engine-modifications
How Much Horsepower Does the Stillen Tvs2300 Supercharger Add to Your 370z?
Table of Contents
The Nissan 370Z has long been a favorite among driving purists, offering a potent VQ37VHR V6 engine, sharp handling, and a rear-wheel-drive platform that rewards skill. For many owners, the search for more power leads to forced induction, and one of the most popular bolt-on supercharger kits is the Stillen TVS2300. This kit delivers a substantial, reliable horsepower increase without requiring a full engine rebuild. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down exactly how much horsepower the Stillen TVS2300 adds, what supporting mods are needed, and what you can expect from the complete package.
The Nissan 370Z and Its Power Potential
The 370Z’s 3.7-liter VQ37VHR engine is naturally aspirated, producing around 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque at the crank from the factory. While responsive and rev-happy, the engine runs a high 11:1 compression ratio, which makes it well-suited for forced induction when properly tuned. Many enthusiasts have pushed the VQ37VHR well past 500 wheel horsepower with built internals, but the Stillen TVS2300 is designed as a reliable, daily-driver-friendly upgrade that stays within safe boost limits.
The key to this kit is the Eaton TVS2300 twin-screw supercharger, a positive-displacement unit that provides instant boost off idle. Unlike centrifugal superchargers, which build boost proportionally to engine RPM, twin-screw chargers deliver near-full boost almost immediately, giving the 370Z a fat torque curve that makes the car feel significantly faster in normal driving conditions.
Horsepower Gains: From Kit to Wheel
Stillen rates the TVS2300 supercharger kit at approximately 100 wheel horsepower over a stock 370Z with the included calibration. On a standard Dynojet, that translates to about 430–440 wheel horsepower and roughly 350–370 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. However, actual numbers vary based on:
- Fuel quality – Running on 91 octane versus 93 or E85 can yield differences of 10–20 whp.
- Exhaust setup – A high-flow cat-back exhaust or test pipes can free up another 10–15 whp.
- Tuning – Custom dyno tuning often unlocks an additional 10–20 whp over the included basemap.
- Altitude and temperature – Denser air at lower altitudes and cooler ambient temps help the supercharger perform better.
In controlled testing, a bone-stock 370Z with the Stillen TVS2300, standard pulleys, and the supplied tune consistently produces 435–445 whp on 93 octane. With a full exhaust, upgraded fuel injectors, and a professional tune, some owners have seen 480–500 whp at the wheels, though that pushes the limits of stock internals and fuel system.
Torque and Throttle Response
Beyond peak numbers, the Stillen kit dramatically transforms the torque curve. Where a stock 370Z might make 230 lb-ft at 3000 rpm, the TVS2300 supercharger can push that figure to over 340 lb-ft, with peak torque arriving well before 4500 rpm. This makes the car feel immensely stronger in daily street driving, reducing the need to downshift for passing. The instant-on nature of the positive-displacement blower means there’s no lag, unlike a turbocharged setup.
Comparing Supercharger Options: Stillen TVS2300 vs. Centrifugal vs. Turbo
The 370Z aftermarket offers several forced induction paths. Here’s how the TVS2300 stacks up:
- Stillen TVS2300 (Twin-Screw) – Linear, immediate power with a broad torque curve. Moderate installation complexity. Best for daily drivers who want responsive power from idle to redline.
- Centrifugal Superchargers (e.g., Vortech, Procharger) – Build boost progressively, like a belt-driven turbo. Peak power can be higher, but low-end torque is less dramatic. Typically less expensive but require more supporting mods for high power.
- Turbocharger Kits (e.g., GTM, fast intentions) – Offer highest peak horsepower potential but come with increased latency, heat management challenges, and more complex installation. Not ideal for owners who prioritize instant response.
The TVS2300 hits a sweet spot: reliable, easy to live with, and capable of significant power gains without sacrificing drivability. It’s the most common choice for a “set and forget” supercharger upgrade on the 370Z.
Required Supporting Modifications
To safely support the additional power and heat generated by the supercharger, Stillen recommends (and most shops require) several upgrades:
- Upgraded fuel injectors – The factory injectors run close to 100% duty cycle with the stock tune; for safety and room to grow, 550cc or larger injectors are advised.
- Higher-flow fuel pump – A Walbro 255 lph or equivalent ensures adequate fuel delivery under boost.
- Oil cooler – The 370Z’s oil temps rise quickly under boost; an aftermarket cooler is essential for track use or spirited driving.
- Exhaust system – While not mandatory, a less restrictive cat-back exhaust reduces backpressure and improves power output.
- Upgraded clutch – The stock clutch begins to slip above 400 whp. A stage 2 or better clutch is recommended.
