So, you're thinking about adding a turbo kit to your 2012 Infiniti G37 sedan? Awesome choice! Let's dive into what you need to know to make this happen. Adding a turbocharger can seriously amp up your G37's performance, giving you that extra oomph you've been craving. But it’s not just about slapping on a turbo and calling it a day. There's a bit more to it, including choosing the right kit, understanding the installation process, and knowing what supporting mods you might need.

Why Turbocharge Your 2012 Infiniti G37 Sedan?

First off, let's talk about why you'd want to turbocharge your G37 in the first place. The stock VQ37VHR engine is already pretty decent, putting out around 328 horsepower. But for many enthusiasts, that’s just not enough. Turbocharging can significantly increase horsepower and torque, transforming your G37 into a real powerhouse. Imagine having that extra surge of power when you hit the gas – it's a game-changer!

Enhanced Performance: A turbo kit can boost your G37's horsepower by a substantial margin, often pushing it well over 400 hp, depending on the boost level and supporting modifications. This translates to quicker acceleration, improved throttle response, and an overall more exhilarating driving experience.

Increased Torque: Turbos not only increase horsepower but also significantly enhance torque. More torque means better low-end and mid-range power, making your G37 feel much stronger and more responsive in everyday driving situations. This is particularly noticeable when passing other cars on the highway or climbing steep hills.

Customization: Turbocharging opens up a world of customization possibilities. You can fine-tune the boost levels, adjust the engine management system, and add other performance parts to create a truly unique and personalized driving experience. Whether you're aiming for a street-friendly setup or a track-ready monster, the options are virtually limitless.

Choosing the Right Turbo Kit for Your G37

Okay, so you're sold on the idea of a turbo. The next step is picking the right kit. Not all kits are created equal, and the best choice for you will depend on your goals, budget, and technical expertise. Choosing the right turbo kit is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and ease of installation. Here's what to consider:

Single vs. Twin Turbo: You'll generally find two types of turbo kits: single and twin turbo setups. Single turbo kits are simpler and often more cost-effective, while twin turbo kits can offer better response and power delivery. For a V6 engine like the one in the G37, a twin-turbo setup is often preferred for its balanced performance, but a well-designed single turbo can also deliver impressive results.

Kit Components: Look closely at what's included in the kit. A good kit should include the turbocharger(s), manifolds, downpipes, intercooler, piping, wastegate(s), blow-off valve, and all necessary hardware. Some kits may also include fuel injectors, a fuel pump, and an engine management system. Ensure that all components are of high quality and compatible with your G37.

Brand Reputation and Support: Opt for a kit from a reputable brand with a proven track record. Read reviews, check forums, and talk to other G37 owners to get their recommendations. Also, consider the level of support offered by the manufacturer. A good company will provide detailed installation instructions, technical support, and warranty coverage.

Budget: Turbo kits can range in price from a few thousand dollars to upwards of ten thousand, depending on the components and complexity. Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Remember to factor in the cost of supporting modifications and professional installation if you're not comfortable doing it yourself.

Popular Turbo Kit Options

To give you a better idea, here are a few popular turbo kit options for the 2012 Infiniti G37 sedan:

Stillen Supercharger Kit: While technically a supercharger, Stillen offers a popular forced induction option that's known for its reliability and ease of installation. It provides a significant power boost without the complexity of a turbo system.

GTM Twin Turbo Kit: GTM is a well-known brand in the Infiniti performance community, and their twin-turbo kit is a popular choice for G37 owners looking for serious power gains. It's a comprehensive kit that includes high-quality components and is designed for optimal performance.

Fast Intentions Turbo Kit: Fast Intentions offers a range of turbo kits for the G37, from entry-level to high-performance setups. Their kits are known for their quality and performance, and they offer excellent customer support.

Installation: DIY or Professional?

Now, let's talk about installation. Installing a turbo kit is not a simple bolt-on affair. It requires a good amount of mechanical knowledge, the right tools, and a lot of patience. Deciding between DIY and professional installation is a critical decision that can impact the success and reliability of your turbocharger setup.

DIY Installation: If you're mechanically inclined and have experience working on cars, you might consider installing the turbo kit yourself. This can save you a significant amount of money on labor costs. However, be prepared for a challenging and time-consuming project. You'll need to carefully follow the installation instructions, have access to the necessary tools, and be comfortable troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

Professional Installation: Unless you are highly skilled and experienced, professional installation is usually the best option. A qualified mechanic will have the expertise and equipment to install the turbo kit correctly and efficiently. They can also ensure that all supporting modifications are properly installed and that the engine is properly tuned. While it will cost more upfront, professional installation can save you time, headaches, and potential damage to your car in the long run.

