How Much To Put A New Engine In A 350z

350z Turbo Guide

The Nissan 350z is an crawly drivers that many car enthusiasts notwithstanding capeesh to this day. It'southward powered by the 3.5L VQDE35 through 2006 and the VQ35HR for afterward models. With 287+ horsepower from the factory the 350z already offers solid performance. Even so, those looking to push button the 350Z to the adjacent level should consider a turbo kit. In this guide, we discuss everything that goes into boosting the Nissan 350z and recommend a few of the best turbo kits on the market.

Nissan 350z VQ35DE Turbo Kits

How Much Power Can the VQ35DE Handle?

Of class, safe limits of the 350Z'southward VQ35DE engine are an important topic before opting for a turbo setup. It'due south always tough to talk about an engines safe limits. If but information technology were as easy as saying, "the 350z volition last for ages at 400whp, but information technology's going to accident upwards right abroad at 425whp." There's never a perfect respond.

However, the VQ35DE is a pretty stout engine. It's generally good for nigh 400-425whp without completely killing longevity. With proper tuning, supporting mods, and fueling a fiddling more power is possible. Regardless – all else equal – the more power you throw at the 350z with a turbo kit the greater chance.

*The afterwards VQ35HR engines in the 350Z are a little stronger, but roughly the same limits utilize. It's generally good for an extra 25-50whp.

Ensuring a Safety Turbo 350Z

If y'all're planning on pushing the limits of the 350z with a turbo kit there are a few ways to ensure a condom, reliable setup. A few things include:

Turbo Setup
Tuning
Supporting Mods
Fueling
Internal Upgrades

There are lots of sub-topics within each of these points to hash out, so we'll intermission this down into sections below. All of this stuff is important regardless of your specific goals. With a great setup your 350z VQ35DE should be pretty condom at 400-450whp. The VQ35HR should exist good for about 450-500whp. Those looking to take things further should consider some internal upgrades.

Anyways, let's jump in and talk over the above topics. Then at the terminate of the article nosotros'll examine some of the best 350z turbo kits.

one. Nissan 350Z Turbo Setup

Again, this is more in relation to the VQ35DE and VQ35HR engine itself. We'll exist discussing specific turbo setups later. Dissimilar 350z turbo kits will effect in different safe limits on the engine. We'll try to avoid getting too technical here, just this is generally a good starting point for choosing a turbo kit.

What are your power goals? If you're but looking for 400whp it's not going to take a whole lot of turbo to go there. These volition usually be smaller twin turbo kits with minimal lag and plenty of depression-end torque. Sounds great, correct? However, smaller turbos do come with some downsides.

We're very familiar with the BMW N54 engine, and information technology's a shining example. On small stock frame twin turbos 550whp is starting to push the safe limits of the engine. On the other manus, big single or twin turbos are unremarkably skillful for about 650-700whp on the stock motor. There are many reasons for that, and nosotros'll touch on on a couple quickly.

350Z Back-Force per unit area

A smaller turbo(south) will result in greater back-force per unit area. This occurs when the turbo just isn't large plenty to move loftier volumes of air. That back-pressure is not good for any engine, and that includes the VQ35DE and VQ35HR. Too much back-force per unit area results in higher engine temps and has a negative bear upon on exhaust scavenging.

This could be a separate heading, just PSI/boost isn't everything. The volume of air (CFM) is also an important measure out. Bigger 350z turbos can make more power on lower PSI due to a college CFM.

Nissan 350z Power Curve

This is a large one. Then far, we've quoted the Nissan 350z engine limits in horsepower. However, torque is really the better number to become by since it'due south the actual measure of force. Horsepower is simply how many times you tin create that force in a given timeframe (RPM). The following equation shows that fact.

HP = Torque x RPM / 5252

Larger turbo kits will flow more air which allows the engine to hold the torque farther right on the bend. In turn, yous're making more than horsepower at a given peak torque because torque is peaking further right on the curve.

Choosing the Right Size 350z Turbo(s)

Therein lies the trade-off. Bigger turbo kits introduce more lag, just are generally safer and easier on the VQ35 engines. If your goals are well within the condom limits of the engine then it'due south probable all-time to go with smaller turbos. You'll reap the benefits of quicker spool and a lower boost threshold.

However, if your goals are 450-500whp on a stock 350Z engine then y'all might consider turbos capable of more power. These are going to be your larger turbo kits with more lag, but will help with engine safety while pushing the limits.

