Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z has long been a favorite among driving purists for its naturally aspirated VQ37VHR engine, balanced chassis, and aggressive styling. While the stock 332 horsepower is respectable, the VQ platform has proven to be incredibly receptive to forced induction. A supercharger kit is the most effective bolt-on path to break the 500 hp barrier, transforming your Z from a capable sports car into a serious performance machine. Unlike turbochargers, superchargers offer instant throttle response and a linear power curve that preserves the car's natural character, making them ideal for both street driving and track days. In this guide, we break down the top five 370Z supercharger kits for 2024 that reliably deliver over 500 wheel horsepower, along with everything you need to know before buying.

Before diving into the kits, it is essential to understand that reaching 500+ hp requires more than just bolting on a blower. Supporting modifications—such as upgraded fuel injectors, a high-flow fuel pump, a proper ECU tune, and in many cases an oil cooler—are mandatory. The kits below are often sold as "complete" packages, but we will clarify exactly what each includes and what you will still need to source separately. For additional background on the VQ37VHR's forced induction limits, consult Z1 Motorsports for technical articles and tuning advice.

Stillen Supercharger Kit

Overview and Design Philosophy

Stillen has been a household name in Nissan performance since the early 2000s. Their supercharger kit for the 370Z utilizes a roots-type blower that sits directly on top of the intake manifold, producing immediate boost from idle. This design prioritizes low-end torque and helps maintain the factory-like drivability that many street enthusiasts want.

Power Delivery and Output

With the included tune and injectors, the Stillen kit consistently puts down between 480 and 500 hp at the wheels. On a conservative dyno, many owners report 485 whp with no additional modifications. The power comes on early and stays flat through redline, making the car feel significantly quicker without the spikey nature of a centrifugal supercharger. For those seeking more, upgrading the pulley and adding a larger intercooler can push output past 550 hp, though that will require custom tuning.

Installation and Fitment

Stillen markets this as a bolt-on kit, and the included instructions are thorough. Most experienced DIY mechanics can complete the install over a weekend. The kit is designed to work with the stock hood, which is a major plus for those who want to keep a sleeper appearance. However, the supercharger sits high, so aftermarket hood struts may be needed to clear the intake tubing. Check Stillen's official product page for the most current install guide and compatibility notes.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Excellent low-end torque, bolt-on simplicity, retains factory hood, 3-year warranty.
  • Cons: Roots design generates more heat than centrifugal; may require upgraded cooling for track use; power ceiling is lower than some competitors without pulley swap.

Supporting Mods Required

Stillen includes upgraded fuel injectors and a reflash tool for the ECU. You will still need a quality oil cooler (such as the Setrab unit) and a larger radiator if you plan to autocross or track the car. A high-flow fuel pump is also recommended for safety margin above 500 hp.

Vortech Supercharger System

Centrifugal Performance for the Enthusiast

Vortech's V-3 Si supercharger is a centrifugal design that produces boost by spinning a compressor wheel at high speed. Unlike the Stillen roots blower, a centrifugal unit creates boost linearly with engine RPM, meaning it feels like a small turbo but without lag. This makes the Vortech system particularly appealing for drag racing and high-speed track events where top-end power matters most.

Power Numbers and Tuning

Out of the box with the standard pulley and Vortech's calibration, the system delivers 550–560 crank horsepower (about 470–490 whp) on 93 octane. With a smaller pulley, upgraded injectors, and a custom dyno tune, owners have reliably hit 600+ crank hp (500+ whp). The centrifugal design also makes it easier to intercool efficiently, as the compressor outlet can be routed to an air-to-air intercooler mounted in the front bumper.

Installation Complexity

This kit demands professional installation for most users. The intercooler piping requires removal of the front bumper and careful routing, and the bracket mounting for the supercharger itself is more involved than a top-mount roots kit. Plan for 8–12 hours of labor at a reputable shop. Vortech provides a detailed manual, but the complexity is higher than the Stillen kit.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Higher peak power potential, efficient intercooling, excellent top-end pull, many upgrade paths.
  • Cons: Professional install recommended, more expensive when factoring labor, 1-year warranty is shorter than some.

