lucky enough to be going down the forced induction route and you’re planning ahead before the inevitable death of your stock clutch.

Clutch replacements certainly aren’t the quickest, or easiest of jobs, but this great video from Full Throttle shows the exact procedure which you’ll need to go through if you plan on tackling it yourself.

An additional part that you’ll need to consider when replacing the clutch is whether your flywheel is still up to the task. We highly recommend that while you’re going through the hassle of pulling the box out that you also swap this for a fresh one so that it’s over and done with.

If you’ve decided not to swap the flywheel for whatever reason, you’ll definitely want to at least check the condition and consider getting it skimmed. Mating a new clutch to a worn flywheel can cause all sorts of unwanted consequences, and you’ll undoubtedly regret not doing the job properly in the long run.

When choosing your next flywheel, there’s always the stock replacement option. However, a lightened flywheel can get the revs up and down quicker whilst also providing some weight saving. It comes with a small downside that they are particularly well known on 350Z’s for being loud, and some kits have a substantial amount more ‘chatter’ than others. If you spend a lot of time in traffic, this may well end up being frustrating.

For us, we generally tend to crank the stereo up or get a louder exhaust to deal with these situations!

When considering which clutch is best for your needs, you’ll want to think about the kind of driving you’ll be doing. For example, you might be thinking “I’ll just get the best one.” However, more expensive, ‘better’ clutches can be almost unbearable if you spend a lot of time in your daily driver stuck in traffic.

For this reason, we generally tend to plan in advance when it comes to clutches. Do you plan to keep the engine stock, or mildly modified? Or, will you be creating a drag-racing street weapon? Hit up the track and go drifting every weekend, or create a time attack monster?

Each of these requirements is likely to need a very different clutch, so you’re going to want to think about how much torque your car will eventually be putting out before deciding which clutch to go with.

Unlike other products like exhausts, we highly recommend not considering the cheaper options on the market for this type of product. There are a lot of reasonably priced tried-and-tested options out there, and with the hassle of gearbox removal and the fact that a broken clutch is worthless, it’s a job that’s best undertaken as little as possible and done properly.

Filled with the knowledge that race clutches, while great for the track and harsh driving are certainly NOT your friend when it comes to every day trips to the shops or work, lets figure out which clutch is best for you.

It’s time to take a look at our Nissan 350Z clutch selection

To read more about any of these products simply click on the clutch kit name or photo.

EXEDY OEM Replacement 350Z Clutch Kit

• Manufacturer: EXEDY
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Buy the OEM EXEDY 350Z clutch kit here

Our comment: For those of you that prefer to keep life simple, Japan’s largest clutch manufacturer brings you an OEM replacement at a fantastic price.

EXEDY even made the OEM NISMO clutch for Nissan, so they certainly know what they’re doing. Some owners have run up to 6psi long-term on boosted 350Z’s with no issues, and these are undoubtedly built to last. However, don’t expect to go drifting every weekend with 600hp throwing down hundreds of clutch kicks.

This is the convenient, cheap and easy swap for those of you without huge power expectations to replace your tired original clutch.

Manufacturer description: “EXEDY Globalparts Corporation (USA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the EXEDY Corporation of Japan. EXEDY (Japan) was founded in 1923 and its clutch manufacturing business and prominent brand name Daikin Clutch are known throughout the world for supplying quality powertrain products.“

“Our pursuit of perfection and the assurance of safety underlie our famed quality and reliability. Our advanced engineering and patented innovations have made us the leading OEM manufacturer in the world for Clutches and other powertrain components. Exedy is also the undisputed leader of performance sports and racing clutches.“

JWT High Clamping Force HD 350Z Clutch Kit

• Manufacturer: Jim Wolf Technologies (JWT)
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Buy the JWT 350Z clutch kit here

Our comment: JWT offers 350Z owners the clutch which is undoubtedly the most popular choice in our list with their clamping force HD kit. This, combined with their lightweight flywheel is the perfect choice for those who want the stock, OEM pedal feel but with a clutch that can handle a little more of a kicking.

