Nissan 350Z vs 370Z: Which Z Car to Modify in 2026?

The Z Car Decision

The Nissan Z is one of the most underrated platforms in the modification world. While everyone obsesses over Skylines and Supras, the Z quietly offers V6 power, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and modification potential that punches way above its price point. But if you're buying a Z car to modify in 2026, which generation makes more sense: the 350Z (2003-2009) or the 370Z (2009-2020)?

The 350Z is now genuinely affordable (£6,000-12,000 for decent examples), has proven aftermarket support, and the VQ35 engine is well-understood by tuners. The 370Z is newer (£12,000-22,000), more sophisticated, makes more power stock, and has the improved VQ37 engine. But is the 370Z worth double the money for modification purposes?

This comparison breaks down everything that matters for building a modified Z: engine potential and costs, transmission strength, handling differences, aftermarket support, and which platform suits different types of builds.

As we covered in our track day cars guide, the 350Z is an excellent performance platform. Let's see if the 370Z is worth the premium.

What You'll Learn:

• VQ35 vs VQ37 modification potential
• Purchase prices and value analysis
• Aftermarket support comparison
• Handling characteristics
• Running costs
• Which Z suits different builds

But Wait, we have tons of Modified and Tuner 350z’s and 370z’s for you  to check out and get some great modifying tips for your JDM car build, check these out below:

• 2003 Nissan 350Z Supercharged Widebody SEMA Build Tribute to Mother
• The Six-Year Samurai: 2007 Nissan 350Z Excelsior Widebody Build
• Ruben Cardona 2003 Nissan 350z 
• Nissan 370Z With Lambo Doors and Bagged
• Pushing the Limits: 2015 Nissan 370Z Nismo Tech
• Zachary Olivera  - Wrapped Nissan 370z

Quick Specifications Comparison

Engine Comparison: VQ35 vs VQ37

VQ35DE/HR (350Z)

Two variants:

• VQ35DE (2003-2005): 276-287bhp
• VQ35HR (2007-2009): 306bhp (best version)

Strengths:

• Proven reliable (200,000+ miles common)
• Well-understood by tuners
• Parts widely available
• Responds well to NA mods
• Excellent with forced induction

Weaknesses:

• Oil consumption issues (some examples)
• Gallery gasket failures (pre-2006 models)
• Modest torque
• Rev happy but not high-revving (7,500rpm)

Modification potential (NA):

• Intake + exhaust + tune: 290-310bhp
• Headers + full exhaust + tune: 310-330bhp
• Cams + full build: 340-360bhp

Modification potential (forced induction):

• Supercharger: 450-550bhp
• Turbo: 400-600bhp (conservative) / 700+ (aggressive)

VQ37VHR (370Z)

Configuration:

• 3.7L V6
• Variable valve event and lift (VVEL)
• 328bhp (early) / 344bhp (2013+)
• Advanced technology

Strengths:

• More displacement (better base)
• More power stock
• Better throttle response
• Improved efficiency
• VVEL system sophisticated

Weaknesses:

• VVEL complicates tuning
• Less tuner experience vs VQ35
• Parts more expensive
• Forced induction more complex

Modification potential (NA):

• Intake + exhaust + tune: 355-375bhp
• Headers + full exhaust + tune: 375-390bhp
• Cams + full build: 400-420bhp

Modification potential (forced induction):

• Supercharger: 500-600bhp
• Turbo: 450-700bhp (more complex than VQ35)

Key difference: VQ35 has more forced induction development. VQ37 makes more NA power but FI is less developed.

Modification Costs Comparison

350bhp Build (NA Mods)

350Z VQ35HR:

• Intake: £200-400
• Headers: £600-1,000
• Full exhaust: £800-1,400
• Tune (UpRev): £400-600
• Total: £2,000-3,400
• Result: 320-340bhp

370Z VQ37:

• Intake: £250-450
• Headers: £800-1,200
• Full exhaust: £1,000-1,600
• Tune (UpRev/EcuTek): £500-800
• Total: £2,550-4,050
• Result: 360-380bhp

Verdict: 370Z makes more power NA but costs more to modify.

500bhp Build (Supercharged)

350Z:

• Stillen or Vortech supercharger kit: £4,500-6,500
• Supporting mods (fuel, clutch, cooling): £2,000-3,500
• Tune: £600-1,000
• Total: £7,100-11,000
• Result: 480-550bhp

370Z:

• Stillen or GTM supercharger: £5,500-7,500
• Supporting mods: £2,500-4,000
• Tune: £800-1,200
• Total: £8,800-12,700
• Result: 500-580bhp

Verdict: Similar costs, 370Z makes slightly more power.

For detailed supercharger guidance, see our E46 M3 forced induction section.

600bhp Build (Turbo)

350Z:

• Turbo kit (Fast Intentions, Greddy): £5,000-8,000
• Built bottom end: £5,000-8,000
• Supporting mods: £3,000-5,000
• Standalone ECU: £2,000-3,000
• Total: £15,000-24,000
• Result: 550-650bhp

370Z:

• Turbo kit (GTM, Boosted Performance): £6,000-9,000
• Built bottom end: £6,000-9,000
• Supporting mods: £3,500-5,500
• Standalone ECU: £2,500-3,500
• Total: £18,000-27,000
• Result: 580-680bhp

Verdict: 370Z costs more to build to same power level.

