I'll bet you a beer that at 7 lbs they are going to get at least a 110hp increase at the wheels.

It's a physics thing, you can't fool mother nature. :-)

On a warm autumn day at Fuji Speedway in Japan, HKS rolled out four black 350Zs, with significant differences under the sheet metal. The main showpiece was the 350Z GT Supercharged (there were two of these), along with the 350Z GT Turbo and the 350Z GT NA brought just for the fun of it. (Our U.S.-spec car was silver.)

The first thing you notice when opening the 350Z GT Supercharged's hood is the compactness of the supercharger. In fact, it doesn't look like a blower at all. Where traditional superchargers, such as Roots-type units, are large bulky metal boxes that usually sit atop the engine, this one bolts onto the front of the block, taking up minimal space. Also, it's considerably lighter than other types, which helps to keep the car's neutral balance intact.

HKS 350Z: Under The Hood The centrifugal supercharger's snail-shaped housing looks at first to be a turbocharger, but upon closer inspection, it's evident the unit is belt-driven. Within the metal housing are gears, an internal oil pump and an impeller that supplies the 3.5-liter V-6 with lots of extra air. The power for the revitalized engine is up roughly 30 percent to about 362 bhp at 5900 rpm, while torque climbs to an estimated 340 lb.-ft., peaking at 5500 rpm. Both figures are measured at the wheels.

The GT Supercharged leaves the line much like the stock car, with plenty of low-end torque pushing you forward. Good things start happening when the tachometer needle brushes past the 2500-rpm mark. The 350Z seems to take bigger strides as the accelerative forces mount. And where the stock 350Z's acceleration starts to taper slightly (at about 4500 rpm), the HKS 350Z keeps surging ahead. Although we weren't able to perform instrumented testing, the supercharged 350Z felt significantly quicker than a stock 350Z, perhaps by a half-second to 60 mph; so a sub-5.0-sec. time is a real possibility.

It's up to you whether gaining a half-second in your 0-60 time is worth the $7000 to $9000 to get the HKS blower installed into your 350Z or Infiniti G35 (prices have not yet been finalized). But die-hard tuners will tell you, for something this innovative and effective, it's a relative bargain.

The 350Z GT Turbo is a completely different animal. The peak power output doesn't change much, but the turbocharged car's acceleration is definitely steeper, felt most strongly around 4500 rpm. There's a bit of lag, but the way it comes alive in the mid to high range is a definite hoot. Also, the body kit for the Turbo is the most attractive of the bunch, and, according to HKS USA, it's supplied by Varis and will be available in the U.S. Unfortunately, the turbocharger will not because of its incompatibility with left-hand-drive 350Zs. It's a pity because for sheer thrills, the 350Z GT Turbo is the choice.

Link to Post

GT Channel 350Z Roadster
GT Channel coordinated some of the premier names in the aftermarket to
create this Z Roadster. Painted by Sixteen Customs, the Roadster features a
Vertex Lang aero kit, made to look more aggressive by a lowered coilover
suspension by Mine's and 19x9-inch front and 19x10-inch Work Wheels shod
with BFGoodrich KDW tires, all installed and tuned by Steve Mitchell of
M-Workz.
Under the hood, the VQ35 engine received an HKS GT Supercharger (the
first kit in the U.S.), HKS fuel management system and Titanium exhaust.
The increased power is backed by upgraded components, including NISMO
clutch disc, flywheel and locking differential, and stopping power is
enhanced by a STILLEN AP Racing brake system.
Finishing touches were then applied to the interior and include Bride
carbon fiber reclinable seats and a full Pioneer audio system.
Performance Nissan of Duarte/MyNISMO 35th Anniversary 350Z
Starting with a rare Super Black 35th Anniversary 350Z, Performance