Introduction

The Nissan 350Z, launched in 2002 as a successor to the iconic 300ZX, quickly earned its place as one of the most accessible rear‑wheel‑drive sports cars on the market. Under the hood, the VQ35DE (and later VQ35HR) V6 engine offered a solid foundation, but many enthusiasts soon found themselves wanting more. Forced induction—specifically turbocharging—remains the most effective way to add substantial, reliable horsepower to the 350Z. Two names dominate the aftermarket landscape: Greddy (Trust) and HKS. Both Japanese manufacturers have decades of experience engineering high‑performance turbo systems for Nissan platforms. This guide breaks down five of the most proven turbo and supercharger kits for the 350Z, ranging from entry‑level to race‑spec, so you can choose the setup that matches your power goals, budget, and driving style.

1. Greddy Twin Turbo Kit (TD06‑20G)

The Greddy Twin Turbo Kit is one of the most iconic forced‑induction systems ever produced for the VQ35DE engine. It uses a pair of TD06‑20G turbochargers—a proven workhorse in the Japanese tuning world—to deliver strong, linear power across the rev range. This kit is often chosen by owners who want a true twin‑turbo experience without the complexity of a fully custom fabrication.

Key Specifications

  • Turbochargers: Twin TD06‑20G (with optional 25G upgrade)
  • Power Output: 450–550 whp on pump gas; 600+ whp with race fuel and built internals
  • Intercooler: Front‑mount bar‑and‑plate core included
  • Wastegates: Dual 38 mm external wastegates (typically Tial or Greddy)
  • Manifold: Cast iron, equal‑length design
  • Fuel System: Requires 550–750 cc injectors and a fuel pump upgrade
  • Installation Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced

Performance Characteristics

The Greddy TT kit is praised for its broad power band. Unlike large single‑turbo setups that can feel laggy below 4,000 rpm, the twin TD06‑20Gs spool quickly and pull hard to redline. The cast iron manifolds are durable and resist cracking, a common issue with cheaper tubular designs. The included front‑mount intercooler keeps intake temperatures in check during sustained pulls. Owners report that the kit retains good drivability for street use while still delivering track‑worthy power.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Greddy supplies the turbochargers, manifolds, intercooler, piping, wastegates, and basic hardware. You will need to source fuel injectors, a high‑flow fuel pump, and an engine management solution (standalone ECU or flash tune). Many builders also add oil coolers and upgraded radiator fans to manage heat.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Proven reliability, strong mid‑range torque, good parts availability, cast manifolds resist cracking.
  • Cons: Heavy compared to modern kits, requires significant supporting mods, not CARB‑legal.

Ideal For

The Greddy TT kit suits the enthusiast who wants a no‑compromise twin‑turbo setup and is willing to invest in supporting fuel and cooling systems. It is a popular choice for street‑driven cars that see occasional track days or drag racing.

2. HKS GT2835 Turbo Kit

HKS has been a dominant force in Japanese turbocharging since the 1970s. The GT2835 kit for the 350Z uses a single, high‑flow GT2835 turbocharger mounted on a cast iron manifold. This setup simplifies installation and piping compared to a twin‑turbo kit while still delivering impressive power.

Key Specifications

  • Turbocharger: Single GT2835 (with optional GT3037 upgrade)
  • Power Output: 400–500 whp on pump gas; up to 600 whp with built engine and race fuel
  • Intercooler: HKS front‑mount core (sold separately or as a bundle)
  • Wastegate: HKS external wastegate (38 mm or 40 mm)
  • Manifold: Cast iron, single‑scroll design
  • Fuel System: 550–1,000 cc injectors and a 340 lph+ pump recommended
  • Installation Difficulty: Intermediate

Performance Characteristics

The GT2835 offers excellent spool characteristics for a single turbo. On a VQ35 engine, boost comes on strong by 3,500 rpm and pulls hard to 7,000 rpm. The kit is known for its reliability and consistent power delivery. The cast manifold design reduces heat soak and improves durability compared to thin‑wall tubular manifolds. HKS also offers optional turbine housing A/R ratios to tailor spool speed and top‑end flow.

What’s Included and What’s Not

HKS typically supplies the turbocharger, manifold, wastegate, downpipe, and basic gaskets. The intercooler and piping are often sold separately or as part of a complete kit. You will need injectors, a fuel pump, and engine management. HKS recommends their own F‑CON VPro standalone ECU for optimal tuning, but many shops use Haltech, Link, or AEM ECUs with good results.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Simple layout, reliable cast manifold, good spool, strong top‑end power.
  • Cons: Intercooler sold separately, not ideal for those wanting twin‑turbo aesthetics, HKS GT Series tuning support can be vendor‑specific.

