Types of Q50 Body Kits
The Q50 body kit comes in various styles designed to enhance both the appearance and performance of your Infiniti. Each type offers distinct benefits depending on your specific needs and preferences:
Dress-up Kits
These kits focus primarily on enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your Infiniti Q50 through various exterior modifications.
Components include: Spoilers, side skirts, front/rear bumper extensions, hood scoops, and fender flares
Materials: Fiberglass, ABS plastic, carbon fiber
Performance Kits
Designed specifically to improve the aerodynamics of your Q50, these kits reduce drag and enhance downforce for better stability at high speeds.
Components include: Front splitters, canards, rear wings, and diffusers
Primary benefit: Improved handling and stability
Lowering Kits
These kits reduce the ride height of your Infiniti Q50, lowering the center of gravity for improved stability during cornering and high-speed maneuvers.
Components include: Aftermarket coil springs and suspension kits
Primary benefit: Enhanced handling and sporty appearance
Widebody Kits
Widebody kits extend the vehicle's width by adding extended fenders or fender flares, accommodating larger wheels and tires while creating a more aggressive stance.
Primary benefits: Increased tire grip, improved downforce, and aggressive aesthetic
Performance impact: Better handling stability and cornering grip
Hybrid Performance Kits
Specially designed for the Infiniti Q50 Hybrid model, these kits optimize performance while complementing the unique powertrain characteristics of hybrid vehicles.
Components include: Upgraded cooling systems, aerodynamic enhancements, and enhanced suspension components
Primary benefit: Optimized hybrid performance with improved handling
Expert Tip: When selecting a body kit type, consider not only the aesthetic improvements but also how the modifications will affect your vehicle's aerodynamics, handling, and overall performance. The best body kit for your Q50 will balance your visual preferences with functional benefits.
Specifications and Maintenance of Q50 Body Kits
Understanding the specifications and proper maintenance requirements of your Infiniti Q50 body kit is essential for maximizing both performance benefits and longevity.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Carbon fiber, ABS plastic, fiberglass, polyurethane | Carbon fiber offers lightweight strength but at premium cost; plastic provides affordability with decent durability |
| Fitment | Model year specific (e.g., 2016-2018, 2019-2022) | Always verify compatibility with your specific Q50 model year before purchasing |
| Style | Varies by manufacturer (aggressive, sleek, motorsport-inspired) | Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve with your Q50 |
| Functionality | Aerodynamic components, styling elements | Balance between aesthetics and performance enhancement |
Maintenance Requirements
Proper maintenance is crucial to preserve both the appearance and functionality of your Q50 body kit:
Regular Cleaning
Use mild soap and water for routine cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the finish.
Frequency: Weekly or after driving in adverse conditions
Pro tip: Use microfiber cloths to prevent scratching
Inspection
Regularly check for cracks, chips, fading, or loose fitment that may require attention.
Frequency: Monthly
Look for: Stress cracks at mounting points, UV damage, paint chips
Protection
Apply protective coatings to preserve appearance and prevent damage.
Products: UV protectant, ceramic coating, paint protection film
Frequency: Every 3-6 months depending on product
Maintenance Tip: For carbon fiber components, use specialized carbon fiber cleaners and UV protectants to prevent yellowing and fiber degradation. For painted components, regular waxing helps preserve the finish and makes future cleaning easier.
Important: Address any damage immediately to prevent further deterioration. Small cracks can quickly worsen, especially in areas subjected to vibration or airflow stress. For carbon fiber repairs, seek professional assistance to maintain structural integrity.
How to Choose the Right Q50 Body Kit
Selecting the ideal body kit for your Infiniti Q50 requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure you get the perfect combination of style, performance, and value.
| Selection Factor | What to Consider | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Determine if you want aesthetic enhancement, performance improvement, or both | Critical |
| Style | Consider aggressive racing-inspired, subtle enhancement, or luxury-oriented aesthetics | High |
| Material | Choose between durability (polyurethane), lightweight performance (carbon fiber), or affordability (ABS plastic, fiberglass) | High |
| Aerodynamics | Evaluate downforce generation, drag reduction, and overall performance impact | Medium to High |
| Installation | Consider complexity, professional installation requirements, and modification needs | Medium |
| Warranty | Check manufacturer coverage for defects and fitment issues | Medium |
| Cost | Budget for kit price plus potential installation and painting costs | High |
Shopping Tip: Before purchasing, research real-world installations of the body kit you're considering. Look for photos from actual customers rather than just manufacturer marketing images. This gives you a better idea of how the kit will look on your specific Q50 model and color combination.
