It's no secret that the Z is back and it's back with a vengeance. The aftermarket has gone off the deep end, offering parts that will transform the Nissan from any angle. This enthusiasm has also spilled over to the Infiniti badge as the G35 coupe (the Z's luxury oriented twin) has also been showered with performance possibilities.
Our Triple Threat threesome illustrates how easy it is to personalize the Z platform. We are covering all the bases here with a 350Z convertible, a 350Z hardtop and a G35 coupe representing in a big way. Each car has its own unique twist and each is executed with a high degree of quality and they are all feelin' the boost.
After checking out these fine specimens we have compiled some ground breaking Z-related tech. The first look at HKS' Rotrex supercharger kit, initially developed on a 350Z, and a Dyno Cell test of Stillen's hard-hitting Z exhaust system.
Jason Sharpes
Vortech Supercharged 350Z RoadsterJason is flexin' a Vortech centrifugal supercharger and employing a little "squeeze" to his VQ35DE. The V6 is boosted by a glistening Vortech V5 blower. Evolution Autosports performed all the wrenching and added a custom touch to the forced induction system by employing a Spearco front-mount, air-to-air intercooler, custom piping and a TiAL blow-off valve. Jason's high boost button activates a 60-shot nitrous system from Nitrous Express.
With all the added air velocity going into the engine the crew at Evolution knew outgoing gasses had to be addressed. This was accomplished by dropping the stock exhaust system from the manifolds back and installing Borla headers, a Random Technology catalytic converter and an RS*R GT2 exhaust system. Removing the exhaust restrictions paid big dividends as the drop-top generated 349.63 whp and 297.21 lb-ft of torque with the V5 pumping out the prescribed 7 psi.
When it came to body tuning Jason went J-Spec, adding a Vizage four-piece fiberglass aero kit and a Seibon carbon fiber hood to his Z. He learned a lot about patience as shipping parts from Japan can take some time. He built the car to help promote his business, Total Look Inc., a paintless dent removal company, and readily admits he has gotten way carried away.
The footwork on Jason's Z consists of Eibach Pro Kit coils, 19-inch Volk Racing GT-C wheels and Dunlop rubber. This setup gives Jason 1.5 inches of drop and fat rubber tucked in the fender wells. Stopping power has been enhanced with GRex brakes from GReddy. The Nissan is running 14-inch rotors front and rear and big calipers up front.
Jason's Z is certainly tight; a killer combination of open-air cruising and forced-air bruising.
Jordan Santiago
GReddy Turbocharged 350Z HardtopJordan's Z is the big gun of this triple threat trio. He is running a GReddy TD05H-18G twin-turbo kit that has been boosted up by Evolution Autosports. The Evolution crew set out to realize more of the kit's potential by setting boost at 8 psi and tweaking the fuel curve via the e-Manage unit. However, their efforts were thwarted by a failing spark plug. The turbos will soon again be building boost and we will run an update on this silky smooth Z in a future issue.