Nissan 370Z: everything you need to know about the legendary sports car

Nissan 370Z - the last representative of the legendary line Z-cars, whose history began back in 1969 with the model 240Z. This sports car, released in 2008, became a logical continuation 350Z, but with a more aggressive design, improved engine VQ37VHR and improved handling. Although production ended in 2020, 370Z remains in demand among enthusiasts thanks to its naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive and tuning potential.

In this article we will look at technical features models, typical problems that may arise during operation, as well as upgrade options - from simple chip tuning to serious modifications to the suspension and braking system. We will pay special attention Unique to the 370Z: VVEL, which combines power and efficiency. If you are planning to buy or already own this car, you will find answers to key questions here.

Technical characteristics of Nissan 370Z: engine, transmission, suspension

With my heart 370Z is 3.7 liter V6 engine VQ37VHR with aluminum block and heads. This motor develops 333 hp (in basic version) and 367 Nm of torque, which allows you to accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.1–5.3 seconds depending on the type of transmission. Feature VQ37VHR is a system VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift), which smoothly adjusts valve lift and valve timing, providing optimal power at any speed.

The car was offered with two types of gearboxes:

• 🔧 6-speed manual (with synchronizers in all gears and short-throw lever)
• 🤖 7-speed automatic with manual mode (with adaptive switching logic)

The manual version is prized by enthusiasts for its direct performance and full control, while the automatic is suitable for everyday driving due to its smoothness and reliability.

Suspension 370Z built according to the classic scheme for sports cars:

• 🔄 Front: independent, double wishbone with shock-absorbing struts
• 🔄 Rear: multi-link, with anti-roll bar

The braking system includes ventilated discs on all wheels (front - 355 mm, rear - 350 mm), and in top versions Nismo more powerful calipers were installed from Brembo.

⚠️ Attention: Owners 370Z with automatic transmission often encounter box overheating when driving aggressively. The solution is to install an additional radiator or replace the transmission fluid every 60,000 km.

Common Nissan 370Z Problems and How to Avoid Them

Despite the reliability 370Z has several “diseases” that you should know about in advance. One of the most common - oil leak from under the valve cover. The problem is associated with wear of gaskets and seals, especially after a mileage of 100,000 km. The solution is to replace the gaskets and switch to oil with a viscosity 5W-40 or 10W-40 for better protection.

Another typical fault is failure of oxygen sensors (lambda probes). They fail due to low-quality fuel or natural wear and tear. Symptoms: increased fuel consumption, error P0130/P0150 on the dashboard. It is recommended to install original sensors Nissan or analogues from Denso.

Owners also complain about:

• 🔥 Interior overheating due to a weak climate control system (solved by improving the ventilation or installing an additional air conditioning radiator)
• 🔊 Plastic creaks in the interior (especially in the area of ​​the dashboard and center console)
• 🛞 Uneven rear tire wear when driving aggressively (requires regular wheel alignment checks)

Problem	Reason	Solution	Repair cost (approx.)
Oil leak from under the valve cover	Worn gaskets, high pressure in the system	Replacing gaskets + flushing oil channels	15 000–25 000 ₽
Lambda probe errors (P0130, P0150)	Poor quality fuel, natural wear and tear	Replacing sensors (original or Denso)	8,000–15,000 RUR per couple
Creaks in the cabin	Poor assembly of plastic panels	Treatment with silicone grease or replacement of clips	2 000–5 000 ₽
Automatic transmission overheating	Aggressive driving, insufficient cooling	Installing an additional radiator	20 000–35 000 ₽

Tuning Nissan 370Z: from chip tuning to serious modifications

370Z - an ideal platform for tuning due to its simple design and great engine potential VQ37VHR. Let's start with the most accessible - chip tuning. ECU firmware (for example, from UpRev or Cobb Tuning) allows you to increase power up to 360–380 hp without mechanical modifications. However

For more serious changes, owners resort to:

