Nissan VQ35DE Engine for Sale | OEM 3.5L V6 DOHC for 350Z, G35, Maxima
Product Overview
- Displacement: 3.5L V6 DOHC
- Horsepower: 217 hp (early Maxima) to 306 hp (CBA 2007 to 2008 G35 and 350Z)
- Condition: OEM used, compression tested and inspected
- Availability: Multiple year ranges and applications (2003 to 2008 G35, 350Z, others)
- Shipping: Free crated freight to all 50 states, 5 to 10 business days
- All 6 cylinders compression tested with results shared before payment
- Year and application confirmed before shipping
- Rev-Up variant identified where applicable (2005 onward 350Z and G35, higher compression and cams)
- Timing chain stretch inspected
- Pre-cat substrate condition inspected (critical early VQ35DE concern)
- 100% fitment verified before every order ships
- Zero core charge required, your existing engine stays with you
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against internal defects
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Description
Engine Background
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
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.
When Replacement Becomes Necessary
- Excessive oil consumption beyond one 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 Issues We Document 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
What Ships and What Does Not
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | Long block: block, crankshaft, rods, pistons, camshafts, heads, valve train, oil pan, valve covers, timing covers, harmonic balancer. |
| NOT INCLUDED | Intake manifold (sometimes included, varies by donor), throttle body, ECU, harness, alternator, starter, A/C compressor, power steering pump, flexplate, motor mounts. |
| Fluids | Drained before shipping. Refill with Nissan-spec 5W-30 motor oil, 4.7 liter capacity. |
| Core Note | No core charge. You are not required to return your old engine. |
Direct-Fit Vehicle Applications
The Nissan VQ35DE was a direct fit in the following vehicles:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Nissan 350Z (Z33) | 2003 to 2008 (Rev-Up from 2005) |
| Nissan Maxima | 2002 to 2008 |
| Nissan Altima 3.5 SE / SE-R | 2002 to 2013 |
| Nissan Murano | 2003 to 2014 |
| Nissan Pathfinder | 2005 to 2012 |
| Nissan Quest | 2004 to 2017 |
| Nissan NV200, NV3500 | Select years |
| Infiniti G35 Sedan | 2003 to 2008 (Rev-Up from 2005, CBA 2007 to 2008, the “2008 G35” buyers search for) |
| Infiniti G35 Coupe | 2003 to 2008 |
| Infiniti FX35 | 2003 to 2008 |
| Infiniti M35 | 2006 to 2010 |
| Infiniti EX35 | 2008 to 2010 |
Transmission pairings: 5-speed automatic (early Z33, G35), 6-speed manual (350Z and G35 manual), 7-speed automatic (later G35, M35), CVT (Maxima, Altima, Murano, Quest). Tell us your transmission for compatibility check.
Inspection Workflow
Every used VQ35DE we ship goes through this process:
- Compression test across all 6 cylinders, pressure per cylinder recorded
- Oil consumption history disclosed where documented from donor
- Timing chain stretch checked and reported
- CVTCS solenoid function verified
- Pre-cat condition inspected on early units (failed pre-cats can contaminate the engine)
- Visual inspection of block deck, head surfaces, and oil galleries
- Year, application, and Rev-Up or CBA status photographed
- Donor mileage documented when available
Where donor mileage is verified, it is shared. Where mileage cannot be confirmed, we disclose openly before payment. Full inspection notes available on request.
Why Buy From Part Nests
- All 6 cylinders compression-tested with results shared before payment
- Year, application, Rev-Up and CBA status photographed and documented
- Timing chain stretch inspected, the critical high-mileage VQ35DE wear point
- Pre-cat condition reported on early units (known engine contamination source)
- Oil consumption history disclosed where available
- 2008 G35 sedan and 350Z VIN-matched applications specifically tracked in inventory
- Free crated freight to all 50 states, no hidden fees
- No core charge required
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- Call (240) 306-7051 to speak with someone who knows VQ35DE pre-Rev-Up vs Rev-Up vs CBA identification, pre-cat failure indicators, and 350Z vs G35 vs Maxima application matching
Additional information
| engine-code | VQ35DE / V4Y |
|---|---|
| engine-family | Nissan VQ Series |
| configuration | 24 valves, V6 DOHC |
| bore | 95.5 mm |
| stroke | 81.4 mm |
| cylinder-block-material | Aluminum |
| cylinder-head-material | Aluminum |
| compression-ratio | 10.3:1 to 10.6:1 by variant |
| number-of-cylinders | 6 |
| valves-per-cylinder | 4 |
| valvetrain-layout | DOHC |
| engine-type | Four-stroke, naturally aspirated |
| fuel-system | Sequential Multi-Point Injection |
| fuel-type | Premium Unleaded |
| firing-order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| engine-weight | 313 lbs (142 kg) |
| engine-oil-capacity | 4.7 liters |
| engine-oil-weight | 10W-30, 10W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| oil-change-interval | 000 miles, 10 |
Compression and tuning generations. Pre-Rev-Up (2002 to 2004 Z33 350Z, 2003 to 2004 G35, plus various Maxima/Altima applications) produces 287 hp at 6,200 rpm. Rev-Up (2005 to 2006 350Z and G35) adds higher compression, more aggressive cam profiles, and revised intake, producing 300 hp at 6,800 rpm. CBA (2007 to 2008 G35 sedan, 350Z) is the further-refined version producing 306 hp. The three variants are NOT directly interchangeable due to different ECU calibrations and supporting hardware.