Often regarded as the perfect option, this is ideal for daily driving and light track/drift use. If you’re intending to go down the higher-powered forced induction route, you may want to look for something a little more hardcore.

When coupled with the lightweight flywheel, the only complaints we’ve ever heard is about the amount of chatter noise, but it’s a small price to pay for such a fantastic option otherwise.

Manufacturer description: “1200KG clamping force and a smooth organic disc makes this the best choice for street / track 350Z-G35 including boosted cars!“

Competition Clutch 350Z Kit

• Manufacturer: Competition Clutch
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Check out the full 350Z Competition Clutch range here

Our comment: Competition Clutch brings a huge range to the market for 350Z owners, from an extremely well-priced OEM replacement, all the way through to their awesome triple-plate offerings.

Competition Clutch have been causing quite a stir in recent years as they bring high-quality products to the market at a far superior price to some of their rivals.

We have heard a few mixed opinions, but the general opinion from owners is that these are great kits. Surprisingly, many people even reported finding their Stage 4 kit convenient for daily driving, which is extremely promising for those of you with big power daily drivers.

Manufacturer description: “Competition Clutch (CCI) is the fastest growing performance clutch company in North America.“

“CCI contributes this growth to its commitment in the innovation and quality of the products that we manufacture and supply, complimented by a sincere desire to provide unparalleled customer service and delivery.“

ATS Carbon Pro 350Z Clutch Kit

• Manufacturer: ATS
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Buy the ATS Carbon Pro clutch kit here

Our comment: ATS are known for offering some of the most expensive, yet highest regarded clutches in the industry. You can count on this carbon clutch being fantastic quality, but this single-plate kit is likely to be on the harsher side for daily driving situations.

For those of you planning to run reasonable power and want a clutch that won’t mind being treated a little rough at the track, this is an ideal, affordable option.

If you’re going down the big-power route, their twin and triple-plate clutches are up there with the best, but be prepared to fork out anywhere up to $3k.

Manufacturer description: “For the past several years since we released the first single carbon clutch, ATS has been constantly making progress to make it better. Still, we recognized that there were several occasions our single carbon clutch (old type 800kg, and current 1,000kg pressure plate model) did not provide satisfactory power transfer.“

“By changing the composition of the carbon disc and applying special carbon coating on the surface of the pressure plate (CCM), ATS has successfully increased the torque delivery by exceptional 25% to 45%. The new disc and the pressure plate will be used for all the single carbon clutch – 1,000kg, 1,300kg, 1,500kg and 1,600kg.“

ACT Nissan 350Z Clutch Kit

• Manufacturer: ACT
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Check out the full ACT 350Z clutch kit range here

Our comment: ACT have certainly stood the test of time in the clutch game and they bring a good variety to the market for 350Z owners.

They’ve kept things pretty simple with their ‘Street’ and ‘Race’ offerings, and we’d recommend considering what kind of driving you’ll spend the most time doing..

Whilst their race setup isn’t unbearable for daily driving when mated with their ‘Streetlite’ flywheel, we’d still go with the street clutch if you’re not planning on pushing it beyond its limits.

You really can’t go wrong with ACT if you feel they could potentially suit your needs and they have many delighted owners around the world.

Manufacturer description: “ACT’s spring-centered race disc features a spring-center to properly damp torsional vibrations for quieter operation and resist failure even under harsh conditions. ACT spring retainers utilize wraparound spring windows and thicker retainer stampings to provide spring support, reduce stress concentrations, and increase strength and reliability.“

EXEDY Nissan 350Z Clutch Kits

• Manufacturer: EXEDY
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Check out the full EXEDY 350Z clutch kit range here

Our comment: EXEDY return to our list with their uprated variations after initially featuring with their OEM clutch earlier in our guide.

