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The Infiniti G35 was a game changer for Nissan’s luxury car brand Infiniti when it hit US shores in 2003. This Japanese luxury sports car was widely loved by car buyers and enthusiasts alike due to its potent VQ35 engine, sporty looks, and sexy exhaust note.
If you're reading this you’re either looking to buy an G35 or already have one and have caught the tuning bug.
But don’t fret, we here at OverRev have another fantastic tuning guide to help you get your G35 modified the way you’d like.
Whether you're looking for a modification list, a guide on upgrading your handling, or what turbo kits are available for this tried and true sports car, it's all right here.
Let's get started, shall we?
G35 enthusiasts are like most sports car enthusiasts - they want a car that not only looks great but handles better than the car in its stock, factory form.
While upgrading your handling doesn’t automatically equate to making your car faster, it can definitely make your G35 more enjoyable to drive on both a daily basis and when you are out on your favorite road.
It goes without saying that a properly sorted suspension, brake system, wheels, and tires all play a role in how your car handles the road, so it makes sense to upgrade certain parts.
Luckily, numerous aftermarket car part companies have been working on designing and perfecting performance components for your G, so it's just a matter of budget and your preferred company.
Let’s take a look at what you should upgrade on your G35.
While most G35 enthusiasts will skip over the lowering spring option that’s available, it's worth considering if you are on a budget and don’t want to slam your car to the ground.
A good set of lowering springs and aftermarket struts can be comparable to entry-level coilovers and can often outperform a poorly valved or over sprung coil over kit when it comes to fast, technical driving.
Whatever way you go, lowering your G35 will ultimately improve handling by lowering the center of gravity, reducing body roll, and increasing mechanical grip.
As mentioned before, if you are on a budget but are looking to improve your G35’s handling consider buying a set of lowering springs and saving up for a more performance-oriented set of coilovers down the road!
Here is our list of recommended Lowering Spring for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
If you're looking to improve your G’s handling and potentially slam it for the perfect wheel fitment, coilovers can help you check both those boxes.
A good set of coilovers will not only improve your car’s handling, they can also be adjusted to suit where and how you drive your G35.
As mentioned in the previous section, choosing a quality set of coilovers is crucial to ensure that you get the most performance out of this suspension part.
A well-matched valve and spring rate can make your G35’s stock struts feel like night and day in comparison.
Here is our list of recommended Coilovers for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
If you're looking to ride low in your G35 24/7 or build a show car, adding an airbag setup to your car may be worth looking into.
Airbags is perfect for G owners that want to go as low as possible for shows but want to ensure that they aren’t causing damage when daily driving their vehicle.
Now you may argue, okay but I can go just as low with a set of coilovers right?
Yes, you can definitely go as low with coilovers as you potentially can with air bags but the most significant difference between the two options is this - what may take you hours in the garage you can do with the press of a button.
Air suspension lets you almost instantaneously raise your car up a few inches, while the same adjustment requires you to go through the process of adjusting the collars on your coilovers.
So if you're looking for a way to drive slammed all the time in your G35, purchasing an airbag suspension setup may be worth considering before you buy a set of coilovers!
Here is our list of recommended Air Suspension Kits for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
Now that we’ve covered how to lower your G35, it's time to talk about how to reduce that dreaded body roll you feel through corners.
One of the best ways to stiffen up your Infiniti’s chassis is with a set of performance-oriented anti-roll bars.
Also known as anti-roll bars, a set of aftermarket sway bars are designed to help reduce body roll during spirited driving and will help keep your G35 more planted going over bumps and dips in the road.
Additionally, a set of anti-roll bars can also help with how well your vehicle rotates, something that will definitely come into play when you're pushing your G35 hard at a local track day event.
OEM sway bars are hollow and are either 5mm or 7mm thick. The factory front sway bar measures 34mm in diameter while the rear is 21mm.
These factory sway bars leave a lot to be desired and don’t offer the stiffness that some G35 drivers may be seeking.
Luckily, the aftermarket has addressed this issue and several companies have developed thicker, stiffer anti-roll bars for performance-minded G owners.
So if you're looking for a way to help improve your Infiniti’s handling prowess, purchasing a set of aftermarket anti-roll bars should definitely be on your V35 mod list!