What You Need to Add

The Vortech kit includes the supercharger, mounting bracket, intercooler core, piping, and a flash tune. It does NOT include upgraded fuel injectors or a fuel pump—those are required for any boost above 8 psi. Budget for 550cc+ injectors and a Walbro 450 pump. A boost gauge and wideband O2 sensor are also strongly recommended for tuning safety.

AAM Competition Supercharger Kit

Built for the Power Junkie

AAM Competition (Advanced Automotive Machine) has earned a reputation for building some of the highest-horsepower Nissan VQ builds in the world. Their supercharger kit is designed for owners who are not satisfied with "just" 500 hp and want headroom to push past 600 hp with future upgrades. The kit is based on a Vortech V-3 or V-7 supercharger head unit, but AAM packages it with their own cast intake manifold, larger intercooler, and custom aluminum piping.

Power and Reliability

At the base boost level of 8 psi, the AAM kit dynos around 500–515 whp on 93 octane. The real advantage is the ability to upgrade the pulley, add methanol injection, and run E85 to achieve 620+ whp. The included AAM cast intake manifold flows significantly better than the stock plastic unit, which helps the engine breathe at high RPM. This kit is for the serious modifier who plans to build the engine internals down the road.

Installation Considerations

AAM claims a "direct fit with minimal modifications," but expect more fabrication than the Stillen kit. The intercooler piping is beautifully crafted but requires trimming the plastic undertray. The kit does NOT include a tune—you will need to use a standalone ECU (like a Haltech or ECUTEK) or have Uprev software modified by a professional tuner. This adds cost but allows full control over fuel and timing.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Highest power potential among entry-level kits, high-flow intake manifold, robust construction, 2-year warranty.
  • Cons: No included tune (extra cost), requires professional installation and tuning, may require fuel system and cooling upgrades.

Supporting Mods Checklist

  • Upgraded fuel injectors (minimum 750cc for E85 plans)
  • Dual fuel pumps or large single pump
  • Oil cooler (setrab or similar)
  • Larger radiator if tracking
  • Standalone ECU or reflash system
  • Catalytic converter delete or high-flow cats

Edelbrock Supercharger System

Easy Power with a Trusted Name

Edelbrock's supercharger kit for the 370Z is a roots-type unit designed to be installed in approximately 6–8 hours using basic hand tools. It comes with a CARB EO number, meaning it is legal for street use in all 50 states. This is a huge selling point for owners in California or other strict emissions states. The kit includes everything needed to run out of the box, including a reflash device and pre-loaded tune.

Performance Characteristics

With 8 psi of boost, the Edelbrock system produces around 525 crank horsepower (approx 440–460 whp depending on transmission). The tune is conservative to meet emissions, but it delivers strong mid-range torque that makes the car feel much quicker than stock. For those wanting more, Edelbrock offers an optional pulley kit and an open calibration that dyno shops can use to push well past 500 whp.

Installation Ease

This is arguably the easiest supercharger kit to install on a 370Z. The supercharger mounts directly to the intake manifold with all coolant hoses and intercooler integrated into the casting. No cutting of the bumper or core support is required. The provided handheld tuner makes flashing the ECU straightforward. Edelbrock includes an excellent installation manual with torque specs and step-by-step photos.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: CARB legal, easiest installation, included tune, 3-year warranty, excellent customer support.
  • Cons: Lower peak power than centrifugal options, unit sits high (may require hood clearance check), not as track-focused out of the box.

For track use, upgrade the intercooler heat exchanger (Edelbrock sells an optional larger unit). A larger oil pan baffle is also recommended to prevent oil starvation during high-g cornering. Visit Edelbrock's website for the latest kit revisions and tuning updates.

