Introduction: Unleashing the VQ37VHR’s True Potential

The Nissan 370Z, with its venerable VQ37VHR engine, remains one of the most rewarding platforms for performance enthusiasts. While its naturally aspirated character delivers a thrilling linear powerband, the chassis is truly capable of handling immense horsepower. For those seeking to transform their Z from a spirited daily driver into a asphalt-devouring monster, turbocharging is the definitive path. However, not all turbo kits are created equal. The market offers distinct philosophies, from fuel-integrated power packages to meticulously engineered boost control systems.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the top five turbo kits from the industry’s most respected names: Boostane, Turbosmart, and Precision Turbo. We will analyze their engineering, power delivery, and suitability for both street driving and hardcore track applications, ensuring you choose the setup that aligns perfectly with your goals and budget.

Understanding the VQ37VHR Turbocharging Platform

Before diving into specific kits, it’s critical to understand what makes the 370Z engine a solid foundation for forced induction. The VQ37VHR features a closed-deck cylinder block, which provides exceptional rigidity and resistance to cylinder distortion under high boost pressure. The aluminum cylinder heads flow exceptionally well from the factory, thanks to Nissan’s VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) system, which allows for precise control of valve timing and lift.

Despite its strengths, the VQ37VHR has specific limitations that must be addressed when adding significant power:

  • Oil Gallery Gaskets: The factory paper-style gaskets are a well-documented failure point. Upgrading to a billet or CNC-machined aluminum oil gallery gasket kit is mandatory for any build exceeding 450 wheel horsepower.
  • Fuel System: The factory returnless fuel system runs out of capacity quickly. Upgraded high-pressure fuel pumps, larger injectors, and a return-style fuel system are required for reliable operation at higher boost levels.
  • Concentric Slave Cylinder (CSC): The factory hydraulic CSC is a known weak point. Eliminating it with a heavy-duty concentric bearing system or converting to an external slave cylinder is highly recommended.
  • Cooling Capacity: The factory cooling system struggles to keep the engine cool during sustained high-performance driving. An upgraded radiator, oil cooler, and possibly a power steering cooler are non-negotiable for track use.

Each of the kits below addresses these points differently, but understanding these fundamentals will help you evaluate the total cost of ownership for a turbocharged 370Z.

The Engineering Philosophies: Boostane, Turbosmart, and Precision

The three brands featured in this comparison represent distinct approaches to forced induction. Choosing between them often comes down to your specific performance priorities.

Boostane: The Fuel-Integrated Power Package

Boostane is primarily recognized for its revolutionary octane booster and racing fuels, which allow modern engines to run higher boost levels safely on pump gas. Their turbo systems are designed synergistically with their fuel chemistry. This means the kits often push the edge of thermal efficiency and compression, relying on Boostane’s proprietary additive or race fuel blends to prevent detonation. If you select a Boostane kit, you are buying into an ecosystem where fuel and hardware work in perfect harmony. This approach yields some of the highest horsepower numbers available for the 370Z, often exceeding 700-800 wheel horsepower.

Turbosmart: Precision Boost Control and Response

Turbosmart is synonymous with world-class boost control hardware, including wastegates, blow-off valves, and electronic boost controllers. Their complete kits for the 370Z focus heavily on throttle response and precise boost pressure management. Turbosmart’s engineering team prioritizes turbine housing design and spring rates to ensure that boost comes on quickly and remains stable under load. This makes their kits particularly well-suited for road course and autocross applications, where instant power delivery out of corners is critical. You can expect exceptional drivability and a broad powerband from a Turbosmart-equipped system.

Precision Turbo: Pro-Level Airflow Technology

Precision Turbo & Engine (PTE) is a dominant force in professional drag racing, time attack, and high-horsepower street builds. Their Gen2 and Gen3 turbos feature billet compressor wheels and advanced aerodynamic designs that deliver massive airflow without sacrificing efficiency. A Precision Turbo kit for the 370Z is engineered for top-end power and sustained high-rPM operation. These systems are built to handle the extreme heat and stress of track day abuse, making them the go-to choice for drivers who demand absolute reliability at high power levels.

Top 5 370Z Turbo Kits: Street and Track Breakdown

Here is a detailed look at the five best kits available, ranging from entry-level street setups to full race-spec packages.

1. Boostane Stage 2 Turbo System (The 800HP Monster)

This is the ultimate expression of Boostane’s engineering. Designed to operate on Boostane’s racing fuel or high-concentration additive mixtures, this kit is capable of delivering over 800 wheel horsepower.