Here is our list of recommended Sway Bars for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
Once you’ve decided on what anti-roll bars you want to run on your G35, choosing a set of adjustable sway bar end links is the next logical step.
Some manufacturers include a set of sway bar end links as part of a package deal but some don’t!
We highly recommend upgrading your sway bar end links when installing your new anti-roll bars because the new anti-roll bars are significantly stiffer and may destroy your old, stock end links after being installed.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some aftermarket sway bars have several adjustment holes to help set sway bar rigidity and you may run into an issue where stock sway bar end links won’t be able to reach the holes to connect to your sway bar.
Interested in buying a set of sway bar end links with your new set of sway bars?
Here is our list of recommended Endlinks for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
A strut tower bar sits atop the strut towers in the front of your G35 and acts as a bridge between the two points.
While many people will argue the benefits of adding a beefy strut bar to a street-driven G35, the strut tower bar can have an effect during hard cornering and is a relatively inexpensive way to add some additional bracing to your car.
Most suspension tuning experts will suggest that you do everything else before adding a strut tower bar on top of your existing suspension modifications to reap the most benefit.
Even if you aren’t driving your Infiniti hard at the track or on backroads, adding a strut bar can help add a bit of engine bling to your G35’s engine bay and set you apart from everyone else when you're hard parked at your next car show.
Here is our list of recommended Strut Bars for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
Looking to dial the suspension settings in on your G35 for maximum grip or to help your tires last longer?
Then you should definitely start thinking about investing in a set of adjustable suspension arms for your Infiniti.
While the G35 has some level of camber and toe adjustment ability from the factory, when you add suspension parts like coilovers or air suspension then you start to run into trouble.
The issue is that factory suspension arms can only be adjusted so much and oftentimes can’t be adjusted back into a normal suspension “spec” when you go in for an alignment.
The solution to getting your G35’s suspension back into the green?
A set of adjustable suspension arms.
For the V35, we recommend purchasing suspension arms to address the both camber and toe because having one or both out-of-factory specs can wear down tires very quickly if not corrected.
Here is our list of recommended Suspension Arms for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
If you're looking for another way to improve your G35’s handling, you should definitely think about upgrading the rear differential.
Your G35 comes stock with a VLSD (Viscous Limited Slip Differential) and while this may be great for the average daily driver if you're looking to do any sort of performance driving it’s worth upgrading.
The benefits of a clutch-type LSD are going to be felt most when driving your G hard at the track or at a local drift event.
The issue you may have already noticed is that after several minutes of continuous hard driving, your VLSD can’t keep up and basically turns into a one-time firing open differential.
This will ultimately hamper driving performance and can lead to you losing control mid-corner, going straight or sideways mid-drift.
Luckily, there are a handful of aftermarket LSDs that will put any VLSD issues to bed as soon as it's installed. If you are unsure of what kind of differential would best suit your driving style, check out this handy guide from Racing Diffs!
Here is our list of recommended LSDs for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
Having a quality brake system on your car not only allows you to stop faster and brake later in turns, but it could also save you from a potential accident situation as well.
When it comes to the G35, you don’t have to upgrade every component of the brake system to increase stopping power.
Additionally, if you’re lucky enough to have a 2003-2004 G35 with the factory Brembo brakes, then all you may need is to upgrade the rotors, and brake pads and do a fluid flush.
Check out our recommendations to get your Infiniti braking on a dime with minimal effort from the brake pedal!
As you well know, the standard brake calipers from the factory on an G35 are relatively small and not that great.
This ultimately leads to your brakes having to work harder than G35 enthusiasts with factory Brembos or that have upgraded to a big brake kit.
Working harder can also lead to brake fade and a potential accident if the car is being driven hard for prolonged periods of time as well.
Luckily you can help remedy this problem by swapping out the factory composite, non-metallic pads for some brake pads that are made for performance driving.
We recommend sticking with ceramic brake pads for street driving due to the durability, noise, and dust that they create.
Here is our list of recommended Brake Pads for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
To get the most out of your new performance brake pads, we also suggest upgrading to a set of drilled, slotted, or drilled and slotted rotors for maximum brake performance.
Installing a set of aftermarket brake rotors won’t directly affect your brake’s stopping power but it can help dissipate heat and ultimately allow you to brake hard over and over again without overheating your brake components.
