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So, you finally pulled the trigger on a Nissan 370Z. Maybe you picked up a clean 2015 sport tech, or perhaps you found a high-mileage 2010 that needs some love. Either way, you’re now the proud owner of one of the most balanced, raw, and rewarding RWD platforms ever built.

At DTX Performance, we live for the "Modern Muscle" spirit: and honestly, the 370Z fits right in. It’s got a big, naturally aspirated V6, a manual gearbox (usually), and a rear-end that wants to step out if you look at it funny. It’s the Japanese equivalent of a brawler in a tailored suit.

But here’s the thing: while the VQ37VHR engine is a masterpiece of engineering, it’s a bit "choked up" from the factory. Nissan had to deal with emissions, noise regulations, and making sure your grandma could drive it to the grocery store without waking the neighbors. You? You want performance. You want that VQ scream. You want to see 330+ wheel horsepower without breaking the bank.

Before you go buying a massive wing or neon underglow, let’s talk about the first three mods that actually matter. These are the foundation. These are the mods that transform the Z from a "quick sports car" into a "legendary street machine."

THE PREREQUISITE: DON’T GET STRANDED

Before we dive into the power mods, we have to talk about the elephant in the room: the Clutch Slave Cylinder (CSC). If you’re driving a 6-speed manual, the factory CSC is made of plastic and is essentially a ticking time bomb. It will fail, usually leaving your clutch pedal stuck to the floor in the middle of a busy intersection.

Before you spend a dime on go-fast parts, consider a CSC Elimination Kit or a heavy-duty aftermarket slave cylinder. It’s not a "sexy" mod, but being able to actually shift gears is a pretty important part of the performance experience.

Once that’s sorted, it’s time to make some power.

MOD #1: COLD AIR INTAKES : BREATHE DEEPER

The VQ37VHR is essentially a giant air pump. The more air you can get in, and the faster you can get it out, the more power you’re going to make. From the factory, the 370Z comes with two airboxes that pull air from behind the headlights. They’re fine for commuting, but they’re restrictive and prone to heat soak.

When we talk about the first "real" mod, we’re talking about Long Tube Cold Air Intakes.

Why Long Tubes?

Short ram intakes (the ones that sit right in the engine bay) look cool and sound great, but they often suck in hot air from the radiator. That’s a recipe for losing horsepower. Long tube intakes route the filters down in front of the radiator, behind the front grille. This ensures the engine is breathing the coldest, densest air possible.

What to expect:

• Power Gains: Anywhere from 10–15 whp depending on the brand and setup.
• Throttle Response: You’ll notice the car feels much "snappier" when you blip the throttle.
• The Sound: You’ll finally hear those individual throttle bodies working. It’s a deep, inductive growl that sounds incredible at high RPM.

If you're looking for the best hardware to get started, you can browse some of our intake options and compatible hardware through our sitemap here.

MOD #2: THE EXHAUST SYSTEM : UNLEASH THE SCREAM

The factory exhaust on a 370Z is... quiet. Too quiet. It’s heavy, restrictive, and it muffles that iconic VQ exhaust note. To truly unlock the VQ37VHR, you need to open up the back end.

For the Z, the exhaust path is: Headers -> Catalytic Converters -> Y-Pipe -> Mid-Pipe -> Mufflers.

If you’re just starting out, we recommend a two-step approach: High-Flow Cats (HFCs) and a Cat-Back Exhaust.

High-Flow Cats vs. Test Pipes

Test pipes (which delete the cats entirely) offer the most power, but they come with a catch: the "VQ Rasp." It can sound like a swarm of angry bees in a tin can if you don't choose the right setup. High-flow cats offer 90% of the performance of test pipes but keep the tone deep, refined, and: most importantly: legal in many areas.

The Cat-Back

A quality cat-back exhaust replaces everything from the catalytic converters to the tips. Look for a dual-exit system if you want that classic Z look, or a single-exit (like a Tomei) if you’re chasing weight savings and maximum volume.

What to expect:

• Power Gains: Combined with HFCs, you’re looking at another 15–20 whp.
• Weight Reduction: Most aftermarket systems are 20–40 lbs lighter than the bulky OEM suitcase muffler.
• Presence: People will hear you coming long before they see those signature LED taillights.

MOD #3: THE TUNE : THE BRAINS BEHIND THE BRAWN

This is the most important step. If you install intakes and an exhaust without a tune, you’re leaving 50% of your gains on the table. In fact, your car might actually run worse because the factory ECU is trying to compensate for all that extra air using maps designed for a stock car.

A custom tune (using platforms like EcuTek or UpRev) ties everything together. A tuner will adjust your fuel maps, ignition timing, and VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) to maximize the efficiency of your new parts.

Why the tune is non-negotiable:

1. Safety: It ensures your engine isn’t running too lean with all that extra airflow.
2. Optimized Power: It’s common to see a 20–30 whp jump just from the tune alone when paired with intakes and exhaust.
3. Features: Most tunes allow for "map switching" (e.g., a 93 octane map and an E85 map), launch control, and: if you’re into it: flame maps (though we recommend those for "track use only," wink wink).

By the time you’ve finished these three mods, your 370Z isn't just a 332-hp car anymore. You’re pushing closer to 340–350 wheel horsepower, which is enough to hurt some feelings at the drag strip or your local autocross event.

WHY SHOP WITH DTX PERFORMANCE?

Building a 370Z is a journey. We know you have options when it comes to buying parts, but at DTX Performance, we’re more than just an online store. We’re enthusiasts who understand the "Modern Muscle" mentality. Whether you’re working on a Z, a Challenger, or a Mustang, the goal is the same: excellence.

Why deal with the headache of a local auto parts store that only carries oil filters and windshield wipers? Shopping online at a specialized performance shop means you get parts designed for your build, delivered right to your door. You can read more about why shopping online is better than your local store here.

We promise to only send you the good stuff. No filler, no junk: just high-performance parts that work.

READY TO BUILD?

The 370Z is one of the last "pure" sports cars left. It’s got the soul of a classic and the reliability of a modern machine. If you’re ready to start your build, check out our catalog and let’s get that VQ37VHR breathing the way it was meant to.

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