Handling Comparison

350Z Handling

Characteristics:

• Well-balanced (52/48 weight distribution)
• Predictable at limit
• Moderate understeer (manageable)
• Responsive steering (non-electric)
• Good feel through wheel

Weak points:

• Body roll on stock suspension
• Brakes adequate but not great
• Weight (1,495kg feels heavy)

With modifications:

• Coilovers: Transforms chassis
• Big brake kit: Essential for track
• Sway bars: Reduces roll significantly

370Z Handling

Characteristics:

• Better balanced (53/47 weight distribution)
• More sophisticated suspension
• Electronic aids (VDC) more refined
• Quicker turn-in than 350Z
• More planted at speed

Improvements over 350Z:

• Shorter wheelbase (more agile)
• Wider track (more stable)
• Better stock suspension tuning
• Upgraded brakes from factory

With modifications:

• Already good stock
• Coilovers refine further
• Less transformation vs 350Z (already good)

Verdict: 370Z handles better stock. Gap narrows with modifications.

Transmission Comparison

350Z Gearbox

6-speed manual:

• Strong (handles 400+ bhp stock)
• Good shift quality
• Known issues: 5th gear pop-out (some examples)
• Clutch upgrades needed above 350bhp

5-speed auto:

• Adequate for daily driving
• Not recommended for modifications
• Slow, boring, avoid for performance builds

370Z Gearbox

6-speed manual:

• Improved over 350Z
• Shorter throws
• Synchro-rev match (awesome feature)
• Strong (handles 450+ bhp stock)

7-speed auto:

• Much better than 350Z auto
• Paddle shifters
• Still not as engaging as manual
• Adequate for daily, not ideal for track

Verdict: 370Z manual is better. Both autos are "meh."

Aftermarket Support

350Z Aftermarket

Availability: Excellent Development: Fully mature Options: Huge variety

Popular brands:

• Stillen, Fast Intentions, Greddy, Tomei, HKS, BC Racing, Tein, StopTech, Z1 Motorsports

Parts cost: Moderate (lots of competition)

Tuning support: Excellent (UpRev widely used)

370Z Aftermarket

Availability: Very good (catching up) Development: Maturing Options: Good variety

Popular brands:

• Stillen, Fast Intentions, GTM, Tomei, BC Racing, Tein, StopTech, Z1 Motorsports

Parts cost: Higher than 350Z

Tuning support: Good (UpRev, EcuTek)

Verdict: 350Z has more options and lower prices. 370Z catching up but more expensive.

Purchase Price and Value

350Z Market (2026)

Depreciation: Bottomed out. Clean examples holding value.

370Z Market (2026)

Depreciation: Still falling slowly. Will bottom out around £10-12k in 3-5 years.

Value analysis:

• 350Z: Best value for money

• 370Z: Better car but costs significantly more

Running Costs Comparison

370Z costs ~15% more to run.

For insurance strategies, see our modified car insurance guide.

Which Should You Buy?

Buy 350Z If:

• Budget is limited (£6-10k)
• Want most value for money
• Planning serious modifications (more developed)
• Don't mind slightly older car
• Want proven, mature platform

Buy 370Z If:

• Budget allows (£14-20k)
• Want more modern car
• Prioritize stock performance
• Want better interior/equipment
• Less focused on heavy modification

The Reality:

For stock/mild mods: 370Z is better car. More power, better handling, more refined.

For serious builds: 350Z makes more sense. Cheaper to buy, more aftermarket support, proven with forced induction.

Best value: Buy good 350Z VQ35HR (2007-2009) for £8-10k, spend £5-8k on modifications. You'll have a car that performs like a £25k 370Z for £15-18k total.

Track Day Capability

350Z Track Performance

Stock: Good. Heavy but powerful, brakes adequate for beginners.

Modified: Excellent with coilovers + brakes + sticky tires.

Consumables: £150-250 per track day

Verdict: Proven track platform with huge community support.

370Z Track Performance

Stock: Very good. Better brakes, more power, better chassis.

Modified: Excellent with minor upgrades.

Consumables: £180-280 per track day

Verdict: Better stock track car than 350Z.

For track preparation fundamentals, see our track day cars guide.

Common Problems

350Z Issues

• Oil consumption (some VQ35DE)
• Gallery gasket (pre-2006)
• Clutch slave cylinder
• Wheel bearings
• Rust (underside, especially UK cars)

370Z Issues

• Steering lock failure (2009-2010 - serious issue)
• CSC (concentric slave cylinder) failure
• Oil temperature issues (track use)
• Paint quality (especially black)

Verdict: Both reliable overall. 370Z has fewer issues but steering lock failure is catastrophic (requires bypass).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which is faster stock?

370Z. 328-344bhp vs 276-306bhp. Real-world difference is noticeable.

Q2: Which is better for daily driving?

370Z. More refined, better interior, more equipment, quieter.

Q3: Which is better for drifting?

350Z. Cheaper (less worry about damage), proven, huge drift community support.

Q4: Can both handle 500bhp reliably?

Yes, with proper builds (upgraded internals, supporting mods, quality tuning).

Q5: Which holds value better?

350Z has bottomed out. 370Z still depreciating but will hold value once it bottoms (probably £10-12k floor).

Q6: Best for first-time Z owner?

350Z VQ35HR (2007-2009). Best value, proven reliable, great intro to platform.

Q7: Which has cheaper parts?

350Z. More competition in aftermarket, been around longer, generally 10-20% cheaper than 370Z parts.

? Related Articles

1. Best Track Day Cars Under £20k

2. E46 M3 Modification Guide

3. Modified Car Insurance Tips

4. How to Start Drifting

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