Anyone with higher goals should simply choose the advisable 350z turbo kit for their goals, and opt for a built motor.

two. Nissan 350z Tuning

Alright, we'll be a little quicker moving through this tuning section. Exact tuning for the 350Z volition depend on your specific turbo setup, supporting mods, fueling, etc. As such, nosotros're focusing on some general concepts in this section.

Tuning is debatably the about of import part of having a safe setup. A few things to continue in heed in one case y'all're prepare to move on to the tuning aspect:

Piece of work with a known, quality tuner
Stick on the bourgeois side
Information-log often

Nosotros could go on and on with the list, simply these are a few of the basics. Unless y'all're extremely knowledgeable then tuning is best left to the pros. Find a custom tuner that knows the VQ35DE engine well. Knowing your ain goals is also important. Your tuner should be able to assist in whether it's a good goal or if it'southward too aggressive.

Once the tune is dialed in, it's withal of import to understand bones data-logging parameters. Nosotros recommend data-logging as oftentimes as possible, or at to the lowest degree every couple weeks. You desire to know if your 350z is potentially leaning out, knocking, etc.

iii. 350z Supporting Mods For Turbos

Supporting mods for 350z turbo upgrades is some other fairly long topic to cover. There are a few mods that are required such as fueling upgrades. Then there are tons of supporting mods that aren't necessarily needed. However, you lot'll desire to consider some extra 350z mods for rubber, reliable, and consistent performance. Here'south a quick list of some supporting mods:

Basic bolt-ons
Fueling upgrades (pump, injectors, etc)
Cooling mods
Brakes, suspension, wheels/tires, clutch

Again, this list of 350z supporting mods for turbo upgrades could be a lot longer. These are things to consider for those wanting roughly 350-500whp. If your goals are 500+whp the listing grows and grows.

Bones Bolt-On Mods

Most turbo kits are going to come with some of these basic bolt-on mods for turbo engines. An intercooler and downpipes should be included with well-nigh, if not all, 350z turbo kits.

Outside of that, you'll probably want an intake upgrade which is included in some turbo kits. A full exhaust system from the downpipe back is another basic bolt-on mod to consider.

Nissan 350z Fueling Upgrades

Some complete Nissan VQ35DE and VQ35HR turbo kits besides include fueling mods. If not, yous're going to need injectors and a fuel pump upgrade at the least. Fuel lines and other pocket-size $.25 are possible mods, but mostly not required.

It's a good time to notation – we'll have in-depth guides for all of these mods in the nearly time to come. There's a lot to cover in this article, then we're sticking with the basics. Do a little research on injectors and fuel pumps to ensure they can handle your goals.

Whether or not yous program to run some E85 is also an important signal. We'll be discussing this in the coming section.

350Z Cooling Mods

With the new-establish boost and power, 350z engine and transmission temps are going to get hotter. With modest goals you tin can probably go by with minimal cooling mods up-front. If you lot become this road and so keep an center on temperatures to run into if anything should be addressed.

Those with more aggressive power goals will want some cooling mods. Radiator, engine oil coolers, and transmission coolers are a practiced starting bespeak. You lot as well desire a 350z turbo kit that comes with a quality, high chapters intercooler. If IAT's are high then it'southward some other good upgrade.

Other Mods For Turbo 350z'due south

Brakes, break, wheels & tires, and clutch upgrades are another good mods for a turbo Z. Over again, how far you go along this probable depends on your power goals. With a modest setup and commuter you lot might not actually need any of these mods.

Then again, nearly people are probably adding a 350z turbo kit to enjoy the ability. Pause and tires will help put the power to the ground. Brakes upgrades will, of course, ensure you've got a safe setup for stopping. Clutch upgrades are important and the verbal clutch that's right for y'all probably depends on preference and power/torque goals.

four. VQ35DE / 60 minutes Fueling

Sorry for some of these longer topics. There's only so much to cover when it comes to VQ35 turbo upgrades. Anyways, we'll be adequately quick on this topic simply fueling selection is very important.

Ethanol, commonly referred to as E85, is the ultimate fueling for simply about any forced induction engine. It's less fuel efficient than pump or race gas and puts about 30% more need on the fuel system. However, E85 helps ensure the safety of a stock 350z engine. A few benefits of E85 include:

Knock resistance
Cooler temps
Loftier octane

E85 burns at a stoich of roughly 9.75. That ways y'all need 1 office of fuel per 9.75 parts air. This is compared to 14.vii for gasoline. Ultimately, it's less fuel efficient but actress fuel helps absorb heat and lower temps. E85 besides profoundly reduces the hazard of pre-detonation, which is a big crusade of blown motors. Finally, E85 has an octane rating of 108. In summary, E85 has tons of power benefits and also improves engine health and condom.