There’s no question that EXEDY are legends in the game and with so many manufacturers putting their faith into them, you know they’re undoubtedly built to the highest quality.

Despite the general feedback on their 350Z clutches being positive, owners have commented that their clutch/flywheel combinations can be on the louder side when it comes to chatter. They’re not one of the most popular choices for 350Z’s, perhaps due to a slightly higher price point, but you definitely won’t regret going with EXEDY if you feel their kit is the ideal choice for you.

Manufacturer description: “Exedy cerametallic clutches are designed to handle the abuse of high powered modified engines. Our cerametallic friction material can handle much more slippage than stock type disc assemblies without slipping and fading. All cerametallic discs feature spring center dampers to reduce impact and shock loads.“

South Bend/DXD Nissan 350Z Clutch Kit

• Manufacturer: South Bend/DXD
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Check out the full South Bend/DXD 350Z clutch kit range here

Our comment: South Bend/DXD are quite possibly up there in the Top 3 choices among owners in our list, and are yet another brand well-known for delivering exceptional quality.

One of the main positives with these kits is that South Bend/DXD have acknowledged and specifically worked towards improving the ‘chatter’ sound which many other kits suffer from.

Some owners have reported that this makes it even quieter than the stock OEM clutch/flywheel combination, which is extremely impressive.

They have a huge variety, from Stage 1, right the way through to Stage 5 to keep everyone happy, no matter what power you’re pushing out. They also specifically ask for your purpose of use, whether it’s for Daily, Endurance or Drag use. Another excellent choice!

Manufacturer description: “The 4-puck X disc is the most extreme and aggressive clutch available from Southbend. This is only recommended for those really looking to abuse their drivetrain! (Stage 4 Extreme, 800+ lb-ft).“

SPEC Nissan 350Z Clutch Kits

• Manufacturer: SPEC
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Check out the full SPEC 350Z clutch kit range here

Our comment: SPEC compete with some of these clutch giants with their range of 350Z kits, which unfortunately has been hit with a mixed reaction.

SPEC have earned a reputation of having poor quality control, with owners stating that it’s often a ‘flip of a coin’ as to how the quality will be.

Despite having many happy 350Z owners running their kits, there are reports of complete failure from others. For this reason, we’d personally prefer to go with a more consistent option, which there’s definitely no shortage of.

Manufacturer description: “The flagship stage for a high powered street or race car that requires a manageable and friendly engagement, the stage 3+ features a carbon semi-metallic full faced material that offers unparalleled life, friction co-efficient and drivability characteristics in one single package.“

“The hub is double sprung with spring cover relieves for flexibility and heat treated components for strength and durability. Great for street, drag, drift, autocross, road racing, pulling, rallye and drift.“

McLeod Nissan 350Z Clutch Kits

• Manufacturer: McLeod
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Check out the full McLeod 350Z clutch kit range here

Our comment: McLeod seems to be one of the rarer options among 350Z owners, but we’ve not yet heard any bad things, which is always a good sign!

It’s always hard to judge from so little feedback, but all of their products are very reasonably priced.

With a hugely positive following in the muscle car market, there’s a very strong chance that McLeod could become a bargain contender in the 350Z scene in the near future.

Manufacturer description: “If you are looking for a clutch that’s a great replacement from your stock set up, the McLeod Street Supreme is your best option. Supremacy by McLeod Racing.“

RPS Max Nissan 350Z Clutch Kits

• Manufacturer: RPS Max
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Check out the full RPS Max 350Z clutch kit range here

Our comment: RPS Max are certainly not the cheapest in our guide, but many owners would say they are a strong contender with the best in our guide.

Known for their exceptional customer service, they are known for delivering consistently perfected products.

This is likely to have a slightly stiffer feel to it than the JWT and OEM clutches and can handle up to 600ft/lb torque. These clutches are designed for those of you that like launching your car or drag racing and you can replace separate parts of the pressure plate to ensure a long life-span.

