Installing a Dinan Stage 2 Kit on the G70 3.3t: Cost, Process, and Real-world Gains

Why the Dinan Stage 2 Kit for the G70 3.3T Stands Out

Few aftermarket performance upgrades command the same respect among Genesis G70 3.3T owners as the Dinan Stage 2 Kit. While the stock G70 3.3T already delivers a potent 365 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbocharged V6, experienced drivers quickly notice that the factory calibration leaves significant headroom on the table. The Dinan Stage 2 Kit targets exactly that potential, offering a carefully engineered package that transforms the G70 from a capable sport sedan into a genuine performance contender. Unlike piecemeal modifications from several vendors, Dinan’s stage approach ensures every component works as a cohesive system, maintaining drivability and reliability while unlocking substantial power gains.

The G70 3.3T’s Lambda II engine shares DNA with the Stinger GT and G80 Sport, but the Genesis platform has unique packaging constraints and ECU strategies. Dinan, a company with decades of experience tuning BMW and now expanding into the Korean performance space, developed the Stage 2 Kit specifically for the G70’s chassis. This targeted engineering is why owners report minimal loss of low-speed civility while gaining top-end pull that rivals far more expensive vehicles.

What the Dinan Stage 2 Kit Includes

Dinan’s Stage 2 Kit for the G70 3.3T is not a simple ECU tune; it’s a comprehensive hardware-and-software package. Each component is designed to address the engine’s breathing and thermal management limitations, which are the primary bottlenecks for additional power from the 3.3-liter twin-turbo.

High-Flow Intake System

The factory intake system is adequate for stock power levels but becomes restrictive once boost pressures increase. Dinan’s intake uses larger diameter tubes, a low-restriction air filter, and a heat shield that draws air from the front grille area. This setup reduces intake air temperature and pressure drop, allowing the turbos to spin more freely. The result is a noticeable improvement in throttle response, especially in the mid-range between 3,500 and 5,000 RPM.

Upgraded Intercooler

Heat soak is the enemy of turbocharged engines, particularly in stop-and-go traffic or during aggressive driving. The Dinan intercooler features a bar-and-plate core with significantly greater volume than the stock unit. It also uses cast aluminum end tanks with smoother internal flow paths to minimize pressure loss. Many owners report that intake air temperatures drop by 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit after the upgrade, which directly contributes to consistent power output on repeated pulls.

Performance Exhaust System

While the factory exhaust already has a sporty note, it incorporates restrictive resonators and intermediate pipes. Dinan’s cat-back exhaust uses mandrel-bent tubing, a larger diameter (2.75 inches), and a free-flowing muffler design. The exhaust is engineered to reduce backpressure without creating excessive drone at highway speeds. It also features dual polished tips that fill the rear valance openings more fully than the stock units, giving the G70 a more aggressive appearance.

ECU Calibration

The heart of the Stage 2 Kit is the Dinan-tuned ECU software. Dinan reprograms the factory ECU via the OBD-II port, adjusting boost pressure, fuel delivery, ignition timing, and throttle mapping. The calibration is optimized to work with the hardware changes, raising the boost ceiling to approximately 19-20 psi (up from around 15 psi stock). Dinan retains all factory safety protocols, including knock detection, coolant temperature limits, and transmission torque management. The tune is CARB-approved in many states, which is a significant advantage for owners concerned about emissions compliance.

Cost Analysis: What You Can Expect to Pay

The total investment for the Dinan Stage 2 Kit on a G70 3.3T varies depending on whether you DIY the install or hire a professional shop. Here is a realistic breakdown based on current market pricing.

