VR30DDTT Ported Intake Manifold & Plenum: A Billet Alternative for the Q50 and Q60 3.0T
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The VR30DDTT is the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 in the 2016 and newer Infiniti Q50 3.0T and the 2017 and newer Q60 3.0T. Stock, it makes 300 hp, or 400 hp in Red Sport 400 trim. It responds well to a tune and bolt-ons, and once the turbos are moving more air, the factory intake manifold and plenum become part of what's holding the engine back.
You can solve that with a billet aluminum intake manifold, but those run around $1,900 and up. We take a different route: we port the factory parts. You keep the OEM fit and construction, and you open up the spots where the factory castings restrict airflow.
Where the factory VR30 intake is restrictive
There are three places we focus on:
- Intake manifold runners. The runners on the factory manifold are smaller than the intake ports on the cylinder heads they bolt to. Air hits a step at that joint instead of flowing straight into the head.
- Plenum lower runners. The runners on the bottom of the plastic plenum feed the manifold, and they're tighter than they need to be for a modified engine.
- Throttle body openings. The openings where the throttle bodies meet the plenum are another pinch point in the path.
What we do to the intake manifold
Our VR30DDTT ported intake manifold has each runner opened up approximately 3mm. That brings the runner size closer to the head port and smooths the transition between the two, so air moves into the cylinder head with less turbulence.
What we do to the plenum
On our VR30DDTT ported intake plenum, the lower runners are ported approximately 3mm and the throttle body openings are enlarged approximately 2mm. Together, that reduces restriction from the throttle bodies all the way down to the manifold.
Why we don't paint the 3.0T manifold and plenum
On our VQ parts, we ceramic paint the aluminum castings in the color you choose. The VR30DDTT intake manifold and plenum are plastic factory parts, so we port them and leave them in their original factory finish. The only VR30 parts we paint are the throttle bodies.
Buy them together and save
If you're doing both, the VR30DDTT complete ported manifold and plenum package costs less than buying each part separately, and it gives you a matched intake path from the throttle bodies to the heads.
Pair it with ported throttle bodies
Because the plenum's throttle body openings are enlarged, our ported and ceramic painted VR30DDTT throttle bodies are the natural next step. Each bore is ported approximately 1–2mm and polished inside, and the outside is ceramic painted in the color you pick.
What to expect
Porting removes restriction. How much power that frees up depends on the rest of your setup: your tune, intake, intercooling and turbo work. Ported intake parts make the biggest difference on cars that are already modified and tuned, and we recommend having your tuner adjust for the added airflow after install.
Fitment
- 2016–2026 Infiniti Q50 with the 3.0T (VR30DDTT), including Red Sport 400
- 2017–2024 Infiniti Q60 with the 3.0T (VR30DDTT), including Red Sport 400
These parts do not fit the 2.0T, the Q50 Hybrid, or the 2014–2015 Q50 and Q60 with the 3.7 (VQ37VHR). For the 3.7, see our VQ35HR / VQ37VHR parts. Not sure which engine you have? Read which engine is in my Q50 or Q60.
FAQ
Do I need a tune after installing a ported manifold and plenum?
It's recommended. A tune lets the ECU take full advantage of the extra airflow.
How long does it take to ship?
Every ported part is made to order, so most orders ship in 2–3 weeks. Contact us for a current estimate.
Will it look different from stock?
From the outside, no. The manifold and plenum keep their factory finish. The work is on the inside of the runners and openings.