Manufacturer description: “If you have the power, this is your clutch!! Turboclutch MAX Series clutches have powered many of the fastest cars down the track for the past 10 years. This is a proven winner that has been perfected over the years to become the standard it is today.“

“Our unique dual diaphragm technology allows us to create almost any clutch unit with any pressure ranging from stock to double stock in 100 pound increments. If the stock pressure is 1400 pounds we can make MAX pressure plates 1800, 1900, 2000, and so on up to 2800 pounds. This flexibility can only be found at RPS.“

Clutch Masters Nissan 350Z Clutch Kits

• Manufacturer: Clutch Masters
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Clutch Masters 350Z clutch kit

Our comment: Clutch Masters mostly have an excellent reputation. We’ve heard a couple of negatives, but they’re known for their great customer service and have rectified any issues, which we feel is extremely valuable.

Many owners have clocked tens of thousands of miles with these with no issues at all, so they’re yet another great choice.

Manufacturer description: “Clutch Masters clutches are true High Performance Clutch Systems and are technologically superior to anything currently on the market.“

“The Clutch Masters clutch system is unique in the industry. We use Hi-Leverage technology (refer to the Pressure Plate section) in our pressure plates, which significantly increases clamping force with no unnecessary increase in pedal pressure. Discs are designed either with reduced Marcel or a solid hub design to take advantage of our Hi-Leverage pressure plate. The combination of these cutting edge technologies creates the finest clutch system on the market.“

Enjuku Racing White Bunny Clutch Kit Package

• Manufacturer: Enjuku Racing/Competition Clutch
• Fitment: Nissan 350Z
• Value for money:
• Purchase link:
  Check out the Enjuku Racing White Bunny Clutch Kit Package range here

Our comment: Enjuku Racing has come up with the perfect kits for those looking to swap out their existing VQ35DE 350z clutch setup.

Utilizing the hugely popular “White Bunny” kit from Competition Clutch, this provides everything you could need for a complete swap.

Not only do you get the clutch (6 puck or full-face), but you also get the matching flywheel, along with a set of ARP flywheel bolts and an OEM rear main seal.

Chances are, if you’re swapping out your clutch, you’ll need to buy all of these parts separately, but thankfully this kit provides a convenient, all-in-one solution at a fantastic price.

The OE-style clutch assembly/disc is proven to hold 400 hp, and the six puck is rated to hold 475 hp, making it perfect for those who don’t have huge power goals.

Manufacturer description: “While you’re in there changing out that old clutch and flywheel. Upgrade the flywheel bolts and replace the rear main seal. I know it sucks to install a brand new clutch to then have the rear main seal blow out and gunk up the clutch and flywheel with oil.“

“This is your one stop package to get the job done right! Now with some added savings, upgrade today!“

Our winner

Our winner is the Jim Wolf Technologies (JWT) 350Z turbo kit.

To pick our winner from this choice of 350Z clutch kits we looked at a number of criteria; quality, popularity, reliability and price point.

Based on these criteria we have chosen the JWT Kit to be our winner.

Jim Wolf Technologies (JWT) Clutch Kit

JWT continues to bring incredible products to the 350Z market, and their clutches certainly don’t disappoint. Given that most owners reading this guide won’t be planning to go crazy power, it’s definitely the best bang-for-your-buck choice for those who want a simple, reliable alternative to the stock clutch.

If you are planning for big power, there are still plenty of other options out there. You’ll definitely want to check out the ATS, EXEDY and South Bend/DXD selection.

Thank you for reading our 350Z clutch kit guide, why not check out our additional 350Z articles?

We’ve spent a LOT of time recently creating some unique content to help 350Z owners find the very best products to tune their Z to its true potential, so why not take a look at the following guides to see what tickles your fancy?