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Dinan Stage 2 Kit (hardware + software)	$3,800 – $4,200	Pricing from authorized Dinan dealers; includes intake, intercooler, exhaust, ECU tune
Labor – Professional Installation	$600 – $1,200	Varies by shop hourly rate; expect 6–10 hours labor
Optional: Spark Plugs (if due)	$100 – $200	One-step colder plugs recommended for boosted applications
Optional: Fuel Additive or Ethanol Blend	$50 – $150	For maximum power on 93 octane; not required for baseline tune
Total Estimated Investment	$4,550 – $5,750	Includes parts, labor, and common optional items

It’s worth noting that Dinan offers a limited warranty on their products, and many dealers include installation in the price. Some owners negotiate package deals when purchasing the kit and installation together. Additionally, the Dinan Stage 2 Kit retains the factory powertrain warranty in many cases because it is designed to be a true plug-and-play upgrade that does not damage the engine or transmission under normal use. Always verify warranty terms with your dealer before proceeding.

Installation Process: What to Expect

Installing the Dinan Stage 2 Kit is a moderate-to-difficult DIY project. If you are comfortable with general automotive repair and have a decent tool set, you can complete the job over a weekend. For those less inclined, a professional installation is strongly recommended. Here is the step-by-step outline of the process.

Tools and Preparation

You will need a basic socket set (metric), screwdrivers, trim removal tools, jack stands, and a floor jack. A torque wrench is essential for intercooler bolts and exhaust flange bolts. The installation manual from Dinan is comprehensive; read it thoroughly before starting. Also, ensure the engine is cold and the battery is disconnected to avoid triggering fault codes during the swap.

Step 1: Remove the Stock Intake System

Start by unclipping the engine cover and removing the air intake ducts. The stock airbox is held in by several screws and rubber grommets. Disconnect the mass air flow sensor connector carefully. The largest challenge at this stage is freeing the lower intake tube that connects to the turbo inlets; a small-angled pick tool can help. Once the entire intake tract is out, clean any debris that may have accumulated around the throttle bodies.

Step 2: Swap the Intercooler

Accessing the intercooler requires removing the front bumper cover. Follow the Genesis service manual procedure for bumper removal—there are hidden fasteners behind fog light bezels and lower grille inserts. The stock intercooler is held by four bolts and sits low in the front bumper. The Dinan unit is thicker and may require trimming of the plastic shroud. Carefully test-fit the intercooler before tightening everything. Reinstall the bumper, ensuring all clips snap back firmly. This is the most time-consuming part of the job, often taking 2 to 3 hours for a first-timer.

Step 3: Install the Cat-Back Exhaust

Raise the rear of the vehicle on jack stands. The stock exhaust is one piece from the downpipes to the tips, so you will need to cut it near the rear axle with a sawzall if you plan to keep the stock unit intact. Alternatively, you can unbolt the mid-pipe from the downpipes. The Dinan exhaust comes in sections that slip together with clamps. Apply anti-seize to the exhaust hangers and bolts. Position the mufflers so the tips are centered in the rear valance openings. Tighten all connections gradually to avoid leaks.

Step 4: ECU Tuning

With the hardware installed, connect a lithium-ion battery maintainer or shop charger to the G70’s battery to ensure stable voltage. Dinan supplies a handheld programmer or you can visit a dealer who performs the flash via OBD-II. The tuning process takes about 30 minutes, during which the vehicle’s ignition must remain on and the doors closed. After the flash, clear any codes that may have been stored from disconnecting components.

Step 5: Post-Install Verification

Reconnect the battery, start the engine, and let it idle for a few minutes. Check for exhaust leaks, intake hose connections, and intercooler pipe security. Take a test drive at moderate speeds, monitoring the boost gauge (if equipped) or using a Bluetooth OBD-II reader. Ensure the transmission shifts smoothly and no check engine lights appear. After a few hundred miles, it’s wise to re-torque the intercooler and exhaust clamps.

Real-World Gains: Dyno Sheets and Seat-of-the-Pants Results

The true test of any performance upgrade is how it feels behind the wheel. Owners and independent dyno facilities have documented consistent gains with the Dinan Stage 2 Kit. On a Dynojet dynamometer, a stock G70 3.3T typically puts down 320-330 wheel horsepower (whp) and 340-350 wheel torque (wtq) on 93 octane fuel. After the Stage 2 Kit installation, the same car sees approximately 380-410 whp and 420-450 wtq, depending on ambient conditions and fuel quality.

