Nissan VQ35DE/VQ35HR 3.5 engine

Nissan VQ35DE engine specifications

The VQ35DE engine is manufactured at Decherd Powertrain Plant and Iwaki Plant from 2000 to the present. This engine has an aluminum cylinder block and uses an injection power system. It belongs to the V-type six-cylinder unit, each cylinder is equipped with four valves. The piston stroke is 81.4 mm and the cylinder diameter is 95.5 mm. The compression ratio of the engine is 10.3, and for the VQ35HR modification – 10.6.

The engine displacement is 3498 cubic centimeters. Engine power varies in a wide range from 217 to 313 horsepower, and torque – from 314 to 371 Nm at different rpm.

The engine is recommended to use fuel with an octane rating of 95. It also meets the Euro 4/5 environmental standards. Fuel consumption for the 350Z is 16.8 l/100 km in the city, 8.8 l/100 km on the highway and 10.7 l/100 km in mixed mode.

Recommended engine oils include 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30 and 10W-40 and the engine has a capacity of 4.7 liters. It is recommended to change the oil every 15000 km, although it is better to reduce this interval to 7500 km.

According to the factory, the engine resource is not specified, but in practice its life cycle can exceed 400 thousand kilometers. The VQ35DE engine was installed in many models, including Nissan 350Z, Altima, Teana, Murano, Maxima, Pathfinder, Skyline (V35), as well as a number of models from Infiniti, Renault and other automakers.

Troubleshooting and repair of Teana / Murano/ 350Z / G35 / FX35 VQ35DE engine

The VQ35 engine is one of Nissan’s most common motors, having won various awards for being the best motor of the year. It replaces the 3-liter VQ30DE from the first-generation VQ. In its most common modification, the power output is 280 hp, but depending on the specific model, this figure can vary from 230 to 250 hp in the second generation and from 260 to 300 hp in the third generation. The main differences between the two variants concern the intake manifold, cylinder head channels, a reinforced cylinder block and less stiff valve springs.

From a technical point of view, the engine is initially equipped with a forged crankshaft and connecting rods (connecting rod length 144.2 mm), and the pistons are molybdenum-coated (compression height 30.1 mm). A variable camshaft timing system is used, with CVTC on the intake shafts. Camshaft characteristics: phase 240/238, lift 9.57/9.57 mm. Off-road versions can have camshafts with phase 230/232 and lift 9.0/9.0 mm. There are no hydrocompensators, adjustment of valve clearances is made by the method of tappet selection every 100 thousand kilometers, although in practice, the motors can roll much more and remain in the norm. A reliable chain is used in the timing system.

For Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition and some models of Infiniti G35 V35 was released engine VQ35DE Rev up, which differs by the system of changing the timing on the intake and exhaust camshafts (CVTC), as well as the camshafts themselves. Their characteristics: phase 248/248, lift 10.59/10.59 mm. The intake manifold is of short design. These engines could run at speeds up to 7000 rpm and produce 298 hp at 6400 rpm.

In 2006, an improved version of this engine appeared – VQ35HR, which was mainly used on Infiniti models. They differed in the system of changing the gas distribution phases on the intake and exhaust camshafts. The characteristics of camshafts changed to the following: phase 248/248, lift 10.54/10.54 mm. Reinforced valve springs and larger diameter valves have also been used. The cylinder block has also been redesigned (increased rigidity and height), long connecting rods (152.2 mm), new lightweight pistons, compression ratio increased to 10.6. The intake system and intake ducts have been completely changed, and equal-length manifolds have been installed at the exhaust. The VQ35HR engine operates at speeds up to 7500 rpm and develops 306 hp at 6800 rpm.

Together with this engine, other related motors were also produced: VQ20, VQ23, VQ25, VQ30, VQ37, VQ40.

Since 2007, the VQ35HR engine began to be replaced by the 3.7-liter VQ37VHR.

Nissan VQ35 engine problems, weaknesses, and faults

High oil consumption

The root of the evil here catalytic converters, on this motor they are sensitive to the quality of gasoline and can quickly fall into disrepair, clogging ceramic dust lower catalytic converters, and then this sand gets into the engine and grinds the walls of the cylinders, the compression drops, oil and fuel consumption increases, there are interruptions in the engine, the car constantly stalls, does not immediately start, etc. The issue is solved by VQ35DE overhaul or engine replacement, plus the purchase of four new catalytic converters. To prevent such troubles, it is necessary to go at once and change the upper catalytic converters to flame arrestors, it will reduce the norms of toxicity, but the above described problem will bypass you.

If it’s not the catalytic converters, then look for a problem in the oil rings.

VQ35DE overheating

This problem is not common, but it is possible, and the consequences can be serious, such as warping of the valve cover or warping of the cylinder head. It is recommended to check the radiator tanks for leaks, the cooling system for air plugs, and to clean the radiator.

Instable idle on VQ35HR

The most common cause is the exhaust camshaft caps. It is recommended to check and, if necessary, replace them.
All other problems and malfunctions are not systemic and can occur as a result of operating conditions. The VQ35DE (and VQ35HR) engine itself is as reliable as a hammer, has a significant resource and under normal operation is able to pass more than 500 thousand kilometers. Recommended for purchase.

Teana / Murano / 350Z / G35 / FX35 VQ35DE engine tuning

Chip tuning and atmo

This engine has a huge potential for more power, and it’s worth taking full advantage of that. While it is possible to go the chip tuning route and add about 10 horses, given the capabilities of this motor, that approach is not the most sensible. Our goal is a serious increase in power, and for this purpose it is necessary to install the upper shafts. We order 272/272 camshafts, cut gears, connecting rod bolts, forged piston group with increased compression ratio, 440 cc injectors, cylinder head porting (which provides better cylinder filling and exhaust), larger valves, springs, intake manifold (often Kinetix is used), cold air kit, two equal-length exhaust manifolds, exhaust manifold, Motec engine management system. The result can be up to 400 horsepower, provided quality components are used. The cost of such an upgrade is quite high, so most tuners prefer the supercharger route, which we’ll discuss below.

Compressor on the VQ35DE

To install the compressor, you need to use a forged piston group with a low compression ratio (around 8.5-8.8) and a cylinder block liner. For pressures up to 0.4 bar, lasing and block replacement is not required. Also required will be cylinder block stiffeners, compressor kit (your choice), 256 phase camshafts, 600cc injectors, cylinder head porting, Walbro 255 gasoline pump, and straight-through exhaust. Up to 400 horsepower can be achieved with the standard piston group and 0.4 bar boost pressure. The stock piston group allows you to squeeze out about 400 horsepower at the wheels, and even 450 horsepower on the VQ35HR engine. On a forged piston group and a larger compressor, 450 horsepower or more can be achieved, depending on the type of compressor and the availability of a strike kit.

Turbo kit for VQ35DE. VQ35DET. VQ35DETT

To properly install the turbocharger, the above configuration with forged piston group and cylinder block liner is suitable. Instead of a compressor kit, a turbo kit is used to achieve around 450-500 horsepower or more, depending on the type of turbos used. The VQ35DE engine is capable of producing over 1,000 horsepower, but that would require replacing many components, and such projects are unique and not worth discussing here.

ENGINE RATING: 5-