Here is our list of recommended Brake Rotors for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
When it comes to upgrading your Infiniti’s brake system, one of the final pieces to add to the puzzle is equipping a set of SS brake lines.
The OEM hoses on your Infiniti are likely to be almost 20 years old at this point in time and could definitely use a bit of love.
If you're looking for another reason to replace the brake lines with a set of stainless steel lines, keep in mind that a set of stainless steel lines can help with pedal feel as well!
As with all modifications you make to your G35, it is best to try and couple as many mods together as you can so that they can all improve each other’s performance.
Here is our list of recommended SS Brake Lines for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
If you're looking for a major improvement in the braking department on your Infiniti, consider upgrading to a Big Brake Kit.
For those of you that don’t have the factory Brembo brakes, it may be worth looking for a used set and replacing your non-Brembo calipers.
If you're looking for another budget-friendly option, many G35 enthusiasts have started to take the Akebono BBK found on the Infiniti G37/Nissan 370z and equip their cars with that factory BBK.
But if your goal is the best stopping power the aftermarket has to offer, it's worth spending the cash on a Big Brake Kit.
Here is our list of recommended Big Brake Kits for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
While flushing your car’s brake fluid isn’t an upgrade per se, this maintenance item is one that we see woefully overlooked too often.
Having a reservoir full of fresh brake fluid is one the best ways to help your brakes perform at peak efficiency and it’s generally a recommended service every 15k miles on your car depending on driving conditions and style.
Why is it so important you might ask?
Over time brake fluid collects moisture from the environment, making it more prone to boiling under duress.
The last thing you want is to be on your favorite touge and get into an accident due to brake fade caused by old brake fluid!
So remember to flush your brake fluid every 15k miles and keep your brake fluid reservoir clean and clear!
Here is our list of recommended brake fluid for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
Are you looking to add some more power to your G35’s engine?
Then don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
The stock power level on the G35 engine increased over its production cycle, starting with around 280 horsepower back in 2003 and topping out at 306 horsepower at the end of its production run in 2007.
All G35 coupes came equipped with the VQ35DE engine through its entire production run, with only the 2007-2008 G35 sedans receiving the refined VQ35HR engine before the the model became the Infiniti G37 with a VQ37HR engine.
With that being said, let's talk about how you can bolt performance parts and add some horsepower and torque to your engine with these tried and true Infiniti G35 mods!
Let’s start the bolt-on power part list with one of the simplest mods you can do to your G35 or any car for that matter - installing a performance air intake.
While the power gains may be modest compared to other G35 mods, adding an air intake will help with performance by giving your VQ35 a steady supply of cool air to use.
Some may argue that the stock G35 air box flows well enough for a street car, but we disagree and think that adding an intake is an easy way to make a little bit more horsepower and torque on the VQ35 engine.
Here is our list of recommended Air Intakes for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
What’s a plenum spacer and what does it do?
This may be your question if you’ve never owned a VQ35-powered car such as a 350z or G35.
To put it simply, a plenum spacer is installed between the plenum chamber and the intake manifold.
By installing the plenum spacer on your Infiniti, you increase the amount of air able to flow into the plenum chamber, which leads to more power gains!
G35 and 350z owners say that installing a plenum spacer is without a doubt one of the best mods for your VQ35DE or HR and it helps with low, mid, and top-end power across the engine’s power band.
One notable thing to keep in mind with a plenum spacer is that it’s recommended you get your car tuned after installing the part to help with drivability issues that may occur after installation.
Here is our list of recommended Plenum Spacers for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
Without a doubt, installing a full or cat back exhaust system on your G35 is probably one of the most popular mods that many G35 driver’s do during their ownership.
Because of the fact that having an aftermarket exhaust system is such a popular mod, finding an exhaust system that suits your taste can be a little bit tricky.
We recommend visiting your local car meet and talking with other G owners about what aftermarket exhaust system they have on their car.
If you can’t do that, your next best shot will be checking out sound clips on Youtube and trying to find a few cat back exhaust systems that sound amazing!
As with choosing a set of wheels, picking out an aftermarket cat back exhaust system for your Infiniti is largely a personal preference when it comes to sound.
