Nissan VQ engines, successors of VE and VG motors, were first released in 1994, but they remain among the most reliable and powerful motors, constantly getting to Ward’s 10 Best Engines list. They are V6 motors with a capacity ranging from 2.0 to 4.0L and feature aluminum blocks and heads. Being constantly updated, engines keep modernized variable timing systems and direct fuel injection. But let’s take a closer look at VQ37VHR, a motor employed for the celebrated Nissan 370Z car.
The manufacture of VQ37VHR was launched in 2007. It was built on a framework of VQ35HR. Being the most modernized engine of the series, this 3.7L motor is utilized for several Infiniti models and Nissan sports cars.
Having an identical cylinder bore, VQ37VHR gained a taller cylinder block than its predecessor, plus a larger stroke. Moreover, upgraded light pistons and connecting rods were applied. Consequently, that helped engineers to increase capacity from 3.5 to 3.7L.
The motor was supplied with redesigned aluminum cylinder heads with 2 camshafts, featuring variable valve timing CVTC and 24 valves. In addition to modernized inside channels, VQ37VHR gained fresh intake and exhaust valves. Moreover, the Nissan Variable Valve Event and Lift system was utilized for the first time. While the timing chain remained unchanged, the engine top features an upgraded plastic intake manifold.
Compared with VQ35HR, torque was increased by 2 Nm (1.5 ft-lb), but the maximum rpm changed from 4,800 to 5,200. Besides, the torque curve was subjected to some optimization.
VQ37VHR Engine Specs
| Engine code | VQ37VHR |
| Layout | Four-stroke, V6 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline (petrol) |
| Production | 2007-present |
| Displacement | 3.7 L, 3,696 cc (225.53 cu in) |
| Fuel system | Direct Injection |
| Power adder | None |
| Power output | 330 PS (243 kW, 325 HP) at 7,000 rpm 333 PS (245 kW, 328 HP) at 7,000 rpm 336 PS (247 kW, 331 HP) at 7,000 rpm 355 PS (261 kW, 350 HP) at 7,400 rpm |
| Torque output | 361 Nm (36.8 kg·m, 266.3 lb·ft) at 5,200 rpm 363 Nm (37.0 kg·m, 267.7 lb·ft) at 5,200 rpm 365 Nm (37.2 kg·m, 269.2 lb·ft) at 5,200 rpm 374 Nm (38.1 kg·m, 275.3 lb·ft) at 5,200 rpm |
| Firing order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40 15W-40 |
| Engine Oil Capacity, L (qt.) | 5.7 (6.0) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000) |
| Cylinder block | ||
| Cylinder block alloy | Aluminum | |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 | |
| Cylinder bore: | 95.5 mm (3.760 in) | |
| Piston stroke: | 86.0 mm (3.386 in) | |
| Several piston rings (compression/oil): | 2 / 1 | |
| Several 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: | 149.45-149.55 mm (5.88 – 5.89 in) | |
| Crankshaft main journal diameter: | 64.975 mm (2.5581 in) | |
| Crankpin diameter: | 53.974 mm (2.1250 in) | |
| Crankshaft center distance: | 42.96-43.04 mm (1.6913-1.6945 in) |
| Blockhead alloy | Aluminum | |
| Valve Arrangement: | DOHC, chain drive | |
| Cylinder head height: | 126.4 mm (4.98 in) | |
| Valves: | 24 (4 valves per cylinder) | |
| 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 | 100.11 mm (3.94 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 | 45.66 mm (1.7976 in) |
| EXHAUST | 43.85 mm (1.7264 in) | |
| Exhaust camshaft cam height: | Bank 1 | 45.015-45.205 mm (1.7722-1.7797 in) |
| Bank 2 | 46.735-46.925 mm (1.8400-1.8474 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) |
What Cars Have A VQ37VHR Engine?
