Nissan 370Z Nismo
The Nissan 370Z Nismo represented the final evolution of the VQ-powered Z car. By 2020, its naturally aspirated V6, hydraulic power steering, and manual gearbox made it an anachronism — but a beloved one. The Nismo package added Brembo brakes, Bilstein dampers, unique aero kit, and 350 hp from the hand-balanced VQ37VHR engine with a revised ECU and H-pipe exhaust. The driving experience was unfiltered and rewarding, with perfect throttle response, a mechanical gearbox feel, and steering that told the driver everything about the road surface. In an era of turbocharged, electronically-managed sports cars, the 370Z Nismo offered a last taste of the old school — quick enough to be exciting, analog enough to be involving, and affordable enough to actually enjoy on a regular basis.
The VQ37 engine is generally reliable but check for oil consumption (galley gasket issue on early cars). Manual transmission synchros can wear with track use. Brembo brakes are expensive to service. Check for clutch concentric slave cylinder leaks — a known issue. Verify Nismo specification with VIN.
The VQ37VHR engine was one of the last naturally aspirated performance V6s in production. Nismo versions received hand-balanced and blueprinted engines. The Z34 had the longest production run of any Z car (2009-2020). Succeeded by the twin-turbo Z (Z34.5/RZ34).