Comp Cams and 370Z Supercharger Combos: Optimizing Power and Reliability

The Nissan 370Z, with its VQ37VHR engine, already delivers a thrilling driving experience. However, for enthusiasts seeking more than the standard 332 horsepower, forced induction combined with upgraded valvetrain components offers a proven path to substantial power gains. While a supercharger alone can significantly boost output, pairing it with performance camshafts from a trusted brand like Comp Cams unlocks the engine’s true potential. This guide covers the technical aspects of selecting, installing, and tuning a supercharged 370Z with Comp Cams components, focusing on maximizing both power and long-term durability.

Understanding Supercharging on the VQ37VHR

Supercharging the 370Z’s 3.7-liter V6 involves mounting a belt-driven compressor that forces air into the intake manifold at higher-than-atmospheric pressure. Unlike turbocharging, which relies on exhaust gas flow, a supercharger provides immediate boost response with no lag. The VQ37VHR’s high-revving nature and robust block make it a strong candidate for forced induction, but the factory camshaft profiles and valve timing are optimized for naturally aspirated operation. Adding boost without addressing the camshafts leaves untapped potential and can create tuning challenges.

There are two primary supercharger architectures for the 370Z: centrifugal (like Vortech and Stillen) and positive-displacement twin-screw (like Greddy/Trust and SOHC). Centrifugal units behave like belt-driven turbochargers, building boost progressively with RPM. Twin-screw designs provide instant low-end torque but can generate more heat. Each type requires a specific cam profile approach.

The Role of Comp Cams in a Forced Induction Setup

Comp Cams has long been a leader in camshaft technology for domestic and import engines. Their product range for the VQ37VHR includes custom-grind and off-the-shelf camshafts designed for forced induction. When adding a supercharger, the factory camshaft’s lift, duration, and lobe separation angle (LSA) can become limiting factors. Here’s how Comp Cams components improve the equation:

Increased Lift and Duration

Higher lift (valve opening distance) allows more air to enter the cylinder, while increased duration (how long the valve stays open) helps fill the cylinder under boost. However, excessive overlap in naturally aspirated cams can cause boost to blow past the exhaust valve during scavenging, reducing efficiency. Comp Cams designs forced-induction profiles with wider LSAs to minimize overlap while still providing aggressive lift, which keeps the supercharger’s charge where it belongs—inside the combustion chamber.

Improved Intake and Exhaust Flow

Comp Cams’ advanced lobe profiles, often with fast-rate technology, improve airflow throughout the RPM range. Combined with a supercharger, this translates to higher peak power and a flatter torque curve. The VQ37VHR’s variable valve timing (VVEL) system further complicates things—Comp Cams works with tuners to ensure compatibility with the factory VVEL actuators or offers camshafts that work with delete kits for maximum control.

Material and Manufacturing Quality

Comp Cams uses heat-treated cast iron or billet steel cores with hardened lobes to withstand the increased spring pressures required for forced induction. They also offer optional nitriding for additional durability. When running 10-12 psi of boost, valve float becomes a real concern; Comp Cams’ beehive springs and titanium retainers are common companion upgrades.

Supercharger Options for the 370Z

Selecting the right supercharger kit is the first critical decision. Each manufacturer has a different boost curve and power ceiling, which influences cam selection.

Vortech V-3 Si and V-7 YSi

Vortech’s centrifugal superchargers are known for their reliability and linear power delivery. The V-3 Si kit for the 370Z produces approximately 480-500 whp on pump gas with the included tune. The V-7 YSi is a larger unit capable of 650+ whp with supporting mods. Comp Cams stage 2 forced-induction camshafts pair well with these systems because the centrifugal’s top-end bias benefits from increased valve lift and duration at high RPM.

Stillen Supercharger Kit

Stillen’s kit uses a Vortech V-3 rotor pack with a unique intake manifold and intercooler setup. It is CARB-legal for street use and delivers about 450-480 whp. Stillen’s tune is conservative, but adding Comp Cams can push the system to 550+ whp with a custom tune. Note that Stillen’s system uses a dual intercooler design that keeps intake temperatures low—an advantage when running aggressive cam profiles.

Greddy/Trust Supercharger Kits

Greddy offers both centrifugal and twin-screw options. The twin-screw kit provides immediate boost, which can overwhelm factory camshafts at low RPM, causing detonation. Comp Cams custom-grind camshafts with reduced overlap help manage this by preventing boost leakage. Greddy’s centrifugal kit is similar to Vortech in characteristics.

Selecting the Right Comp Cams for Your Supercharger Combo

Matching camshafts to the supercharger’s characteristics ensures the engine breathes efficiently across the entire rev range. Here are the common Comp Cams part numbers and their applications:

Comp Cams Stage 2 Forced Induction (off-the-shelf)

This profile features a 0.380-inch intake lift, 0.370-inch exhaust lift (with 1.8 rocker ratio), 222° intake / 228° exhaust duration at 0.050-inch, and a 116° LSA. It works well with centrifugal superchargers producing up to 10 psi, providing a noticeable mid-range and top-end gain without sacrificing low-speed drivability. A typical 370Z with this cam and a Vortech V-3 Si can hit 530 whp with proper tuning.

