The Nissan 370Z Nismo represents one of the most focused factory iterations of the Z platform, combining a stiffened chassis, upgraded suspension, and a track-tuned exhaust from the factory. Yet even in Nismo trim, the naturally aspirated 3.7-liter VQ37VHR leaves measurable power on the table. For owners who want to unlock meaningful, reliable horsepower without straying too far from factory engineering standards, a supercharger offers a compelling path. The Jackson Racing supercharger has become a reference-grade kit for this platform, and this guide covers everything you need to know about installing one on your 370Z Nismo.

Why the Jackson Racing Supercharger Stands Out for the 370Z Nismo

The Jackson Racing forced-induction system is a centrifugal supercharger designed specifically for the VQ37VHR engine. Unlike twin-screw or Roots-type blowers that deliver instant low-end torque, a centrifugal supercharger builds boost progressively with engine rpm. This characteristic aligns well with the Nismo’s high-revving nature and helps preserve the linear throttle feel that makes the car enjoyable on both street and track.

Centrifugal Design and Thermal Efficiency

Centrifugal superchargers operate similarly to a turbocharger compressor wheel but are driven by a belt from the crankshaft. The Jackson Racing unit uses a self-contained oiling system, meaning there is no need to tap into the engine’s oil supply. This reduces installation complexity and keeps the system clean. The kit includes an air-to-air intercooler that lowers intake air temperatures, which is critical for preventing detonation under sustained load. For a car that will see track use, the intercooler core is sized to handle multiple hot laps without significant heat soak.

Power Output Expectations

With the included tune and on pump gas (93 octane recommended), the Jackson Racing supercharger delivers roughly 100–120 wheel horsepower over stock on a 370Z Nismo. Typical numbers land in the 420–440 whp range depending on local fuel quality and dyno correction factors. The kit has also been proven to support higher output with aftermarket exhausts and e85, but the base configuration is engineered for reliability without requiring internal engine modifications. The stock VQ37VHR bottom end and pistons can handle these power levels comfortably when the air-fuel ratio and timing are properly managed.

Kit Contents and Compatibility

The Jackson Racing kit for the 370Z includes the supercharger head unit, mounting bracket, drive belt, intercooler core, charge piping, intake ducting, fuel injectors, and a pre-programmed ECU flash device. Nismo-specific considerations include the factory oil cooler location and the Nismo front fascia which has unique bumper contours. The kit is designed to fit the Nismo bumper with no permanent modifications, though some owners opt to trim the plastic shroud behind the grille for improved intercooler airflow. Official fitment documentation from Jackson Racing confirms compatibility with all 370Z models, including the Nismo, from 2009 through 2020.

Preparing Your 370Z Nismo for Supercharger Installation

Proper preparation separates a clean, reliable install from one that causes headaches down the road. The Nismo’s factory components are generally robust, but a few systems deserve attention before you begin.

Essential Tools and Workspace Requirements

You will need a full set of metric sockets (8mm through 19mm), combination wrenches, a torque wrench capable of 10–80 ft-lb, a set of picks and pry tools, and a flat-blade screwdriver. A low-profile floor jack and four jack stands are essential for safe access underneath the car. The supercharger kit itself comes with the necessary hose clamps, brackets, and fasteners, but you should have thread-locker compound (blue Loctite) and dielectric grease on hand. A well-lit, ventilated garage with sufficient space to store removed parts is ideal.

Vehicle Checks Before Installation

  • Cooling System: Flush and refill the coolant. The intercooler plumbing will require partial draining of the radiator. A fresh 50/50 mix prevents corrosion and ensures consistent cooling.
  • Fuel System: The kit includes upgraded injectors, but confirm that your in-tank fuel pump is in good condition. High-mileage cars (over 60,000 miles) benefit from a replacement pump or an optional upgrade to a 340-lph unit.
  • Transmission and Clutch: The added power will expose any weakness in the clutch. A stock Nismo clutch may start slipping above 430 whp. Consider upgrading to a heavy-duty single-disc or twin-disc clutch before or shortly after the supercharger install.
  • Intake and Throttle Body: Clean the throttle body bore and inspect the intake manifold gaskets for leaks. Any vacuum leak after installation will cause erratic idle and poor fueling.

