Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Turbo Kit on Your Infiniti in Nashville

Boosting your Infiniti with a turbocharger is one of the most satisfying performance upgrades you can make. The additional horsepower, improved torque curve, and enhanced engine sound transform the driving experience. Nashville’s moderate climate and growing performance community make it an ideal place to tackle such a project. Whether daily driving through downtown, hitting the twisty roads around Percy Priest Lake, or showing off at Cars & Coffee, a properly installed turbo kit will make your Infiniti feel like a completely different machine.

This guide expands on the fundamentals of turbo installation with specific considerations for Nashville drivers. We’ll cover everything from component selection and safety to tuning and local regulations. By the end of you will have a clear, actionable roadmap to build a reliable, high-horsepower Infiniti.

Before You Begin – Tools, Parts, and Preparation

Selecting the Right Turbo Kit

Not all turbo kits are created equal. For Nissan-based platforms like the VQ35HR, VQ37VHR, or VR30DDTT (depending on your Infiniti model), there are specific kits designed to bolt directly to the factory mounting points. Popular choices include single turbo kits for the G37/Q40 or twin turbo kits for the Q50/Q60. Research your engine code first. For Nashville drivers, consider that the local altitude is about 500 feet above sea level – not extreme enough to require special turbo sizing, but be aware that dense, hot summer air will affect spool and intercooler efficiency. Choose a kit with an intercooler core that is appropriately sized for your power goals (typically 600–700 HP for street builds).

Key components you will need:

  • Complete turbo kit (turbocharger, manifold, downpipe, intercooler, piping, wastegate, blow-off valve, oil feed/drain lines)
  • Engine management solution (standalone ECU, piggyback, or flash tune by a local tuner)
  • Upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pump (if boosting above 8–10 psi)
  • Gauges (boost, oil pressure, wideband air/fuel ratio)
  • Basic hand tools: ratchets, sockets, wrenches, torque wrench, Allen keys, pliers
  • Safety equipment: jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, safety glasses, gloves
  • Factory service manual for your Infiniti model

Workspace Layout in Nashville

If you are working in a home garage, ensure the space is well-ventilated, as you will be using solvents and starting the engine multiple times. Nashville’s humidity means you should keep your tools dry. A crack-free concrete floor is essential – many garages in the area are slab-on-grade, which is fine. If using a driveway, be mindful of Hillsboro Village’s narrow streets: plan to block off ample space to avoid obstruction.

Safety First

Disconnecting the negative battery terminal is critical to prevent short circuits while working near fuel lines and electrical sensors. Use a memory saver if you want to keep radio presets and ECU adaptions. Double-check that the vehicle is on level ground before lifting. Use jack stands rated for the vehicle weight – never rely solely on a hydraulic jack. Wear gloves when handling exhaust components that may have sharp edges.

Removing Factory Components

Exhaust and Intake System

Start by removing the factory intake assembly and airbox. Disconnect the mass airflow sensor (MAF) and set it aside safely. Then, lift the vehicle and remove the under-engine splash shield. You’ll have clear access to the factory exhaust manifold and downpipe. On many Infiniti engines (e.g., VQ35HR), the manifold is integrated with the catalytic converter. You need to unbolt it from the cylinder head. Apply penetrating oil on the bolts the night before – they often seize due to heat cycling. Remove the oxygen sensors carefully using an O2 sensor socket; they are expensive to replace.

Intercooler and Radiator Piping (if applicable)

If your vehicle has factory intercooler (like VR30), remove the front bumper cover and discharge pipes. For N/A models, you will be adding an intercooler, so you have more freedom. Remove the fan shroud for easier access to the radiator and condenser, but avoid damaging the fins.

Oil Feed and Drain Preparation

Identify a suitable oil feed source. Most turbo kits use a sandwich plate that fits between the oil filter and engine block or tap into the factory oil pressure sending unit. For the oil drain, you need to drill and tap the oil pan (or use a pre-welded bung if your kit includes one). If you are uncomfortable drilling, have a local Nashville shop machine shop handle this step – precision is critical to avoid metal shavings in the oil system.

Installing the Turbocharger and Supporting Systems

Mounting the Turbo Manifold

Install the turbo manifold onto the cylinder head studs, using a new gasket. Torque the bolts in the manufacturer’s sequence to avoid warping. Position the turbocharger onto the manifold and attach the wastegate if it is external. Tighten all bolts to spec. The wastegate actuator line should be routed cleanly away from moving parts.

Oil and Coolant Lines

Connect the oil feed line using a restrictor if required (journal bearing turbos often need a restrictor). Ensure the drain line slopes downward from the turbo to the oil pan with no kinks. Use a -10 AN size for the drain to prevent oil backing up. For water-cooled turbos, connect the coolant lines to the engine’s cooling system, typically splicing into the heater hose circuit. Double-check that all AN fittings are tight using line wrenches.

