3.5-liter V6 engine Nissan VQ35HR is assembled at the Japanese plant of the company since 2006 and installed on numerous models of the concern, created on the Front Midship platform. At the moment, this unit is used only as part of a hybrid powertrain.
Technical characteristics of the engine Nissan VQ35HR 3.5
Main parameters
The Nissan VQ35HR engine is a V-shaped six-cylinder motor with 24 valves and an exact volume of 3498 cm³. The cylinder diameter is 95.5 mm and the piston stroke is 81.4 mm. The engine is equipped with an injector-type power system and has an output of 300 to 315 horsepower with torque ranging from 340 to 365 Nm. The compression ratio is 10.6, which allows the use of AI-95 fuel. The engine meets the environmental standards EURO 4/5, and its weight according to the catalog is 190 kg.
Description of the VQ35HR 3.5 liter engine
In 2006, an improved version of the VQ35DE engine was presented, designed for models on the FM platform. VQ35HR has an aluminum cylinder block and two DOHC heads without hydrocompensators, chain drive timing and CVTCS type phase control system. In the new motor, the cylinder block is 8 mm higher and has been reinforced. Crankshaft journals and liners were increased, the length of connecting rods increased from 144 to 152 mm. There are also new pistons with asymmetrical skirts, and phase controllers are now installed on both the intake and exhaust, which increased the compression ratio from 10.3 to 10.6.
The intake and exhaust system has been significantly redesigned. In particular, the oil pump gear has been enlarged, and DLC coating of camshaft cams and tappets has reduced their friction by 40%. The modernized cooling system eliminated overheating problems of the fifth and sixth cylinders.
Vehicles with VQ35HR engine
The VQ35HR engine was installed in various Infiniti and Nissan models. Among them:
- Infiniti G35 (V36) – 2006-2009
- Infiniti Q50 (V37) – 2013-2020
- Infiniti EX35 (J50) – 2007-2012
- Infiniti FX35 (S51) – 2008-2012
- Infiniti M35 (Y50) – 2008-2010
- Infiniti M35h (Y51) – 2011-2013
- Infiniti Q70 (Y51) – 2013-2019
- Nissan 350Z (Z33) – 2006-2009
- Nissan Cima (Y51) – 2012-2020
- Nissan Fuga (Y50) – 2007-2009
- Nissan Fuga (Y51) – 2010 to present
- Nissan Skyline (V36) – 2006-2008
- Nissan Skyline (V37) – 2014-present
- Mitsubishi Dignity (Y51) – 2012-2016
VQ35HR engine reviews: pros and cons
Disadvantages
Excellent power characteristics. The VQ35HR engine delivers impressive power in the 300-315 horsepower range, which provides excellent dynamics and performance. This makes it a popular choice for sports cars and premium sedans.
Plenty of tuning kits. The widespread availability of this motor in the aftermarket has created an extensive selection of tuning kits and parts. This allows owners to easily improve the engine’s performance and customize it to their preferences.
Robust construction. The VQ35HR is renowned for its strength and durability. The engine has a sturdy aluminum cylinder block and quality components, making it a reliable choice for many vehicles.
Aftermarket Prevalence. Due to its popularity and widespread use, it’s easy to find parts and repair services for the VQ35HR. This makes it easy to maintain and repair the motor, especially when you consider the age and number of vehicles equipped with this engine.
Disadvantages
High fuel consumption. One of the major disadvantages of the engine is its significant fuel consumption. This can be a problem for owners, especially considering the age of the vehicles and rising fuel prices.
Sensitivity of catalytic converters to gasoline quality. The catalytic converters of the VQ35HR engine are prone to damage when poor quality fuel is used. This can lead to the need for frequent catalytic converter replacement and potential engine performance degradation.
Scuffing and oil build-up. The most well-known problem is cylinder scoring, which leads to increased oil consumption. This is usually due to the destruction of catalysts and their particles getting into the combustion chambers.
Absence of hydrocompensators. The engine lacks hydrocompensators, which requires regular adjustment of valve clearances. This complicates maintenance and increases the cost of keeping the engine in good condition.
VQ35HR 3.5 engine service regulations
Oil Service:
- Oil change intervals: every 10,000 kilometers
- Lubricant volume in the engine: 5.3 liters.
- Necessary quantity for replacement: about 4.9 liters.
- Oil type: 5W-30 or 5W-40.
Gas distribution mechanism:
- Type of timing drive: chain.
- Declared service life: not limited.
- Practical life: 200 – 250 thousand kilometers.
- In case of chain breakage/breakage: valve bending is possible.
Valve thermal clearances:
- Adjustment: every 100,000 km
- Principle of adjustment: selection of tappets.
- Inlet valve clearances: 0.26 – 0.34 mm.
- Exhaust valve clearances: 0.29 – 0.37 mm.
Consumables replacement:
- Air filter: every 30,000 km
- Fuel filter: none.
- Tank filter: every 120,000 km.
- Spark plugs: every 30,000 km.
- Auxiliary belt: every 120,000 km.
- Coolant: every 5 years or 100,000 km.
Engine flaws, failures and problems
Oil addiction. One of the most common problems is increased oil consumption and cylinder scoring. This is usually due to the destruction of catalysts that get into the combustion chambers, which leads to rapid wear and the need for frequent oil refills.
Lubricant leaks. A problem area is the cardboard gaskets of the oil passages under the front engine cover. These gaskets can fail before 100,000 kilometers of mileage, resulting in oil leaks and a potential risk of engine seizure.
Rare Problems. Aggressive operation can cause problems with air filters and encrustation of the camshaft covers, which leads to unstable engine operation at low speeds. The absence of hydrocompensators requires periodic adjustment of valve clearances.
Despite all the disadvantages, the VQ35HR engine remains one of the reliable and powerful units that can serve faithfully with proper care and regular maintenance. The manufacturer indicates the engine life up to 250,000 km, but with proper care and compliance with all recommendations it can serve much longer.