Nismo-Specific Considerations

The 370Z Nismo comes with a factory strut tower bar that may interfere slightly with the supercharger intake piping. Some kits require relocating the bar or using spacers. Jackson Racing provides revised brackets where needed, but you should check the latest instructions for your specific model year. The Nismo also has a different oil cooler setup than base or Sport trims, located in the driver-side front bumper duct. This does not conflict with the intercooler, but you should verify that the cooler lines are routed clear of the new charge piping.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

The following steps summarize the general installation procedure. Consult the official Jackson Racing manual for torque specs and specific fastener sizes. Allow a full weekend for a first-time installer; experienced mechanics can complete the job in 8–12 hours.

Disconnecting the Battery and Draining Coolant

Disconnect the negative battery terminal and set it aside. Drain the radiator coolant into a clean container by opening the petcock at the bottom of the radiator. You only need to drain enough to bring the level below the upper radiator hose connection. Remove the upper hose from the radiator to access the thermostat housing area for the intercooler plumbing.

Removing the Factory Intake System and Throttle Body

Unbolt the factory air box and intake tube. Disconnect the MAF sensor harness and set the assembly aside. Remove the drive-by-wire throttle body (four bolts) and place it in a clean location. You will reuse the throttle body with the supercharger kit. Cover the intake manifold opening with a clean rag to prevent debris from entering the engine.

Mounting the Supercharger Bracket and Head Unit

The cast aluminum bracket bolts to the front of the engine block using existing accessory bolt holes. Apply thread-locker to all bracket fasteners. Install the supercharger head unit onto the bracket and torque the mounting bolts in the sequence specified in the instructions. Install the drive belt by routing it around the crankshaft pulley, supercharger pulley, and any idler pulleys provided. The belt tensioner should be adjusted so there is approximately 12–15 mm of deflection on the longest belt span.

Installing the Intercooler and Charge Piping

Mount the intercooler core to the front of the car using the supplied brackets. The core sits behind the lower grille opening and will be partially visible on the Nismo bumper. Route the charge piping from the supercharger outlet to the intercooler, then from the intercooler to the throttle body adapter. Use the silicone couplers and T-bolt clamps provided, and ensure all connections are tight. A boost leak at any coupler will degrade performance and fuel trims.

Reinstalling the Throttle Body and Connecting Vacuum Lines

Reinstall the throttle body onto the adapter plate that replaces the factory intake manifold elbow. Use a new gasket and torque the bolts evenly. Connect the vacuum line for the bypass valve (included in the kit) to a manifold vacuum source. The kit also includes a check valve that must be oriented correctly to prevent boost pressure from entering the crankcase ventilation system. Double-check all vacuum line routing against the diagram provided.

Electrical Connections and Final Checks

The Jackson Racing kit includes a pre-programmed ECU flash device. This device loads a new calibration onto the factory ECU via the OBD-II port. Follow the supplied procedure carefully, ensuring the battery is fully charged before initiating the flash. After the flash, reconnect the battery, check for any loose hoses or clamps, and verify that the drive belt is aligned properly. Start the engine and let it idle for 5 minutes while monitoring for leaks or unusual noises. Check that the coolant level is topped off after the first heat cycle.

Tuning the 370Z Nismo for Forced Induction

Tuning is the single most important factor in a supercharged VQ37VHR’s reliability. The Jackson Racing kit includes a base tune that is safe for pump gas, but real-world conditions vary significantly.

Why the Base Tune Is a Starting Point

The base calibration provided with the kit is developed for 93 octane fuel at sea level, with moderate ambient temperatures. If you run 91 octane, drive at high elevation, or have a free-flowing exhaust, the base tune may not be optimal. Logging the car with a wideband oxygen sensor is the only way to confirm that fuel trims are within ±5% and that timing is n’t causing knock. Users who skip this step risk piston damage from detonation, especially during sustained high-load operation like track days.

