Infiniti G35 Time Attack Build | Thunder Lane TL-ONE Coilovers
Anthony Guarnieri (@ag_g35) has built his Infiniti G35 into a focused, repeatable Time Trial weapon—one that proves smart engineering and execution can run with (and sometimes outrun) far higher-power cars. With a VQ37VHR swap, Thunder Lane suspension, and a steadily refined aero and braking package, this G35 has evolved quickly into a front-running platform across SCCA and NASA Time Trial competition.
At roughly 338whp / 270wtq and about ~3300 lbs with driver and full fuel, the car’s performance comes from balance: a predictable chassis, reliable braking, consistent cooling and oil control, and an aero package that supports speed in the corners—not just in a straight line.
Build Snapshot
Power & Weight
- Output: 338whp / 270wtq
- Weight: ~3300 lbs with driver and full fuel
Engine
- Swap: VQ37VHR
- Guilty Garage 3" intakes
- Concept Z Performance lightweight flywheel and clutch + HRK CSC delete
- EcuTek tune
- ISR long tube headers
- GKTech swirl pot
- Koyorad oil cooler
- GReddy baffled oil pan
Suspension
- Coilovers: Thunder Lane TL-ONE
- Spring rates: 20k front / 8k true rear (Swift)
- GKTech control arms and chassis components
- Hotchkis front sway bar
Wheels
- Konig Hexaform 18x10.5 +18
Brakes
- Wilwood 6-piston front / 4-piston rear
- Carbotech XP20 (front) / XP10 (rear)
- Castrol SRF brake fluid
Drivetrain
- Tomei 1.5-way LSD
- 3.9 final drive
- 370Z axles and hubs
Interior & Safety
- Autopower 4-point roll bar
- RaceQuip containment seat and 6-point harnesses
- Halfway gutted interior
Aero
- Homemade wooden front splitter
- Nine Lives Racing swan neck 70" rear wing
- Duraflex front bumper
How TL-ONE Suspension Supports the Build
As the car’s power, aero, and braking capability increased, suspension quality became the defining factor in how consistently the G35 could be driven at the limit. The Thunder Lane TL-ONE one-way coilover system was selected to provide a stable, predictable platform that complements the car’s mechanical grip and evolving aero package.
Paired with 20k front and 8k true rear Swift springs, the TL-ONE setup supports the wide square tire configuration and allows the chassis to stay composed under heavy braking, high-speed transitions, and sustained cornering loads. The spring balance helps maintain rear traction on corner exit while preserving front-end authority during turn-in and mid-corner load.
More importantly, the TL-ONE’s damping philosophy prioritizes control and repeatability over harshness. This allows Anthony to push confidently across long Time Trial sessions, maintain consistent lap times, and adapt the setup as aero grip increased—particularly with the addition of a large rear wing and splitter.
Rather than masking setup issues, the suspension provides clear feedback, making incremental changes meaningful and predictable. That clarity has been a major contributor to the car’s rapid development and its ability to perform across multiple tracks, organizations, and conditions.
The Two-Month VHR Swap: From Setback to Momentum
In late March, the original DE motor suffered a failure after an entire weekend of knocking. Despite this, Anthony still managed to finish 5th overall in the Time Trial event before the engine ultimately locked up.
Following the failure, a decisive pivot was made. A complete VQ37VHR engine, transmission, and differential from a NISMO 370Z were sourced, older components were sold to recoup budget, and a clean plug-and-play wiring harness was constructed to streamline the swap.
From teardown to track-ready, the entire VHR conversion was completed in approximately two months, allowing the car to debut at HyperFest Time Trial in May.
Event Timeline: Proven at Multiple Tracks
HyperFest Time Trial – VIR
The freshly swapped car immediately delivered competitive pace at VIR, running a 2:05, followed by a 2:07 while operating without 5th gear—riding the limiter for much of the lap. Watch the onboard.
CMP National Tour
After a subsequent transmission failure and rapid repair, Anthony finished 8th overall at CMP with consistent 1:42 lap times. Watch the onboard.
NCR SCCA Time Trial – NCCAR
With the car further refined, Anthony secured a breakthrough result—setting new records and finishing 1st overall at the NCR SCCA Time Trial. Read the full article .
NASA Skelebration – CMP
At NASA Skelebration, Anthony finished 2nd in a competitive TT4 field with a best lap of 1:41.7. Watch the onboard.
Why This Build Works
The success of this G35 isn’t defined by a single component, but by how well each system supports the next. Suspension stability enables aero effectiveness, braking consistency supports deeper entries, and drivetrain reliability allows the car to be pushed repeatedly without compromise.
It’s a build centered on execution and refinement—one that continues to evolve, but already demonstrates what’s possible when balance and engineering take priority.