Ideal For

The HKS GT2835 kit is an excellent choice for owners who want a straightforward, reliable single‑turbo setup that can produce 450–500 whp without the complexity of twin turbos. It is a strong candidate for street cars that occasionally visit the drag strip.

3. Greddy Supercharger Kit (Trust GReddy T6)

While this article focuses on turbo kits, the Greddy Supercharger System deserves mention as a high‑quality forced‑induction alternative. The kit uses a positive‑displacement supercharger (Lysholm‑type twin‑screw) mounted on the intake side of the engine, providing instant boost response and a flat torque curve.

Key Specifications

  • Supercharger: Trust T6 twin‑screw unit
  • Power Output: 380–430 whp on pump gas
  • Intercooler: Air‑to‑water system included
  • Wastegates / Blow‑off: Internal bypass valve
  • Fuel System: 550 cc injectors and a 255 lph pump recommended
  • Installation Difficulty: Moderate

Performance Characteristics

The supercharger delivers immediate throttle response—boost is available from idle. This makes the car feel significantly stronger in daily driving conditions compared to a turbo setup. The air‑to‑water intercooler keeps intake temperatures low and simplifies piping. The downside is that peak horsepower is lower than a comparable turbo kit, and the supercharger itself can generate more heat under continuous heavy load (e.g., track sessions).

What’s Included and What’s Not

Greddy includes the supercharger unit, mounting bracket, air‑to‑water heat exchanger, pump, and associated plumbing. You will need injectors, a fuel pump, and tuning (standalone ECU or flash). The kit is less common than Greddy’s turbo offerings, so used parts can be harder to find.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Instant throttle response, linear power band, quieter operation than turbo, no lag.
  • Cons: Lower peak power, heat management concerns for track use, limited availability of new kits.

Ideal For

This kit suits the driver who prioritizes low‑end torque and daily drivability over peak horsepower. It works especially well for autocross or canyon driving where instant response matters more than high‑rpm top end.

4. HKS GT‑RS Turbo Kit

The HKS GT‑RS series is the next evolutionary step beyond the GT2 range. For the 350Z, HKS developed a dedicated GT‑RS kit that uses a ball‑bearing GT‑RS turbocharger for faster spool and higher efficiency compared to the older journal‑bearing designs.

Key Specifications

  • Turbocharger: Single GT‑RS (various sizes: GT2835RS, GT3037RS)
  • Power Output: 450–600 whp depending on turbo size and supporting mods
  • Intercooler: HKS front‑mount or custom unit
  • Wastegate: HKS external wastegate (40 mm)
  • Manifold: Cast iron or stainless steel, depending on kit version
  • Fuel System: 750–1,200 cc injectors and a 340–450 lph pump
  • Installation Difficulty: Intermediate to advanced

Performance Characteristics

The GT‑RS ball‑bearing cartridge reduces spool time significantly. Compared to the GT2835, the GT‑RS version reaches full boost 500–800 rpm sooner while flowing more air at the same boost pressure. This translates to better transient response—useful for road courses and tight circuits. The kit retains the cast manifold durability that HKS is known for. With proper tuning, 500 whp on pump gas is achievable with VQ35HR or built VQ35DE engines.

What’s Included and What’s Not

HKS includes the turbo, manifold, wastegate, downpipe, and gaskets. Intercooler and piping are typically not included in the base kit. HKS strongly recommends their F‑CON VPro standalone ECU for full control of the ball‑bearing turbo system, though third‑party ECUs can be used with appropriate tuning.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Fast spool, high efficiency, excellent transient response, proven reliability.
  • Cons: Premium pricing, intercooler sold separately, tuning complexity with F‑CON VPro.

Ideal For

The GT‑RS kit is ideal for the driver who wants a responsive, high‑horsepower single‑turbo setup and is willing to invest in top‑tier engine management. It shines on road courses and spirited street driving where quick boost recovery matters.

5. Greddy T28 Turbo Kit (Entry‑Level)

The Greddy T28 kit is designed as a budget‑conscious entry into turbocharging the 350Z. It uses a single T28‑sized turbocharger—similar to what came on the Nissan SR20DET in the S14/S15 Silvia—adapted to the VQ35DE engine. This kit offers a noticeable power increase without requiring extensive engine modifications.

