Prospective New Z Owner!
 

Hello all,

I am currently looking at purchasing a (obviously used) 350z. There are many available out there of course, and I have been getting the itch recently to get myself a small car as a weekend driver. My daily driver is a 2018 Ford Raptor, and that thing is a blast. However, I want something small and nimble, as well as attractive and decently comfortable, while being fairly cheap. The 350z seems to check all those boxes.

But... I want it to go fast, obviously. My question is, if I were to buy a 03-06 350Z, how could I go about bringing it to 500 whp or so? I'd like to keep the stock engine so as to keep costs down. I'm really looking for under 5K worth of mods if possible. I just want to know if it can be done.

I don't know much about cars lol, but I've done a fair amount of research and have consulted with my buddy who works on vehicles, he thinks it may be possible. What do you guys think?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome.

But I'd advise you to lower your expectations on that budget.

The only realistic ways to get that type of power to the ground is forced induction (turbo, supercharging) OR going big motor (like a GM LSX swap). Either of those will cost $7k+ (conservatively) and NOT including the supporting modifications - driver training, brakes, suspension, etc.

I advise you drive a few Z cars and then decide if its the car for you before you start thinking about modifications to get it to that level. That's serious stuff. You might be better off in a Mazdaspeed Miata with a few tweaks if you're looking for the "fun factor".

Endless threads about people who tried this and ruined their cars and bank accounts.

$7K? That seems pretty high. I was doing some searching and saw turbo kits for a 350z for around $1K. Are you telling me labor costs $6K??

I don't really care about the "integrity" of the car, it doesn't have to be real upscale. I just want the thing to go fast. LOL

you are not going to get to 500whp for 5k..... hell i barely broke 500whp with my old z06 with $6500 of engine bolt ons

https://www.z1motorsports.com/forced...it-p-2393.html

https://conceptzperformance.com/jim-...al_p_17191.php

Sure, go buy a turbo off of EBay. Go for it since you obviously have the answer already.

Why do I bother....

If your daily driver is a raptor your going to be real disappointed in the 350z...

If you want nimble fast and cheap get yourself a civic.

LOL was thinking the same thing. $1k turbo kit. Sure did, buy it, install it and let us know how it is. I am actually serious, not being rude. If you really own an 18 Raptor, you know quality costs money. Not sure how good you think a $1k turbo kit would be, but only one way to find out.

I wouldn't go FI unless I $8-10k set aside. Projects are always more than you expect, especially when you don't have the technical know how and you're paying a shop to do the work. There's the turbo kit, labour, tuning, little extras that come up, higher maintenance and fuel costs, etc.

welcome I have 500whp on my Z. Read through my build page to see how easy and cheap it is to get 500whp! https://my350z.com/forum/forced-indu...thread-22.html

There are 2 generations of 350Z. 2003-2006 with the DE engine, 2007-2008 with the HR engine. The HR engine has stronger internals and a better top end, and MIGHT handle 500whp on stock internals (depending on tune, type of FI, sizing of turbo, etc). But the newest HR is now 11 years old... No guarantees it'll hold that power anymore IMO.

Secondly, the cheapest, and IMO shittiest, single turbo setup for the DE costs about $2500 before shipping, labor, and supporting mods. Even that $2500 kit will stretch to double that installed with supporting mods. The 350Z isn't a cheap car to modify, but it has a great chassis and balance, good brakes from the factory (if in Sport/Track trim), and a decent engine.

If you're aiming for 500whp, I'd honestly suggest sticking to domestic. Get yourself a C6 Vette, Z06 if you can afford one, and start from there. Because I promise you that getting a 350Z to 500whp with all the supporting mods it needs, plus the purchase price of the car itself, will exceed the price of a C6 LS3 6 speed.

If you're happy with a lighter, nimble car and about 300-350hp NA, go for a Z.

For the record, I have an FBO + cammed Z and I'm at ~293whp for now. That's about $4000 between mods and labor to get to 292whp, mind you. And I haven't even touched the fueling, intake manifold, internals... **** ain't cheap.