Next Level Performance
July 26, 2026 • 11 min read
Our Verdict
The KW Variant 3 is the definitive coilover upgrade for the 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 — 2-way adjustable, TUV-approved, and installable in an afternoon with hand tools.
Budget 4 to 6 hours, a set of spring compressors is optional (KW ships the kit pre-assembled), and plan on a professional alignment afterward. Set the front 20-45 mm lower and the rear 0-45 mm, then dial in rebound and low-speed compression separately.
Shop Our Top Pick →Installing KW V3 coilovers on your Infiniti G37 is the single biggest handling upgrade you can make to the VQ37VHR-powered coupe or sedan, and it is a job most enthusiasts can complete in a home garage in 4 to 6 hours. The G37 left the factory with 330 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque but soft, comfort-tuned dampers and roughly a 3,600-pound curb weight that let the chassis wallow through fast transitions. The KW Variant 3 (V3) coilover kit — part number 35285007 for RWD G37 and Nissan 370Z models — replaces every strut, spring, and damper with an inox-line stainless assembly that adjusts ride height, rebound, and compression independently. This guide walks through the full install, the exact ride-height and damping numbers to run, and the supporting suspension parts you should fit at the same time.
Why the KW V3 Is the Right Coilover for the G37
The KW Variant 3 is a 2-way adjustable coilover, meaning you set rebound (extension) damping and low-speed compression damping on separate circuits rather than a single combined knob. That matters on a heavy, powerful grand tourer like the G37: you can firm up rebound to control body roll while keeping compression compliant enough to absorb Tampa’s expansion joints and broken pavement. Every V3 strut body is CNC-machined stainless steel (KW calls it “inox-line”), so the threaded perches will not seize with rust the way zinc-plated budget coilovers do after a couple of Florida summers.
KW builds the V3 to a TUV-certified lowering window, so you are not guessing at safe ride height. For the 35285007 kit the published range is 20-45 mm (0.8-1.8 in) at the front axle and 0-45 mm (0.2-1.8 in) at the rear. The kit uses progressive-rate springs, a separate 12-click bottom valve for low-speed compression, and a top-mounted rebound adjuster with its own click range. Fitment covers RWD (2WD) G37 and 370Z chassis; the AWD G37x uses a different part number, so confirm your drivetrain before ordering.
Key Specifications
The V3 uses CNC-machined stainless strut bodies that resist corrosion in humid climates.
Tools and Prep Before You Start
You can install the KW V3 kit with common hand tools in about 4 to 6 hours, and no spring compressor is required because KW ships each corner fully assembled. Gather a floor jack and two jack stands, a breaker bar, metric sockets (mainly 17, 19, and 21 mm), a set of combination wrenches, a torque wrench that reads up to 130 lb-ft, penetrating oil, and the KW spanner wrenches included in the kit for perch and damping adjustment.
Work on a cold, level surface and loosen the front and rear wheel lug nuts before you lift the car. Key torque targets on the G37 are roughly 80 lb-ft for the strut-to-knuckle bolts, 65-70 lb-ft for the top strut-mount nuts, and 98 lb-ft for the lug nuts — always confirm against the factory service manual for your exact trim. Spray the strut and lower-mount hardware with penetrating oil 15 minutes before you turn a wrench; salt-belt and coastal cars fight you here.
Step-by-Step KW V3 Coilover Installation
The install follows the same sequence front and rear: unload the corner, unbolt the factory strut, transfer the top mount if required, bolt in the pre-assembled coilover, and snug everything to spec before setting ride height. Do one axle at a time so the opposite side stays as a reference.
Step 1: Lift, Support, and Remove the Wheels
Raise the front of the car and set it securely on jack stands rated well above the G37’s ~1,800 lb front-axle load, then remove the front wheels. Never trust a jack alone. Place a second jack under the lower control arm to support suspension load while you disconnect components.
Step 2: Disconnect the Front Strut
Unbolt the sway-bar end link, the brake-line and ABS-sensor brackets, and the two strut-to-knuckle bolts, then remove the three top strut-mount nuts in the engine bay. Support the knuckle so it does not hang on the CV axle or brake hose. The factory strut assembly will now drop out as a unit.
Each KW V3 corner arrives fully assembled — no spring compressor needed.
Step 3: Install the Front Coilover
Set your desired front ride height on the bench first by threading the lower spring perch, then feed the assembled KW V3 up through the strut tower, start the three top-mount nuts by hand, and bolt the base to the knuckle. Torque the knuckle bolts to about 80 lb-ft and the top nuts to 65-70 lb-ft, then reconnect the end link, brake line, and ABS sensor. Repeat on the opposite front corner.
Step 4: Swap the Rear Shocks and Springs
The G37 rear uses a separate shock and spring, so lift and support the rear, remove the wheels, and unload the lower shock bolt and the upper shock nut to pull the factory damper. The KW V3 rear is a coilover-style unit; install it the same way — height set on the bench, lower bolt to spec, upper nut snug — and transfer any bump stops per the KW instructions. Torque the rear lower shock bolt to the factory figure for your trim.
Step 5: Set Damping, Then Roll and Re-Torque
With all four corners bolted in, set rebound and compression to your baseline (see the next section), lower the car, and roll it forward and back several feet to settle the suspension. Re-check ride height, then re-torque the top mounts and knuckle bolts once the weight is on the wheels. Do not drive it to the alignment shop until every fastener is verified.