• 350Z Exhaust Guide
• 350Z Coilover Guide
• 350Z Cold Air Intake Guide
• 350Z Supercharger
• 350Z Turbo Kit
• 350Z Y-Pipes
• 350Z Test Pipes
• 350Z Headers

Keen to find out more about two awesome Nissans – the 350Z and the 370Z? Check out our 350z vs 370z – What’s Best? article to see which car takes the win!

Perhaps you’re a G35 owner that’s looking for a clutch to also fit their car? If so, you’ll definitely want to check out our G35 Tuning Guides!

If you enjoyed this article then please share it with the sharing buttons at the side and the bottom of your screen.

Photography credits

We thank the following entities for use of their photography in this article:

• Alex Babashov (Flickr)
• Enjuku Racing
• Z1 Motorsports
• Vivid Racing

The post Ultimate Nissan 350z Clutch Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.

• APEXi ExV Coilovers
• Tanabe Sustec Pro Coilovers
• Stance XR1 Coilovers
• H&R Street Coilovers
• APEXi Evolution Coilovers
• BC Racing Coilovers
• KW Variant 3 Coilovers
• Jump To Our Winner

In a hurry? Here is our 350z Coilovers summary

Track Choice	Drifted Choice	Domestic Choice
APEXi N1 Evolution Circuit Coilover Kit	APEXi N1 ExV Damper Coilover Kit	Stance XR1 Coilover Kit
Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now

The Nissan 350z (Fairlady Z in Asia) (Z33 chassis) is an excellent sports car. Great looks, impressive stock power and a responsive rear wheel drive platform all contribute to making the 350z a solid choice.

These characteristics won the Nissan a place in our coveted Best drift cars for beginners article. Don’t believe us that the 350z is a future classic? Then read what motoring journalists thought at the time the Z33 was first launched:

On it’s launch Autocar’s reviewer stated: “With bags of character, the 350Z is still one of our favourite coupes.”

Honest John summarised the latest Fairlady Z with: “Perfect combination of power, grip and safe but exploitable handling.”

EVO magazine said: “Regular readers will know I’ve become a massive fan of the latest-generation Z-car. I reckon it’s one of the greatest affordable performance cars of the last ten years and, judging by the continuing waiting lists for new ones, a lot of you agree.”

There is no doubting the 350z’s appeal however as with most stock cars, the suspension does leave room for improvement. Early Z33’s will be over 15 years old so refreshing a tired set of suspension should be high on your to-do list.

Aftermarket coilover suspension kits offer a far greater selection of suspension adjustabillity, this is especially helpful if you want to slam the car or to perform well at circuit or drift days.

If you have to replace the tired old suspension anyway then why not upgrade to a set of coilovers and get those trick rims looking just right?

What is this guide for?

This guide was written to help you find your perfect set of 350z coilovers. The guide focuses on suspension specifications, features, construction materials, spring rates and manufacturer descriptions.

For each set of coilovers we also add our own comments. In addition we have given each suspension system a Drifted rating (1-5) based upon features and price. We are considering budget, mid-range and high end coilovers in this comparison.

Let’s take a look at our 350z coilovers

To read more about any of these products just click on the coilover name or photo.

APEXi N1 ExV Damper Coilover Kit

• Manufacturer: APEXi
• Levels of damping adjustment: 32
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 10kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
• Fitment: Nissan 350z, Nissan Fairlady Z, Z33
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your APEXi ExV’s here

Our comment: Our first set of coilovers are produced by Japanese tuning giant APEXi. These coilovers are a great out of the box option for a no thrills sports setup. These would be suitable for anybody looking to improve the looks and handling of their 350z for a reasonable budget. They are the cheapest coilovers in our guide and offer good value for money.

Manufacturer description: “APEXi N1 ExV is the newest line of coilover kits from Apexi featuring dual height and 32 way dampening adjustments. ExV, which stands for “Expert Type V” was designed to the be ultimate street suspension with no compromise for ride quality and price.”

