Elevate Your Infiniti G37: The Ultimate Mod Guide

The Infiniti G37, a true grand touring coupé, built upon the legacy of its predecessors, offers a thrilling driving experience right off the production line. With its heavily revised VQ37VHR V6 engine, it promises sportscar fun wrapped in a refined package. However, for many enthusiasts, the G37's factory-spec appearance and performance often leave something to be desired. It's a fantastic canvas, but in its stock form, it can feel a tad uninspired, perhaps even resembling a piece of soggy toast. Fear not, for a few carefully selected modifications can dramatically transform your G37, unlocking its hidden potential in terms of performance, aesthetics, and auditory presence.

This article delves into the top four categories of modifications that can turn your Infiniti G37 from merely good to absolutely brilliant. We'll explore how simple changes can have a profound impact, all explained in plain language for every enthusiast, regardless of their mechanical prowess. Get ready to discover how to inject some much-needed excitement into your G37, making every drive an event and every glance a moment of pride.

1. Wheels: The Foundation of Style and Stance

When it comes to making a significant visual impact and even enhancing performance with a single upgrade, nothing quite compares to a new set of wheels for your Infiniti G37. The factory wheels, while functional, are often described as uninspiring – as interesting as beige wallpaper, some might say. They occupy a substantial portion of your car's visual real estate, meaning a well-chosen set can instantly elevate your G37 from ordinary to extraordinary.

Beyond aesthetics, the manufacturing process of aftermarket wheels can offer performance benefits. Many high-quality options, such as Forgestar wheels, utilise a manufacturing method known as rotary-forged or flow-forged. This process produces wheels that are significantly lighter and stronger than traditionally cast wheels, contributing to reduced unsprung weight and improved handling dynamics.

Popular Wheel Options for Your G37

• Forgestar F14: These wheels are a handsome choice, known for their aggressive, super deep concave profile that is highly sought after. They pair exceptionally well with the G37, especially models fitted with S or IPL ground effects, creating a JDM-meets-Euro aesthetic that is both aggressive and classy.
• Forgestar CF5 & CF5V: If a bold, clean five-spoke design is more to your taste, the CF5 or CF5V are excellent contenders. Their curves beautifully complement the G37’s flowing lines. Available in various finishes like gunmetal, they can make your G37 a real stunner.
• VMR V710: For those leaning towards a European flair, VMR Wheels offer great G37 fitments. The classic gunmetal V710 creates a look more akin to German sports saloons, available also in matte black and hyper silver to perfectly complement or contrast your paintwork.
• Avant Garde M590 & M580: Avant Garde provides a vast diversity of styles. The M590 features a handsome mesh design, while the M580 boasts an organic, broad, concave five-spoke look. Both enhance the dynamic curves of the G37's body, whether coupé or saloon.
• TSW Nurburgring: For a more overtly sports-oriented appearance, the TSW Nurburgring wheels, particularly in matte gunmetal, lend harder lines that create a more aggressive dynamic, suiting both coupé and saloon body styles.

It's crucial to remember that your wheels are only as good as the tyres connecting you to the road. Selecting the right performance tyres is an integral part of this upgrade, ensuring optimal grip, handling, and safety.

2. Suspension: Eradicating the Notorious Wheelgap

Once you’ve addressed the wheels, the next most glaring aesthetic issue on a stock G37 is arguably the excessive wheelgap. This '4x4' stance makes the car look bloated and detracts significantly from its otherwise sleek design. Lowering your G37's suspension is paramount to achieving the sporty, planted look it deserves.

Lowering Springs

One of the simplest ways to lower your G37 is with a set of lowering springs. These replace your factory springs, reducing the ride height and eliminating that unsightly gap. They are a popular choice for those seeking an improved look and better handling without a complete overhaul.

• Eibach Pro-Kit Springs: A highly trusted brand, Eibach Pro-Kit springs offer a superb balance between a reduced ride height and retained comfort. They provide improved handling over stock without significantly compromising daily drivability and are available for all G37 variants, including saloon, cabriolet, RWD, and AWD.
• Tanabe NF210 Springs: For those seeking a JDM-inspired solution with an emphasis on comfort, Tanabe NF210 springs are an excellent option. Reputedly among the most comfortable lowering springs on the market, they typically offer a 1.0-inch drop at the front and a 1.3-inch drop at the rear. This not only vastly improves handling but also transforms the G37's appearance, making it look like the sportscar it truly is. The visual difference is akin to swapping 'mom jeans' for 'yoga pants' – a truly remarkable transformation.

Coilovers: Precision and Performance

While lowering springs are effective, they still rely on your factory shock absorbers. If your G37 has accumulated significant mileage (e.g., over 50,000 miles), your stock shocks are likely past their prime. Combining new lowering springs with worn shocks will lead to a sub-par ride and handling experience. This is where coilovers come into their own.