Jackson Racing Supercharger Kit

Reliable Performance for Daily Drivers

Jackson Racing has been engineering supercharger systems for Japanese sports cars since the 1990s. Their 370Z kit uses a twin-screw supercharger (a type of positive displacement unit) that provides even more immediate boost than a roots blower. The design focuses on reliability and smooth power delivery, making it an excellent choice for those who daily drive their Z but still want 500+ hp on tap.

Power Output and Driveability

Jackson Racing claims 500 hp at the crank (approx 430 whp) with the stock pulley on 91 octane. The twin-screw design produces peak boost by 2500 RPM and holds it to redline, giving the car an almost electric throttle response. The included ECU reflash is well-calibrated, and the air-to-water intercooler keeps intake temperatures low even in stop-and-go traffic. Many owners report no loss of drivability compared to stock.

Installation User-Friendliness

Jackson Racing boasts a "user-friendly installation" that can be completed in 6–10 hours. The supercharger mounts low on the side of the engine, so there is no hood clearance issue. The kit is designed to work with the stock radiator and fan shroud. However, like the AAM kit, the tune is not included in the base package—you must purchase the "comprehensive" bundle that includes a Uprev reflash or purchase a separate tune.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Excellent low-RPM boost, no hood modifications, low heat soak, ideal for daily driving.
  • Cons: Tune not always included, lower peak power than Vortech or AAM, 1-year warranty.

Supporting Mods for 500+ WHP

To crack 500 whp with the Jackson Racing kit, you will need to upgrade the fuel system (injectors and pump), add an auxiliary oil cooler, and switch to a smaller supercharger pulley. A high-flow cat-back exhaust and cold air intake also help reduce restriction. Check the VQ35HR community forums for real-world dyno results and tuning recommendations.

How to Choose the Right Kit for Your 370Z

Consider Your Driving Goals

Are you building a daily driver with occasional spirited driving? The Stillen or Edelbrock roots kits will provide immediate grunt and the easiest ownership experience. If you plan to track the car regularly or drag race, a centrifugal kit from Vortech or AAM will offer higher top-end power and better heat management. Jackson Racing strikes a balance with its twin-screw design, making it a strong all-rounder.

Budget Beyond the Kit

Remember that the supercharger kit itself is only half the cost. A safe rule of thumb is to budget an additional 30–50% of the kit price for supporting mods, installation labor, tuning, and a good dyno session. For example, a $5,000 kit may end up costing $7,500–$8,000 once you include injectors, a fuel pump, an oil cooler, and professional installation.

If you live in a state with smog checks (California, New York, etc.), the Edelbrock kit is the only one with a CARB executive order for the 370Z. The Stillen and Vortech kits are 50-state legal only when used with the provided tune and if they do not tamper with emissions equipment. Always verify local laws before purchasing.

Resale Value and Support

Supercharger kits from major manufacturers generally hold value well if kept in good condition. Stillen and Edelbrock offer the strongest warranties (3 years) and the largest dealer networks for support. Vortech and AAM cater more to hardcore enthusiasts and may have limited distributor support in some regions. Consider the long-term availability of spare parts and tuning calibration files.

Final Verdict

Each of these five supercharger kits can bring your 370Z to 500+ horsepower with the proper supporting modifications. The Stillen and Edelbrock kits are best for street-focused owners who want a turnkey solution with strong low-end torque. The Vortech system excels for those chasing high-speed performance and top-end power, while the AAM Competition kit is the clear choice for the power-hungry modifier who plans to build the engine further. Jackson Racing offers a refined, reliable option that splits the difference between roots and centrifugal designs.

Whichever kit you choose, invest in professional tuning and don't cut corners on fuel delivery and cooling. A well-sorted supercharged 370Z at 500+ hp is a thrilling machine that will outrun many modern sports cars while retaining the raw analog feel that made the Z legendary. For further reading, explore The370Z.com forums for build logs and owner experiences with each kit.