Options for Professional Tuning

  • EcuTek Reflash: The most common approach. A tuner remote-access your ECU using EcuTek software and adjusts fuel, timing, and throttle mapping. This retains all factory ECU functions like cruise control and cold start.
  • Standalone ECU: Options like Haltech or MoTeC offer full control but require significant wiring and are unnecessary for the power levels this kit produces. Standalone ECUs are typically reserved for cars with race fuel or e85 that push beyond 500 whp.
  • Dyno Tuning Session: The safest path. A competent dyno operator will make pulls on a load-bearing dyno, adjusting the tune to achieve a flat torque curve and knock-free operation. Budget for 2–3 hours of dyno time and the tuner's hourly rate.

Fuel System Upgrades to Support the Tune

At power levels above 420 whp, the stock fuel injectors may approach 85–90% duty cycle. The Jackson Racing kit includes 550cc or 600cc injectors depending on the version, which are sufficient for 440–460 whp on pump gas. If you plan to run e85 or add further modifications (headers, exhaust, intake), upgrade to 1050cc injectors and a 340-lph in-tank fuel pump. A return-style fuel system is not required at these power levels, but a fuel pressure regulator and gauge are wise additions for monitoring.

Post-Installation Maintenance and Reliability

A supercharged Nismo demands a more disciplined maintenance schedule than a naturally aspirated car. Heat and stress are the primary enemies, and proactive care will keep the system running for tens of thousands of miles without issue.

Supercharger Oil Change Schedule

The Jackson Racing head unit uses a dedicated oil reservoir. Change the supercharger oil every 15,000 miles or 12 months. Use only the specified synthetic oil (typically a specific viscosity recommended by Jackson Racing). Overlooked oil changes cause bearing wear and eventual rotor damage. On-track cars should halve that interval.

Belts, Hoses, and Clamps

Inspect the supercharger drive belt at every oil change. A belt that shows cracks, glazing, or fraying should be replaced immediately. The silicone couplers on the charge piping can develop small cracks over time, especially if exposed to oil vapors from a failing PCV system. Replace the PCV valve annually to minimize oil contamination of the intake tract. Retorque all T-bolt clamps after the first 500 miles, as silicone compresses slightly when heat-cycled.

Cooling System Upgrades

The stock Nismo radiator and oil cooler are adequate for street use, but track sessions will push coolant and oil temperatures to the limit. An upgraded aluminum radiator (Koyo or CSF) and a larger oil cooler (Setrab or Mocal) are recommended for any Nismo that sees 20+ minute sessions on a road course. Also consider an aftermarket auxiliary coolant expansion tank to prevent overflow loss. On the street, a quality coolant with a 70/30 water-to-coolant ratio improves heat transfer in hot climates.

Monitoring Boost Levels and Air-Fuel Ratio

Install a boost gauge and a wideband air-fuel ratio gauge in a pod mount. The Nismo’s gauge cluster can accommodate a dual-pod A-pillar mount without blocking visibility. Target air-fuel ratios for the VQ37VHR under boost are 11.5–12.0:1 for safety. If you see lean spikes (above 12.5:1) during WOT pulls, reduce throttle immediately and recheck fuel pressure and injector function. Logging software like EcuTek Pro or UpRev allows you to capture knock sensor activity and timing retard events, which is the best early warning system for tuning issues.

Final Thoughts

The Jackson Racing supercharger kit transforms the 370Z Nismo into a genuinely potent modern sports car without sacrificing the reliability that makes the Z platform trusted by owners worldwide. The installation is within reach of a competent home mechanic, and the tuning ecosystem around the VQ37VHR is mature enough to support the kit with professional calibration. By investing time in proper preparation, following the step-by-step installation procedure, and committing to post-installation maintenance, you can enjoy 400+ horsepower in a car that remains daily-driver compliant and track-ready. For more details, the official Jackson Racing product page provides current kit specifications and updates, while forums like The370Z.com offer real-world install threads and tuning advice. Parts and tuning support from specialty shops like Z1 Motorsports and EcuTek deliver the expertise needed to fine-tune the car to your local conditions.