Can you supercharge a 3.7 L V6?
Yes. You can boost a 3.7-liter V6—most commonly the Nissan/Infiniti VQ37VHR found in the G37 and 370Z—with a purpose-built supercharger kit and proper supporting upgrades. It requires careful planning, quality installation, and a professional tune to maximize power while protecting the engine and drivetrain.
Overview of boosting a 3.7 L V6
The 3.7 L V6 family is known for strong mid-range torque and a relatively robust bottom end, but adding forced induction dramatically raises stress on pistons, rods, head gaskets, and the cooling system. Power gains vary with the kit, boost level, and tuning, but enthusiasts commonly see meaningful increases—often tens to over a hundred horsepower at the wheels—along with the need for better fueling and heat management.
Key considerations before you boost
Before committing to a boost project, consider the essential factors that influence both performance and reliability.
- Engine health and baseline condition: have compression checked, oil quality, and cooling systems inspected; address any leaks or worn components before boosting.
- Fuel system capacity: you will need larger injectors and likely a higher-capacity fuel pump or return-style setup to feed the engine under boost.
- Cooling and charge-air management: an intercooler (air-to-air or air-to-water), upgraded radiator, and an oil cooler help prevent heat soak and detonation.
- Drivetrain integrity: boosting the engine transfers more torque; ensure the clutch, transmission, differential, and axles are up to it and consider upgrading as needed.
- Emissions, legality, and warranty: verify street-legal status of the kit in your area and understand that boosting can affect factory warranties and emissions compliance.
- Installation scope and cost: a proper install often requires engine management tuning, fuel system upgrades, and cooling work; labor can be substantial.
In short, boosting a 3.7 L V6 is feasible but requires a holistic plan to balance power with reliability and compliance.
What a typical kit and supporting mods look like
A standard supercharger route for the 3.7 L V6 includes several core components and accompanying upgrades to support the increased air and fuel flow.
- Supercharger unit and mounting: a belt-driven unit (often roots- or screw-type) designed to fit the VQ37 family, plus brackets and pulleys.
- Intercooling system: an efficient intercooler with piping to reduce intake air temperatures and minimize detonation risk.
- Fuel system upgrades: larger fuel injectors and an upgraded fuel pump or pump module, sometimes with a fuel pressure regulator or tune to adjust fueling.
- Engine management: a tune, piggyback, or standalone ECU capable of controlling boost, timing, and air/fuel ratios for boosted operation.
- Cooling and lubrication: additional oil cooler and proper oil supply lines to the supercharger, if required by the kit.
- Intake and exhaust: optimized intake plenums and exhaust to reduce backpressure and maximize breathing under boost.
- Accessory drive and belts: reinforced belt and tensioning components to handle added load from the supercharger.
The exact configuration depends on the chosen kit and the target power level, and installation quality can significantly influence results. Always have a qualified shop perform the work and dyno-tune the system for your vehicle and fuel.
Power, safety, and longevity: what to expect
Boosting a 3.7 L V6 typically yields substantial power gains, but the upper limits depend on fuel quality, cooling capacity, and internal conditions. Expect higher maintenance demands, a greater emphasis on preventive lubrication, and more frequent inspections to catch issues early. Running higher boost on stock internals increases the risk of detonation if octane is insufficient or if cooling is inadequate. For most street applications, staying within moderate boost levels and ensuring reliable fueling and cooling yields the best balance of performance and reliability.
Owners should also consider insurance implications and local emissions rules, as some boosting configurations may not be legal in all jurisdictions or could affect warranty coverage.
Summary
Yes, you can supercharge a 3.7 L V6 with a purpose-built kit and proper supporting upgrades. The project requires careful planning around fuel, cooling, driveline strength, and tuning, and should be handled by a qualified installer. Prospective buyers should weigh the power gains against maintenance costs, warranty considerations, and legal requirements, and they should clinically assess the health of the specific engine before boosting.