- 2008 – 2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe, Sedan, and Convertible
- 2008 – present Nissan Skyline V36 370 GT Coupe and Sedan
- 2009 – present Nissan Fuga 370GT
- 2009 – 2013 Infiniti FX37 and EX37
- 2009 – present Nissan 370Z/Fairlady Z and Nismo 370Z
- 2011 – 2013 Infiniti M37
- 2011 – 2016 Infiniti IPL G37 Coupe
- 2012 – present Mitsubishi Proudia 370GT
- 2013 Infiniti IPL G37 Convertible
- 2014 – 2016 Infiniti Q50 Coupe, Sedan, and Convertible
- 2014 – present Infiniti Q70
- 2014 – 2017 Infiniti QX50 and QX70
VQ37VHR Engine Problems and Reliability
Though VQ37VHR is notable for its reliability and endurance, it may have some malfunctions from time to time. Among them are:
- Excessive oil use. Engine’s catalytic converters may start to function improperly if bad quality fuel is used. They can destroy cylinder sleeves or piston rings by generating ceramic dust. It leads to reduced compression and excessive oil, and fuel use. Consequently, the motor will demand repair or exchange. For prevention, acquiring a high-flow catalytic converter is advisable instead of upper catalytic converters. However, bear in mind that your car will become less eco-friendly.
- Motor overheating. This malfunction isn’t peculiar to VQ37VHR, but in some cases, it may happen. Examine the radiator as well as the expansion tanks of the cooling system, which may leak.
- It’s rare, but a gasket seals your internal engine block off from the timing chain area up at the front.
The motor’s three timing chains are able to run for 150,000 miles (200,000-250,000 kilometers), while valve clearance requires regulation after every 60,000 miles (90,000 kilometers) run. The minimum lifespan of VQ37VHR is 200,000 miles (300,000 kilometers).
VQ37VHR Engine Tuning Potential
Nissan assures that a new VQ37VHR engine can reach 333 hp. However, numerous tests showed a horsepower of 280 to the rear wheels. Consequently, Nissan motor loses 15% of its output. And when you have some updates in mind for this engine, take into account this number.
Thus, if you wish to have 340 hp, it’s necessary to supply around 400 hp. Optimization of cold air intakes and performance chips can raise the engine’s power to 360 hp. Clearly, it’s the maximum for naturally aspirated engines. That’s the main reason why many people opt for forced induction.
Additionally, a turbocharger can increase the VQ37VHR power to 500 hp, though it’s rather expensive. The Stillen supercharger kit for this motor is a Vortech V3 supercharger featuring added internals. As a result, you can reach 7 psi boost pressure and 11.5 compression index, which may help you gain around 550 hp.
You will get approximately a similar output by acquiring the Greddy twin-turbocharger kit (2X TD06-20G). Consider that the brand’s low-compression pistons and improved rods can also be added. However, they are rather costly.
Many owners of Nissan 300Z and Infinity automobiles tune up their motors. Depending on what modifications you made, VQ37VHR has the potential of reaching about 1000 hp. An entirely built bottom and a sleeved block accompany great power rates. However, the horsepower of 1000 reduces the engine’s longevity as many details may break.
If money is not the issue for you, you can turn this motor into the one for races by acquiring a fresh crank, rod, and racing pistons. Very often, it’s necessary to machine the block and mount new internals. To this purpose, as VQ37VHR has been produced for a while, the selection of possible tools for updates is pretty wide.
Tips For Buying A Used VQ37VHR Engine?
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The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information presented. The reader is advised to consult a qualified professional, such as a mechanic or dealership, before making any decisions related to their vehicle's engine oil or maintenance.
This engine (VQ37VHR) has 24 valves not 12 as you state in your article :-).
Hello! Thank for your suggestion. I think this is a slight misunderstanding.
We have the correct data in the table: 24 (4 valves per cylinder). But in the 4th paragraph, I believe there was a mistake. So, I’ve made some updates.
Thanks for your correction.
Hi Dan,
Thank you for the engine review. I have a 2013 G37X with VQ37VHR engine and it has 67k miles on it. Recently when I floor the gas pedal, engine revs up well but in seconds it start to lose power and kick (just like when you floor it in neutral and ecu is protecting for over rev’ing). After that engine has not much power and the more you press the gas the more it kicks and kinda stalls and goes. No service engine soon light comes up. If you turn the engine off and let it sit for 10 seconds, it goes away and engine is back to normal. I replaced my air filters, cleaned both MAFs, cleaned both throttle bodies and did the idle and open re-teaching of the throttles. Issue went away only for a day and next day it was back. Can you guide me how to diagnose this as there are no engine lights or codes in ECU. Thank you!
The rear timing cover galley gasket issue was not resolved by a redesigned gasket until late 2013 model years. My 2012 G37 just had the issue at 59,000 miles. Traded it in lol $4250 of labor/parts.