Introduction: Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Q60 Red Sport

The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport is already a formidable machine, with its twin-turbocharged VR30DDTT engine delivering 400 horsepower from the factory. However, for enthusiasts seeking more aggressive power and response, the HKS GTS turbo upgrade offers a significant leap forward. This detailed DIY guide provides a step-by-step approach to installing the HKS GTS turbo kit on your Q60 Red Sport, helping you achieve a robust, reliable, and exhilarating increase in performance. Whether you’re an experienced DIY mechanic or a dedicated enthusiast, this guide covers everything from preparation to final tuning considerations.

Why Choose the HKS GTS Turbo Upgrade?

The HKS GTS turbo system is engineered specifically for the VR30DDTT engine, offering superior flow characteristics and higher boost capacity compared to the stock turbos. Key benefits include:

  • Increased horsepower and torque – typical gains of 100–150 wheel horsepower with supporting mods.
  • Quicker spool response – optimized compressor and turbine geometry for reduced lag.
  • Durability – HKS uses high-quality materials and precision bearings to ensure long-term reliability at elevated boost levels.
  • Direct bolt-on design – minimizes fabrication and makes installation feasible for advanced DIYers.

For more technical specs, refer to the official HKS GTS page.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

Having the correct tools and parts ready saves time and frustration. Beyond the HKS GTS turbo kit itself, assemble the following items:

  • Complete HKS GTS Turbo Kit (includes turbos, gaskets, oil/coolant lines, mounting hardware, and vacuum line kit)
  • Socket set with metric sizes (8mm–19mm)
  • Torque wrench (ft-lb and in-lb ranges)
  • Flathead and Phillips screwdrivers
  • Pliers (standard and needle-nose)
  • Jack and four jack stands (or a hydraulic lift)
  • Engine coolant (Nissan/Infiniti blue or equivalent)
  • Engine oil and filter (5W-30 recommended)
  • New intake manifold gaskets (if reusing the stock manifold)
  • New exhaust manifold gaskets (often included in the kit)
  • Vacuum line connectors and zip ties
  • Shop towels and degreaser
  • Safety glasses and gloves

Pre-Installation Preparation

Workspace and Safety

Choose a well-ventilated, level area with ample lighting. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and allow the engine to cool completely – the exhaust manifolds and turbo housings stay hot for hours after driving. Raise the vehicle and secure it on jack stands; never rely on the jack alone. If possible, remove the front wheels for better access to the lower engine bay.

Fluid Draining

Drain the engine oil and coolant to prevent spills during turbo removal. Place drain pans under the radiator petcock and oil pan. Removing the intercooler and charge pipes beforehand also grants easier access to the turbo area.

Removing the Stock Twin Turbos

Stock VR30DDTT turbos are tucked tightly behind the engine. Patience and careful labeling of hoses and electrical connectors will pay off. Follow this procedure:

  1. Remove engine cover – unscrew the decorative cover bolts and set aside.
  2. Disconnect all intake ducting – from the air filter boxes to the turbo inlets. Label each piece.
  3. Unplug electrical connectors – oxygen sensors, wastegate actuators, and any harness clips near the turbos.
  4. Remove exhaust manifold bolts – work from the center outward; soak with penetrating oil if seized. Use a long extension and wobble socket for the lower bolts.
  5. Disconnect oil feed and return lines – prepare for residual oil drainage. Plug lines to keep debris out.
  6. Remove coolant lines – carefully pry off spring clamps and slide the hoses off. Cap the ends to prevent contamination.
  7. Remove the wastegate actuators – unclip from the arm and unbolt the actuator bracket.
  8. Remove the turbochargers – slide each turbo forward and off the exhaust manifold studs. It may require wiggling past the block. Keep the studs in place if reusing them.

Inspect the removed turbos for excessive shaft play or damaged fins before discarding. For a more detailed removal guide, see this community walkthrough.

Prepping the Engine Bay for HKS GTS Turbos

Before installing the new turbos, clean the exhaust manifold surfaces with a razor blade and brake cleaner. Replace any damaged studs. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize to the stud threads. Verify that the new oil drain gaskets and coolant O-rings are in place.

If you are also upgrading the intercooler or charge pipes, now is the time to install them for easier access. A larger front-mount intercooler is highly recommended to handle the increased airflow.

Installing the HKS GTS Turbo Upgrade

Mounting the Turbos

  1. Place the new HKS GTS gasket onto the exhaust manifold studs. Ensure the gasket orientation matches the exhaust port shape.
  2. Carefully position the HKS turbo over the studs. It helps to have an assistant hold the turbo while you start the nuts hand-tight.
  3. Torque the manifold nuts in a crisscross pattern to the manufacturer’s specification (typically 35–40 ft-lb). Use a torque wrench to avoid stripping.
  4. Reattach the wastegate actuator bracket and arm. Adjust the arm length to achieve proper preload per HKS instructions (often 0.5–1mm of spring compression).

