Mission Impossible: Building the Nissan VQ37VHR!

You may not know it but MotoIQ was born and bred by a bunch of Nissan dorks.. Bring the best minds we've got together with the companies that know more than anyone about Nissan engines and it stands to reason we should be able to extract good power out of a VVEL equipped VQ37VHR engine, right? Actually, we don't even know yet, but if you stay tuned to the little mini-series we're starting here you'll find out!
In this video we briefly explain how the VVEL system works (although we have a pretty cool video of it we uploaded 10 YEARS AGO here: • Nissan 370Z/Infiniti G... ). We'll also go over all the parts and just as important processes going into the build!
If you want us to build your engine, please visit the Garage Services tab on our webpage and fill out the brief form (we'll get back to you!): motoiq.com/mot...
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[@icebear8637]

I love it that it always looks like he’s going to crack up laughing

[@frontspring1]

Why don't u ask him out in a date, that way u guys can laugh and flirt all u want.

[@curvs4me]

Baked, lol

[@sirtnfol8476]

Engine building is fun.

[@frogk_yt]

I didn’t understand this comment when I started the video but watching this… it’s hard not to laugh because you’re anticipating his laugh and he never does. Help.

[@dragonmantuning3792]

@@curvs4me few dabs in

[@Liam40]

So what I basically got from this is, it's hard to build a VQ37HR, because for the most part, Nissan already has it mostly built. That's... Actually quite a nice thing to hear.

[@GrayFox370]

Basically, it's hard to make power if you are going NA like they are here. Not worth the money to spend building a NA engine for chasing over 350whp when you can easily turbo or supercharge it to get more. And the turbo kit's aren't that expensive. You can get a nice mid mounted single turbo kit for about $6-7k with all hardware included. Also it's very easy to build it for high boost. All you really need are some forged rods and low comp pistons. The block and crank are really well designed like you said.

[@stonednyc1]

Good and bad. To get an addtl 100hp youll be spending the kit price plus installation and tuning. Easy 9k for 100hp? Terrible. But the motor itself is fun to drive. Hr or vhr. Too expensive to get upto 500hp.

[@RadDadisRad]

Basically in stock form it’s hard to find more power because the induction and exhaust hardware is tuned to the engine. Bolting on power isn’t easy. Adding compression and lightening up the rotating assembly really helps these engines. Also camshafts and tuning really wake these engines up. Can get 100+ hp with higher compression and bigger cams. Getting a tuner to find that 100+ hp is a different story.

[@nighthawk0077]

@@GrayFox370 yes it seems very few people bother building one. 99% of people that add mods do intake and exhaust or FBO including cams and tune for 330whp and call it a day. Not too bad actually you can get 50-70hp on top with bolt-ons

[@DennyBalance]

@@stonednyc1 To be honest those mid mounted kits could easily make 500, i've seen one make 800 (upgraded rods, pistons ofc) but if on a stock motor you could turn it down and make 500 easy. if you go rear mount the one I put together for $1,100 (+ $950 tuning) can turn up to 500, and that's on a 165,000 mile DE too but I keep it low to not pop that old engine 😂

[@WiscoMTB37]

When you eat a pot brownie before filming a video 🤣

[@AltDotAlex]

I've never even owned this motor but I could listen to this man talk about kitchen appliances and would be absolutely RIVETED. What an excellent demeanor to wrap around quality information. Subbed for sure.

[@viciousvq1824]

*I love it!*

[@burtonfzz]

And it’s double please to listen to him when you own one 😍

[@cutevswretched]

This guy's enthusiasm is absolutely contagious. So enjoyable to watch him talk about this engine!

[@danielrimart1239]

This is one of the most intelligent video on this particular motor. He has clear and precise description and explanations.

[@TheInfectedWreck]

Glad that you're working with the VHR platform!

[@ado038]

Awesome vid. I built my 350Zs VQ35HR into a high compression VQ37HR myself about a year ago and find it reassuring to see you recommend doing things I did. Since the VQ35HR and VQ37VHR share the same exact block you could've just put HR heads on it with very aggressive cams to make more power and avoid the overheating issues of the VVEL system. I did 3.7 crank, K1 rods and 12:1 Pistons but from Wiseco. I too kept the stock head gaskets and head bolts.

[@motoiq]

But that would have been too easy!

[@ado038]

@@motoiq haha heyhey I'm a fan of keeping things simple. I'm sure you guys have seen Sasha's (OnPoint Dyno) VQ builds over the years. Before the new and insane 530whp VQ42HR their VQ37HR made 414rwhp using HR heads and ITBs. Definitely looking forward to what you come up with though, Ive always followed your builds on your website. The VQ35HR Turbo swapped R32 was probably my favorite.