Race Gas or Methanol Injection

Race gas and methanol injection are also great options for the 350z – if you lot do not accept access to E85. Both of these offer similar benefits to E85 admitting to a slightly lesser degree. Nonetheless, they're are all great fueling options compared to standard 91 or 93 octane.

5. Nissan 350Z Internal Upgrades

Internal upgrades are needed for those who truly want to push button the 350z to the adjacent level. If you want a safe, reliable setup y'all might fifty-fifty consider some upgrades in the 400whp ballpark. All the same, it's costly which is why most don't go this route unless they're pushing past the safe limits. A few 350z internal upgrades include:

Pistons
Rods / rod bearings
Cams
Ported head

Your exact build will depend on your specific goals and use for the Nissan 350Z. We'll leave it at that for now since anyone going this route should do extensive homework.

All-time 350Z VQ35 Turbo Kits

Alright. Finally onto the more than exciting office. Once you've determined your budget and goals it'due south time to choose a turbo kit. This listing is by no ways exhaustive, and best is subjective. Plenty of great turbo kits be for the Nissan 350Z, and we just don't have the time to go through every unmarried one. Every bit such, these are a few kits that we believe provide a groovy balance of price, quality, and performance.

1) AAM Contest 350Z Twin Turbo Kit (700+whp)

Cost: $9,995.00

Application: VQ35DE and VQ35HR

AAM Competition offers this twin turbo kit for both the VQ35DE and VQ35HR engines. The price might scare some away immediately. Still, this is a great looking complete kit from top to bottom. It even includes the fuel pump and injector upgrades besides as engine management.

They use quality BorgWarner ball bearing turbos for quick spool and response. This kit is proficient for 700+whp with a built motor and all the proper supporting mods. However, it's a solid setup even for those only looking to make pocket-size ability. And so over again, this AAM 350z turbo kit might be pricey and overkill for those only looking for 350-450whp.

2) Nissan 350Z JWT TT Kit (350-450+whp)

Toll: ~$7,500

Application: VQ35DE merely

This twin turbo kit from Jim Wolf Technologies (JWT) is a proven, quality selection. The kit was built in conjunction with Garrett and features GT25, GT28, or GT30 twin turbos. Unlike the AAM kit in a higher place the JWT kit does not include fueling mods or engine management.

JWT twin turbos are a dandy choice for modest setups. It was designed with the stock 350z engine in mind, so 350-450whp is actually the sweetness spot for this turbo kit. Nevertheless, with proper supporting mods yous can likely get even more performance out of these turbos. This 350z turbo kit has been around for a while and nosotros believe information technology's among the best options.

3) 350z Turbonetics Single Turbo Upgrade

Toll: $iii,500

Awarding: VQ35DE merely

These kits tin can be a little harder to come up by, and aren't really known for their quality. We've read well-nigh some issues with turbos, turbo seals, busted pipes, clamping issues, etc. However, if y'all tin deal with a couple headaches then this kit may be worth the price.

Information technology's kind of a wildcard since most turbo kits are going to run $6,000 to $10,000+. We don't have personal feel with Turbonetics or this specific kit, then nosotros can't speak to quality personally. However, even if information technology'southward not besides reliable the cost might convince some to have a risk on the Turbonetics 350z single turbo kit.

350Z Turbo Upgrade Summary

The 350z is a corking car that offered solid performance for its era. However, its stock output isn't anything impressive in the modern time. Fortunately, the VQ35DE and VQ35HR engines are capable of some actress power and a turbo kit can easily unleash the power. 350z engines are more often than not good to nigh 400whp or 450whp for the later Hr engines.

Though, it's important to sympathize at that place's withal risk even with pocket-sized power increases. A good 350z turbo setup can aid mitigate, but not eliminate the risk. Ensure you get a quality melody with proper supporting mods and fueling. Those really looking to push the limit volition desire to consider a built motor up-front.

Once you know your goals and budget information technology'southward fourth dimension to find the turbo setup that's right for you. Tons of options be, but with the 350z aging some turbo kits are harder and harder to come by. AAM offers an excellent complete turbo kit for all 350z years including the VQ35DE and VQ35HR engines. JWT also has a highly proven and capable kit for the VQ35DE. Those looking for a cheap solution might consider taking a take a chance on the Turbonetics single turbo kit.

What's your experience with a turbo 350z? Are you because turbocharging your Z?

Drop a comment and permit us know!

Or check out our VQ35DE common problems article