Connecting Oil and Coolant Lines

Use new copper washers on banjo fittings. Tighten the oil feed line to the turbo center housing – usually 15–20 ft-lb. Ensure the oil return line has a gentle slope back to the pan to prevent drain restriction. Coolant lines should be secured with new spring clamps. Double-check that no hoses are kinked, especially near the hot side of the engine.

Reconnecting Intake and Exhaust Systems

  • Attach the intake pipes to the compressor inlets. Use the supplied silicone couplers and T-bolt clamps. Tighten evenly to avoid pinching.
  • Connect the exhaust downpipes or catalytic converters to the turbine outlet. Use new gaskets and torque to spec (around 30 ft-lb).
  • Reconnect intercooler piping, ensuring all O-rings are seated. Use a boost leak test if available.

Vacuum Lines and Electrical Connectors

Follow the HKS vacuum diagram provided with the kit. Common connections include the blow‑off valve, wastegate, and boost control solenoid. Use zip ties to secure vacuum lines away from heat sources. Reconnect all previously unplugged electrical connectors – oxygen sensors, wastegate position sensors, and any engine harness clips.

Post-Installation Checks and First Start

Fluids and Battery

Refill the engine with fresh oil (approximately 5.5 quarts with filter change). Use a high-quality full synthetic 5W-30. Refill coolant using the correct bleed procedure – VR30DDTT engines require vacuum bleeding or a front-end lift to purge air from the heater core. Reconnect the battery.

Leak Check and Idle

Before starting, prime the oil system by cranking the engine with the fuel pump fuse removed for 10–15 seconds. Then replace the fuse and start the engine. Allow it to idle and immediately check for oil and coolant leaks around the turbo fittings. Listen for unusual whistling or scraping sounds. Let the engine reach operating temperature, then verify coolant flow by feeling the radiator hoses.

Initial Drive and Boost Monitoring

Take a short test drive, keeping boost under 10 psi until the engine is fully warmed. Monitor coolant temperature and oil pressure on the gauge cluster. If you have an aftermarket boost gauge or OBD2 scanner, ensure boost levels match the target (typically 15–18 psi for the HKS GTS with a tune). If boost is lower than expected, check for leaks in the intake or vacuum system.

Required Tuning for the HKS GTS Turbo Upgrade

This turbo upgrade absolutely requires a custom tune – the stock ECU cannot compensate for the added airflow. Without a tune, the engine will run lean, risking knock and catastrophic failure. Two common tuning options exist:

  • ECU reflash via Ecutek or Cobb Accessport – many shops provide remote or dyno tunes specifically for the HKS GTS setup.
  • Standalone ECU – for maximum adjustability, consider a MoTeC or Haltech system, but at significantly higher cost.

Contact a reputable tuner such as Sonic Performance or Tuning Tech FS for professional calibration. Expect to pay $500–$1500 for a remote tune, depending on the platform.

Performance Expectations and Maintenance

With the HKS GTS turbos, a proper tune, and supporting mods (intake, exhaust, fuel system), the Q60 Red Sport can produce 550–600 wheel horsepower. Torque increases dramatically, requiring upgraded drivetrain components such as a stronger clutch pack for automatic transmissions or twin-disc clutch for manuals.

Maintenance intervals should be shortened – change oil every 3,000–4,000 miles using high‑quality synthetic. Inspect turbo inlet pipes for cracks and clean the oil catch can regularly. Check boost leak test every 10,000 miles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overtightening banjo bolts – this can distort the fitting and cause oil starvation. Use a torque wrench.
  • Reusing old gaskets – always replace exhaust and intake gaskets to prevent leaks.
  • Ignoring oil return line angle – a flat or uphill drain leads to oil buildup in the turbo center section, causing smoking and seal failure.
  • Skipping the tune – driving without a tune, even gently, can damage the engine within minutes.
  • Neglecting to bleed coolant – trapped air causes overheating and potential turbo damage from steam pockets.

Conclusion

Installing the HKS GTS turbo upgrade on your Q60 Red Sport is a rewarding project that unlocks serious performance potential. By following this detailed DIY guide, you can complete the mechanical installation with confidence. The key is patience, attention to detail, and professional tuning. Once everything is dialed in, you’ll enjoy a dramatically faster and more responsive driving experience. For further discussion and troubleshooting, join the community at VR30 Driver Forum.