  • Hardware: Features a large billet turbocharger (76mm or larger), a massive front-mount intercooler, full 3-inch aluminum charge piping, and a high-flow intake system.
  • Fuel System: Integrated return-style fuel system with staged injectors, a dedicated fuel cell, and high-volume fuel pumps. The kit is calibrated to leverage the high octane and oxygen content of Boostane fuel.
  • Driveability: While capable of incredible power, the Stage 2 system is still surprisingly drivable on the street. The large turbo does exhibit some lag, but the power delivery is linear once in the boost range.
  • Best For: Quarter-mile sprints, max-effort roll racing, and enthusiasts who want to compete for the highest horsepower numbers on the platform. Professional installation and tuning are mandatory.

2. Turbosmart iBoost-Equipped System (The Response King)

The Turbosmart iBoost system represents the pinnacle of boost control technology combined with a high-flow turbo setup. This kit focuses on delivering usable power across the entire rev range.

  • Hardware: Utilizes a twin-scroll turbocharger (typically 64-66mm) to maximize exhaust pulse energy. This significantly reduces lag compared to standard single-scroll setups. Includes Turbosmart Gen-V wastegates and a Kompact blow-off valve.
  • iBoost Controller: The integrated iBoost electronic boost controller allows for gear-based boost mapping, closed-loop boost control, and on-the-fly adjustment. You can run low boost for the street and instantly switch to a high-boost track map.
  • Power Output: Capable of 500-650 wheel horsepower with excellent response. The twin-scroll design allows the turbo to spool 800-1,200 RPM sooner than a comparable single-scroll kit.
  • Best For: Aggressive street driving, time attack, and road courses where corner exit speed and response are paramount.

3. Precision Gen2 PT6466 Single Turbo Kit (The Track Champion)

The Precision Gen2 PT6466 has become a legendary turbocharger for inline-6 and V6 platforms. Its 66mm billet compressor wheel and 64mm turbine wheel offer an incredible balance of spool speed and top-end airflow. This kit is built for longevity.

  • Hardware: Precision Turbo Gen2 PT6466 CEA (Competition Engineered Aerodynamics) turbo, a custom-fabricated equal-length tubular exhaust manifold, a high-capacity front-mount intercooler, and a 4-inch intake.
  • Build Quality: The manifold and downpipe are typically constructed from T304 stainless steel with CNC-machined flanges. This prevents cracking and ensures a perfect seal.
  • Supporting Mods: This kit pairs exceptionally well with standalone ECUs (Haltech, Motec) due to its high airflow potential. A return fuel system and high-pressure oil system are recommended.
  • Power Output: Easily supports 700+ wheel horsepower while still providing usable torque for street driving.
  • Best For: Professional track days, endurance racing, and enthusiasts who prioritize mechanical reliability and headroom over peak dyno numbers.

4. Boostane Stage 1 Turbo System (The Streetable Performer)

The Boostane Stage 1 kit is designed for the enthusiast who wants significant power gains (600+ horsepower) without fully committing to a race fuel regime. It can be operated on premium pump gas treated with Boostane additive.

  • Hardware: Uses a smaller billet turbo (67-70mm) compared to the Stage 2 kit. This results in faster spool and excellent street manners. The intercooler and piping are sized appropriately for the lower power target.
  • Fuel Flexibility: While optimized for Boostane-fueled mixtures, it can be tuned for straight pump gas or E85, making it a versatile choice for daily drivers.
  • Installation: Designed to be more straightforward to install than the Stage 2 kit, but professional tuning is still required.
  • Best For: Street-driven cars that see occasional drag strip or track use. Provides a very aggressive power curve without the lag of a larger turbo.

5. Turbosmart Dual Wastegate Kit (Advanced Street/Track Hybrid)

This kit utilizes a single large-frame turbocharger (68-72mm) but features dual Turbosmart wastegates for exceptional boost control. It is a hybrid approach, offering massive top-end power potential with the precise boost management needed for a road course.

  • Hardware: Single high-flow turbo with a divided T4 turbine housing. Two Turbosmart Gen-V 40mm wastegates are used to regulate boost pressure precisely.
  • Cooling: Often paired with an aggressive cooling system (CSF radiator, Setrab oil cooler) because the dual wastegate configuration allows for higher sustained boost levels without overheating the turbine.
  • Power Output: 600-750 wheel horsepower with incredible thermal stability.
  • Best For: Drivers who want the peak power of a large turbo but need the throttle response and boost precision of a road race setup.

Critical Supporting Modifications for a Reliable Build

A turbo kit is only as good as the components supporting it. Skimping on these upgrades will result in mechanical failure or poor performance.

Fuel System Upgrades: Return vs. Returnless

The factory 370Z fuel system is a returnless design, meaning the fuel pressure regulator is in the tank module. For systems making over 500 wheel horsepower, a return-style fuel system is required. This includes an external fuel pressure regulator, larger supply and return lines, and a surge tank or fuel cell. Z1 Motorsports and Concept Z Performance offer comprehensive return fuel system kits specifically designed for boosted 370Z applications.