Here is our list of recommended Cat Back Exhaust Systems for the Infiniti G35 Coupe:
If you're looking to maximize naturally aspirated power gains from your G35, you should consider purchasing a set of aftermarket exhaust headers for your VQ35DE or VQ35HR.
While the stock exhaust manifolds aren’t necessarily bad, the aftermarket has come up with a handful of options to help you get the most power out of all of your exhaust system mods.
While you can try and port factory exhaust manifolds to increase exhaust flow, ultimately buying a set of race headers for your Infiniti is a better investment and will lead to more power with less of a headache.
Here is our list of recommended Exhaust Headers for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
If you're looking to upgrade your G35’s exhaust, I bet you’ve considered the pros and cons of running a hi-flow catalytic converter versus straight piping the exhaust.
Here at OverRev we are big believers in running hi-flow cats because of potential fix-it tickets, how they make your exhaust sound, and the fact that they look awesome!
For those that want to run test pipes instead of a catalytic converter, skip to the next section below.
But if you're interested in running a set of hi-flow catalytic converters for your Infiniti, we’ve got you covered.
Here is our list of recommended Hi-Flow Catalytic Converters for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
If you’re looking to straight pipe your exhaust, look no further.
While finding actual test pipes to fit your G35 is becoming more difficult because of their “Off-Road Only Use” labeling, there are still a few companies producing test pipes for those of you that want to install them.
As mentioned in the last section, we advise you to consider a set of hi-flow cats for your street-driven G35 and only purchase a set of test pipes if your car only gets driven at the track.
Here is our list of recommended Test Pipes for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
Now that we’ve covered most of the major bolt on G35 mods, let's talk about getting your car tuned and performing at its best!
Generally speaking, you could reflash a stock G35 and see an increase in horsepower and torque because of it.
But for the best bang for your buck, it's recommended that you install as many other engine modifications as you can before getting a mail in tune or going to the local tuner’s dyno to see maximum power gains.
Other cool features that some ECU reflashes are able to incorporate include removing the factory speed and rev limiter, in addition to other features like CEL fixes from deleting emission equipment and more!
Here is our list of recommended ECU Tuners for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
If you're looking for a fully balanced and reliable G, we recommend upgrading a handful of parts on your 6-speed transmission.
Whether you're replacing a worn-down clutch and flywheel or installing a short shifter, spending some time and money upgrading these parts is worth it to keep your Infiniti on the road.
Like the 350z, the G35 has a relatively stout transmission that can take a beating day in and day out, with few failures reported unless the G or Z Car happens to be generating huge power from a twin-turbo setup.
Ready to learn about a few G35 mods that will keep your transmission in tip-top shape?
Like the Nissan 350z, the G35 has a great stock clutch from the factory. It’s durable, has a great pedal feel, and is an overall great setup for the stock G35.
If you’re new to your Infiniti or have been driving it for a while without issue, chances are your stock clutch is still in good shape.
But if your intent is to track your G35, take it to drift events or you just want to drive fast on your favorite roads fairly regularly, you may notice that your clutch is starting to slip with repeated abuse.
Fortunately, there are a multitude of different aftermarket companies that make fantastic clutches for the G35.
Some of the benefits of upgrading to a performance clutch kit include the clutch's ability to work under extreme circumstances, increased clamping force, and getting more power to the ground.
Here is our list of recommended Clutch Kits for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
While most car enthusiasts can agree that upgrading your Infiniti’s clutch with a high-performance clutch kit is a no-brainer, some may forget that upgrading the clutch is only half of the equation.
Installing a lightened flywheel in addition to your new clutch kit will allow you to reap the benefits of both performance parts and is generally recommended due to the wear and tear on both transmission components.
Picking out a new lightened flywheel is easier than ever before because most clutch manufacturers take all the guesswork out of it and sell both clutches and lightened flywheels together as a kit.
Together with a newly installed clutch kit, a lightweight flywheel will make your G35’s VQ35 feel even more responsive while powering through the rev band. While installing a lightened flywheel won’t increase horsepower and torque, it will increase throttle response and driving pleasure!
Here is our list of recommended Flywheel for your Infiniti G35 Coupe
While the G35 has one of the best shifter mechanisms from the factory in recent memory, one part that you can easily install to take it to the next level is a short throw shifter.