Key Steps in the Installation Process

Whether you choose to DIY or go with professional installation, here are some of the key steps involved in installing a turbo kit on your G37:

1. Preparation: Gather all the necessary tools, components, and instructions. Disconnect the battery and ensure the car is properly supported.
2. Component Removal: Remove the stock exhaust manifolds, intake system, and any other components that need to be replaced or relocated.
3. Turbo Installation: Install the turbocharger(s), manifolds, downpipes, and wastegate(s). Ensure that all connections are secure and properly sealed.
4. Intercooler Installation: Mount the intercooler and run the necessary piping to connect it to the turbocharger and intake manifold.
5. Fuel System Upgrade: Install upgraded fuel injectors and a fuel pump if required. Ensure that the fuel lines are properly connected and sealed.
6. Engine Management: Install and configure the engine management system. This may involve flashing a new tune to the ECU or installing a standalone engine management system.
7. Testing and Tuning: Start the engine and check for leaks. Monitor the engine parameters and fine-tune the engine management system to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Supporting Modifications You'll Need

So, you can't just slap a turbo on and expect everything to work perfectly. You'll likely need some supporting mods to ensure your G37 can handle the extra power. Supporting modifications are essential for ensuring that your engine can handle the increased power and stress from the turbocharger.

Fuel System Upgrades: More power means your engine will need more fuel. Upgrading your fuel injectors and fuel pump is often necessary to provide the required fuel flow. Larger injectors can deliver more fuel into the cylinders, while a higher-capacity fuel pump ensures a consistent and adequate fuel supply.

Engine Management System: Your car's ECU (Engine Control Unit) needs to be recalibrated to work with the turbo. This might involve a tune or a standalone engine management system. Tuning the ECU allows you to optimize the air-fuel ratio, timing, and boost levels for maximum performance and safety.

Exhaust System: A high-flow exhaust system will help reduce backpressure and improve exhaust flow, allowing the turbo to spool up faster and more efficiently. A cat-back or turbo-back exhaust system is a common upgrade.

Cooling System: The increased power from the turbo will generate more heat. Upgrading your radiator and adding an oil cooler can help keep your engine running cool and prevent overheating.

Boost Gauge: A boost gauge is essential for monitoring the amount of boost your turbo is producing. This allows you to keep an eye on the turbo's performance and identify any potential issues.

Intercooler: An intercooler cools the air compressed by the turbocharger, increasing its density and improving engine performance. A larger intercooler can provide even better cooling and performance gains.

Tuning Your Turbocharged G37

Once you've got the turbo kit installed and the supporting mods in place, you'll need to tune your G37. Tuning is the process of adjusting the engine's parameters to optimize performance and ensure reliability. Proper tuning is crucial for maximizing the performance and longevity of your turbocharged engine.

Dyno Tuning: Dyno tuning involves putting your car on a dynamometer (dyno) and using specialized software to adjust the engine's parameters in real-time. This allows the tuner to precisely optimize the air-fuel ratio, timing, and boost levels for maximum power and efficiency.

Road Tuning: Road tuning involves driving your car on the street and using a laptop to adjust the engine's parameters. This can be a more convenient option than dyno tuning, but it's also more challenging and requires a skilled tuner.

E-Tuning: E-tuning involves working with a tuner remotely. You'll send data logs from your car to the tuner, and they'll send you updated tunes to flash to your ECU. This can be a good option if you don't have access to a local tuner.

Potential Issues and How to Avoid Them

Like any major modification, turbocharging your G37 can come with potential issues. But don't worry, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can avoid most of them. Addressing potential issues proactively is essential for ensuring a smooth and reliable turbocharging experience.

Overheating: As mentioned earlier, the increased power from the turbo can generate more heat, leading to overheating. Make sure to upgrade your cooling system and monitor your engine temperature closely.

Fueling Issues: If you don't upgrade your fuel system properly, you could experience fuel starvation, which can damage your engine. Ensure that you have adequate fuel injectors and a fuel pump.

Boost Creep: Boost creep is when the turbo produces more boost than intended, which can damage your engine. This can be caused by a faulty wastegate or an improperly sized exhaust system. Monitor your boost levels closely and address any issues promptly.

Engine Damage: If not installed and tuned correctly, a turbo can cause serious engine damage. Detonation, pre-ignition, and excessive boost can all lead to catastrophic engine failure. Work with a qualified mechanic and tuner to minimize the risk of engine damage.

Is it Worth It?

So, is turbocharging your 2012 Infiniti G37 sedan worth it? For many enthusiasts, the answer is a resounding yes. The significant increase in power and performance can transform your G37 into a truly exhilarating machine. However, it's important to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your budget, technical expertise, and goals. If you're prepared to invest the time, money, and effort required, turbocharging can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

In conclusion, adding a turbo kit to your 2012 Infiniti G37 sedan can be a fantastic way to boost its performance and make it even more fun to drive. Just remember to do your research, choose the right kit, get the necessary supporting mods, and have it tuned properly. With a little planning and effort, you can transform your G37 into a true beast on the road! Happy boosting, guys!