This is an exciting stage in the life of the 2023 Nissan Z (aka 400Z). Now that the reviews are done and the first U.S. deliveries have taken place, the aftermarket community gets to install all sorts of goodies. Enter the first bagged 2023 Nissan Z, a JDM delight that vlogger TJ Hunt is preparing for 2022 SEMA fame.
When many people look at a sports car like the 400Z, they see a machine that oozes speed. However, ask the stance community to gaze at the new Z and you’ll notice some frowns. This is nothing personal, as most folks in this game would treat a Ferrari the same way. Instead, it’s all about bringing the ride height and the wheel-fender gap to microscopic size. And why go through all that trouble if you’re not going to throw in some custom wheels that please the eye?
And with TJ Hunt having flown across the country to buy a 2023 Nissan Z Proto (was the price right?), he’s using this 240-unit limited edition to give the community what it wants. As we’ve discussed, the Z Proto is getting three main customization layers for early November’s SEMA (you can also expect these spicy projects from across the country).
We’re looking at a widebody, a complete color change, and air suspension. TJ Hunt’s company, StreetHunter, which made its debut at the 2019 edition of the Las Vegas event with an Mk V Supra, the archenemy of the Z, is currently preparing the widebody kit.
Also, extra horses
As a bonus, the builder mentions extra power (the factory twin-turbo 3.0L V6 makes 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque). For the record, the first ECU tune for the 400Z is already in development—fortunately for smaller aftermarket developers, the 2023 Z doesn’t come with a locked ECU like the 2024 Mustang.
Meanwhile, the enthusiast has installed an Air Lift Performance suspension, with the Flo Airride tank sitting in the trunk of the Nissan. Underneath, we’ve got a custom floorboard covered in suede, which neatly conceals the air lines and wiring work.
And with the 2023 Nissan Z essentially packing the same suspension as its 370Z predecessor, there weren’t too many variables to cover during the process.
It’s always about the TE37s
Now, as those of you who have been following the vlogger’s builds over the years know, he had a thing for the Volk Racing TE37. Of course, with Japanese developer Rays Engineering having introduced this forged six-spoke design back in the 90s, so do a lot of other aficionados, whether we’re talking about racers, the Cars & Coffee crowd, or Gran Turismo addicts. Oh, here they are on an Audi R8 Harlequin.
These are the Track Edition TE37s, which come in a 19-inch size, while bring shod in massive-section Nitto tires (i.e. 265mm up front and 305mm at the rear). Oh, and TJ threw in some Nismo lug nuts, adding fuel to the fire that is the anticipation for a Nismo edition of the 400Z (this is likely to happen, but it will probably take a few years to land).
Now, you’ll get to see TJ Hunt’s Z airing its way into the road in the first clip below. And if the fitment isn’t quite flush enough for you, don’t worry—this is a temporary setup, as the widebody will require different wheels, which may mean another one of the rich TE37 flavors.
However, if you’re curious about the installation, or want to see how the TE37s look with the factory suspension of the 400Z, the second clip will have you covered.
