If you are searching for a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale, there is a good chance your car is a 350Z, an Infiniti G35, an Altima 3.5, a Maxima or a Murano, and the engine has started burning oil, knocking or throwing codes you cannot clear. These cars are still great to drive and the rest of them usually hold up well, so dropping in a healthy 3.5 V6 makes far more sense than giving up on the car.
Need an engine? We have a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale and ship it worldwide. Send us your VIN, model and year and we will confirm the right version, send photos of the actual engine and give you a shipped price. Every engine comes with a 6-month limited warranty.
Below we cover the specs, which cars use it, the front wheel drive and rear wheel drive versions, the Rev-up engines, common faults, what to check, costs and how to order from us.
Table of Contents
Why a Nissan VQ35DE Engine for Sale Is a Smart Fix
The VQ35DE is a 3.5 liter V6 with an aluminum block, twin cam heads and a timing chain. Nissan built it from 2000 into the late 2010s and put it in a long list of cars, crossovers and minivans. It made the VQ name famous, sounds great at high revs and has won awards for years in a row.
Because so many were built, parts are easy to find and mechanics know them well. A good used engine is also one of the cheaper ways to fix a car like a Murano or Maxima, where the engine is often the only thing really wrong. Buying a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale from a donor with known mileage is usually faster and cheaper than a full rebuild, and you keep a factory built engine.
If you are weighing a rebuild against a used engine, read our article on rebuilt vs used engine before you decide.
Nissan VQ35DE Engine Specifications
Output changed a lot between models, from mild minivan tunes to the high revving 350Z. These are the main figures.
| Specification | Nissan VQ35DE |
|---|---|
| Layout | 60 degree V6, DOHC, 24 valves |
| Displacement | 3,498 cc (3.5 L) |
| Bore x stroke | 95.5 mm x 81.4 mm |
| Block | Aluminum |
| Cylinder heads | Aluminum, twin cam |
| Valve timing | Variable intake valve timing (CVTCS) |
| Timing drive | Chain (primary plus secondary chains) |
| Compression ratio | About 10.3:1 |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-port injection, electronic throttle |
| Power | About 228 to 300 hp depending on model and year |
| Torque | About 245 to 274 lb-ft (332 to 371 Nm) |
| Firing order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Years built | 2000 to late 2010s |
The VQ family covers many engines, from the 2.0 to the 4.0, and the Nissan VQ engine page has the full list if you want the background. For buying purposes, what matters is getting the right VQ35DE for your car, which we come to below.
Which Cars Use the VQ35DE?
Rear wheel drive and all wheel drive (longitudinal)
- Nissan 350Z and Fairlady Z (Z33), 2003 to 2006
- Infiniti G35 sedan and coupe, and Nissan Skyline V35 350GT
- Infiniti FX35
- Infiniti M35 (early years)
- Nissan Pathfinder 3.5 (R50, 2001 to 2004)
- Nissan Stagea and Elgrand in some markets
Front wheel drive and all wheel drive (transverse)
- Nissan Altima 3.5
- Nissan Maxima
- Nissan Murano
- Nissan Quest
- Nissan Pathfinder (R52, 2013 to 2016) and Infiniti JX35 and QX60
- Nissan Teana and Infiniti I35
- Renault Vel Satis and Espace 3.5
The engine code is stamped on the block near the bell housing on the rear bank. Or send us your VIN and we will tell you which Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale matches your car.
Transverse vs Longitudinal, Rev-up vs Standard
This is where most mistakes happen. A VQ35DE from a Murano and a VQ35DE from a 350Z share the same name and the same basic block, but they are not a drop in swap for each other.
- Orientation. Transverse engines (Altima, Maxima, Murano, Quest) have different oil pans, intake manifolds, accessory brackets and engine mounts from longitudinal engines (350Z, G35, FX35). Some parts can be moved over, but it is a lot more work.
- Rev-up engines. The 2005 to 2006 350Z with the manual gearbox and some G35 coupes got a higher revving version with different heads, cams and a higher redline. These are known for higher oil consumption. If your car has one, ask specifically.
- Year changes. Sensors, throttle bodies and wiring connectors changed through the years. Matching year ranges keeps your harness and ECU happy.
The Nissan 350Z page lists which years got which engine if you want to check your own car. We check this for every Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale before you pay, so you are not finding out on the workshop floor.
7 Checks Before You Buy a Nissan VQ35DE Engine for Sale
Whether you buy from us or someone else, get these answered first.
1. Confirm the code, year and orientation
Transverse or longitudinal, Rev-up or standard, early or late. Photos of the intake manifold and oil pan help confirm what you are looking at.
2. Ask about oil consumption
Did the donor car need oil topped up between changes? Blue smoke at start up or oily spark plugs are bad signs.
3. Get a compression test
All six cylinders should be close to each other. A low pair on one bank can point to rings or valve problems on that side.
