My 2011 Infiniti G37 has only 43,000 miles on it. Has some bolt on upgrades like Stillen Cold Air Intake, performance exhaust, etc, etc. It also seems to have just developed a bad head gasket. Still waiting to get the estimate, but I'm wondering what is the best way to go. I'm not sure I even want to think about what that will cost, but if I do it I'm wondering what upgrades I might try while the engine is apart anyway. I'm lost on these kind of motors, I grew up with carbureted big and small block V8's...I understand them, these cars I have others work on. It needs to remain streetable with in town driving in heavy traffic, but just thinking as long a tons of money is going out anyway..??

 

First step would be to figure out if you want to stay naturally aspirated or go forced induction. That decision will drive your build decisions and exercise your budget constraints.

Not sure what you are expecting for a budget, but a typical FI kit runs $8,000 to $10,000 for parts only, not including installation and a dyno tune. FI would also drive you to upgrade the internals which could add lots of $$$ to the build. (no idea on the price range)

If you stay NA, there isnt a lot you can do, some have added cams, but overall, the stock bottom end will hold up. Maybe a cheaper option for a little more power.

Another little twist is if you have the 7AT, you will need to build it or put in the next gen trans if you plan on pushing a lot of HP. i have heard anything north 400-450HP will cause problems with our automatic. That will add a bit more to the cost of the build.

Hope this helps you a bit - I'm from the other era also - carbs, distributers, etc., all the "new-fangled" stuff has given me a run for my money learning it, but perserverence and a son who does tuning on the side have helped. Between the two forms, i prefer the laptop over the timing light and jets. The laptop gives one much more control of things.

If you want to discuss further, feel free to PM me.

 

A head gasket replacement is in the $2-3K range.

Odd that one blew at 43K miles as these motors typically hit 250K before any major repairs are needed.

Personally, I'd replace the head gasket, do a drain and fill on the coolant, maybe replace the plugs and move on.

 

Unless you boost, there's not much more you can squeeze out of this car with just an intake and exhaust. If your "etc etc" doesn't include a tune, you might want to look there for your next mod. But again, unless you boost then everything is incremental, even the tune.

If it's just that edgy feel you're looking for, you could start replacing OEM bushings and mounts with polyurethane.

Also, if your 2011 is going in for engine work, and it's never had the gallery gasket replaced, this is a good opportunity. Given your really low mileage, it's probably never been done. (me neither... borrowed time )