One very specific item that the car modifying fraternity loves to use because it adds to the character of the car and also brings a nostalgic smile on our face is the rear window louver! Remember that stylish aerodynamic-looking vented deck seen on the 70s and 80s sports cars that covered the rear window? Yes, that! From Ford Mustangs through Deloreans to sporty Datsun of those days, the louvers used to make anything they go on look sharp and aggressive. Some cars had them from the factory but others were retrofitted with aftermarket pieces. You could also customize them by painting in the car’s color or installing decals on top of them to individualize your ride and stand out from the crowd.
While the louvers appear to be there for visual purposes only, that is not entirely the case. On top of the aggressive retro looks, another plus point of getting a louver is thermal insulation. While we have moved on from the 70s and 80s back in the day when the car air conditioning was rather primitive and needed extra insulation louvers were the answer. louvers can still help you a great deal by keeping cabin temperature down in cars even in the modern-day. Because the rear window is usually very large, it lets a lot of sunlight and UV into the cabin. In extreme cases like in most modified race or drift cars, air conditioning units are often taken off for weight reduction purposes and to free up some horsepower, the cabin can become extremely hot on a sunny day on the track. Tinting windows is not legal in all states and also hinders visibility during the night. This is where the rear windscreen louvers come in to save the day. The only small downside would be that they make it harder to clean your rear windscreen.
In some cases, depending on the design, they would even keep your rear windscreen clear of rain. Louvers can also enhance the aerodynamics of the car by a tiny bit.
If you own a Nissan 350z or a 370z and are considering a set of louvers we have narrowed down a few for you to choose from. However, make sure yours is not a convertible as these cannot be installed on convertible cars.
To no surprise, louvers do not add any horsepower to your car… unlike stickers. If you are looking to increase the power of your 350z check out our 350z horsepower guide here
350Z Full Cover Rear Louvers
While the 350z and 370z look similar, every panel on the 350z is different compared to a 370z and hence the louvers cannot be cross fitted between the two. This G-PLUS Motors matt black ABS plastic is a perfect fit if you are looking for a basic yet lightweight and durable unit. It protects your car’s interior from UV and excess heat and at the same time makes it look like the Japanese legend it is.
It can be fitted using 3M double-sided tape and some mounting accessories that are included with the kit. No drilling or cutting is required hence protecting the stock look of your car should you decide to take the louver off sometime in the future. You can paint it to suit your liking as well.
350Z Side Cut Louvers
The Sunluway rear and side louver covers may be a bit expensive but for all the right reasons. You get three pieces instead of one. The extra two fit your smaller rear quarter window and help further protect your car’s interior by restricting UV exposure and heat absorption. Since most 350z had a black interior, the heat problem could be even worse and that is why investing in two extra pieces will be something you will not regret. You also get a rather stylish rear window louver in which some portion is left exposed so it does not get too dark inside your car. This also stands out in design terms from the full-window design louvers.
The material is again a high-quality ABS plastic which is impact resistant, lightweight and durable. Installation accessories include 3M double-sided tapes. It can be installed in a DIY project however it is advised to not drive for a few hours after installation and let the adhesive properly stick to the car first.
370Z Rear Louvers
While the 350z and 370z look similar, every panel on the 350z is different compared to a 370z and hence the louvers cannot be cross fitted between the two. This G-PLUS Motors matt black ABS plastic is a perfect fit if you are looking for a basic yet lightweight and durable unit. It protects your car’s interior from UV and excess heat and at the same time makes it look like the Japanese legend it is.