Nissan’s new Z car, which is said to borrow Infiniti’s twin-turbo V6, is right around the corner. However, it must not be soon enough for one industrious shop that swapped that same engine into a 370Z.
Automotive YouTuber ThatDudeInBlue visited Z1 Motorsports, a performance shop that specializes in all things Nissan Z, and their latest project is exactly what was mentioned above: a 370Z with the VR30 twin-turbo V6 from the Infiniti Q50/Q60 Red Sport. For reference, the new Z will reportedly ride on an updated version of the 370Z platform and use the VR30 engine, which means that this is kinda of an unofficial precursor to Nissan’s upcoming sports car.
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The engine apparently dropped right in with only minor clearance issues, almost as if it was made for the 370Z. The 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, with Z1’s modifications, is making 454 hp (460 PS / 339 kW) and around 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque over the stock 400 hp (406 PS / 298 kW) and 350 lb-ft (475 Nm) of torque, which itself is already a healthy upgrade over the normal 370Z’s 350 hp (355 PS / 261 kW) and 275 lb-ft (374 Nm) of torque.
Something else interesting about this build is that it retains its manual transmission. The VR30 was never offered in a car with a manual, but Z1 was able to make it work with the 370Z’s six-speed by using a custom flywheel and their own upgraded clutch. Along with that, the car is also track-prepped, with functional aero, a roll cage, racing seats and harnesses, and new wheels, tires, and suspension.
See Also: 2022 Nissan 400Z Nabbed In Production Form And It Looks Amazing
According to ThatDudeInBlue, the engine feels at home in the 370Z. It was okay in larger cars like the Q50 and Q60, but in a smaller car like the Z with a short wheelbase and a manual transmission, it is a completely different animal. The power is very immediate towards the start, then becomes more consistent higher in the rev range. The way it comes on, you can start to see where this engine is related to the R35 GT-R‘s VR38.
Finally, one of the biggest feats of this car is that they did all this reliably. Back in 2018, Z1 drove it to Global Time Attack, competed and won, then drove it back home, all with no issues. And after driving it himself, ThatDudeInBlue believes that if this is truly a preview of what the new Z will be like, then it will be a great street car.