Catalytic converter substrate breakdown on early VQ35DE units (2003 to 2006). The pre-catalysts (cats integrated into the exhaust manifold itself) can develop substrate cracking from heat cycling. The broken substrate ceramic gets pulled back into the engine through the intake manifold during overlap, causing cylinder scoring and engine contamination. We inspect pre-cat condition on every early VQ35DE we ship and disclose findings. Aftermarket pre-cat-delete exhaust manifolds are a popular preventive upgrade.
An exceptionally wide range. Nissan: 350Z (2003 to 2008), Maxima (2002 to 2008), Altima 3.5 (2002 to 2013), Murano (2003 to 2014), Pathfinder (2005 to 2012), Quest (2004 to 2017). Infiniti: G35 Sedan and Coupe (2003 to 2008), FX35 (2003 to 2008), M35 (2006 to 2010), EX35 (2008 to 2010). The VQ35DE was Nissan's volume mid-size V6 for over 20 years.
Timing chain. The VQ35DE uses a chain driving the DOHC camshafts. The chain is more reliable than a timing belt long-term but can stretch on high-mileage units (typically past 120,000 miles). Stretched chain causes cold-start rattle, cam timing fault codes, and rough running. We assess chain stretch on every VQ35DE we ship.
Yes. The DOHC valvetrain has interference geometry between valves and pistons. A chain failure (rare) causes valve-to-piston contact and head damage. The timing chain is generally reliable enough that this is uncommon, but high-mileage chain stretch should be addressed before failure occurs.
Continuously Variable Valve Timing Control System, Nissan's variable valve timing technology applied to the VQ35DE. The system adjusts intake cam timing continuously across the rpm range, smoothing power delivery and improving fuel economy. CVTCS solenoid failure causes rough idle and cam timing fault codes. We verify CVTCS solenoid operation on every VQ35DE we ship.
Yes for matching years (2002 to 2008 Maxima). Maxima applications use front-wheel-drive specific oil pan, accessory drive, and intake routing. Maxima VQ35DE is not directly interchangeable with the rear-wheel-drive 350Z/G35 application without significant supporting hardware changes. We confirm donor application matches the receiving chassis on every order.
No. There is no core return required.
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every used Nissan VQ35DE engine purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Internal defects already present when the engine arrives
- Performance materially different from how the engine was described
- Incorrect variant shipped (pre-Rev-Up vs Rev-Up vs CBA) due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from pre-cat contamination on early units if pre-cats were not addressed at install
- Damage from skipped timing chain service on high-mileage units
- External components unless specifically itemized
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (240) 306-7051.
- Variant Confirmed: Pre-Rev-Up, Rev-Up, or CBA documented before payment
- Pre-Cat Inspection: Critical early-VQ35DE engine contamination source assessed
- Timing Chain Stretch Checked: High-mileage wear point evaluated
- CVTCS Solenoid Tested: Variable valve timing operation verified
- All 6 Cylinders Tested: Compression results shared before payment
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Internal defects protected from delivery onward
2 reviews for Nissan VQ35DE Engine for Sale | OEM 3.5L V6 DOHC for 350Z, G35, Maxima
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At Part Nests, we specialize in high-quality used and OEM auto parts, with a wide selection of components ready to ship to customers.
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Tyrone B. –
Got a 2008 CBA VQ35DE for a G35 sedan replacement. Year confirmed as 2008 CBA (306 hp variant, matching the G35 sedan), pre-cat inspection performed and disclosed clean, timing chain stretch indicators assessed acceptable. All six cylinders tested uniform on compression. Foundation for the G35 is exactly right.
Jaime R. –
Sourced a pre-Rev-Up VQ35DE for a 2003 350Z replacement. Year and variant correctly identified (pre-Rev-Up matches the 2003 350Z chassis), pre-cat condition specifically called out for service at install per their strong recommendation. Honest about the early VQ35DE pre-cat history. Foundation for the Z is solid with pre-cat delete planned.