What modifications do 370Z owners typically make

The Nissan 370Z attracts owners who want to change how the car looks, sounds, and performs. Most modifications fall into four categories: exhaust systems, suspension upgrades, wheels and tires, and engine tuning. Some owners do one or two changes; others rebuild major systems. The modifications you choose depend on what you drive the car for — daily commuting, weekend track days, or car shows — and how much you want to spend.

A stock 370Z comes with 350 horsepower and a 3.7-liter V6 engine. Exhaust work is the most common first modification because it costs between $400 and $1,500, makes the car louder, and can add a small amount of power. Suspension changes run $800 to $3,000 and affect how the car handles corners. Wheels and tires are visible when ready and range from $600 to $2,500 depending on size and brand. Engine tuning through a reflash or piggyback computer can cost $300 to $800 and may add 15 to 25 horsepower, though results vary by tuner.

Key Takeaways

  • Exhaust modifications are the cheapest entry point and change sound more than power, typically adding 5 to 10 horsepower at most.
  • Suspension upgrades affect handling and ride quality but do not increase engine power and may make the car stiffer on rough roads.
  • Wheels and tires are the most visible modification and directly impact grip, braking, and how the car feels in corners.
  • Engine tuning through a computer reflash can add 15 to 25 horsepower but requires a reputable tuner and may affect warranty coverage.
  • Modifications interact with each other — a stiffer suspension works better with wider tires, and more power benefits from better brakes.

Exhaust systems and what they change

An aftermarket exhaust replaces the factory muffler, resonator, or both. The main change is sound — the car becomes noticeably louder, especially at higher RPMs. Power gains are real but small: most bolt-on exhausts add 5 to 10 horsepower, measured on a dyno. Some owners report no measurable gain at all, depending on the brand and how the system is tuned.

There are three levels of exhaust work. A cat-back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converter backward and costs $400 to $800. It is the easiest to install and does not affect emissions equipment. A mid-pipe replaces the section between the engine and catalytic converter, costs $600 to $1,200, and may add slightly more power because it reduces restriction earlier in the system. A full exhaust replaces everything from the engine to the rear bumper, costs $1,200 to $1,500, and is the most aggressive option but also the loudest.

One practical consideration: a louder exhaust can draw police attention in some areas, and some states have noise ordinances that aftermarket systems violate. Check your local laws before ordering. Also, if your 370Z is still under warranty, an aftermarket exhaust may void the powertrain warranty, depending on the dealer and the specific system.

Suspension modifications and handling changes

Suspension work changes how the car sits, corners, and rides. The most common upgrades are coilovers (adjustable springs and shocks), sway bars (anti-roll bars that reduce body lean), and control arms (which improve alignment geometry). Coilovers cost $800 to $2,000 and let you lower the car and adjust stiffness. Sway bars run $300 to $600 and make the car feel more planted in corners. Control arms cost $400 to $1,000 and are usually paired with other suspension work.

The trade-off is ride quality. A stiffer suspension handles better on smooth track surfaces but transmits more bumps and road noise into the cabin on daily streets. Many owners find that a moderate suspension upgrade — say, quality coilovers set to a middle stiffness — works for both driving styles. Lowering the car also lowers the center of gravity, which improves cornering but can cause the undercarriage to scrape on steep driveways or speed bumps.

Suspension changes often require a wheel alignment afterward, which costs $100 to $200. If you lower the car significantly, you may also need to adjust the headlight angle so you do not blind oncoming drivers. Some suspension kits come with instructions for this; others do not.

Wheels, tires, and grip improvements

Wheels and tires are the modification most people notice first. The 370Z comes with 18-inch or 19-inch wheels depending on the trim. Upgrading to 19-inch or 20-inch wheels with wider, stickier tires improves grip and braking but also increases unsprung weight, which can make the suspension work harder. A full set of four wheels and tires costs $600 to $2,500 depending on brand and size.