• 🔥 Installing a turbocharger (for example, kits from GReddy or Stillen, power grows to 450+ hp)
• 🏁 Modernization of intake and exhaust systems (cold air intake Injen, forward flow Borla or Akrapović)
• 🛠️ Suspension strengthening (springs Tein or KW, shock absorbers Ohlin)
• 🚗 Wide wheels and low-profile tires (For example, 275/35 R19 front and 285/35 R19 behind)

The version deserves special attention Nissan 370Z Nismo, which from the factory has:

• 🏎️ Increased to 350 hp power
• 🛡️ Improved aerodynamics (splitter, diffuser, rear wing)
• 🔧 Rigid suspension and brakes Brembo with 4-piston calipers

Tuning Nismo usually comes down to modifying the turbine or installing a nitrous oxide system for a short-term increase in power.

⚠️ Attention: When installing a turbo kit on atmospheric VQ37VHR be sure to strengthen the insides of the engine (forged pistons, connecting rods, reinforced crankshaft). Standard parts are not designed for pressures higher than 0.7 bar.

Comparison of Nissan 370Z with competitors: BMW Z4, Porsche Cayman, Toyota GT86

370Z often compared to other sports cars in the price range up to 3 000 000 ₽ on the secondary market. Let's look at the key differences:

Parameter	Nissan 370Z	BMW Z4 (E89)	Porsche Cayman (981)	Toyota GT86
Engine	3.7 V6 (333 hp)	3.0 I6 (306 hp)	2.7/3.4 F6 (275–340 hp)	2.0 F4 (200 hp)
Drive	Rear	Rear	Rear	Rear
Acceleration 0–100 km/h	5.1–5.3 s	5.5–5.7 s	5.4–4.9 s	7.6 s
Used price (2023)	2.2–3.5 million ₽	2.5–4.0 million RUB	3.5–6.0 million RUB	1.8–2.8 million ₽

370Z Benefits:

• 💪 Atmospheric V6 with linear performance and reliability
• 🔧 Ease of maintenance compared to Porsche or BMW
• 🚀 Potential for tuning without serious investments

Disadvantages:

• 🏋️ Heavy weight (~1,500 kg) compared to GT86 (~1,200 kg)
• 🛋️ Outdated interior (plastic, lack of modern options)
• 💨 High fuel consumption (12–15 l/100 km in the city)

Operation and maintenance: what the owner needs to know

Service 370Z does not require supernatural efforts, but there are nuances that will extend the life of the car:

• 🛢️ Oil change every 7,000–10,000 km (synthetic 5W-40 or 10W-60 for hot climates)
• ⚙️ Checking the timing belt every 100,000 km (on VQ37VHR a chain is used, but the tensioners and dampers wear out)
• 🔋 Battery diagnostics once a year (a weak generator may not cope with the load on short trips)

Pay special attention transmission oil:

• For mechanics - replacement every 90,000 km (recommended Nissan MTF or Red Line)
• For machine gun - replacement every 60,000 km (liquid Nissan Matic-S)

Ignoring these recommendations leads to wear of synchronizers (on mechanics) or clutch slipping (automatically).

Winter operation 370Z possible, but requires preparation:

• ☃️ Installation of winter tires (recommended size: 225/50 R18)
• 🔥 Warm up the engine before driving (at least 3–5 minutes at idle)
• 🛑 Checking the brake system (in winter, braking distance increases by 30–40%)

What happens if you fill the VQ37VHR with the wrong oil?

The VQ37VHR engine is sensitive to oil quality. The use of mineral or semi-synthetic oil leads to:

- Accelerated wear of hydraulic compensators (knocking when cold)

- Contamination of oil channels and oil starvation

- Overheating of pistons and scuffing of cylinders

Recommended brands: Mobil 1 10W-60, Motul 300V, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf.

