Nissan VQ35DE Engine for Sale | 3.5L V6 DOHC for 350Z, G35, Maxima

About the Nissan VQ35DE Engine

The Nissan VQ35DE is the 3.5 liter member of Nissan’s celebrated VQ V6 family, produced from 2000 to 2020 across a remarkably wide range of vehicles. It powered the Nissan 350Z (2003 to 2008), the Infiniti G35 Sedan and Coupe (2003 to 2008), the Nissan Maxima, the Altima 3.5, the Murano, the Pathfinder, the Quest minivan, the FX35, and many others. Wards Auto named the VQ35DE to its 10 Best Engines list for 14 consecutive years, more than any other engine on that list. Power output evolves from 217 hp on early 2000 Maxima applications to 306 hp on the Rev-Up 350Z and CBA G35 sedan.

Why 2008 Infiniti G35 Owners Specifically Search This Page

The 2008 Infiniti G35 sedan uses the VQ35DE in its 3.5L trim. We confirm exact year and CBA calibration code on every unit shipped to G35 owners, and the tested unit is a direct replacement for the original engine in your 2008 G35. Our team specifically tracks G35 sedan VQ35DE inventory and pulls confirmation matches against your VIN before shipping.

Power Output Evolved Significantly Over the Production Run

Early VQ35DE applications (2002 to 2005 Z33 350Z, Maxima, Altima 3.5) produced 217 to 287 hp. The “Rev-Up” version introduced in 2005 for the 350Z and G35 added a higher compression ratio, more aggressive cam profiles, and revised intake to deliver 298 to 300 hp. The CBA versions in the 2007 onward G35 sedan and 350Z produced 306 hp. For 2008 G35 buyers, this is the CBA version with 306 hp at the crank.

Why Owners Buy a Used VQ35DE for Sale

The VQ35DE has excellent parts support and a deep aftermarket. For 350Z, G35, Maxima, and Altima 3.5 owners replacing a worn original, a clean used unit costs less than half of a remanufactured long block while delivering excellent service life when properly inspected. The Rev-Up variant is particularly sought after for its higher output and is often the upgrade target for early 350Z owners.

Signs You Need a Replacement VQ35DE

• Excessive oil consumption beyond 1 quart per 1,000 miles, ring or PCV system wear

• Knock or rattle under load, rod or main bearing wear on high-mileage units

• Loss of compression on one or more cylinders, head gasket or ring wear

• Timing chain rattle on cold start, timing chain stretch (common past 120,000 miles)

• Coolant in oil, head gasket failure

• Misfire codes from one or more cylinders, ignition coil or valve issue

• Low oil pressure on a warm engine, oil pump or main bearing wear

• Pre-cat substrate breakdown causing engine contamination on early 350Z and G35 units (the famous VQ35DE pre-cat issue)

Known VQ35DE Issues We Inspect Before Shipping

• Oil consumption history, the most-discussed VQ35DE concern (early units more than later)

• Timing chain stretch, inspected and reported

• Compression on all 6 cylinders, the leading indicator of overall condition

• CVTCS solenoid operation

• Pre-cat efficiency (early VQ35DE pre-cats are known to fail and contaminate the engine; we disclose findings)

• Donor application, year, and Rev-Up status photographed

FAQs

What vehicles use the VQ35DE engine?