Coilovers replace both the shock and spring as a single, integrated unit. This paired design allows for superior performance and often a better ride quality compared to separate lowering springs and factory shocks. Contrary to common belief, coilovers aren't exclusively for track enthusiasts; they are equally beneficial for daily drivers who desire precise control over their ride height, a lower stance than springs permit, and significantly enhanced handling.

Coilover systems range from simple, pre-set options that only allow ride height adjustment (ideal for those who prefer minimal fuss) to fully adjustable, race-oriented models offering damping adjustments for bound and rebound, and even camber/caster plates for advanced tuning.

• Tanabe Sustec Pro Coilovers: These systems effectively eliminate the unsightly wheelgap and sharpen the G37’s handling performance through sport-tuned valving and a lower centre of gravity. The resulting stance is undeniably impressive when paired with a great set of wheels.
• BC Racing BR Coilovers: If you seek extensive adjustability at a competitive price point, BC Racing BR Coilovers are a fantastic choice. Offering 30-way damping adjustability, they are available for both G37 saloon and coupé models, including RWD and AWD variants.
• KW Coilovers: For those in regions with harsh weather conditions, such as snowbelt states, KW Coilovers are an excellent premium option. Known for their high-quality components and corrosion-resistant stainless steel shock bodies, KW systems offer durability and exceptional performance, often including thoughtful extras like adjustment toolkits.

Air Suspension: The Ultimate Stance

For the most extreme lowering and the ultimate 'stanced' aesthetic, air suspension is the way to go. Systems like AirRex Air Suspension for Infiniti provide digital ride height control, allowing for on-the-fly adjustability. Achieving this level of fitment often requires significant compromises, such as rolled fenders, and while it offers unparalleled visual impact, driving with the chassis dragging is never advisable. However, for those committed to the stance game and willing to invest, air ride offers a truly unique and adjustable solution.

Regardless of your chosen method, lowering your G37 will dramatically improve its appearance by eradicating the excess wheelgap, making your wheels look even better, and accentuating the car's inherent body lines.

3. Exhaust: Unleash the VQ Roar

The factory exhaust system on the Infiniti G37, while allowing some of the signature VQ V6 hum to permeate, is designed more for grand touring refinement than raw sports car aggression. Compared to the Nissan Z, it significantly dampens the magnificent sound of the VQ37VHR engine. Upgrading your G37's exhaust is essential to uncorking an authoritative exhaust note that commands attention, all while unlocking additional horsepower and torque.

Popular Exhaust Systems for Your G37

• ARK Performance GRIP Exhaust: An ideal choice for enhancing the famous Nissan VQ sound without detracting from the G37’s luxury identity. This system offers minimal drone during cruising, yet ramps up the volume significantly when you put your foot down. Its Heimholtz Resonator chambers are key to reducing drone, a common issue with some competing systems. The larger exhaust tips, available in polished or burnt finishes, also add a more aggressive or refined visual touch.
• Stillen Exhaust: Stillen, with its long-standing relationship with Nissan/Infiniti, is a go-to for many enthusiasts. Their exhaust systems for the G37 coupé and saloon deliver that beloved VQ 'warble' but with a deeper, more bass-heavy tone than the ARK system. While configurations differ slightly between coupé and saloon, both systems offer a subtle yet impactful aesthetic and typically yield significant power gains, around 19 wheel horsepower (whp) and 15 wheel torque (wtq) across the rev band.
• Greddy SP Elite Exhaust: For those seeking a JDM brand name with a more daily-friendly sound, the Greddy SP Elite is an excellent option. Considerably quieter than ARK or Stillen, this system offers a pleasant exhaust note and a clean look, stemming from its factory-style single-unit muffler with dual tips.
• Greddy Revolution RS Exhaust: If you desire a more aggressive sound and a classic 'tuner' aesthetic, the Greddy Revolution RS is your ticket. Featuring large twin muffler cans and burnt tips, this system is designed to maximise power and volume, delivering an angry roar when provoked. It’s a straight-through system with minimal resonators, guaranteed to turn heads, but be prepared for a significant increase in daily driving noise compared to the SP Elite.
• Tanabe Medallion Touring Exhaust: As its name suggests, this system is designed for enjoyable long drives. It enhances the VQ sound, improves the G37’s rear aesthetic, and provides the power benefits of a freer-flowing exhaust system. Offering modest gains of around 16 whp and 18 wtq (with optional midpipe and Y-pipe), it delivers both an enjoyable VQ warble and accessible power for a daily driven car.

Listening to sound clips is highly recommended before committing to an exhaust system, as personal preference for exhaust notes varies greatly.

4. Intake: Optimising Airflow for Power and Sound

The VQ37VHR engine, a significant evolution from the original VQ35DE, features a second throttle body, sharpening throttle response and increasing power potential. However, the factory airboxes are restrictive, quiet, and visually uninspiring. Upgrading to a high-flow intake system for your Infiniti G37 is the next logical step to achieve better throttle response, a richer engine note under acceleration, and more horsepower and torque at the wheels.