[@future62]

What kind of power did you end up making? And why doesn't anyone use the VQ40 crank?

[@nick_romeo]

Great comment

[@ado038]

@@future62 mine is on stock HR cams but I actually found my 3" Z1 single exit exhaust with motordyne Ypipe to be restrictive so I had a custom 3.5" single exit made pretty recently but havent had a chance to put it on a dyno. With the old exhaust it made 330whp and 286wtq on a very low reading dyno with shop temperatures at 110°F here in Florida I know on a regular dynojet on a normal day it would've been in the 350s and perhaps a bit more now with the new exhaust set up since its running very well and I've really gotten the hang of tuning with Uprev.

[@videomaniac108]

I have a 370Z sport coupe and I found this video very interesting and informative. I may contact them at a later date for a performance rebuild I may have done to the engine. I am so impressed with the ingenuity and commitment of the designers and builders at Nissan when it comes to the 370Z they created.

[@itsmistersmoke]

This channel is such a gem

[@Dudeman9339]

What I've learned is that a lot of the stock parts are the best option for the VHR.

[@dogmoo]

The fact that I can’t buy a moto IQ t shirt with mikes picture on makes me sad.

[@Lause]

I've watched this video like 3 times and just want him to make more content on the VQ37vhr

[@fiddy9337]

If I told this man a shitty joke he would still crack up I love this guy.

[@MuminovicGoran]

It pleasant listening to you because you seem happy while also explaining cool stuff, obviously you enjoy it :)

[@curvs4me]

Reminds me of the record build VQ37. I think he stroked it out to 4.1 liters. They were pulling 557hp at 8500 normally aspirated. That's incredible for a vq. It goes to show that the fundamentals are there. With the right massaging 500+ HP natural aspirations is unreal harmony.

[@bloodcraze18]

Can't wait for updates on this project! Hopefully I can get you guys to build my VQ some day too :)

[@jeremyb4493]

I just found this channel....i used to follow the motoiq website with the great project cars but it all started being in high school and getting a subscription to SCC back in '97.

[@alexkalish8288]

I'm an engineer and found this presentation outstanding - great technical detail and insider engineering rational. I'm going to put one of these ( stock) in my 2003 Xterra in place of the original VG33. Should be an interesting challenge.

[@dattomcat89]

Came here for ideas if I buy a 370. Was immdiately distracted by an unexpected familiar face. I used to watch Behind the Smoke on GT Channel while studying for exams in college. What a blast from the past! Great to see you're still approaching every job (and vid) with a smile, Mike! Dang now I need to go binge Hot Version Intl...

[@GixxerRider1991]

My jaw dropped the first time I saw how beefy the bottom end of these engine blocks is. VQs can take a pounding even in stock form. The variable valve lift is a great touch. Once you get above 6,000 rpm the car feels possessed.

[@stephanekarrasch9187]

Those videos are really informative and pleasant to watch. Please make more of those!

[@michaelr5545]

Love this video, and love Mike Kojima. Very intelligent man and I'm actually interested in an N/A build on a g37 sedan

[@anthonydurantine2292]

Love his in-depth explanations and delivery. Just found this page.. LOVE IT

[@crazy8sdrums]

This was a remarkably concise and intelligent presentation! TYVM!

[@avery379]

Thx great video, I love listening to people that know their stuff.

[@n8rivera74]

It's always a treat to listen to a professional who is knowledgeable without arrogance. When you're THAT good, you don't need to boast, the work speaks for itself. Mike, the VQ motors are known for oil consumption issues, even before 100K. Do you know why, is there a way to prevent it?

[@SI0AX]

He mentioned that it is caused by the complicated intake camshaft design on this engine. Maybe an oil cooler to prevent the overheating camshaft problem.

[@oldschooldude8370]

I watch this channel because of the guy I've named Smiles. He makes me happy.

[@chrismorris6982]

I learned way more than I thought I ever would in 12 minutes. Subscribed. Also if you haven’t already I’d like to see stuff on Honda’s J series engines.

[@michaelbass4305]

Great video guys, I have a 2020 370z nismo that already makes close to 370whp with full bolt ons, cammed, flex fuel kit and tune...I will be sending my car down to Mike soon so he can make another vqhr video with 400whp dyno results, and over 300lbs of tq...coming soon

[@6mtG]

🧢

[@TriforceSamurai]

anyway we can get a continuation of the series with the VHR, i learned so much from this three months ago and have been eagerly waiting on another video with helpful tips. I'm coming up to it being time to build my VHR as I'm getting the last few pieces I need soon for my TT install.