That translates to a gain of 50-80 horsepower at the wheels, which is equivalent to roughly 60-95 crank horsepower in terms of the manufacturer rating. More importantly, the torque curve flattens and stays above 400 lb-ft from 2,800 RPM to 5,500 RPM. This makes the G70 feel significantly quicker in everyday driving. The 0-60 mph time drops from the factory 4.5 seconds (with AWD) to around 3.8-4.0 seconds, and the quarter-mile traps increase from 107 mph to 112-115 mph.

One forum member reported that after the install, his G70 RWD consistently ran 7.8-second 60-100 mph passes, beating a stock E46 M3 and a Mustang GT. “The car just pulls harder and harder all the way to redline,” he wrote. “The biggest surprise was how smooth everything felt—no surging, no hesitation.”

Drivability and Daily Use

Concerns about reduced low-end torque or increased turbo lag are not borne out in practice. Dinan’s calibration preserves the factory torque management and even improves throttle tip-in responsiveness. The exhaust is noticeably louder but not obnoxious; Sport mode accentuates the tone, while Eco mode quiets it down for highway cruising. Some owners do report a slight increase in interior resonance around 1,800 RPM, but this is minimal and generally considered acceptable for a modified car.

Maintenance and Reliability Considerations

The Dinan Stage 2 Kit is designed to be reliable under normal street driving conditions. However, increasing power by 25-30% imposes higher stresses on certain components. It is recommended to shorten oil change intervals to 3,000-4,000 miles using a high-quality full synthetic oil. Transmission fluid should be checked every 30,000 miles, especially if the car is driven aggressively. The upgraded intercooler improves heat rejection, so coolant temperature stays within normal limits even during lapping sessions. One area to monitor is the spark plugs: the increased cylinder pressure can wear out the stock plugs faster. Many owners switch to colder plugs (NGK LFR7AIX or equivalent) gapped to 0.026 inches at the time of the Stage 2 install.

Dinan’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. If a component fails due to the increased power under normal use, Dinan typically handles the claim. However, abuse such as track racing without proper cooling upgrades or using low-octane fuel will void coverage.

Alternatives to the Dinan Stage 2 Kit

Several other companies offer performance upgrades for the G70 3.3T, including JB4, LAP3, and BMS. The JB4 is a piggyback tune that costs around $600 and can be installed in 15 minutes, providing gains of 40-60 whp. While less expensive, the JB4 does not include hardware upgrades, so heat soak becomes a limiting factor on hot days. The LAP3 Stage 2 kit includes a similar parts list to Dinan (intake, intercooler, tune) but is not CARB approved and may have less refined driveability. Some owners mix and match, choosing a Dinan intercooler with a JB4 tune, but this approach sacrifices the seamless integration of a full Dinan package.

For those who want maximum power without worrying about warranty, the Dinan Stage 2 Kit remains one of the most complete and worry-free options. The per-horsepower cost is competitive, and the peace of mind that comes with a manufacturer-backed product is hard to quantify.

Bottom Line: Is the Dinan Stage 2 Kit Worth It?

For G70 3.3T owners who plan to keep the car for several years and want a substantial, reliable performance boost, the Dinan Stage 2 Kit is an excellent investment. The cost is non-trivial, but the driving experience transforms the G70 into a genuine rival to cars costing twice as much. The kit addresses the car’s inherent weaknesses—heat management and airflow—in a way that standalone tunes cannot. Whether you are carving back roads, merging onto highways, or simply enjoying the rush of acceleration on a weekend drive, the Dinan Stage 2 Kit delivers consistent, repeatable power that enhances every aspect of the G70’s character.

If budget is a primary concern, the Stage 1 kit (intake and tune) provides about two-thirds of the gain for half the price, but the Stage 2 is the complete package that truly unlocks the 3.3-liter engine’s potential. As one owner summarized: “It’s like the car came from the factory holding back, and now it’s finally allowed to breathe.”