Must have upgrades for every 370Z
 

I wanted to compile a list of my research I've been doing for the 370Z before I actually bought one last year after about 5 years of research. This list is intended for new comers and everyone is encouraged to add things to this list.

1. 19-34 row oil cooler

This is the biggest and should be the first upgrade for anyone that has just bought a 370Z if the car doesn't have one already regardless if you plan on going to the track or if you just daily drive. I've daily driven mine and I would see 200+ degrees and my car has gone into limp mode a few times in stop and go traffic when it was about 70 out. For those who plan on buying a used Z34, I would steer clear of anything over 50k miles that was running without a oil cooler ESPECIALLY IN WARM CLIMATES because it's a ticking time bomb until engine failure associated with the years of constantly running under high engine oil temperatures. I went with a 34 Z1 Setrab Oil Cooler with protective wrapping and a thermostatic sandwich plate adapter (a must have if your car isn't strictly a track car because it will be too cool).


2. Heavy Duty Concentric Slave Cylinder or CSC Delete Kit

Another weak point of the Z34 with the excessive heat that should be one of your first upgrades, this time with the manual transmission. I did come across quiet a few owners that had their clutch pedals sticking to the floor and having to tow their cars. The Concentric Slave Cylinder is usually the weak point and should be replaced even with an upgraded one or a delete kit all together. This should be done asap because the last thing I ever wanted to be was stranded on the road. I ordered mine from ConcepZPerformance the CMAK one because you don't need to do any adjustments unlike the Z1 Motorsports delete kit I was researching.


3. Brake Upgrades

This is not as important as the first two. You can honestly skip this one if you don't really do any spirited driving or are at the track where your constantly heavily braking.There was a famous incident by car and driver where the brakes went out on a Nismo 370Z and they crashed. I'm not really going to track my car but will be using a higher boiling point brake fluid (Motul RBF 600 Performance Brake Fluid), Hawk HP Plus Brake Pads, and maybe a Stillen brake duct cooling kit. I took a look at the kit and it looks like something you find at home depot, it's funny they said "This isn't something you find at a hardware store" even though it looks exactly like it is. I'll be trying to make my own because all it is, is ducting and guides leading to the brakes to keep them cool. If you track your car, skipping passed this is not an option unless you want to lose a 30K+ car.

4. Power Steering Cooling Upgrades

Don't know if you notice but there is a theme of poor cooling in the Z34 but I still love it to death. For this, again, if anyone is engaging in track events or aggressively driving for long periods of time especially in hot regions, or if you have forced induction, this is also a must have unless you like paying for expensive repairs from a failed power steering rack, destroyed bearings and pump. For NA street cars you can also skip passed this because the stock power steering cooler will suffice for regular driving. A upgraded cooler is a nice insurance policy though. The fluids will literally boil and this is where all the damage starts happening similar to the oil or the brakes from what I mentioned earlier. I've either gotten or will get most of the things on this list except the power steering cooler just because of my driving style not being too crazy.

5. Adjustable suspension or components


This is not necessary for the longevity of the car at all and it's all preference. This is mostly aimed at people who are new to Z's or new to sports cars in general and how they ride more stiff than regular cars or luxury cars. I would assume springs less than 5k in rate up front and even less in the rear for adjustable coil overs would be good for people who don't want a bouncing car all the time on crap roads or when they have their significant other in the passenger seat. Also, if you've never driven a car that is on the lower side, DO NOT GET COIL OVERS OR LOWERING SPRINGS OR ANYTHING THAT LOWERS THE HEIGHT OF THE Z. These cars come pretty low from the factory already, there could be expensive repairs if you try to pull into driveways or over speed bumps and you scrape destroying stuff underneath. I would suggest getting used to driving a lower car for a few months before deciding to go with lowering springs (which wear out your shocks faster) or coil overs.


That's it for me, if anyone has anything else, add it

Don't know if this counts as an upgrade but, if you have an early model 370Z, pull the ESCL (steering lock) fuse before you get stranded somewhere.

6. 20$ Ebay Tow Hook

Adds instant street cred in most jurisdictions and chics totally dig it.

Two 20mm x 2mm neodymium disc magnets to fix hatch release.

I used nickels.

RJM clutch pedal

This is my best upgrade!

I did notice the other day the rear hatch was making noise after it was raining. Don't know if the moisture has anything to do with it. Do they eventually just start failing and hitting me in the head like what my 350 did?

Oh yeah I forgot that was an issue with the earlier models, good catch

oil cooler may be optional for 12+ cars based on usage and/or driving habits.

Exhaust and intakes? Better gripping tires?

Racing school.

In Southern California, after about half hour of driving, it starts going close to 220 degrees, I've seen this on a 2018 Z at the dealership and on my own 2014. Keep in mind, if your driving around in temperatures below 70 and your never in stop and go traffic it's fine. Other than that, a 19 row oil cooler is a bare minimum.

Those are definitely some great ideas for your Z.