Pros
The Nissan 350Z, with its unique styling and potent VQ35DE powerplant, has attracted consumers from each end of the spectrum from old to young alike. Drivers such as Daijiro Inada of Option, flogging his Streamline Z down the Nevada Highway, to Vinny Ten and his 1000 hp VQ drag monster, tearing up the quarter-mile in a mere 8 seconds. The potential is limitless for the 3.5-liter motor and only now we have begun to see a glimpse of promise for this engine. It's been noted and proven that the VQ engine has a distaste for bolt-on products, often loosing horsepower in the process. Testing numerous 350Z's on the dyno, we also have witnessed a disappointing gain of anywhere from 1 to 2 hp with the typical bolt-on components. Since the debut of the 350Z, manufacturers have acknowledged that in order to create horsepower, it was no longer a simple "mock up and bolt-on" process. Many of the newer products developed for today's cars required long R&D sessions and multiple testing to ensure they were indeed creating horsepower. If horsepower is what you crave, we might have found a pretty good combination for you speed junkies out there.
Cons
While numerous manufacturers continue to develop performance products for the 350Z, owners of these 2-seater sports cars have developed a keen sense on what makes or diminishes overall horsepower. Of course, slapping on a forced induction unit such as turbo or supercharger can create instant neck snapping ponies, but realistically, how many of us have money to burn?
Notes
The test vehicle came to us in good condition with 40,000 miles on the odometer. Although the car was low enough to scrape asphalt off the floor, the engine remained in stock form, which was an excellent platform for us to proceed with our Power Page.
Dyno 1
Baseline
220 HP 207 TQ
Owner: Daniel Song
Dynamometer Model: Dynojet Dynamometer
Temperature: 76.2 degrees Fahrenheit