Material Comparison
Carbon Fiber
Pros: Extremely lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, premium appearance
Cons: Expensive, can be brittle if poorly manufactured, difficult to repair
Best for: Performance-focused builds, show cars, weight reduction
ABS Plastic
Pros: Affordable, flexible, durable, easier to install and repair
Cons: Heavier than carbon fiber, less premium appearance
Best for: Daily drivers, budget-conscious builds, more forgiving installations
Fiberglass
Pros: Moderate cost, can be repaired relatively easily, lightweight
Cons: More brittle than polyurethane, requires careful installation
Best for: Mid-range builds, balancing cost and weight considerations
How to DIY and Replace Q50 Body Kit
Installing a body kit on your Infiniti Q50 can be a rewarding DIY project if approached methodically. Follow this comprehensive step-by-step guide for best results:
Preparation and Tools
Required Tools: Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), trim removal tools, socket wrench set, car jack and stands, drill with bits, masking tape, measuring tape, automotive adhesive/epoxy, sandpaper (various grits), primer and paint (if needed).
Prepare Your Work Area
Create a clean, spacious environment in a garage or workshop. Ensure proper lighting and ventilation, especially if you'll be painting or using adhesives. Lay out all components and verify you have everything needed before beginning.
Disconnect Battery
For safety, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery before working on components near electrical systems. This is particularly important when working with bumpers that may have sensors, fog lights, or other electrical components.
Remove Existing Parts
Carefully remove factory components that will be replaced. Start with bumpers, side skirts, and other larger components. Use trim removal tools to prevent damaging clips and mounting points. Keep all hardware organized for potential reuse with new components.
Test Fit Before Installation
Perform a complete test fit of each component before final installation. This crucial step identifies any fitment issues, necessary modifications, or alignment challenges before permanent attachment. Mark mounting points with masking tape for reference.
Prepare Surfaces
Clean both the vehicle and body kit surfaces thoroughly. Remove all dirt, wax, and residue. For adhesive applications, lightly sand contact areas to improve bonding. For painted components, ensure proper surface preparation following paint manufacturer guidelines.
Install Body Kit Components
Begin with the largest components (typically bumpers), following manufacturer's instructions precisely. Secure using factory mounting points where possible, supplemented by supplied hardware or appropriate adhesives. Work systematically from larger to smaller components.
Reconnect and Test
Once all components are installed, reconnect any electrical elements and the battery. Test all affected systems (lights, sensors) to ensure proper function. Check for proper clearance during suspension movement and steering.
Final Inspection
Perform a thorough quality check, looking for proper alignment, secure attachment, and consistent panel gaps. Address any issues before driving. Take the vehicle for a brief test drive at moderate speeds to check for vibrations, rattles, or aerodynamic issues.
Important Safety Note: Always use proper jack stands when working under your vehicle. Never rely solely on a hydraulic jack for support. If you're unsure about any aspect of the installation, consult with a professional. Improperly installed body components can create serious safety hazards at highway speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether a Q50 body kit is worth the investment depends on your specific goals. From a value perspective, quality body kits can enhance your vehicle in several ways:
- Aesthetic Value: A well-designed body kit can dramatically transform your Q50's appearance, giving it a more aggressive, sporty, or premium look.
- Performance Benefits: Aerodynamic kits can improve handling stability at higher speeds by reducing lift and increasing downforce.
- Resale Consideration: While tasteful modifications might increase appeal to certain buyers, overly customized vehicles can limit your buyer pool.
- Personal Satisfaction: For enthusiasts, the personalization and uniqueness factor often justifies the investment.
For the best value, choose high-quality materials from reputable manufacturers and ensure professional installation if you're not confident in DIY work.
Body kit installation can potentially impact your Infiniti warranty coverage in several ways:
- Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act: While this U.S. law prevents manufacturers from voiding your entire warranty simply for using aftermarket parts, Infiniti can deny warranty claims specifically related to problems caused by aftermarket modifications.
- OEM vs. Aftermarket: Using Infiniti-approved accessories (OEM parts) typically preserves warranty coverage, while aftermarket kits may introduce warranty complications.
- Installation Factor: Professional installation by an authorized Infiniti dealer or certified shop is less likely to cause warranty issues than DIY installation.
To minimize warranty concerns, consider these best practices:
- Document your vehicle's condition before and after installation
- Keep all receipts and installation documentation
- Choose high-quality kits that don't require major structural modifications
- Consult with your Infiniti dealer before installation
While technically anyone can attempt to install a Q50 body kit, the reality is more nuanced:
- Skill Requirements: Body kit installation requires working knowledge of automotive assembly, proper fitment techniques, and potentially painting/finishing skills.
- Tool Requirements: Beyond basic hand tools, you may need specialized automotive tools, painting equipment, and proper workspace facilities.
- Complexity Factors: Some kits require simple bolt-on installation, while others demand cutting, drilling, bonding, and extensive modification of factory components.
Professional installation is recommended if:
- The kit requires painting to match your vehicle
- The installation involves complex aerodynamic components
- You're concerned about warranty implications
- The kit requires modification of structural components
DIY installation can be successful for enthusiasts with moderate automotive experience, particularly with high-quality kits designed for straightforward installation.