From 2001 to 2010, the Yokohama plant assembled the 4.5-liter V8 Nissan VK45DE engine, also known as VK45, which was fitted to the company’s most costly and potent models, including the Fuga and President.
The company finally unveiled the VH45DE index as a 4.5-liter engine replacement in 2001. This V8 is similar in that it has a 90° camber angle, an aluminum block with cast iron sleeves, two DOHC heads without hydraulic lifters, a timing chain drive, multiport fuel injection, a variable geometry intake manifold, and a CVTCS variable valve timing system on the intake shafts.
Only the fourth generation Cima model was equipped with the 4.5-liter V8 Nissan VK45DD engine, which was manufactured at the Yokohama plant between 2001 and 2003 prior to the first restyling.
A comparable VK45DD engine with the NEO DI direct injection system was introduced alongside the 4.5-liter VK45DE engine with multiport fuel injection. With a 90° camber angle, an aluminum block with cast-iron liners, two DOHC heads without hydraulic lifters, CVTCS type phasers on the intake camshafts, and a timing chain drive, this V8 is identical in every other way.
Internal combustion engines like the VK50VE and VK56 are also part of the VK family.
The engine was mounted on:
- Infiniti FX45 1 (S50) in 2002 – 2008;
- Infiniti Q45 3 (F50) in 2001 – 2006;
- Infiniti M45 2 (Y34) in 2002 – 2004;
- Infiniti M45 3 (Y50) in 2004 – 2010;
- Nissan Fuga 1 (Y50) in 2004 – 2009;
- Nissan President 4 (PGF50) in 2003 – 2010;
- Nissan Cima 4 (F50) in 2001 – 2003.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Yokohama Plant |
| Also called | VK45 |
| Production years | 2001-2010 |
| Cylinder block alloy | aluminum |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 82.7 |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 93 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 (VK45DE) 11 (VK45DD) |
| Displacement, cc | 4494 |
| Power output, hp | 280/6000 320/6400 333/6400 340/6400 |
| Torque output, Nm / rpm | 451/3600 446/4000 455/4000 452/4000 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Weight, kg | 230 (VK45DE) 235 (VK45DD) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (VK45DE for Infiniti FX45 2005) — city — highway — combined |
21.5 12.4 15.7 |
| Oil consumption, gr/1000 km | up to 1000 |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 / 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 6.4 |
| Oil change interval, km | 10000 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
Disadvantages of the VK45DE engine
As with every unit in this series, the suction of collapsing catalyst crumbs directly into the combustion chambers causes a problem with scoring formation. The liners will turn if the oil consumption level is not met.
The timing chains in this engine are highly dependent on the mode of operation, and they frequently stretch on a run of up to 150,000 kilometers for owners who are extremely active.
It is advised to keep a close eye on the power unit’s cooling system, not just for radiator cleanliness but also for the state of the unreliable viscous fan coupling. Overheating is not tolerated by this engine; it leads the cylinder head or pierces the gasket right away.
An intake manifold with flaps, the bolts of which often unscrew and fly straight into the combustion chambers, is a feature of many variations of this engine. Disassembling the manifold and placing the misguided bolts on the sealant is highly desirable.
There are also a lot of complaints on the network regarding unreliable gas pumps in the tank, lambda probes that frequently burn out from low-quality fuel, and trouble starting in the winter. There are no hydraulic compensators here, so don’t forget to adjust the valves’ thermal clearance.
Disadvantages of the VK45DD engine
The unpredictable NEO DI direct fuel injection system installed in this power unit cannot handle poor-quality gasoline; nozzles break and the high-pressure fuel pump shavings drive.
Owners of vehicles with these engines frequently experience cylinder seizures as a result of catalyst crumbs and wear products from the injection pump pusher.
Timing chains can be used for up to 250 thousand kilometers without any issues for cautious owners, but their lifespan is cut in half when driving actively and making abrupt starts.
Since overheating in this engine instantly breaks the gasket or even leads the cylinder head, it is strongly advised to keep a close eye on the cleanliness of the cooling system’s radiators.
Additionally, poor fuel and fuel pump filter clogs cause lambda probes to burn quickly, and they frequently complain about difficult starts in the winter on specialized forums. Additionally, since there are no hydraulic compensators here, remember to modify the thermal clearances of the valves.