Characteristics of the VK45DE engine
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Yokohama Plant |
| Engine make | VK45 |
| Years of manufacture | 2001-2010 |
| Cylinder block material | aluminum |
| Power system | injector |
| Type | V-type |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 82.7 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 93 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Engine displacement, cc | 4494 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 280/6000, 320/6400, 333/6400, 340/6400 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 451/3600, 446/4000, 455/4000, 452/4000 |
| Fuel | 95 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | city: 19.7, highway: 10.3, mixed: 13.7 |
| Oil consumption, gr./1000 km | to 1000 |
| Engine oil | 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40 |
| How much oil in the engine, liters | 6.4 |
| Oil change is carried out, km | 10000 (better 5000) |
| Engine life, thousand kilometers | in practice: 400+ |
| Tuning | potential: 350+ |
| Motor installed: | Infiniti FX45, Infiniti M45/Nissan Fuga, Infiniti Q45, Nissan Cima, Nissan President |
The VK45 engine was produced at the Yokohama Plant from 2001 to 2010. This eight-cylinder engine has a V-shaped configuration and an aluminum cylinder block with four valves per cylinder.
The engine’s performance is impressive, with a displacement of 4,494 cubic centimeters, with different compression ratios depending on the version – 10.5 or 11 for the VK45DD. Power output ranges from 280 to 340 horsepower depending on the version, reaching a peak torque of 446 to 455 Nm.
Fuel with an octane rating of 95 is recommended for this engine. Fuel consumption for the Infiniti M45 is 19.7 liters per 100 km in the city, 10.3 liters per 100 km on the highway and 13.7 liters per 100 km in mixed mode.
Oil consumption can reach up to 1000 grams per 1000 km. For VK45 engine it is recommended to use oils with viscosity 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 and 10W-40, and the volume of oil in the engine is 6.4 liters. It is recommended to change the oil every 10000 km, although to increase the longevity of the engine it is better to do it every 5000 km.
In practice, the engine resource can exceed 400 thousand kilometers. VK45 engine is installed on Infiniti FX45, Infiniti M45/Nissan Fuga, Infiniti Q45, Nissan Cima and Nissan President.
Troubleshooting and repair of the Infiniti VK45DE engine
The VK45DE engine began production in early 2001 and was first installed in the Infiniti Q45 automobile. This engine replaced the VH41DE and VH45DE, but despite similar geometry to the latter, the VK45DE is a completely new unit. The VK’s cylinder block is a 90°-angle aluminum V8 that retains the same height, with a cylinder bore of 93mm and a piston stroke of 82.7mm. The connecting rods are the same length as on the VH45, 147mm, but the connecting rods are now slightly lighter. The pistons are lighter and the compression ratio has been increased to 10.5.
This engine has two new aluminum cylinder heads with 4 valves per cylinder, designed based on the experience of the successful VQ35DE engine. The heads are equipped with a CVTCS continuously variable intake camshaft timing system and hydrocompensators. The inlet valves are 36 mm in diameter and the exhaust valves are 31.5 mm in diameter. The timing is driven by a chain, which is usually not a problem. The VK45DE has an electronic throttle, variable geometry intake manifold and a new exhaust system.
There was also a direct injection version, similar to the QR20DD, with an increased compression ratio to 11. This engine was called VK45DD and developed 280 hp at 6000 rpm.
Based on this engine was also produced 5.6-liter VK56DE and VK50VE.
Production of VK45DE continued until 2010, after which it was replaced by VK50VE and VK56DE.
Problems and disadvantages of Nissan VK45 engines
This motor is generally not bad, but there is a problem with the front catalytic converters, which can deteriorate due to low-quality gasoline, causing ceramic dust to enter the cylinders. As a result of this, you will most likely have to replace the engine with a new one. Therefore, it is better to replace these catalytic converters with flame arrestors and re-flash the engine management system.
Otherwise, everything is fine, you just need to keep an eye on the cooling system, periodically clean the radiator and check the performance of all units. In addition, regular engine maintenance, the use of quality gasoline and recommended oil is mandatory.
Tuning the Nissan VK45DE engine
Atmospheric
This motor and without tuning has a good power, but spending some money, you can remove a little more horsepower. For this purpose you can use JWT 256/256 camshafts with springs, cold intake, exhaust manifolds and direct exhaust. Under these accessories you need to flash the control unit, it will give about 30-40 hp, for the city is quite enough. Various compressors and turbines are unnecessary, too much fiddling and costs.
MOTOR RATING: 5-