- Tuning solution – Stillen provides a baseline ECU flash, but a custom dyno tune (e.g., using UpRev or ECUTEK) maximizes power and safety.
Skipping these mods can lead to detonation, overheating, or drivetrain failure. Most reputable installers will not perform the supercharger installation without verifying these components are in place.
Installation Complexity and Costs
Installing the Stillen TVS2300 is a major project for a DIY mechanic, taking 20–30 hours. Professional installation typically costs $2,500–$4,000 depending on the shop rate and whether you add the recommended supporting mods. The kit itself retails for around $6,000–$7,000. Including injectors, tune, clutch, and labor, the total investment can easily reach $12,000–$15,000. While substantial, this is significantly less than a full engine build or turbo kit.
Reliability and Daily Drivability
One of the biggest selling points of the Stillen TVS2300 is its reliability record. Many owners have logged tens of thousands of miles without issues, provided the car is properly tuned and maintained. The kit runs on 5–7 psi of boost on the standard pulley, which is very conservative for the VQ37VHR engine. At this boost level, the stock internals are safe as long as fuel quality remains high and oil changes are performed frequently.
Drivability is excellent: the supercharger whines under throttle but is quiet at cruise. Cold starts and idle are unaffected. Fuel economy drops by about 2–5 mpg under normal driving, but with the extra power, that’s a trade-off most owners happily accept.
Common Issues and Maintenance Tips
- Heat soak – On hot days or during repeated pulls, the intercooler (which is an air-to-water unit) can heat up, reducing power. Upgrading to a larger heat exchanger helps.
- Belt slip – Under high rpm or aggressive shifting, the supercharger belt can slip. A Gates Racing belt or a dedicated tensioner upgrade eliminates this.
- PCV system – Boost can push oil into the intake; an oil catch can is highly recommended.
- Periodic inspection – Check supercharger oil level every 10,000 miles and replace every 30,000 miles per Stillen’s schedule.
Real-World Dyno Numbers and Owner Experiences
We gathered data from several 370Z forums and tuning shops to illustrate typical results. Below are representative dyno charts from a 2013 370Z with the Stillen TVS2300, stock aside from an Injen cat-back exhaust and a custom tune on 93 octane:
- Baseline (stock): 295 whp / 260 lb-ft
- With Stillen TVS + base tune: 432 whp / 365 lb-ft
- With custom tune + exhaust + 650cc injectors: 468 whp / 387 lb-ft
- With E85 tune (full supporting mods): 505 whp / 420 lb-ft (not recommended for stock internals)
These numbers vary but show the kit’s potential. Most owners report a night-and-day difference in acceleration, with 0–60 times dropping into the 3.5–3.8 second range and quarter-mile times in the 11.2–11.7 second bracket at trap speeds around 121–126 mph.
“I drove my 370Z for three years stock, then added the Stillen TVS2300. It’s the single best mod I’ve ever done. The car feels like a completely different animal – instant torque, smooth power band, and it’s still comfortable as a daily driver. Just don’t forget the supporting mods.” – mOjO_Z on My350Z.com
Cost vs. Value: Is the Stillen TVS2300 Worth It?
For an enthusiast looking to add 100–150 whp without sacrificing daily drivability, the Stillen TVS2300 offers outstanding value. Compared to swapping engines or building a turbo setup, it’s a turnkey solution with a proven track record. Resale value of the car also increases moderately, though few owners sell their supercharged 370Zs without the kit. The main downside is the upfront cost, but when you consider the cost per horsepower, it’s on par with other forced induction options.
If you are planning to track the car heavily or want to exceed 550 whp, you may be better served by a built engine and a larger turbo. However, for most street and occasional track use, the Stillen TVS2300 is the gold standard.
Additional Resources and Links
For more detailed installation guides, dyno results, and community discussions, check out these resources:
- Stillen Official Product Page – TVS2300 for 370Z
- The370Z.com Forum: Stillen TVS2300 Dyno Results Discussion
- Z1 Motorsports – Stillen Kit Details and Supporting Parts
- Superchargers Online – Technical Overview and FAQ
Conclusion
The Stillen TVS2300 supercharger adds 100–130 horsepower to the wheels on a stock Nissan 370Z, with reliable, instant-on power that transforms the car’s character. With proper installation, fuel system upgrades, and a professional tune, you can achieve a dependable 450+ whp daily driver that remains comfortable and easy to live with. While the initial investment is significant, the performance return is one of the best available for the VQ37VHR platform. If you’re ready to take your 370Z to the next level without going to extremes, the Stillen TVS2300 is a proven choice that will put a grin on your face every time you hit the throttle.