Bagged Infiniti Q50: A Passion for Performance

Order Your Car Magazines From Our Amazon or Etsy Store!

Already A Member? Grab Your Free Car Magazines Here!!

Introduction: Meet Ricky Molis and his Bagged Infinti Q50

Ricky Molis - Bagged Infiniti Q50

Instagram: @trickyq50

Photographer/Author - Donnie Rochin

Instagram - @r0cean11

Facebook - r0cean11 Photography

http://www.r0cean11.com

“It’s a passion, precision, drive for excellence, and commitment to pushing the boundaries.” — Ricky

I’m Ricky Molis, a 40-year-old automotive enthusiast born and raised in Austin, Texas. Growing up on the East Side of Austin, I developed a passion for cars early on. After graduating from high school, I decided to pursue a career in automotive technology. My journey began with simple modifications—intakes and exhausts—and then I dove into car audio. From there, my passion only grew.

Discovering the Car Scene

My interest in the car scene truly ignited after I acquired my Infiniti Q50. Initially, I told everyone I wasn’t going to turn it into a show car and that I would only make a couple of modifications. However, before I knew it, I found myself at a car show, taking home a Top 25 award at a Clean Culture event. Witnessing the quality of vehicles from Team Diverse inspired me to push myself further and compete at a higher level.

Before the Q50, I owned an Infiniti G35, which I lost in an accident. Upgrading to the Q50 opened up a world of modifications that I never anticipated. I fell in love with the car’s curves and the aggressive front end. I even bought the first set of intakes and exhausts on my way home!

My Car History

My first car was a 1990 Mitsubishi Mirage, which I modified with an intake and dual 12-inch subwoofers, complete with a neon light box. I then upgraded to a 2002 Honda Civic, outfitted with a full Blitz body kit, a custom 2-1/2 inch dual exhaust, and a cold air intake, all painted by Southern Style Customs. Over the years, I’ve modified every car I’ve owned, whether it was enhancing the sound system or adding performance bolt-ons. However, it was the Infiniti Q50 that truly reignited my passion for modifications.

The Joy of Driving My Bagged Infiniti Q50

Driving my Q50 feels like a dream come true. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would own something so beautiful. Knowing that I perform all the work myself makes it even more special. When I park, I always make sure it’s locked, then I look back, smile, giggle, and keep walking. I love it when people honk their horns to get my attention, saying, “Your car is fire!” At shows, I enjoy sharing my DIY experiences with others, offering advice and guidance to those interested in doing their own work.

If you’re considering buying an Infiniti Q50, the year matters. The 2014-2015 models feature the VQ engine (naturally aspirated), while the 2016 and newer models come with the VR30 engine, which has its own set of issues. The VQs are known for valve body issues, while the VR30s have turbo-related concerns.

Unique Modifications of My Bagged Infiniti Q50

What makes my car unique is that I have done all the work on it myself. I learned how to hydro dip my parts first, then came the itch for real carbon fiber. I installed my air suspension, bending hard lines, shaping fiberglass to build subwoofer boxes, and wiring everything from the interior lighting to the backup battery.

Bagged Infiniti Q50 Engine Modifications

• Intake System: Takeda cold air intakes paired with Blox Sport throttle body spacers.

• Exhaust System: DC shorty headers, MotorDyne ART pipes, and a custom 3-inch cat-back exhaust by Shawn at Haul Built Performance.

• Tuning: Tuned by Juan Vargas at Bardabe Performance.

Bagged Infiniti Q50 Interior Enhancements

• Custom Features: Carbon steering wheel, custom carbon pillars, kick panels, and center console.

• Upholstery: Alcantara A-pillars and rear decking, along with a starlight headliner.

• Seating: Braum racing seats with Braum 5-point harnesses and a harness bar, plus custom rear seats with diamond stitching to match the fronts.

Bagged Infiniti Q50 Audio System

• Head Unit: Tesla-style head unit.

• Speakers: Two custom fiberglass enclosures with JL Audio W3 12-inch subwoofers and an ED 600 amp.

Bagged Infiniti Q50 Exterior Modifications

• Wrap: A color shift wrap, dubbed "pink lemonade," chosen and installed by Jaime and RJ Lake.

• Carbon Fiber Components: Front bumper, hood, roof cap, side skirts, trunk, rear diffuser, side mirrors, and V2 carbon fiber fenders.

• Custom Headlights: Built by me, featuring carbon fiber housing and RGB LEDs from Glowe Industries, along with demon eyes.

Bagged Infiniti Q50 Wheels and Suspension

• Wheels: 19-inch 7K wheels with Lexani tires.

• Suspension: Air Force air struts managed by a 3P Air Lift management system, Z1 front upper control arms, Hotchkis front and rear sway bars, Z1 rear camber arms, traction arms, and tow arms, along with Z1 subframe collar bushings, a Pride rear differential brace, and a Tanabe strut bar.

Bagged Infiniti Q50 Brake System

• Brakes: Factory big brake Akebono calipers custom-painted in cosmic red from Tropical Glitz, along with drilled and slotted rotors.

Yes, I’ve done all the work myself, with a bit of help from a couple of my best friends. Everything from hydro dipping to carbon fiber skinning to creating my custom paint.

Future Plans for My Bagged Infiniti Q50

From here on out, my plans include redoing my trunk to add adequate lighting and finishing the lighting in my engine bay. On my wish list is the Stillen supercharger kit. As for selling the vehicle… that will never happen.

The show scene has reignited my passion and motivated me to elevate my car to the level I envision. Along with that, the amazing people I’ve met along the way have become friends who feel like family. We support each other in our car adventures, and my hobbies have evolved into a career where I continue to learn new things. I genuinely love what I do, and my dream car would be an R35 GT-R.

Useful Articles:

• Low and Slow, or Slammed and Sorry? A Cars Stance

• How do tilted wheels and tires work on a modified car?

• Which brand of car tire is the best?

• What is the best oil for my car?

• How can I save money on my car insurance?.

• What is the best car for the money?

• The Best Electric Cars for Your Money in 2023

• Can you modify a car to make it more fuel efficient?

Call to Action

Do you have a build story like this one? Share your journey with Stance Auto Magazine and inspire our car community. Submit your story today!

Get Noticed Use our Hashtags - #stanceauto #stanceautomag #stanceautomagazine #modifiedcarmagazine

UKTM no: UK00003572459