“Features include:
– 44mm Monotube Damper w/ 32 way adjustments
– Full dual height adjustable body for fine adjustments
– Spanner wrench and accessories included
– High quality design and manufacturing”

“A must have for anyone doing track days and spirited driving. Will improve car handling and response effectively.”

Tanabe Sustec Pro Five Coilover Kit

• Manufacturer: Tanabe
• Levels of damping adjustment: 32
• Construction type: Twin Tube
• Spring rate front: 10kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
• Fitment: Nissan 350z, Nissan Fairlady Z, Z33, Infiniti G35
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Tanabe Sustec Pro’s here

Our comment: The Tanabe Sustec Pro FIVE is a mid-range coilover. The design features twin tube coilovers coupled with Tanabe’s Slide Valve Technology. This technology comes directly from their Pro SEVEN coilover kit but it is at a more affordable price point.

Something that makes this kit stand out is the compatibility with Tanabe’s TEAS electronic suspension controller. This gizmo (once mounted in the car) allows for remote suspension setup on the fly. It sounds like a slice of Formula One in your 350z! Very cool.

Manufacturer description: “Sustec Pro FIVE is an all new adjustable coilover that features a wide array of new circuit-developed technology that is similar to Tanabe’s Sustec Pro SEVEN. However, Sustec Pro FIVE delivers broad performance at a fraction of the cost.”

“Featuring the same slide-valve technology as the SEVEN, the Sustec Pro FIVE also gives a great range of adjustability and function for street and track use.”

“When used with the new TEAS electronic active suspension controller, the wide range of dampening force is accessible through the touch of a button, and is fully programmable to automatically adjust dampening rates according to the speed you drive.”

“Features include:
– Slide Valve Technology
– TEAS Compatible
– Twin Tube
– Spring Rates F/R: 10.0 / 8.0k
– Height Adjustability F/R: -1/4~-1 1/2 in / +1/4~-1 1/2 in”

Stance XR1 Coilover Kit

• Manufacturer: Stance
• Levels of damping adjustment: 16
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 12kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 8kg/mm
• Fitment: Nissan 350z, Nissan Fairlady Z, Z33, Infiniti G35
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your Stance XR1’s here

Our comment: The Stance XR1 coilovers are a solid choice for your 350z suspension. With 16 way damping adjustment, highly regarded SWIFT springs available (front only) and robust build materials (the patented dual coating should really help to prevent rust) makes the Stance XR1’s a great option for any 350z. They lose out slightly on points as they don’t have a killer feature like the Tanabe Sustec’s TEAS system nor as they as cheap as the APEXi ExVs. The spring rates are also on the firmer side.

Manufacturer description: “Stance XR1 Coilovers are our standard single way adjustable coilover. The XR1 is very similar to our Super Sport line, but due to the constant development of our products, has been improved in many ways. The build and material quality has never been higher. Newly designed pillowball and bushing materials increase longevity and performance.”

“The range and consistency of the XR1 damping forces is also greater than previous Super Sports. The most exciting advancement is our corrosion prevention. Our new dual coating process involves an initial Zinc binding finished with a super hard and ultra thin electrophoretically deposited protective layer.”

“This process has taken our products far above and beyond our competitors in terms of corrosion and rust resistance.”

H&R Street Performance Coilover Kit

• Manufacturer: H&R
• Levels of damping adjustment: ?
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: ?kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: ?kg/mm ?
• Fitment: Nissan 350z, Nissan Fairlady Z, Z33, Infiniti G35
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Discontinued

Our comment: H&R is a German brand that has been manufacturing high quality suspension components since the 1970’s. These monotube constructured and street focused coilovers are another solid entry level coilover set for your 350z. While a little sparse in the features department, H&R have a built great reputation for the quality of their products.

Manufacturer description: “H&R coil overs are engineered for street use. Unlike traditional twin-tube shock absorbers, H&R Coil Overs feature a state-of-the-art mono-tube gas shock construction. Combined with the knowledge and skill of H&R’s suspension engineers, the use of this state-of-the-art technology results in the best suspension product that you can buy for your vehicle.”