4. Ask about the catalytic converters
On some early Altima, Maxima and Murano engines, the pre-catalytic converters broke up and the debris was drawn into the cylinders. That damaged rings and caused oil burning. Ask whether the converters were original.
5. Listen for timing chain whine
A whine that rises with engine speed often comes from a worn secondary chain tensioner. Ask if the engine made any noise before it was pulled.
6. Check for oil leaks
Valve cover gaskets, spark plug tube seals and the upper oil pan seal are common leak points. Crusty oil on the lower block tells you where to look.
7. Get the warranty in writing
A seller who trusts a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale will put the terms in writing. Our used engine warranty page explains ours in plain words.
Our guides on how to buy used engine online and on tested used engines cover more general checks.
Common VQ35DE Problems
The VQ35DE is a good engine, but these are the faults that bring most people to us looking for a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale.
Oil consumption
Common on the Rev-up engines, and on engines that swallowed pre-cat debris. Some burn a liter every 1,000 to 2,000 km. Once rings and cylinders are damaged, a replacement engine is usually the practical fix.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Early transverse engines in particular had a secondary chain tensioner shoe that wore down and caused a whine. If caught early, it is a repair. If ignored, the chain can jump.
Crank and cam position sensors
Failed sensors cause stalling and no start conditions on some years. They are cheap to replace and should be swapped for new ones during any engine change.
Oil leaks
Valve cover gaskets, spark plug tube seals, the upper oil pan and the front cover all leak with age. On the longitudinal engines, oil can drip onto the exhaust.
Overheating damage
An aluminum V6 does not forgive running hot. Head gaskets fail and heads can warp. A failed water pump or radiator often starts it.
What a Nissan VQ35DE Engine for Sale Costs
Prices depend mostly on the version and how complete the engine is. The main factors are:
- Version, with longitudinal 350Z and G35 engines usually costing more
- Long block or complete with intake, wiring and accessories
- Mileage and condition of the donor
- Shipping distance and port or door delivery
Give us your car and country and we will send one clear shipped price on a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale. For the cost of the whole job, including labor and parts, see our guide to replacement engine cost. Our long block vs short block article explains what each quote includes.
What Comes With Our Nissan VQ35DE Engine for Sale
Every Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale from us is a fairly used engine from a running car. Depending on stock we can supply a long block or a more complete engine. You get photos of the exact engine and a list of what is attached before you pay.
It comes with a 6-month limited warranty. Labor is not covered. We choose low mileage used engines where we can, and we always tell you the mileage on record.
How We Check Each Engine Before It Ships
- Engine code, year and orientation confirmed
- Compression tested on all six cylinders
- Oil and coolant checked for mixing
- Valve covers checked for sludge
- Engine turned by hand to feel for tight spots
- Openings sealed, fluids drained, engine strapped to a pallet
A Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale that does not pass these checks stays with us. We would rather lose the sale.
Used, reconditioned or rebuilt?
A used engine comes out of a running car and goes back in after checks. A reconditioned engine has had some work, such as gaskets and seals. A rebuilt engine has been stripped and had worn parts replaced. The remanufactured vs rebuilt engine guide explains more. We sell clean used engines and describe each one plainly.
Installing a Used VQ35DE: Notes for Your Mechanic
On transverse cars like the Altima, Maxima and Murano, most shops drop the engine and gearbox from below with the subframe. On a 350Z or G35, the engine usually comes out the top. Both are normal jobs for a good shop. While the engine is out, do these:
- Valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals
- Front and rear crank seals
- Water pump, which is driven by the timing chain on this engine
- New crank and cam position sensors
- Spark plugs and a check of the coil packs
- Engine mounts, especially on the Murano and Altima
- New catalytic converters if the old ones are breaking up
- Coolant flush, fresh oil and filter, then change again after a few hundred kilometers
The water pump point matters. On the VQ35DE the pump sits behind the timing cover, so replacing it later means a big job. Do it while the engine is out. Ask your mechanic for a written quote before you order a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale.
One more thing on the bad catalytic converter issue. If your old engine died from swallowing pre-cat debris and you put the old converters back on, the new engine can die the same way. Replace them.
Looking After the Engine After the Swap
Check the oil level every couple of weeks for the first few months. VQ engines like clean oil, and oil level is the first thing to watch. Use the grade the manufacturer lists for your car, and do not stretch the change intervals.
Keep an eye on the temperature gauge and listen for any new whine or rattle. If you drive a 350Z or G35 hard, give the engine time to warm up first. Treat a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale well in its first few weeks and it will usually reward you for a long time.
It also helps to keep a simple record. Write down the date you installed the engine, the odometer reading and every oil change after that. If you ever need to make a warranty claim, or sell the car later, that record shows the engine was looked after. Buyers trust a car more when the owner can show what was done and when.