Custom Comp Cams Grinds

For high-boost applications (12 psi and above) or aggressive twin-screw setups, a custom grind is recommended. Comp Cams offers a “Forced Induction Max” lobe series with tighter CL (centerline) tolerances. You can specify lift up to 0.420-inch and duration up to 230° at 0.050-inch, but be prepared for increased valvetrain stress and the need for stiffer springs (e.g., Comp Cam 26921-16). Custom grinds often result in a lumpy idle but deliver exceptional peak power.

Cam Gear Adjustability

Even with optimal cam profiles, fine-tuning cam timing via adjustable cam gears (e.g., from JWT or AAM) allows you to dial in the intake and exhaust events for maximum boost efficiency. A common strategy is to advance the intake cam 2-4 degrees to improve low-end torque with centrifugal blowers.

Installation Considerations for Comp Cams and Supercharger

Installing both components is a major undertaking that requires careful planning. The engine must be partially disassembled to remove the timing chains, VVEL actuators, and camshafts.

Valvetrain Upgrades

Factory valve springs are not rated for the increased lift and RPM associated with a supercharged, cammed VQ. At a minimum, Comp Cams recommends their 921-16 or PAC-1224 dual springs, along with hardened steel retainers. For high-boost builds, upgraded valves (e.g., Ferrea or Supertech) and bronze valve guides are advisable to avoid valve float and guide wear.

VVEL Considerations

The VQ37VHR’s variable valve event and lift system can conflict with aftermarket camshafts. Some tuners opt for a VVEL delete kit (e.g., from SOHC Garage or specialized fabricators) that replaces the VVEL actuators with fixed rockers. This simplifies tuning but sacrifices the OEM’s low-RPM efficiency. For a street-driven car, retaining VVEL with custom calibrations is possible but requires an experienced tuner who can recalibrate the VVEL maps to work with the new cam profile.

Supporting Modifications

To handle the increased airflow and power, the following upgrades are essential:

  • Fuel System: Upgraded fuel injectors (e.g., 750cc or 1000cc, depending on boost level), a higher-flow fuel pump (e.g., Walbro 450 or DW300c), and possibly a return-style fuel system for E85 compatibility.
  • Exhaust: High-flow catalytic converters or a cat-back exhaust with larger piping (3 inches) to reduce backpressure.
  • Cooling: An oversized radiator, oil cooler, and upgraded intercooler (if using a supercharger kit that supports it) are critical to prevent heat soak during extended pulls.
  • Engine Management: A standalone ECU (like Haltech or MoTeC) or a piggyback system (like UpRev or ECUTEK) for full control over timing, fuel, and boost maps.

Tuning the Supercharged 370Z with Comp Cams

A proper tune is non-negotiable. The combination of forced induction and aggressive cam profiles drastically changes the engine’s volumetric efficiency and knock sensitivity. Tuning must address:

Fuel and Ignition Maps

The increased cam overlap on the exhaust side can cause reversion at low RPM, leading to lean conditions. Tuners need to enrich fuel in these areas and adjust ignition timing to prevent detonation. With a supercharger, boost adds dynamic compression, so static compression (factory 11.0:1) must be managed via boost level (typically 7-10 psi on pump gas) and cam timing.

VVEL Curve Adjustments

If retaining VVEL, the lift curves must be recalibrated to prevent the VVEL from closing the intake valves too early or late relative to the new camshaft’s optimum range. This is a complex task best left to professionals like those at Specialty Z, Z Car Garage, or Evasive Motorsports.

Maintaining Reliability for a Supercharged, Cammed 370Z

With power levels approaching 500-600 whp, attention to maintenance and monitoring becomes paramount.

Oil and Cooling System Upgrades

The VQ37VHR is sensitive to oil temperature and pressure. A baffled oil pan prevents starvation during high-G corners. Use a high-quality synthetic 5W-40 oil and change it every 3,000 miles. Monitor oil temperature with a gauge—anything over 250°F warrants a larger cooler.

Engine Health Monitoring

Install a wideband air-fuel ratio gauge, boost gauge, and oil pressure gauge. Many tuners recommend a dual-channel EGT (exhaust gas temperature) sensor to spot potential hot cylinders early. Common issues with cammed supercharged 370Zs include valve spring fatigue and timing chain stretch—inspect both at 30,000-mile intervals.

Fuel Quality and Octane

With 11.0:1 compression plus 8-10 psi of boost, pump gas with 93 octane is the minimum requirement. For aggressive tunes, consider a 50/50 blend of E85 (if injectors are sized accordingly) or a water-methanol injection system to suppress knock. Comp Cams’ aggressive lift profiles increase the likelihood of knock if fuel quality drops.

Conclusion

Combining Comp Cams camshafts with a supercharger on the Nissan 370Z is a proven method to achieve significant horsepower gains while maintaining daily drivability—provided the system is designed and executed correctly. By selecting the appropriate supercharger type, pairing it with a cam profile that complements its boost curve, and investing in necessary supporting modifications and professional tuning, you can build a reliable, high-output 370Z that surprises many more expensive sports cars. For further technical depth, visit Comp Cams’ official site for lobe data and spring recommendations, and consult Vortech or Stillen for specific supercharger fitment details. Always work with a reputable shop that has experience with VQ37VHR builds to ensure your investment delivers both thrill and longevity.