Ultimate Nissan 350Z Turbo Kit Guide

Time for an upgrade? We review the most popular 350Z turbo kits available on the market. This is the ultimate 350Z turbo kit guide.

• 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

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

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?

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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.

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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.”

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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)”

 

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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!”

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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!”

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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.”

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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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