“H&R is the originator of the true coil over system for the street and continues to lead the market with an extensive line of applications. Each shock is tuned with a progressive rate spring that is engineered from its inception to work with the shock’s valving, creating a finely tuned suspension system. H&R Coil Overs are the suspension answer for everybody, from daily drivers to the serious tuner.”

“Features include:
– Unrivaled comfort, performance
– Lowering range of 1.0 to 2.5 inches on average
– Fully threaded shock body for adjustable vehicle lowering
– Awesome handling and ride comfort
– Street Performance Coil Over
– Front Lowering: 1.2 – 2.2in
– Rear Lowering: 1.0 – 2.1in”

APEXi N1 Evolution Circuit Coilover Kit

• Manufacturer: APEXi
• Levels of damping adjustment: 20
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: 12.5kg/mm
• Spring rate rear: 12.5kg/mm
• Fitment: Nissan 350z, Nissan Fairlady Z, Z33, Infiniti G35
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your APEXi Evolutions here

Our comment: Serious about the track? These coilovers could be just what you are looking for. Stepping into the higher end of the suspension market, the APEXi N1 Evolution coilovers offer thick monotube dampers, 20 way adjustment and full dual height adjustment means that you (or your engineer) can tweak the suspension settings to your hearts content.

If you are serious about your track work this level of suspension fine tuning is a very powerful tool for reducing your lap times and building confidence in your car.

Manufacturer description: “APEXi proudly introduces the S1 Damper system for the Nissan 350Z Z33 Chassis as one of the line of coilover kits from Apexi featuring dual height and 20 way dampening adjustments.”

“Ride quality and handling performance are not mutually exclusive. Almost all coilover suspension systems are designed for track use, but are not well matched for street use. In fact, most are sprung and dampened improperly for street use, which not only gives a harsh and unpleasurable ride, but also hurts grip performance when the suspension cannot conform to the terrain.”

“To address this gap, Apex proudly introduces the S1 Damper line, with a specifically selected recipe of spring rates, oil and valving for hi-performance street cars that doubl as weekend track machines. 100% made in Japan, with precision Japanese components.”

“Features include:
– 45mm Monotube Damper w/ 20 way adjustments
– Full dual height adjustable body for fine adjustments
– Spanner wrench and accessories included
– High quality design and manufacturing
– Spring Rate: F-7K; R-7K”

BC Racing BR Series 350z Coilovers

• Manufacturer: BC Racing
• Levels of damping adjustment: 20
• Construction type: Monotube
• Spring rate front: Options available
• Spring rate rear: Options available
• Fitment: Nissan 350z, Nissan Fairlady Z, Z33, Infiniti G35
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your BC Racing BR’s here

Our comment: We decided that some more budget options were needed in this guide so let’s take a look at the BC Racing BR 350z coilover kit. These coilovers offer some great features including monotube design, 30 levels of damping adjustment, pillowball top mounts and a large range of height adjustment.

The coilovers deliver all of these features while keeping the price below $1,000. As a brand BC Racing have a good reputation as a mid range suspension manufacturer so I wouldn’t be put off by the price.

For a budget set of coilovers you could do far worse then the BC Racing BR 350z coilovers.

Manufacturer description: “A BR type BC Racing coilover lets you use adjustable knobs in your vehicle to fine tune the rebound and compression damping and adjust your car’s ride height. These can be done manually, but the adjustment knobs optimize for efficiency without requiring you to possess deep mechanical knowledge.”

“Adjusting rebound and compression damping and ride height using knobs is nice in itself, but you need a way to ensure that your selections stay locked in until you readjust. Our BR type BC Racing coilover supports the process with pillowball mounts that provide sensitive feedback to help you monitor your car’s suspension and sharpen steering response.”