Nissan 370Z modifications: from basic version to Nismo

370Z was produced in several modifications, each of which had its own characteristics:

Modification	Engine	Features	Years of production
Base	3.7 V6 (333 hp)	Standard equipment: 18" wheels, fabric interior, climate control	2009–2020
Sport	3.7 V6 (333 hp)	19" wheels, xenon headlights, leather steering wheel, improved suspension	2009–2020
Touring	3.7 V6 (333 hp)	Leather interior, navigation, audio system Bose, heated seats	2009–2020
Nismo	3.7 V6 (350 hp)	Aerodynamic body kit, brakes Brembo, rigid suspension, 19" wheels Rays	2013–2020
Roadster	3.7 V6 (333 hp)	Soft folding top, reinforced body frame	2010–2019

The rarest and most collectible version is considered 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition (2019), released in honor of the 50th anniversary of the line Z-cars. It had a unique red color Signal Red, black wheels Rays and special stripes.

When choosing a modification, please note:

• 💰 Nismo more expensive to maintain due to sports suspension and brakes
• 🚗 Roadster loses in body rigidity, but gains in comfort in summer
• 🎵 Touring — the best choice for everyday driving thanks to rich equipment

Where to buy parts and accessories for Nissan 370Z

Owners 370Z Several options for purchasing spare parts are available:

• 🏢 Official dealers Nissan — quality guarantee, but high price (for example, an original oil filter costs ~1,500 ₽)
• 🌍 Online stores:
  • Z1 Motors (USA, specializes in Z-carah)
  • Blackvernis (Russia, tuning and spare parts)
  • Ebay (used parts and rare accessories)
• 🔧 Local showdowns - cheaper, but there is a risk of running into worn parts

When purchasing used spare parts, pay attention to:

• 🔍 Compatibility (for example, parts from 350Z don't always fit 370Z)
• 📝 Guarantee (even for used parts, some stores give 3–6 months)
• 🚚 Delivery times (orders from the USA may take up to 1–2 months)

Popular accessories for 370Z:

• 🎨 Vinyl stickers (for example, stripes on the hood in the style Nismo)
• 🔊 Audio systems (Focal, Alpine to replace the standard radio)
• 💡 LED headlights (for example, kits from Morimoto)
• 🛡️ Protective films on the hood and bumper (from chips)

💡

When ordering parts from abroad, please consider duties. For example, buying a turbo kit for 200,000 rubles can result in an additional 60,000 rubles for customs clearance.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan 370Z

❓ How much oil should I pour into the VQ37VHR engine?

Oil volume with filter replacement - 5.1 liters. Recommended viscosity:

• Summer: 10W-60 or 5W-40
• Winter: 0W-40 or 5W-30

Important: after changing the oil, reset the maintenance counter through the on-board computer menu (Trip → Maintenance).

❓ Is it possible to install a turbo on a naturally aspirated 370Z?

Yes, but some improvements will be required:

• Reinforcement of engine internals (forged pistons, connecting rods)
• Replacing the fuel system (injectors 750 cc+, fuel pump)
• ECU setup (firmware for turbo from UpRev or Haltech)

The average cost of a turbo kit with installation is: 400 000–700 000 ₽.

❓ What is the service life of the VQ37VHR engine?

With proper maintenance, the engine runs 300,000–400,000 km. Key terms:

• Regular oil changes (every 7,000–10,000 km)
• Use of high-quality fuel (AI-98)
• Avoiding overheating (controlling antifreeze levels)

Weak points: hydraulic compensators (knock when cold) and oil pump (wear after 200,000 km).

❓ Which tires are better for the 370Z?

Recommended options:

• Summer: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (245/40 R19 front, 275/35 R19 behind)
• Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 (225/50 R18)
• Track: Toyo R888R (semi-slicks for racing)

Tire pressure: 2.2 bar front, 2.0 bar behind.

❓ Is it worth buying a 370Z with over 150,000 km?

The purchase is possible, but requires careful verification:

• 🔧 Checking compression in cylinders (standard: 12–14 bar)
• 🛢️ Oil analysis for metal shavings content
• 📊 Checking service history (especially oil and timing belt changes)

Average price on the market:

• 100,000–150,000 km: 2.5–3.0 million ₽
• 150,000–200,000 km: 1.8–2.3 million ₽
• 200,000+ km: 1.5 million ₽ and below (risk of major repairs)