Nissan VQ35DE: The Wards 10 Best V6 That Powered Three Generations of Z Cars

The VQ35DE is the most-produced Nissan V6 of the 21st century. It's the 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6 that powered the 350Z Z33, Infiniti G35, Altima SE-R, Maxima, Murano, and over a dozen other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles from 2001 to 2018. It won Wards 10 Best Engines six years in a row (2002-2007), a record for any Japanese engine. And in 350Z tune, it delivered 287-306 HP — making it the workhorse of 2000s Japanese performance.

Factory Specifications

Closed-Deck Aluminum Block

Unlike the VQ30DE (Maxima) or VG30DETT (Z32 300ZX), the VQ35DE has a fully closed-deck aluminum block. Iron cylinder liners provide wear resistance. This construction allows higher compression ratios and better thermal stability than the open-deck VQs that came before it.

The closed-deck design also makes the VQ35DE a viable forced-induction candidate. Turbo and supercharger kits from Vortech, STS, Greddy, and JWT all exist for 350Z/G35 applications, producing 400-600 HP reliably.

The 2007 Rev-Up Revision (HR)

The most desirable VQ35DE variant is the 2007 "Rev-Up" HR engine found in late 350Z and G35 sedans. Changes from the earlier VQ35DE:

• Compression raised to 10.6:1
• Revised intake camshaft with more aggressive lift and duration
• Larger throttle body
• Redline raised from 6,600 to 7,000 rpm
• Peak power raised to 306 HP (from 287 HP)
• Peak torque moved higher in the rev range

The Rev-Up engine feels significantly more eager than the 2003-2006 VQ35DE. It's the one to look for if buying a late-production 350Z.

Known Weaknesses

1. Rear Main Seal Leak

By far the most common 350Z/G35 complaint. The rear main seal degrades after 80k+ miles, causing oil drips onto the transmission bell housing and eventually contaminating the clutch. Fix: remove transmission, replace rear main seal. Cost: $400-800 shop.

2. Cam Chain Tensioner Rattle

Cold start rattle from the cam chain tensioner. Usually benign but can indicate wear. Replacement is relatively cheap ($50-100 DIY).

3. Crank Position Sensor Failure

Above 100k miles, the CKP sensor can fail intermittently, causing no-start or random stalling. Easy fix (~$80 part + 30 minutes).

4. VTC Solenoid Clog

On high-mileage engines the CVTCS solenoid can get clogged with sludge. Symptom: check engine light P0011 (cam timing performance). Fix: replace solenoid or clean screen.

5. Radiator Plastic End Tank Cracking

Not engine-specific, but the 350Z radiator end tanks (plastic) crack after 10+ years. All-aluminum replacement is common.

Real Tuning Limits (NA)

Famous Applications

Nissan 350Z (Z33) — Primary application. 2003-2009 production. The hero car.

Infiniti G35 Coupe and Sedan — Luxury sister to the 350Z.

Nissan Altima SE-R — Front-wheel drive application with VQ35DE. Rare.

Nissan Maxima — Front-wheel drive sedan.

Infiniti FX35 SUV — Full-size SUV application.

Factory Service Data

• Oil Change: 5,000 mi (8,000 km)
• Spark Plugs: NGK PLFR5A-11 iridium
• Timing Chain: Chain-driven — no belt replacement
• Coolant: Nissan Long Life Coolant
• Valve Clearance: Hydraulic lifters, self-adjusting

Conclusion

The VQ35DE is a workhorse V6 that powered an entire generation of Nissan and Infiniti performance vehicles. It's reliable, refined, makes respectable NA power, and responds well to modest bolt-on modifications. It's not the most exciting engine in this guide — it doesn't have the rotary character of the 13B-REW or the scream of a Honda VTEC — but it's the engine most Japanese performance buyers under 40 grew up with, and it deserves its place in the legend book.