Model by Model Notes
The VQ35DE behaves a little differently depending on what car it sits in. Here is what we see most often, model by model.
Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35
These cars get driven hard, and the engines show it. Oil consumption is the big one, especially on the Rev-up engines from 2005 and 2006. Many owners also find oil leaks from the front cover and valve covers. When you shop for a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale for one of these, ask about how the donor car was driven and whether it was tracked.
Nissan Altima 3.5 and Maxima
The early 2002 to 2004 cars are the ones most affected by pre-cat failure and the secondary chain tensioner whine. Later cars are better. A front wheel drive Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale from a later donor is usually the safer pick if the year range suits your car.
Nissan Murano and Quest
These heavier vehicles work the engine harder at low speed, and the CVT in the Murano gets most of the attention. When the engine does go, it is often overheating or oil starvation from low oil. Check the radiator and cooling fans before installing the replacement.
Pathfinder and Infiniti FX35
The R50 Pathfinder and the FX35 use the longitudinal engine. Accessory brackets and the intake can differ from the 350Z version, so give us the exact model and year when you ask about a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale for one of these.
Repair or Replace?
Not every sick VQ needs a new engine. Before you buy anything, it is worth paying a mechanic for a proper diagnosis. Here is a rough guide based on what we see.
- Probably a repair: a whine from the timing chain caught early, oil leaks, sensor faults, a misfire from a coil or plug, a rough idle from a dirty throttle body.
- Probably a replacement: heavy oil consumption with low compression, a knock from the bottom end, metal in the oil, a jumped timing chain with bent valves, or serious overheating damage.
If your mechanic puts the engine in the second group, a used Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale is almost always cheaper than a full rebuild on this engine. V6 rebuilds mean two heads, six cylinders and a lot of timing chain work, and the labor adds up fast. If your engine is in the first group, fix it and save your money. We would rather you buy from us when you really need an engine.
Shipping a Nissan VQ35DE Engine for Sale Worldwide
We ship worldwide to North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. Each Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale is drained, sealed, strapped to a pallet and wrapped. Intake and exhaust openings are capped.
Delivery can be to your nearest port or, in many places, to your door. Check import duties with your local customs office or broker before ordering. Our shipping policy explains handling and timing.
How to Order
- Send us your VIN, model and year, or the engine code.
- We confirm the right version and send photos and a shipped price.
- You approve and receive an invoice by email.
- You pay by bank transfer.
- We pack, ship and send tracking details.
Use the contact page or call +1 (209) 733-0882. Our refund and returns and terms and services pages explain the rules.
VQ35DE vs VQ35HR vs VQ40DE
The VQ35HR replaced the VQ35DE in the 2007 and later 350Z, G35 and some other rear wheel drive models. It has a revised block, a higher redline and more power. It is not a direct swap into a VQ35DE car without changes to mounts, wiring and ECU. Stick with the engine your car came with.
The VQ40DE is the 4.0 liter version used in the Frontier, Xterra and later Pathfinder. More torque, made for trucks. If that is your engine, our Nissan VQ40DE engine for sale guide covers it, and you can see the VQ40DE engine in our shop.
For a car that came with a VQ35DE, the simplest and cheapest fix is a matching Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale. Same mounts, same wiring, same ECU.
Other Engines and Guides
- Nissan QR25DE engine for sale
- Nissan VK56DE engine for sale
- Nissan VR30DDTT engine problems
- Used Nissan engines for sale
- Toyota 1GR-FE engine for sale
- Toyota 3S-GTE engine for sale
See what is in stock in the used engines section or the full shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the VQ35DE a reliable engine?
Generally yes. Most problems come from oil consumption on certain versions, damaged catalytic converters and neglected maintenance.
Does the VQ35DE have a timing belt or chain?
A timing chain, with a primary chain and secondary chains for each bank. The water pump is driven by the chain.
Can I put a Murano VQ35DE in my 350Z?
Not directly. The transverse and longitudinal engines use different oil pans, intakes and accessories. It is possible with a lot of parts swapping, but buying the correct version is much easier.
Does your Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale come with the intake manifold?
It depends on the engine in stock. We list what is attached and send photos before you pay.
Will I need to reprogram the ECU?
Usually not, if the engine matches your car’s year and version. Using your own ECU keeps the immobilizer working.
How long does shipping a Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale take?
Usually a few weeks by sea depending on your location. You get an estimate with your quote.
How do I pay?
By bank transfer. You receive an invoice and order confirmation by email.
Get Your Nissan Running Right Again
A worn VQ does not mean the end of a good car. Find the right Nissan VQ35DE engine for sale, match the version, replace the sensors, seals and converters that need it, and your 350Z, G35, Altima or Murano can keep going for years. When you are ready, send us your VIN or call +1 (209) 733-0882 and we will reply with fit, price and shipping.