The V3’s separate rebound and 12-click compression adjusters let you tune ride quality independently.
How Low Should You Go? Setting Ride Height
For a street-driven G37, a front drop of 25-30 mm and a rear drop of 20-25 mm gives a level, aggressive stance without wrecking suspension geometry or ride quality. The KW V3 allows up to 45 mm front and rear, but going to the extreme end pushes the control arms past their ideal angle, adds bump-steer, and eats into fender clearance on 19-inch wheels. Measure from hub center to fender lip on all four corners and aim for even gaps side to side.
Set ride height with the lower spring perch (which keeps full damper travel) rather than by winding the whole strut body down. Always corner-balance after the car has been rolled and settled, and re-measure the next day — new springs relax slightly over the first 50-100 miles, so a small follow-up adjustment is normal.
Set height on the lower perch to preserve full damper stroke.
Dial In the Damping: Rebound and Compression
Because the KW V3 separates rebound from low-speed compression, start from KW’s recommended baseline and adjust one variable at a time. A sensible street baseline on the G37 is rebound set roughly in the middle of its range and compression backed off 4-6 clicks from full firm on the 12-click bottom valve. Firmer rebound tightens body control and reduces float; softer compression restores compliance over sharp bumps.
Change one adjuster by two or three clicks, drive the same stretch of road, and note the result before touching the other circuit. Track-day drivers typically add rebound and compression together for flatter cornering; daily drivers usually prefer the softer end of both. Keep a log of your settings so you can return to a known-good baseline.
Do Not Skip the Alignment (and These Supporting Mods)
A professional alignment is mandatory after installing coilovers — lowering the G37 adds negative camber and toe change that will chew the inner edges off a set of tires in a few thousand miles if left uncorrected. On a moderate street drop, target roughly -1.5 to -2.0 degrees of front camber and near-zero toe for even wear and sharp turn-in. The factory front subframe has limited camber adjustment, so an Eibach Pro-Alignment camber kit is the clean way to bring the numbers back into spec.
Coilovers also expose the limits of the factory sway bars and rubber end links. Upgrading to adjustable sway bars and spherical or adjustable-length end links restores roll stiffness and lets you fine-tune balance. The table below shows a complete G37 handling package built around the KW V3, with each part’s role and price.
| Part | Role in the Setup | Price |
|---|---|---|
| KW V3 Coilover KitFoundation | 2-way adjustable height, rebound & compression | $3,094.00 |
| Eibach Front Camber Kit | Restores front camber after lowering | $844.00 |
| Whiteline Front & Rear Sway Bar Kit | Adjustable roll stiffness, front and rear | $674.69 |
| Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars | Larger-diameter bars for flatter cornering | $629.10 |
| Whiteline Adjustable End Links | Corrects link angle on a lowered car | $127.16 |
Hotchkis larger-diameter sport sway bars pair well with the KW V3 for track use.
Adjustable end links restore correct link angle once the car is lowered.
What We Like
- + Independent rebound and low-speed compression adjustment
- + TUV-approved lowering range up to 45 mm front and rear
- + Corrosion-resistant inox-line stainless strut bodies
- + Ships fully assembled — no spring compressor needed
Things to Consider
- – Premium price versus entry-level coilovers
- – Requires a professional alignment and a camber kit to finish the job
- – RWD-specific — the AWD G37x needs a different part number
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to install KW V3 coilovers on a G37?
Most home mechanics install the KW V3 kit on an Infiniti G37 in 4 to 6 hours. The kit ships fully assembled, so no spring compressor is needed; the bulk of the time goes to unbolting the factory struts, setting ride height, and re-torquing everything after the car is back on the ground. Budget extra time on a coastal or salt-belt car where hardware may be seized.
How much can you lower an Infiniti G37 with KW V3 coilovers?
The KW V3 kit (part 35285007) has a TUV-certified lowering range of 20-45 mm (0.8-1.8 in) at the front and 0-45 mm (0.2-1.8 in) at the rear. For a street car we recommend about 25-30 mm front and 20-25 mm rear for a level stance that keeps suspension geometry and ride quality reasonable.
Do I need an alignment after installing coilovers on a G37?
Yes — a professional alignment is required after any coilover install. Lowering the G37 adds negative camber and changes toe, which will wear the inner tire edges quickly if left uncorrected. Target roughly -1.5 to -2.0 degrees of front camber with near-zero toe, and add an Eibach camber kit because the factory subframe has limited adjustment.
What does 2-way adjustable mean on the KW V3?
2-way adjustable means the KW V3 lets you set rebound (extension) damping and low-speed compression damping on separate circuits. A top adjuster controls rebound and a 12-click bottom valve controls low-speed compression, so you can firm up body control without making the ride harsh over sharp bumps — something single-adjustable coilovers cannot do.
Are KW V3 coilovers good for daily driving?
Yes. The KW V3 is designed as a street-and-track coilover, and its separate compression adjustment lets you soften low-speed bump absorption for daily comfort while keeping rebound firm enough to control the G37’s ~3,600 lb body. Set a moderate ride height and the softer end of both adjusters for the best everyday ride.
Does the KW V3 kit fit both the G37 coupe and the 370Z?
Part number 35285007 fits RWD (2WD) 2008-2013 Infiniti G37 models and the 2009+ Nissan 370Z, since both share the FM platform and VQ-series V6. The AWD G37x uses a different KW part number, so verify your drivetrain before ordering to make sure you get the correct kit.
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