Numerous Nissan models built on the Front Midship platform are equipped with the Nissan VQ35HR 3.5-liter V6 engine, which has been assembled at the company’s Japanese facility since 2006. Such a unit is currently only utilized in hybrid power plants.
An upgraded VQ35DE engine for FM platform models debuted in 2006. This aluminum cylinder block has a CVTCS-style phase control system, a timing chain drive, and two DOHC heads without hydraulic lifters. However, they also differ in a few ways: the cylinder block has been strengthened and raised by 8 mm; the necks and crankshaft liners have grown in size; the connecting rod length has increased from 144 to 152 mm; additional pistons with asymmetric skirts have been added; phase regulators are now located on the inlet and outlet; and the compression ratio has been increased from 10.3 to 10.6.
The new engine’s intake and exhaust were completely redesigned, the oil pump gear was increased, and the camshaft cams and pushers’ friction was reduced by 40% because of the DLC coating. The issue of five or six cylinders overheating has been resolved with the modernization of the cooling system.
Internal combustion engines VQ30DE, VQ30DET, VQ30DD, VQ35DE, VQ35DD, and VQ37VHR are also part of the VQ30 series.
The engine was mounted on:
- Infiniti G35 4 (V36), Q50 1 (V37), EX35 1 (J50), FX35 2 (S51), M35 3 (Y50), M35h 4 (Y51), Q70 1 (Y51);
- Nissan 350Z 5 (Z33), Cima 5 (Y51), Fuga 1 (Y50), Fuga 2 (Y51), Skyline 12 (V36), Skyline 13 (V37);
- Mitsubishi Dignity 2 (Y51).
Specifications
| Start of production | 2006 |
| Displacement, cc | 3498 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 300 – 315 |
| Torque output, Nm | 340 – 365 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 95.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 81.4 |
| Compression ratio | 10.6 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | CVTCS |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.9 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan 350Z 2007) — city — highway — combined |
16.1 8.7 11.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~400 000 |
| Weight, kg | 190 |
Disadvantages of the VQ35HR engine
Seizures in the oil burner and cylinders are this engine’s most well-known issue. Many believe that the crumbs of collapsing catalysts, which are drawn into the combustion chambers, are the primary cause of their appearance. On these kinds of units, oil consumption is a common occurrence.
The cardboard oil channel gaskets, which are situated beneath the engine’s front cover, are another weak point of this motor. They can be squeezed out up to 100,000 kilometers, which typically results in a quick lubrication loss and increases the chance of the power unit becoming jammed.
Additionally, during extremely aggressive operation, camshaft covers may coke and air filters may be crushed, causing the engine to stall at low speeds. It will be necessary to periodically adjust the valve clearances because there are no hydraulic lifters.