Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2003-2009): Drivetrain mods
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What are the best drivetrain mods for the Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2003-2009)?
It depends on the car’s condition and how you use it. These are the 2 drivetrain build entries we have sourced for this car: Add a factory VLSD to an open-diff 350Z (Limited); Replace worn diff bushings to stop wheel hop (Limited). Each lists caveats, related problems and sources so you can match it to your goal.
Add a factory VLSD to an open-diff 350Z Limited
A used viscous LSD from a 6MT 350Z or V35 G35 is reported to fit open-diff cars; get the donor's output shafts with it, since the open diff's are reported to differ. A 2007-2008 G35 sedan 6MT unit also fits and shortens the ratio to 3.692, but the ABS sensors move over.
Caveats: Forum-only. Units from automatic cars differ in ratio and driveshaft flange.
Parts: G35 (V35) 6MT viscous LSD final drive in an open-diff 350Z, 2007-2008 G35 sedan (V36) 6MT VLSD, 3.692 ratio, in an open-diff 350Z, Factory rear final drive, 350Z (R200 open / R200V viscous LSD; 3.538 M/T, 3.357 A/T)
Sources (4)
- VLSD question — MY350Z.com (forum) (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Differential swap (2007 350Z) — MY350Z.com (forum) (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- 2007+ G35/G37 VLSD (3.692) swap into base 2008 350Z (3.538) — MY350Z.com (forum) (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- 2003 Nissan 350Z Service Manual, section RFD (rear final drive) — Nissan North America service manual (section PDF hosted by nicoclub.com) (mfr spec; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Replace worn diff bushings to stop wheel hop Limited
If the car hops on launch, knocks on clutch take-up or shows oil at the diff mounts, replace the three rear diff bushings; polyurethane sets are sold for both the 350Z and G35.
Caveats: Shop and owner reports only (tier 1). The diff has to come out. The G35x was not mentioned by the seller.
Related issues: Rear differential bushings crack and leak, Rear differential bushings crack and leak
Parts: Energy Suspension polyurethane rear differential bushings (350Z / G35 / 370Z / G37)
Sources (2)
- Recurring problems (350Z / G35 / 370Z / G37) — GZ Motorsports (repair shop and parts store, Quebec) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Infiniti G35: a buyer's guide — Grassroots Motorsports (forum post) (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
More for this car
- All Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2003-2009) fitment answers · Z33 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Report a correction — spotted an error or have a better source? Email hello@chassisdex.com.