One thousand horsepower. It’s a figure that commands respect, a benchmark of automotive extremes achieved by a select few. Even rarer is witnessing this level of power emanating from a Nissan 350Z that’s not confined to the drag strip, but still breathes fire on public roads. While purpose-built drag machines often breach the 1000 horsepower barrier, they frequently compromise street usability. Chris Shively, a dedicated second-generation car enthusiast, envisioned a different path for his 350Z project. His goal? To construct a Z33 that would not only shatter performance expectations but also captivate show car and car audio aficionados alike.
From the moment he acquired his 350Z in 2003, Shively’s sights were set on the 1000 horsepower pinnacle. A bold ambition, especially for a relatively new engine platform at the time. However, rather than diving headfirst into uncharted territory, Chris adopted a patient approach. He opted to observe the aftermarket’s evolution for the VQ35 engine, allowing time to reveal which performance upgrades and technological advancements proved truly effective. In a departure from the typical horsepower-hungry build sequence that starts with the engine and works outwards, Chris reversed the order, a strategic move that likely saved him a considerable sum.
Subtle Exterior Enhancements
Seeking to amplify the 350Z’s inherent aesthetics without sacrificing its refined lines, a WALD aero kit was chosen to subtly enhance Chris’s Z. Embracing his DIY spirit, Chris collaborated with a local body shop, undertaking tasks like fender modifications to achieve a wider stance for the Z33. The result is a bespoke wide-body conversion that seamlessly integrates with the car’s original design, appearing as though it were factory-produced.
To complement the widened fenders, a set of iForged wheels were installed, measuring 19×11 inches at the front and a substantial 20×13 inches at the rear. These wheels are wrapped in NITTO INVO tires (285/30R19 front, 345/25R20 rear), providing an expansive contact patch for optimal grip. Ensuring formidable stopping power, massive StopTech calipers—six-piston at the front and four-piston at the rear—paired with larger-diameter, two-piece rotors, were incorporated to bring this high-velocity machine to a halt swiftly.
Interior Power: Sound Before Speed
While the engine’s power augmentation was deferred, Chris turned his attention to amplifying the interior environment. A competition-grade Swiss Audio sound system was meticulously installed in the cargo area, featuring five amplifiers and three subwoofers. The cabin’s mid and high frequencies are reproduced by four midrange drivers and a pair of tweeters. This formidable 4,000-watt audio system is controlled by a Kenwood GPS/multimedia head unit, seamlessly blending technology and auditory excellence.
(Left) Relocated fuel filler behind the license plate for a cleaner aesthetic. (Right) The PowerLab front mount intercooler with Garrett core, essential for cooling in a high-horsepower 350z.
Horsepower Unleashed: The Engine Transformation
Once the aftermarket had addressed the inherent weaknesses of the VQ35 engine and developed reliable solutions for achieving 1000+ wheel horsepower, Chris sought out a reputable shop to bring his vision to fruition. Lightspeed Performance, a local engine specialist, initiated the intricate engine build. The cylinder heads underwent porting, followed by a valvetrain upgrade incorporating +1mm valves, springs, and titanium retainers from Ferrea. TOMEI POWERED 264-degree camshafts were selected to precisely manage valve timing events. The short block was entrusted to AEBS to integrate their newly engineered big displacement kit. AEBS re-sleeved, bored, and honed the block, then populated it with 100mm, 8.5:1 compression pistons. These large bore pistons were linked to a 90mm stroker crankshaft via AEBS forged connecting rods.
Twin Turbocharging System
Unexpectedly, Lightspeed Performance closed its doors shortly after completing the engine block, necessitating a search for a new tuner capable of completing the ambitious VQ35 project. Chris selected Intense Power (IP) in Gilbert, Arizona, to take over. IP had already conceived a twin top-mount turbocharger configuration, but a challenge was presented: Chris insisted on retaining both air conditioning and power steering. Addressing this, IP first relocated the accessories, designing a custom bracket to reposition the A/C compressor. Furthermore, they ingeniously adapted an electronic steering system from a Toyota MR2, eliminating the conventional power steering pump altogether. With ample space now available, PowerLab (PL) fabricated bespoke stainless-steel manifolds that positioned the GT37R turbochargers behind each headlight. This strategic placement allowed the compressors to draw cool air from inlets discreetly located behind ducts in the front bumper.
