The Nissan 350Z, a legendary sports car, has always been synonymous with performance and style. For many enthusiasts, the question isn’t just about owning a 350Z, but about pushing its capabilities to the extreme. The pursuit of horsepower is central to this ambition, and for a select few, the dream is to reach the pinnacle of four-digit power figures. This is the story of one such dream realized, a Nissan 350Z that not only achieves a staggering horsepower output but does so while maintaining streetability and show-stopping aesthetics.
Stock 350Z Horsepower: A Solid Foundation
The Nissan 350Z, equipped with the VQ35DE engine, boasts a respectable factory output. In its initial 2003 iteration, this naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine delivered around 287 horsepower at the flywheel. This translates to approximately 244 horsepower at the wheels, providing a thrilling driving experience right off the showroom floor. Later models and variations of the VQ35 engine saw slight increases in horsepower, but the core potential for power was always inherent in its design. However, for those seeking truly extraordinary power, the stock Horsepower Of A 350z is merely the starting point.
The Quest for 1000 Horsepower: Chris Shively’s Vision
Chris Shively, a dedicated Nissan enthusiast, envisioned a 350Z that would redefine performance benchmarks. His ambitious goal: to build a street-legal 350Z capable of producing over 1000 horsepower. Understanding the limitations of the stock VQ35 engine for such extreme power levels, Chris adopted a strategic approach. Instead of rushing into engine modifications, he focused initially on enhancing the 350Z’s aesthetics and sound system, allowing the aftermarket to mature and develop reliable solutions for high-horsepower VQ35 builds. This patient approach ultimately saved time and resources, ensuring a more robust and refined final product.
Subtle Aesthetics and a Powerful Soundscape
Chris began by subtly refining the 350Z’s appearance. A WALD aero kit was chosen to accentuate the car’s original lines, while custom wide-body modifications, expertly executed with a local body shop, provided a unique, factory-like wide stance. This allowed for the fitment of wider iForged wheels – 19×11 inches at the front and 20×13 inches at the rear – wrapped in NITTO INVO tires. Behind these imposing wheels, massive StopTech calipers and rotors ensured formidable stopping power to match the anticipated horsepower.
Rear view of the widebody Nissan 350Z showcasing its aggressive stance and modified bodywork, hinting at the immense horsepower within.
While waiting for the performance aftermarket to catch up, Chris turned his attention to the car’s auditory experience. A high-end Swiss Audio competition sound system was installed, featuring multiple amplifiers, subwoofers, and drivers, transforming the 350Z’s cabin into a concert hall on wheels. This focus on aesthetics and sound demonstrates a holistic approach to car modification, where performance is just one facet of the overall vision.
Building a VQ35 for Four-Digit Horsepower
Once the aftermarket delivered the necessary components for reliable high-horsepower VQ35 builds, Chris entrusted Lightspeed Performance with the engine work. The VQ35 cylinder heads were ported and equipped with Ferrea +1mm valves, springs, and titanium retainers, along with TOMEI POWERED 264-degree camshafts. For the short block, AEBS handled the sleeving, boring, and honing, installing 100mm 8.5:1 compression pistons and a 90mm stroker crankshaft, increasing the displacement to 4.2 liters. These modifications were crucial for building an engine capable of withstanding the immense pressures and demands of 1000 horsepower.
The meticulously built engine bay of the 350Z, showcasing the twin-turbo setup and upgraded components engineered for extreme horsepower.
Twin Turbocharging for Maximum Horsepower Gains
To achieve the desired horsepower figure, a twin-turbocharger system was essential. Intense Power (IP) was selected to finalize the build and implement a custom twin top-mount turbocharger setup. A key challenge was maintaining air conditioning and power steering. IP ingeniously relocated the A/C compressor and adapted an electronic steering system from a Toyota MR2. PowerLab (PL) fabricated custom stainless-steel manifolds to position GT37R turbochargers, drawing cool air from inlets behind the front bumper ducts. This twin-turbo system is the heart of the 350Z’s horsepower achievement, forcing massive amounts of air into the engine to generate extreme power.
Fuel and Engine Management for 1000 WHP
Sustaining 1000 horsepower demands significant upgrades to the fuel and engine management systems. A dual Walbro 255-lph in-tank pump system, drawing VP Racing C16 fuel, feeds PowerLab fuel rails and RC Engineering 1,600 cc/min fuel injectors. A Mallory adjustable fuel pressure regulator ensures consistent fuel delivery. Engine management is handled by a ProEFI Pro48 EMS, controlling boost, fuel, and ignition timing. The Cosworth aluminum intake plenum further optimizes airflow distribution to the cylinders, maximizing efficiency and power output.
A closer view of the engine bay highlighting the twin turbochargers and performance fuel system components that support the Nissan 350Z’s incredible horsepower.
Dyno Proven Horsepower: Mission Accomplished
The culmination of this extensive build was the dyno test. Tuned by Jason Siebels on a Dynojet 248 Dynamometer, Chris Shively’s Nissan 350Z achieved its goal, delivering a staggering 1,011 horsepower and 876 lb-ft of torque to the wheels at 32 psi of boost pressure. This is over four times the stock wheel horsepower of a 350Z, a testament to the comprehensive modifications and meticulous execution of the build.
Dyno graph showcasing the Nissan 350Z’s impressive horsepower and torque curves, validating the 1000+ WHP achievement.
Conclusion: The Pinnacle of 350Z Horsepower
Chris Shively’s Nissan 350Z stands as a remarkable example of automotive engineering and dedication. Achieving over 1000 horsepower in a streetable 350Z is an extraordinary feat, showcasing the immense potential of the VQ35 engine and the capabilities of skilled tuners and fabricators. This project exemplifies that the horsepower of a 350Z is not limited by its factory specifications but by the vision and commitment of those willing to push its boundaries. Praised by automotive icon Smoky Nagata as the best-engineered car at a major show, this 350Z is more than just a performance machine; it’s a symbol of automotive passion and the relentless pursuit of horsepower perfection.