Intercooler and Piping

Mount the intercooler behind the front bumper. Some trimming of the bumper support may be necessary. Install charge pipes from the turbo compressor outlet to the intercooler, then from the intercooler to the throttle body. Use silicone couplers and T-bolt clamps for a secure seal. Route the blow-off valve on the hot or cold pipe depending on the kit – ensure it is at least 12 inches from the MAF sensor to prevent metering issues.

Downpipe and Exhaust

Connect the turbo outlet to the downpipe. For street-driven cars in Nashville, a catted downpipe is recommended to keep exhaust note reasonable and pass visual inspections. However, there are no mandatory emissions tests for most vehicles in Tennessee outside Davidson County’s OBD-II check – we will cover that later. Use a new gasket and torque the downpipe flange to the turbo’s exhaust housing.

Tuning and Engine Management

This is the most critical step for reliability and performance. Do not start the engine without proper fuel and timing calibration. For older Infiniti models (FX35, G35 using VQ35DE), you can use a reflashed ECU or a piggyback like Uprev. Newer platforms like the Q60 with VR30 are typically tuned via ECU flash through Cobb Accessport or EcuTek. Contact a reputable tuner in Nashville or mobile tuners who travel to Music City. A proper dyno tune will optimize air/fuel ratios and ignition timing to prevent engine knock, especially on 93 octane pump gas available at most Nashville stations (e.g., Mapco or Shell).

Fuel system upgrades: For boost levels above 8 psi, install 600–800cc injectors and a Walbro 255 LPH fuel pump. Some VR30 factory pumps can handle up to 450–500 HP, but beyond that you need a low-pressure pump and possibly port injection. Do not cut corners here.

Final Assembly and Fluid Fill

Reinstall the intake assembly with a high-flow air filter. Fill the engine with fresh synthetic oil of the viscosity recommended by the turbo manufacturer (often 5W-40 for turbo VQ engines). Check coolant level and top off with a 50/50 mix. Reconnect the battery. Before starting, prime the turbo by pulling the fuel pump fuse and cranking the engine for 10 seconds – this pushes oil into the turbo bearings without engine firing.

Testing and Inspection

Start the engine and let it idle. Listen for any exhaust leaks (ticking sound) or unusual whistles. Check oil pressure on your gauge – should be above 20 psi at idle. Look for oil and coolant drips beneath the car. While stationary, rev the engine gently and ensure the blow-off valve does not leak. If everything looks good, take a slow first drive keeping boost below 5 psi. Accelerate gently and monitor wideband to show 14.7:1 at idle and cruise, tapering to 11.5:1 under load. Do a few heat cycles (cooling down between pulls) before performing a full-throttle pull.

Nashville-Specific Considerations

Emissions and Inspections

Davidson County requires emissions testing for most gasoline vehicles manufactured after 1975. The test is an OBD-II plug-in check and a visual inspection of emissions equipment. Removing the catalytic converter is illegal for road use. If your turbo kit uses a high-flow catted downpipe, it should pass the OBD readiness checks. Check with a local inspection station (e.g., Those at 2400 Charlotte Ave) to ensure your tune sets all monitors to “Ready”. Some tuners can keep the rear O2 sensors enabled and set readiness, so you are legal in Nashville.

Performance Shops and Resources

Nashville has a growing performance community. Shops like King Performance (specializing in Nissan/Infiniti VQ builds) can assist with custom tuning and fabrication. For dyno tuning, consider TMR Racing or Music City Tuning. If you prefer DIY resources, the MyG37 forum has detailed installation write-ups specific to many turbo kits.

Climate Adaptations

Nashville summers are hot and humid. Choose a bar-and-plate intercooler with at least 3 inches of core depth to combat heat soak. Consider a heat exchanger upgrade for the power steering and transmission if you have an automatic. A lower temp thermostat (160°F) and an electric fan upgrade help maintain consistent coolant temperatures while idling in Nashville traffic.

Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability

After installation, change the oil every 3,000 miles or 6 months using high-quality synthetic. Check and tighten all turbo bolts after the first 500 miles – vibration can loosen them. Inspect silicone hoses annually for cracking. Keep a spare set of gaskets for the downpipe – they are consumables. Using a boost controller, set the boost level conservatively for daily driving (7–10 psi) and a high setting for track days (12–15 psi with race fuel or methanol).

Monitor engine data with a stand-alone gauge or accessport. Common issues to watch for: oil leaks from the drain line, boost leaks at couplers, and heat damage to nearby harnesses. Wrap the downpipe with DEI titanium wrap or ceramic coat the turbo components to reduce underhood temperatures.

Conclusion

Installing a turbo kit on your Infiniti in Nashville is a rewarding project that dramatically improves driving enjoyment. By following this expanded guide, selecting quality components, and respecting local regulations, you can build a streetable, reliable, fast Infiniti that stands out in Music City. Take your time, triple-check each step, and don’t hesitate to consult local experts when needed. With proper maintenance, your turbo’d Infiniti will deliver thrills for many miles to come.