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The Nissan Z was the long-awaited successor of the aging 370Z. While the new model utilizes quite a few bits from the outgoing Z34, we must give Nissan credit for building its new sports car independently (ahem... Toyota). In 2024, the Z managed to outsell its direct competitor, the GR Supra, and a certain Nissan dealer may have some credit for the Z's success, as sub-MSRP offers are not that hard to find.
But with a starting MSRP of $44,110 for the base model and $54,110 for the Performance, which is the one to get, many would still be hesitant to pull the trigger on one of these bad boys. Especially when the market is full of 350Z and 370Zs waiting to change hands for a fraction of the price. If 400 horsepower in a Nissan Z is what you want, then this supercharged Nissan 350Z could be the way to go.
The YouTube channel, AutoTopNL, known for its top speed runs on the derestricted Autobahn, recently posted a POV drive of an early Z33 fitted with a supercharger, and a few things stood out to me.
Even the less desirable 350Z is a good performance platform
The 350Z seen here is clearly an earlier version. More specifically, a 2004 model, as an older video revealed. You can tell by the lack of "power bulge” in the hood as well as the tachometer's 6,700 RPM redline – later models fitted with the VQ35 HR go to 7,500 RPM. This VQ35 DE car is the less desirable version of the 350Z, as the engine is less powerful and prone to more issues, chief among which is excessive oil consumption.
In stock form, this 2004 Nissan 350Z would have made 280 horsepower at 6,200 RPM and 267 pound-feet at 4,800 RPM – enough for a 5.5-second 0 to 60 mph time with the six-speed manual. Currently, you can get an early Nissan 350Z for around $8,000, which is one-sixth of the cost of a base-model 2025 Nissan Z.
This particular car received a new engine around a year ago, along with a Vortec supercharger, Haltech ECU, and a full exhaust, which makes this one of the best-sounding Nissan 350Zs out there. It also translates to 400 horsepower, which is on par with the current, twin-turbo Nissan Z.
The Z33's performance limits
While the POV video shows impressive acceleration, a few things are concerning. At the time of the video upload, the new engine would have had around 15,000 km (approx. 9,320 miles) on it. The Z33's odometer shows just over 227,900 by the time the video ends.
The engine in this Z may be fresh, but the same doesn't seem to be true for the transmission. Every shift from fourth to fifth gear is accompanied by a grinding sound, hinting at worn-out synchro mesh. Some owners of the current Nissan Z are also experiencing issues with the manual, but in this older model it seems to be normal wear and tear from hard driving.
The 350Z uses an older six-speed manual, which, while similar to the one in the 370Z and the Z is far from being the same.
Another issue this 350Z has is the stuttering at around 6,000 RPM, which could likely be chalked down to a bad tune. Superchargers have a parasitic effect on the engine as they are belt-driven, but even so, it should not be causing stuttering at under 6,000 RPM, which is way before this engine’s redline. Even in this earlier iteration, these V-6 units do not die down until 6,500 RPM.
Regardless of this 350Z's mileage and condition, do you think a modified 350Z provides better value for money than a brand-new Nissan Z? The aftermarket support for these cars is vast and parts are plentiful. Or would you rather have the peace of mind that comes with a brand-new performance car? Share your opinion in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
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