Paul's 550WHP Nissan 350Z – 2026 Build Breakdown
550 wheel horsepower, a built VQ35DE and a serious collection of performance parts. Paul's Nissan 350Z is a great example of just how capable the original VQ platform can be with the right combination of modifications.
As one of our sponsored drivers, Paul has worked closely with ModsDirect throughout the build, and we've been heavily involved in putting together the combination of parts that makes this Z33 what it is today.
Despite the extensive modifications, this is still a street car. And with 550WHP on tap, it's certainly not your average 350Z.
Precision 6266 & TMR Performance Turbo Kit
At the heart of the build is a Precision 6266 turbocharger, fitted using a TMR Performance turbo kit.
The 6266 has long been a popular choice for high-powered street builds, offering excellent power potential in a relatively compact package. With Paul's 350Z producing 550WHP, it's certainly being put to good use.
Boost control is handled by a 50mm Turbosmart ProGate external wastegate, venting through a screamer pipe.
The exhaust setup is equally impressive, combining Tomei titanium headers, a custom stainless steel midsection and a genuine Amuse titanium rear section. It's a great mix of quality aftermarket components and custom fabrication, giving the car an exhaust setup that's anything but ordinary.
Built VQ35DE – Keeping the Original Displacement
Rather than swapping engines or increasing displacement, Paul has retained the original 3.5-litre VQ35DE, with extensive internal upgrades to support the additional power.
The bottom end features Forged pistons and forged connecting rods, along with ARP head studs and Cometic low-compression head gaskets.
Up top, the factory camshafts have been replaced with Brian Crower BC0222 Stage 3 cams, supported by Brian Crower valve springs and retainers.
Supporting the engine is a Nismo oil pump, GReddy sump and Nismo thermostat.
With 550WHP being produced from the original 3.5-litre displacement, this setup demonstrates just how much performance can be extracted from the VQ35DE without moving to a larger engine.
E85 Fuel System – Radium, Walbro & AEM
Getting enough fuel into a turbocharged VQ making this sort of power is no small task, particularly when running E85.
We've gone with a comprehensive fuel system featuring a Radium in-tank fuel hanger surge tank, paired with an AEM 340LPH lift pump and Walbro 460LPH E85-compatible feed pump.
Fuel is delivered through a set of Bosch 1100cc injectors, providing the additional fuel capacity required for the setup.
The Radium surge tank arrangement is a particularly worthwhile addition, helping maintain consistent fuel delivery during cornering and acceleration when fuel movement inside the tank can become an issue.
It's the sort of supporting modification that can easily be overlooked when chasing a power figure, but is an important part of putting together a complete build.
Haltech Engine Management
Managing the combination is a Haltech Platinum Pro ECU, working alongside a Haltech wideband O2 sensor and Haltech MAP sensor.
With upgraded camshafts, larger injectors, E85 and a sizeable turbocharger, aftermarket engine management is essential to getting everything working together properly.
The Haltech setup provides the control needed to calibrate the engine for its modified hardware, including fuel delivery, ignition timing and boost-related engine parameters.
GKTech & Intake Upgrades
A few additional modifications round out the engine package.
The factory throttle body has been replaced with a 75mm Hitachi throttle body, complemented by a plenum spacer.
Paul's 350Z also runs GKTech adjustable polyurethane engine mounts, designed for the Z33 350Z and V35 Skyline.
Compared with the factory rubber mounts, the polyurethane design helps minimise unwanted engine movement under load, making them a worthwhile upgrade for a high-powered manual street car.
550WHP and Still Street Driven
One of the things we like most about Paul's 350Z is that it hasn't been built purely to chase a dyno number.
It's a street-driven Z33 retaining its original VQ35DE architecture, but with a carefully selected combination of parts that has taken it to an impressive 550WHP.
From the TMR turbo kit and Precision turbocharger to the Radium fuel system, Haltech management and GKTech components, we've had plenty of involvement in helping bring this combination together.
We're proud to support Paul and be involved in a build like this, and it's always rewarding seeing the parts we supply put to good use.
Building your own 350Z or VQ-powered project?
At ModsDirect, we stock a huge range of performance parts from brands including TMR Performance, GKTech, Radium, Haltech and more.
Whether you're putting together a mild street setup or planning something considerably more serious, check out our range at www.modsdirect.com.au.