VQ35HR Engine Review: Problems, Reliability and Specs

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In 2006, a new version of VQ-series motors, 3.5L VQ35HR engine, was presented. It’s employed for rear-drive Nissan and Infinity automobiles. 80% of old Nissan VQ35DE motor details were subjected to major restyling and updates to make a new motor more durable at high rpm.

Engineers consolidated aluminum cylinder block and made it higher by 8.4 mm. As a result, longer connecting rods were utilized (152.2 mm). The compression index was raised due to the usage of more lightweight pistons made of aluminum. Intake and exhaust camshafts feature CVTC, a variable valve timing system. Valves are larger and have tough springs.

VQ35HR received asymmetrical twin intake configuration to lessen air intake resistance in addition to straight intake port design for better efficiency at high revs.

Camshafts have duration 248/248 and valves lift 10.54/10.54 mm. The plastic intake manifold was redesigned and fresh sports headers were added.  Improved ventilation of cylinder volume led to a reduction of air flow by 18% in the intake system and its growth by 25% in the exhaust system. Since 2010, the brand equipped its hybrid vehicles with this motor, applying a lithium-ion battery. They managed to reach output of 360 hp.

VQ35HR Specs

The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:

• VQ – Engine Family
• 35 – 3.5 Liter Displacement
• HR – High Response and High Revolution

Engine code	VQ35HR
Layout	Four-stroke, V6
Fuel type	Gasoline (petrol)
Production	2007-present
Displacement	3.5 L, 3,498 cc (213.45 cu in)
Fuel system	Direct Injection
Power adder	None
Power output	297 HP (221 kW, 300 PS) at 6,500 rpm 302 HP (225 kW, 306 PS) at 6,800 rpm 306 HP (228 kW, 310 PS) at 6,800 rpm 311 HP (232 kW, 315 PS) at 6,800 rpm
Torque output	343 Nm (34.9 kg·m, 252.9 lb·ft) at 4,800 rpm 350 Nm (35.7 kg·m, 258.1 lb·ft) at 5,000 rpm 355 Nm (36.2 kg·m, 216.8 lb·ft) at 4,800 rpm 358 Nm (36.5 kg·m, 264.0 lb·ft) at 4,800 rpm
Firing order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Dimensions (L x W x H):	–
Weight	–

Cylinder block
Cylinder block alloy		Aluminium
Compression ratio:		10.6:1
Cylinder bore:		95.5 mm (3.760 in)
Piston stroke:		81.4 mm (3.205 in)
Number of piston rings (compression / oil):		2 / 1
Number of main bearings:		4
Cylinder inner diameter (standard):		95.500-95.510 mm (3.7598-3.7602 in)
Piston skirt diameter (standard):		95.480-95.490 mm (3.7590-3.7594 in)
Piston pin outer diameter:		21.989-21.995 mm (0.8657-0.8659 in)
Piston ring side clearance:	Top	0.040-0.080 mm (0.0016-0.0031 in)
	Second	0.030-0.070 mm (0.0012-0.0028 in)
	Oil	0.055-0.155 mm (0.0022-0.0061 in)
Piston ring end gap:	Top	0.23-0.33 mm (0.0091-0.0130 in)
	Second	0.23-0.33 mm (0.0091-0.0130 in)
	Oil	0.17-0.47 mm (0.0067-0.0185 in)
Connecting rod bushing inner diameter:		22.000-22.006 mm (0.8661-0.8664 in)
Connecting rod big end diameter:		57.000 mm (2.2441 in)
Connecting rod center distance:		144.15-144.25 mm (5.68-5.68 in)
Crankshaft main journal diameter:		64.975 mm (2.5581 in)
Crankpin diameter:		53.974 mm (2.1250 in)
Crankshaft center distance:		40.66-40.74 mm (1.6008-1.6039 in)

 

Cylinder head
Block head alloy		Aluminium
Valve Arrangement:		DOHC, chain drive
Cylinder head height:		126.3-126.5 mm (4.97-4.98 in)
Valves:		24 (4 valves per cylinder)
Intake valve timing (Intake valve timing control-OFF):		248°
Exhaust valve timing:		248°
Valve head diameter:	INTAKE	36.6-36.9 mm (1.441-1.453 in)
	EXHAUST	30.2-30.5 mm (1.189-1.201 in)
Valve length:	INTAKE	97.13 mm (3.8240 in)
	EXHAUST	94.67 mm (3.7272 in)
Valve stem diameter:	INTAKE	5.965-5.980 mm (0.2348-0.2354 in)
	EXHAUST	5.962-5.970 mm (0.2347-0.2350 in)
Valve spring free length:	INTAKE	43.85 mm (1.7264 in)
	EXHAUST	43.85 mm (1.7264 in)
Camshaft cam height:	INTAKE	45.865-46.055 mm (1.8057-1.8132 in)
	EXHAUST	45.875-46.065 mm (1.8061-1.8136 in)
Exhaust camshaft journal diameter:	№1	25.935-25.955 mm (1.0211-1.0218 in)
	№2, 3, 4, 5	23.445-23.465 mm (0.9230-0.9238 in)

Applications

• 2007–2008 Nissan Fairlady Z Version Nismo Type 380RS-C
• 2007–2008 Nissan Fairlady Z Version Nismo Type 380RS

VQ35HR Engine Problems and Reliability

Owners of VQ35HR may face rough idling, caused by malfunction of exhaust camshaft caps. They must be checked and changed if necessary. Besides, it’s recommended to pay attention to the state of mass air flow sensor.

Like its predecessor VQ35DE, VQ35HR is a powerful and durable motor. It can run for more than 250,000 miles without any repairs needed.

VQ35HR features 3 timing chains and each of them can run for 150,000 miles (200,000-250,000 kilometers). After each 60,000 miles (90,000 kilometers) run, it’s advisable to regulate valve clearance. Generally, the minimum lifespan of this motor is about 200,000 miles (300,000 kilometers).

Valve clearance (HOT)
Intake valve	0.304-0.416 mm (0.012-0.016 in)
Exhaust valve	0.308-0.432 mm (0.012-0.017 in)
Compression pressure
Standard	13.0 kg/m2 (185 psi) / 300 rpm
Minimun	10.0 kg/m2 (142 psi) / 300 rpm
Compression differential limit between cylinders	1.0 kg/m2 (15 psi) / 300 rpm
Oil system
Oil consumption , L/1000 km (qt. per miles)	up to 0.5 (1 qt. per 1200 miles)
Recommended engine oil	5W-30
Oil type API	–
Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity)	With filter change 4.9 l (5-1/8 US. qt., 4-3/8 Imp. qt.) Without filter change 4.6 l (4-7/8 Us. qt., 4 Imp. qt.)
Oil change interval, km (miles)	5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000)
Oil Pressure, kPa (kg/cm 2, psi)	Idle speed: More than 98 (1.0, 14) 2,000 rpm: More than 294 (3.0, 43)
Ignition system
Spark plug	DENSO: FXE24HR11
Spark plug gap	1.1 mm (0.043 in)