Adding a short throw shifter can help you change gears more quickly and with greater precision, which leads to better acceleration.
Installation is relatively easy and the addition of a short throw shifter is one of the easiest G35 mods on this list and you’ll feel the effect of the shorter shifter immediately.
Here's our recommended list for Short Throw Shifters for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
Now that we’ve covered the basic G35 mods, you might be wondering how I can make the most power with my car?
The answer is pretty simple - forced induction.
Whether you prefer the whine of a supercharger or the hiss of a blowoff valve, either way, is a great way to double or triple your G35’s horsepower from the factory.
If you are interested in turbo or supercharging your G35, keep reading to learn more about what forced induction mods you have available for your VQ35DE and VQ35HR motor.
While the G35 looks like a fast luxury sports car, there is no denying that this Japanese luxury car could use a bit more power from the factory.
But wait, you're in luck because your Infiniti has a boost happy VQ35!
Nissan engineers wanted to make sure that the VQ35DE and VQ35HR could tolerate some abuse and threw some pretty durable parts at a naturally aspirated V6 that would never see boost from the factory.
The result?
The VQ35DE found in all G35s is capable of up to 400WHP with stock internals.
So if you’re thinking about adding some boost to your car, a turbo kit for your G is the perfect way to increase the factory power level significantly!
As with all G35 mods, we definitely recommend adding all of the supporting mods to get your car to maximize performance from your new turbo kit. Adding parts like a cold air intake, plenum spacer, full exhaust system, and hi-flow cats will only help your G make the most power when it's time for a tune.
Here is our list of recommended Turbo Kits for the Infiniti G35 Coupe
If you're looking to add boost to your G35, I bet you’ve also considered adding a supercharger instead of a turbo.
As you probably already know, adding a supercharger to any vehicle is a great power adder because it gives you near-instant power versus the turbo lag you experience from a turbocharged car.
A supercharged G35 also works better for you as a daily driven car, with its more linear powerband that suits street driving more so that a huge turbo setup.
The last notable thing worth mentioning about a supercharger is that they are relatively easy to install when compared to a turbo kit. This can help you save time or money depending on whether you choose to install the supercharger yourself or have a shop do the work.
So if you're looking for modest power gains beyond the power level of a fully built naturally aspirated G35, consider adding a supercharger for the perfect blend of horsepower and torque and ease of installation!
Here is our list of recommended supercharger kits for the Infiniti G35 coupe
So, we've come to the end of our deep dive into performance parts and upgrades for the Infiniti G35 coupe. We've explored a whole world of mods that can take your ride to the next level. Awesome, right?
But don't stop here! We've got heaps more content full of expert advice and juicy insights, all waiting to be discovered. So, stick around, explore, and get ready to get even more out of your Infiniti G35 coupe. Thanks for being here and reading through. Enjoy the ride!
You can modify the G35 in just about every way possible. Whether your looking to go for maximum horsepower and torque, swap an LSX, RB, or JZ, or have a simple stanced Infiniti, the G35 is an excellent platform for all sports car enthusiasts to tinker with.
Squeezing more power out of your G35 is a relatively easy task because the VQ35DE responds well to popular bolt-on mods. We recommend a cold air intake, full exhaust system with hi-flow cats, intake plenum spacer, and tune for the most horsepower and torque power gains on a budget.
If your looking for big power, consider having your VQ35DE rebuilt with forged internals and throwing a supercharger or turbo kit to double or even triple the factory horsepower rating.
You can push the VQ35DE to around 400WHP on a stock engine before you start to run into reliability issues.
With a built motor, several popular tuners have reported the VQ35 is able to generate +1000 horsepower reliably.
Generally speaking, adding a cold air intake will give your G35 a minor horsepower boost of around 2-5 horsepower depending on the brand.
Adding an intake, exhaust system, intake plenum, and tune will provide the most power for the least amount of money spent on performance mods.
Tuning a G35 is a relatively simple process with the most popular tuning platform being offered by UpRev. All you need for a tune with UpRev is to buy the Standard Kit and either than your local tuner dyno tune your G35 or have a mail-in tune sent to you for uploading on your UpRev ECU.
Featured Photo Credit -
"Beach Set" by Yomar Lopez is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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