There is a practical limit: wider tires need more space inside the wheel well. The 370Z can fit up to about 275 millimeters wide in the rear without modification, though some owners use spacers or roll the fenders to fit 285 or 295 millimeter tires. Wider tires also increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy slightly. A performance tire (like a Michelin Pilot Sport or Bridgestone Potenza) costs more than an all-season tire but grips much better in corners and stops shorter in emergency braking.

Wheel fitment is personal and affects appearance as much as performance. Some owners prefer the look of a larger wheel with a thinner tire; others want a smaller wheel with a taller sidewall for a smoother ride. Check fitment guides online before ordering to make sure the wheels clear the brakes and suspension components.

Engine tuning and power increases

A reflash or tune rewrites the engine control unit (ECU) software to change fuel injection timing, ignition timing, and boost pressure (if the car is turbocharged, which the 370Z is not). For the naturally aspirated 370Z, a reflash typically adds 15 to 25 horsepower and 10 to 15 pound-feet of torque. The cost is $300 to $800 depending on the tuner.

The results depend heavily on the tuner's skill and the specific tune. Some tuners offer conservative tunes that prioritize reliability; others push the engine harder for maximum power. A reputable tuner will dyno-test your car before and after to show you the actual gains. Be aware that a reflash may void your factory warranty, and some tuners offer their own warranty on the tune itself (usually one to three years).

If you want more power than a reflash alone provides, the next step is forced induction — a supercharger or turbocharger. These are expensive ($4,000 to $8,000 installed) and require supporting modifications like a fuel system upgrade and tuning. Most 370Z owners who go this route are committed to the car as a long-term project.

Brakes and cooling upgrades

If you add power or plan to track the car, better brakes become important. The factory 370Z brakes are adequate for street driving but can fade during hard use. Upgrading to larger rotors, better brake pads, and stainless steel brake lines costs $600 to $1,500 and improves stopping power and pedal feel. Some owners also add a brake cooling kit to keep temperatures down during track days.

Engine cooling is another consideration if you modify the engine or drive in hot climates. An upgraded radiator or oil cooler costs $300 to $800 and helps the engine stay at a safer temperature under load. This is especially useful if you add a reflash or forced induction, both of which generate more heat.

Interior and exterior cosmetic changes

Many 370Z owners also modify the interior and exterior for appearance. Common changes include a new steering wheel, shift knob, floor mats, and seat covers (total $200 to $800). Exterior work includes a front splitter, side skirts, rear wing, or body kit (total $400 to $2,000). These changes do not affect performance but change how the car looks and feels to drive.

One note: aggressive body kits can reduce ground clearance and may cause scraping on driveways or speed bumps, especially if the car is also lowered. Test fit any large exterior piece before committing to installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will modifications void my warranty?

It depends on the modification and your dealer. Exhaust systems, wheels, and suspension typically void the powertrain warranty, though some dealers are lenient. Engine tuning almost always voids the warranty. Check with your dealer before ordering parts, and keep receipts in case you need to prove the modification did not cause a failure.

How much horsepower can I realistically add?

A reflash alone adds 15 to 25 horsepower. An exhaust adds 5 to 10. Suspension and wheels add zero horsepower but improve how the power is used. A supercharger or turbocharger can add 100+ horsepower but costs $4,000 to $8,000 and requires supporting modifications.

Do I need to modify everything at once?

No. Most owners start with one or two changes — often an exhaust and wheels — and add more over time. Modifications work better together, but you can spread the cost and work across months or years.

Will a reflash hurt my engine reliability?

A conservative tune from a reputable tuner should not hurt reliability. Aggressive tunes that push the engine to its limits carry more risk. Choose a tuner with good reviews and ask about their warranty on the tune itself.

What modification gives the best value for the money?

Wheels and tires give the most noticeable change in how the car feels and looks for the money spent. A suspension upgrade is the next best value if you drive on varied roads. An exhaust is the cheapest way to change the sound, though the power gain is small.