If you have ever shopped for a 350Z, 370Z, G35, or G37, you have run into the VQ engine family. Nissan built these V6 engines for over two decades, and they ended up in everything from family sedans to proper sports cars. Once you start digging into swap builds or a used car purchase, the letters and numbers after "VQ" start to matter a lot. This guide breaks down the main VQ variants, what makes each one different, and which one actually fits your build and budget.

What Is a Nissan VQ Engine?

The VQ is a family of V6 engines that Nissan started producing in the early 1990s. It quickly became one of the most respected V6 lineups in the industry, known for smooth power delivery and a strong rev range. Unlike some engine families that get one or two good years before being phased out, the VQ stuck around for a very long time, getting updated along the way instead of being replaced outright.

What VQ Stands For

Nissan does not publicly confirm an exact meaning for the letters, but the VQ badge covers a wide range of displacements, from 2.0L variants up to 4.0L, all sharing a similar V6 architecture and engineering philosophy.

The Ward's 10 Best Engines Run

The VQ family holds a record that is hard to beat. It appeared on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for 14 straight years. That kind of consistency across different model years and displacements says a lot about how well engineered this platform is.

Is the GT-R Engine a VQ?

Not quite. The GT-R uses the VR38DETT, a twin-turbo V6 that shares some DNA with the VQ family but is built as its own performance focused unit. If you are researching VQ engines, it helps to know the VR38 is a different animal entirely.

VQ35DE: The Original 3.5

Specs and Model Years

The VQ35DE debuted in the early 2000s and became the heart of the Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35. It is a naturally aspirated 3.5L V6 putting out around 260 to 300 horsepower depending on the year and application.

Rev-Up VQ35DE

Nissan later released a "Rev-Up" version of the VQ35DE with revised internals allowing higher RPM limits and a bit more power. If you are buying a used 350Z, checking whether it has the Rev-Up spec is worth the extra few minutes.

Known Oil Consumption and Precat Issues

Early VQ35DE units, especially from 2003 to 2006, have a reputation for burning oil faster than expected. Some owners top up oil between changes just to keep levels steady, which is annoying but rarely fatal to the engine. Some units also suffered from precat failure, where the small catalytic converters built into the exhaust manifold break down internally and send debris into the cylinders. That kind of failure can cause real damage if it goes unnoticed for too long. Neither issue is a dealbreaker on its own, but they are worth checking on any used unit before you hand over money.

VQ35HR: The High-Revving Revision

What Changed From the DE

The VQ35HR arrived as a serious update. Nissan addressed the oil consumption problem, removed the internal precats, and reworked the internals to allow safer high RPM operation. It is widely seen as the more dependable version of the 3.5L VQ.

Specs and Fitment

The VQ35HR found its way into later 350Z models, the Infiniti G35, and other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles from the mid to late 2000s. Power output climbed slightly over the original DE, and the reliability improvements make it a popular pick for anyone hunting a VQ35DE engine for sale as an upgrade path. Many owners swap an HR into an older chassis specifically to leave the oil consumption and precat issues behind while keeping the same basic displacement and mounting layout.

VQ37VHR: VVEL and 3.7 Litres

VVEL Explained

VVEL stands for Variable Valve Event and Lift. Think of it as Nissan's more advanced answer to variable valve timing. Instead of just adjusting when the valves open, VVEL also changes how far they open. This gives the engine better response across the whole rev range.

Specs and Fitment

The VQ37VHR bumped displacement up to 3.7L and appeared in the 370Z, Infiniti G37, and Infiniti M37. It makes more horsepower than either 3.5L version, generally landing in the 330 to 350 horsepower range depending on the application. It also carries forward the reliability improvements from the HR generation, so oil consumption and precat concerns are largely non-issues here.

Other VQ Variants Worth Knowing

VQ30DE and VQ40DE

Nissan also built smaller and larger VQ variants for different markets and vehicles. The VQ30DE served as an earlier 3.0L option found in sedans like the Maxima and Altima before the 3.5L versions took over. The VQ40DE, a 4.0L version, found a home in trucks and SUVs like the Pathfinder, where low end torque matters more than high RPM power. Neither of these is a common swap target, but you may run into one if you are shopping for a factory replacement.

Which VQ Is in Your Car?

Model	Common VQ Variant
350Z (early)	VQ35DE
350Z (later)	VQ35HR
Infiniti G35	VQ35DE / VQ35HR
370Z	VQ37VHR
Infiniti G37	VQ37VHR
Infiniti M37	VQ37VHR
Pathfinder	VQ40DE

Which VQ Should You Buy?

By Chassis

If you are working on a 350Z or early G35, you are likely dealing with a VQ35DE. For a 370Z or G37, the VQ37VHR is your engine. Matching the chassis to the correct variant keeps wiring and mounting simple.

By Budget

The VQ35DE tends to be the cheapest option since it was produced in the highest numbers. The VQ35HR sits in the middle, and the VQ37VHR usually costs more due to higher demand and added complexity from VVEL.

By Power Goal

If you want a budget friendly base for boost, the VQ35DE gets the job done. If you want more power stock with room to grow, the VQ37VHR is the stronger starting point.

Transmissions That Bolt to a VQ

CD009 Six-Speed

The CD009 is the six-speed manual most associated with VQ powered performance cars. If you are building a swap, a CD009 transmission guide is worth reading before you commit to a specific gearbox setup.

Automatic Options

Nissan also paired VQ engines with several automatic transmissions across sedans and SUVs. These are generally easier to source but come with different bolt patterns and electronics depending on the exact model year.

What a VQ Costs in 2026

Pricing depends heavily on which variant you need and where you buy it. A VQ35DE engine for sale typically costs less than a VQ37VHR because of age and lower demand, while the VQ35HR sits somewhere in between. JDM imports remain one of the more affordable ways to get a low-mileage unit without paying dealer prices for a full rebuild, since many of these engines come from vehicles retired early rather than worn out. Browsing JDM Nissan engines and JDM Nissan transmissions together can save you a mismatch headache down the line, especially if you are pairing a swap engine with a CD009 or a different automatic than the one it came with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a VQ engine good?

Yes. The VQ family earned a spot on Ward's 10 Best Engines list 14 years running, which reflects strong real world performance and reliability across multiple displacements.

What is a VQ engine?

It is Nissan's V6 engine family, produced from the early 1990s through the 2010s, covering displacements from 2.0L to 4.0L.

Which cars have a VQ engine?

The Nissan 350Z, 370Z, Maxima, Altima, and Pathfinder, along with the Infiniti G35, G37, and M37, all use some version of the VQ.

Is the GT-R motor a VQ?

No. The GT-R uses the VR38DETT, a related but separate twin-turbo engine built for higher performance.

Whether you are chasing reliability with a VQ35HR or more stock power with a VQ37VHR, JDM Florida's Nissan range has options for both. For deep dives on specific units, check the full VQ35DE guide, or see how the RB26 compares if you are weighing your options against another JDM legend. Browse JDM Nissan engines, click here for current stock, or read more on our blog.