Key Specifications

  • Turbocharger: Single T28 (journal bearing)
  • Power Output: 330–380 whp on pump gas
  • Intercooler: Small front‑mount core included
  • Wastegate: Internal wastegate (actuator‑controlled) or external option
  • Manifold: Tubular steel or cast iron (depending on revision)
  • Fuel System: 370–550 cc injectors and a 255 lph pump
  • Installation Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

Performance Characteristics

The T28 spools quickly, reaching full boost by 3,200 rpm. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, making the car feel significantly quicker without the dramatic surge of larger turbos. This kit is often the first forced‑induction upgrade for 350Z owners who want a taste of turbo power without a full engine build. The small intercooler and turbo size limit top‑end power, but for street use, the response is addictive.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Greddy supplies the turbo, manifold, intercooler, piping, and basic hardware. You will need injectors, a fuel pump, and a tuning solution (NISMO flash or entry‑level standalone). The kit is less common than the larger Greddy TT kit, but used bundles appear occasionally on forums.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Affordable entry point, fast spool, easy installation, retains good reliability.
  • Cons: Limited power ceiling (≤380 whp), small intercooler can heat‑soak in hot climates, not suitable for track use without upgrades.

Ideal For

The T28 kit is perfect for the budget‑conscious enthusiast who wants a fun, responsive street car that maintains daily drivability. It is also a good learning platform for those new to turbocharging.

Key Considerations Before Buying a Turbo Kit

Engine Management and Tuning

Every forced‑induction kit requires proper engine management. The 350Z’s stock ECU cannot handle the increased airflow and fuel requirements. Options range from NISMO flash tuning (for mild boost) to standalone ECUs like Haltech Elite 2500, Link G4+ Fury, or HKS F‑CON VPro. Standalone systems offer full control over fuel, ignition, boost, and safety features. Budget for a professional tune—expect $800–$1,500 for dyno tuning.

Supporting Modifications

Fuel System

Turbocharging demands more fuel. Minimum recommendations:
- Injectors: 550 cc for 400 whp, 750–1,000 cc for 500+ whp.
- Fuel Pump: Walbro 255 lph (entry), AEM 340 lph or Radium surge tank for higher power.
- Fuel Lines: Stock lines can support up to ~500 whp; above that, upgrade to -6AN or -8AN.

Cooling System

Heat is the enemy of turbocharged VQ35 engines. Upgrades to consider:
- Oil cooler (e.g., Setrab or Mishimoto 25‑row).
- High‑capacity radiator (Koyo, Mishimoto, or CSF).
- Electric fans with higher CFM ratings.

Drivetrain

At power levels above 450 whp, the stock CD00A transmission (5‑speed in early cars) and the later 6‑speed can become fragile. Consider a clutch upgrade (e.g., ACT, South Bend, or OS Giken). At 550+ whp, a transmission swap to CD009 or built internals may be necessary.

Installation and Fabrication

Most kits are designed for bolt‑on installation, but expect to modify or replace intercooler piping, intake tubing, and exhaust components. Professional installation is recommended for anyone without experience in turbo systems. Expect 20–40 hours of labor cost ($2,000–$5,000) depending on the shop rate.

Cost Analysis and Budget Planning

Turbocharging a 350Z is not cheap. Below is a realistic budget breakdown for a 450–500 whp build:

  • Turbo kit (new): $3,000–$6,000
  • Injectors and fuel pump: $600–$1,200
  • Engine management + tuning: $2,000–$4,000
  • Clutch: $600–$1,500
  • Cooling upgrades: $800–$2,000
  • Labor (if not DIY): $2,000–$5,000
  • Contingency (unexpected parts): $1,000

Total estimated range: $10,000–$20,000. Used kits can reduce costs but carry risks of missing parts or worn components.

Reliability and Long‑Term Ownership

A properly built turbo 350Z can be reliable. The VQ35DE and VQ35HR engines are strong up to about 500 whp on a good tune. Beyond that, forged pistons, rods, and upgraded head studs become mandatory. Oil starvation is a risk on track cars—consider a baffled oil pan and an accusump system. Regular oil changes (every 3,000 miles) and allowing the turbo to cool before shutdown (turbo timer or manual idling) extend component life.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right forced‑induction kit for your Nissan 350Z depends on your power goals, budget, and how you use the car. The Greddy TT kit offers proven twin‑turbo performance for those who want the classic setup. The HKS GT2835 and GT‑RS kits provide excellent single‑turbo options with HKS’s renowned reliability. The Greddy Supercharger is a unique alternative for instant response, while the T28 kit serves as an affordable entry point. Whichever path you choose, invest in proper tuning and supporting modifications—the difference between a satisfying turbo build and a frustrating one lies in the details. For further reading on 350Z engine builds, consult resources like My350Z Forum or VQ35.com. Plan your build carefully, and your 350Z will reward you with years of boosted enjoyment.