“In addition, BC’s optional front and rear camber plates help you perfect alignment. A high-performance, visually appealing coilover option, a BC Racing coilover looks as great as it operates. This coilover technology that features the following:”

“Features include:
– Mono-tube shock design
– 30 levels of damping force adjustment
– Adjustable Compression and Rebound
– Pillowball mounts and adjustable camber plates
– Separate, full-length height adjustment”

KW Variant 3 350z Coilovers

• Manufacturer: KW Suspensions
• Levels of damping adjustment: 14
• Construction type: Twin Tube
• Spring rate front: Progressive spring
• Spring rate rear: Progressive spring
• Fitment: Nissan 350z, Nissan Fairlady Z, Z33, Infiniti G35
• Value for money:rating
• Purchase link: Buy your KW Variant 3 coilovers here

Our comment: When it comes to all-around versatility, you’re going to struggle to beat what KW’s V3 kit has to offer.

Although it’s not one of the cheaper options on the market, you get the finest German quality, along with what many believe to be the best performance available.

Whether you’re looking to carve canyons or head to the track at the weekend, there’s no doubt that the KW V3 kit should be on your radar.

There may be fewer damping adjustments than other alternatives, but the 3-way adjustability and progressive spring rates are far more critical factors.

Overall, the KW Variant 3 coilovers make for a fantastic all-arounder, whatever your needs.

Manufacturer description: “Cutting-edge motorsports technology for more performance on the road. Like every suspension product developed by KW automotive, the suspension manufacturer, and manufactured in Germany, the KW Variant 3 Coilover suspension kit also provides a significant plus in safety reserves in road traffic.”

“With compression and rebound stage damping, that can be set separately and independently of each other, the damper setup can be customized to your personal driving preferences or vehicle changes such as weight, tire characteristics, or altered vehicle rigidity. True performance optimization is only possible with this unique, patented system.”

“With KW Variant 3 coilovers you can achieve maximum lowering within an approved lowering range that ensures a proper functioning suspension with adequate travel after your car is lowered. Even after years of use you can easily adjust the ride height thanks to the dirt resistant trapezoid thread and composite adjustment collar.”

“Features include:
– Independently adjustable damping technology – rebound and compression damping
– inox-line stainless steel technology at no extra charge
– Individual height adjustment
– High-quality components for long life
– Infinitely adjustable rebound damping
– 14- level adjustable compression damping
– Unique, independently functioning damping power adjustment”

Our winner

Our winner is the APEXi N1 ExV Damper Coilover Kit.

Based upon specifications, features, quality of build materials and the low price point our winner is the APEXi N1 ExV Damper Coilover Kit.

The ExV’s are a solid coilover packed with features and at a price point that can’t be challenged. A clear winner in this guide.

APEXi N1 ExV Damper Coilover Kit

Runner-up

One clear runner up to the APEXi ExVs is the circuit-oriented APEXi N1 Evolutions. These high end coilovers would be the perfect fit for a 350z owner that is serious about track work.

APEXi N1 Evolution Circuit Coilover Kit

Thank you for reading our Nissan 350z coilover guide

Now that you’ve sorted your 350z’s suspension why not add some power? Like things on the loud side – our 350z exhaust guide is right up your street. Need an intake? Try our 350z cold air intake guide.

Looking for a set of coilovers for your Infiniti G35? Try our G35 coilover guide.

Are you curious if you need coilovers? Then try our coilovers vs lowering springs guide.

If you’re looking for the best 350z lowering springs on the market, here’s our Ultimate 350z Lowering Springs Guide.

To ensure that your Z maximizes its lifespan and continues running smoothly, we recommend checking out our 350z oil guide.

If you enjoyed this article then please share it with the sharing buttons at the side and the bottom of your screen.

Please remember to subscribe or follow us on Feedly for free updates. If we have missed a great coilover set that you think is worthy of mention then drop it in the comments below.

The post Ultimate 350z Coilover Guide first appeared on Drifted.com.