Drivetrain Reinforcement

  • Clutch: The factory clutch will fail almost immediately under boost. A twin-disc clutch (e.g., South Bend, Competition Clutch) is recommended for anything over 500 horsepower.
  • Differential: The VLSD (Viscous Limited-Slip Differential) can become overwhelmed. Upgrading to a mechanical LSD (OS Giken, Quaife) provides better traction and durability.
  • Axles: At very high power levels (700+), the factory axles become a weak link. Consider upgraded DSS (Driveshaft Shop) axles.

Thermal Management: The Key to Track Reliability

Heat is the enemy of a turbocharged engine. For track use, a high-capacity aluminum radiator (like CSF or Koyo) and a large-setrab oil cooler (25-34 row) are non-negotiable. The transmission and differential should also be fitted with cooling solutions if the car will see extended track sessions. A hood with functional vents (like the Nismo V3 or Seibon) helps extract hot air from the engine bay, reducing intake temperatures significantly.

Tuning and Engine Management

Proper tuning is what transforms a collection of parts into a harmonized system. For most 370Z turbo kits, Ecutek or Uprev Osiris is the standard tuning solution. These allow a professional tuner to adjust fuel maps, ignition timing, boost control, and VVEL phasing.

For higher horsepower builds (over 700 whp), a standalone ECU like the Haltech Elite 2500 or Motec M150 is recommended. Standalones offer superior knock control, closed-loop boost control, and data logging capabilities that are critical for engine safety on the track.

Installation Considerations: DIY vs. Professional Shop

Installing a turbo kit on a 370Z is a major undertaking. It typically requires 20 to 40 hours of labor for a professional shop, and significantly more for a home mechanic. Key challenges include:

  • Manifold Fitment: Tight clearance around the steering shaft and engine mounts.
  • Oil Return Line: Properly tapping the oil pan for the return line is critical to prevent oil leaks.
  • Wiring: Integrating a return fuel system, boost controller, and wideband O2 sensor requires advanced wiring skills.
  • Validation: A professional shop can perform leak tests, smoke tests, and initial startup tuning on a dyno, which is invaluable for engine longevity.

Given the complexity, we strongly recommend having your chosen kit installed and tuned by a reputable Nissan specialist like those at Concept Z Performance or a local shop with proven 370Z forced induction experience.

Street Vs. Track: Which Kit is Right for You?

Selecting the perfect kit comes down to how you use your car.

For the Street Enthusiast (Daily Driver & Weekend Warrior)

If you drive your car daily and want thrilling, accessible power, the Turbosmart iBoost System (Kit #2) or Boostane Stage 1 (Kit #4) are ideal. Their faster spool characteristics ensure you don’t have to rev the engine to 4,500 RPM to get into boost. The twin-scroll and smaller billet wheel designs provide a broad torque curve that makes the car feel alive from 2,500 RPM onward. You retain good fuel economy during cruising and have instant passing power on demand.

For the Track Day Regular (Road Course & Time Attack)

Drivers who regularly compete on road courses need a kit that can sustain high heat loads and deliver consistent power. The Precision Gen2 PT6466 (Kit #3) and the Turbosmart Dual Wastegate (Kit #5) are built for this. They feature robust internal oiling systems and large bearing sections designed for sustained high-rpm operation. The ability to run a standalone ECU with these kits allows for sophisticated traction control and data logging, which translates to faster lap times.

For the Drag Racer & Max Power Chaser

If your goal is to dominate the drag strip or set dyno records, the Boostane Stage 2 (Kit #1) is the clear winner. It is specifically designed to be the highest horsepower-producing system for the 370Z platform. The integration of Boostane’s fuel chemistry allows for aggressive timing and boost curves that simply aren’t possible on pump gas alone.

Conclusion: Making the Bolted-On Leap

The Nissan 370Z is an incredibly rewarding platform to modify. Adding a turbo system from Boostane, Turbosmart, or Precision Turbo will utterly transform the car’s character. Each brand offers a unique engineering philosophy: Boostane integrates fuel chemistry for maximum power, Turbosmart prioritizes response and precision boost control, and Precision Turbo delivers race-proven durability and top-end airflow.

Your decision should be driven by your horsepower goals, your tolerance for lag, and your dedication to supporting modifications. Remember to budget comprehensively—a turbo kit is just the beginning. A robust fuel system, upgraded drivetrain components, professional installation, and a meticulous tune are the pillars of a successful build. Done right, a turbocharged 370Z is a world-class performer that can hang with exotics on both the street and the track.

For further research and community support, the The370Z.com forum remains an invaluable resource for owner experiences, build threads, and vendor reviews. Choose your components wisely, respect the engineering, and enjoy the boost.