Intake systems are generally available in two main configurations: long-tube and short-ram.

Long-Tube Cold Air Intakes

For maximum power gains, a long-tube cold air intake is typically the most effective choice. These systems replace the entire factory intake, rerouting the air inlets to a lower position, often inside the bumper. This allows them to draw in colder, denser air, which translates directly into more horsepower at the wheels. However, their low mounting position can be a concern in regions with heavy rain or snow, where higher water levels could pose a risk of water ingestion.

• Injen SP Intake: This system replaces the entire factory intake setup, drawing colder air from low in the bumper. Available in polished or wrinkle black finishes, it consistently delivers more power and torque than short-ram setups.
• Stillen Gen 3 Long Tube Cold Air Intake: This highly effective system relocates the air filters directly behind the Infiniti 'cheesewheel' in the grille, creating an almost ram-air effect. A cleverly designed black plastic shield helps protect the filters from unwanted moisture. The Stillen Gen 3 is renowned for its significant power gains, typically around 18 whp and 6 wtq, with a notable improvement in top-end torque.
• Takeda Retain Cold Air Intake: According to dyno sheets, the Takeda Retain intake can deliver massive power gains, reportedly up to 18 whp and 20 wtq. It not only significantly increases power but also uncorks the distinct intake sound of the VQ and greatly enhances the aesthetic of your engine bay.

Short-Ram Intakes

Short-ram intake configurations keep the air filter inlets mounted higher within the engine bay, making them an ideal choice for areas prone to rain or snow. While they might not draw in air as cold as long-tube systems, their shorter intake path often results in razor-sharp, immediate throttle response. The filter's location under the bonnet also typically means a more pronounced engine noise compared to long-tube setups.

• Injen SP Short Ram Intake: This system retains much of the factory tubing but introduces high-flow components. It looks great under the bonnet, delivers more horsepower and torque, and produces a deeper engine note under throttle. Integrated heat shields help keep hot air away from the inlets and contribute to a high-performance visual.
• Stillen Gen II Short Ram Intake: This system keeps the filter inlets safely mounted within the engine bay, mitigating concerns about moisture ingestion. It features moulded plastic heat shields that create a better seal to deflect heat from the filters, offering a cleaner, more refined look under the bonnet. While designed more conservatively than long-tube options, it still yields modest gains of around 6 whp and 5 wtq.

Upgrading your G37's intake system will make every press of the accelerator pedal more satisfying, providing a better engine note and the tangible sensation of more power as you sink into the seat.

Frequently Asked Questions About G37 Modifications

Why should I modify my Infiniti G37?

While the G37 is a capable car from the factory, many enthusiasts find its stock appearance and sound somewhat understated. Modifications allow you to personalise your vehicle, enhance its visual appeal, improve its performance, and unleash the true potential of the VQ37VHR engine, making it a more exciting and engaging car to own and drive.

What's the best first modification for a G37?

Many recommend starting with wheels and suspension. New wheels dramatically alter the car's aesthetic, while lowering the suspension eliminates the unsightly factory wheelgap, giving the car a much more aggressive and planted stance. These two modifications often provide the most noticeable visual transformation.

Are coilovers better than lowering springs?

Coilovers generally offer superior performance and adjustability. They replace both the spring and shock absorber as a matched unit, allowing for precise ride height adjustments and often damping control. Lowering springs, while a more economical way to reduce ride height, still rely on your factory shocks, which may not be optimised for the new spring rates or could be worn out, potentially leading to a compromised ride.

What's the difference between a long-tube and short-ram intake?

Long-tube intakes typically draw colder air from outside the engine bay (e.g., behind the bumper), resulting in greater power gains. However, they can be more susceptible to water ingestion in wet conditions. Short-ram intakes keep the filters within the engine bay, making them safer in wet weather and often providing sharper throttle response, though their power gains might be slightly less than a well-designed cold air intake.

How much power can I gain from these modifications?

Power gains vary significantly depending on the specific modifications and the car's existing condition. Exhaust systems can yield around 15-20 whp and wtq, while intake systems can add anywhere from 5-20 whp/wtq, depending on whether it's a short-ram or long-tube setup. Combining these modifications typically results in cumulative, noticeable improvements in overall horsepower and torque.

Wrap-Up: Your G37's Transformation Awaits

This overview of the best modifications for the Infiniti G37 should provide a solid foundation for transforming your vehicle. The G37 is, without doubt, a fantastic platform, but it truly shines when given a touch of personalisation and performance enhancement. From subtly refined to overtly aggressive, the possibilities for expressing your style are vast.

As the saying goes, if you don't turn back to admire your car as you walk away, it's not quite the car it needs to be – yet. With the right wheels, a perfectly dialled-in suspension, an exhilarating exhaust note, and an optimised intake, your G37 can become that head-turning machine everyone envies. Remember, life is simply too short to keep your car stock. Embark on your G37's modification journey and unlock the true potential of this magnificent grand tourer.

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