Fueling the Beast
To satiate the enlarged VQ engine’s immense fuel demands, substantial fuel system upgrades were implemented. A dual Walbro 255-lph in-tank pump system draws VP Racing C16 race fuel from the tank and delivers it to PowerLab fuel rails. These high-capacity billet-aluminum fuel rails ensure that the RC Engineering 1,600 cc/min fuel injectors receive an abundant fuel supply, particularly at elevated duty cycles. To guarantee uniform fuel distribution across each injector and prevent fuel starvation, a comprehensive fuel return system was incorporated, managed by a Mallory adjustable fuel pressure regulator to maintain optimal rail pressure.
Optimized Airflow with Cosworth Intake
Recognizing the factory VQ35DE intake plenum’s inherent design limitations, which resulted in uneven air distribution to the cylinders due to the sloping hood line, a Cosworth aluminum intake plenum was installed. The Cosworth intake features a dual-plenum architecture, ensuring an equal air charge reaches each cylinder, while integrated velocity stacks accelerate airflow into each intake port. Cosworth’s design promised improvements in both midrange torque and top-end horsepower, critical for maximizing the potential Horsepower Of A 350z.
Enhanced Engine Foundation
Engineers typically design engines with a built-in safety margin for durability beyond their intended horsepower output. However, this margin rapidly diminishes when forced induction is introduced to a naturally aspirated engine. The stock VQ35DE engine in the 2003 Nissan 350Z produces approximately 287 flywheel horsepower, or around 244 horsepower at the wheels. When boosted, the factory engine’s reliable limit is approximately 400 wheel horsepower before durability becomes a concern. The factory connecting rods and pistons are known to be the weak points when pushing for significantly higher horsepower figures.
With the ambitious 1000 horsepower target, simply upgrading pistons and rods was insufficient. Increasing both bore and stroke was essential to optimize engine response with the large twin turbochargers. An AEBS large bore stroker kit, complete with 100mm pistons and a 90mm stroke crankshaft, increased the engine displacement to 4.241 liters, a 21 percent increase over the stock 3.5-liter specification. AEBS ductile-iron sleeves reinforce the engine block to accommodate the larger 100mm pistons while enhancing the block’s structural integrity to withstand the elevated cylinder pressures needed to achieve over 1000 horsepower.
Dyno Proven: 1000+ Horsepower Achieved
To reliably support four-digit horsepower output, significant enhancements to fuel delivery and engine management were crucial. Twin fuel pumps feed a bank of six RC Engineering 1,600 cc/min fuel injectors with VP Racing C16 race fuel. A ProEFI Pro48 EMS (Engine Management System) governs boost pressure, fuel delivery, and ignition timing. Tuned by Jason Siebels on a Dynojet 248 Dynamometer, the 350Z demonstrably achieved its goal, producing an astounding 1,011 horsepower and 876 lb-ft of torque at the wheels, at a boost pressure of 32 psi. Compared to the factory 244 wheel horsepower of a stock VQ35, this twin-turbo 4.2-liter VQ engine delivers over four times the original power to the wheels, a testament to the extensive modifications.
Mission Accomplished: A 1000 HP Streetable 350Z
While the ambitious build spanned six years and incurred a $150,000 investment, Chris radiates satisfaction with the final outcome. The Z now perfectly embodies his original vision, excelling in every aspect. He reflects, “A significant amount of time, money, and dedication were invested with the objective of creating the most refined, technically advanced 350Z imaginable. From the custom metal wide body to the stroker engine and bespoke turbo system, no element of this car’s design was overlooked. What truly distinguishes this machine is the collective effort of the team who poured their hearts into bringing it all together.” Just before this feature, Kazuhiko “Smoky” Nagata of TOP SECRET Japan, a legendary figure in automotive tuning, encountered this 350Z at the Anime Matsuri 2010 show in Houston. Smoky bestowed his highest praise, declaring it the best-engineered car at the show—an accolade that resonated deeply with the team.
Full 350Z Photo Gallery and Spec Sheet on Page 2 >>
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