[@motoiq]

Coming real soon

[@TriforceSamurai]

@@motoiq thank you! I can't wait.

[@nick66333]

using stock oem parts seem legit reason nissan did design the engine for performance

[@irresponzible]

Are there just bots that float around KZbin downvoting videos?? Who would downvote this content?

[@alexcecil89]

"K1 rods also come with arp bolts which is the industry standard for really good bolts" love it

[@jaypalo]

I’ve came across your channel before and I don’t know why I’m just subbing now. Good informative video 👌🏼

[@viciousvq1824]

*I love the VHR! Thanks for the Informative Video*

[@muaminhugsy4964]

Love the VQ family, can't wait to see what it does.

[@georgefales7964]

I don’t understand how your subscriber count is not in millions

[@motoiq]

Spread the good word!!!

[@joebrown9621]

Very intresting🤓.. I'm with you mike.. I'll be following the build

[@jl8754]

This guy looks high and happy 247365😂 It is a skill to talk to a camera!

[@ryanscanlan9875]

LOVE this guy!

[@OTRBRANDON]

The greatest video that i almost misse, because of the goofy ass thumbnail lol 😂 good work definitely subscribing. Please do a podcast talking about motors to check out, watch for, and that are just bad ass

[@OriginalRangsta12]

Great video guys, lots of cool info 😎🤙🏼

[@stuartsmellie4966]

4th comment! Always love listening to Mike, he has sooo much knowledge.

[@robmotown1]

And the firing order.....a very hard to remember... 123456....so make sure you gap your points correctly and and get the distributor leads on the correct plugs... number 1 cylinder is the middle of the right bank looking at it from the bottom of the engine while facing true north!! That way the inlet cam timing is in sync with your adjustable valve floating device!!! Cheers!

[@mervynmontague1811]

Very informative and interesting

[@NDil97]

the VVEL is amazing for low-end torque, allowing for it to have the most aggressive intake cam possible, and change for all-around power throughout the curve. For big power, many revert back to HR heads, because VVEL gets messy at higher power.

[@beowolf9991]

You should watch adam lz twin turbo made 830hp on wheels and that vvel kept the torque from start to end 590lb ft ...so i think it works even on high hp cars

[@pushhrodd01]

Nic D ive always wondered why. The HR heads everyone in the forums say they’re better

[@NDil97]

raheel saleem it works great around that range. Most of the people who run the HR head swaps are hr guys who then put in the 3.7 block. Don’t have to change the ecu that way.

[@NDil97]

PISTON TECH many are hr 350 guys and you don’t need ecu change to run the 370 block with hr heads then either

[@beowolf9991]

@@NDil97 yeahh i know ..i ve spent 1 year figuring out the electric stuff on these vvel ecus and vq36 ecu .. this is the hardest ecu and engine electronics that we,ve worked on ..me and my tuner who working in this field for 25 years and builds 2500hp to 3000hp supra and gtrs and mercedes and m5s ...but this engines electronic took 1 year ... Whatever we tried vvel never worked in my swaped e30 .. finally after 1 year of testing and doing random things it worked and now its working fine ... 265 wheel torque from 1500rpm to 7500rpm .. good for autox and tracks

[@RadDadisRad]

Sasha used a JWT 4.2 kit and makes 500whp. Insane considering that Porsche is the only manufacturer that I know that makes a 500hp NA 6 cylinder.

[@dangerm3496]

Love this guys vids

[@patrickhooper2843]

Favorite engine

[@donttrusttheape]

Where the hell Mike You getting this info from?! I want to know more, sodium filled valves, fire reliefs in pistons, valve seat distortion? I always thought that torque to yield bolts are one time use? Great info like always.

[@mikekojima9761]

Generally, Nissan Torque To Yield can be used up to 3x in a pinch. Nissan gives a length spec and you measure the bolts and log the length with each cycle. They are no good when they go out of spec. That can be in one to 3 cycles. If its a race engine I pitch them but in an emergency, I have reused them if they were within spec.

[@bigdaddy5629]

Mike Kojima what year Nissan Titan 5.6 V8 has the sodium filled valves?

[@alexander-gt]

Sodium filled valves isn't a new technology. For instance, they were used on 1964 Soviet ZIL-130 truck.

[@garyjones6090]

This is awesome!!! Looking to do the same to my hr.

[@projectg37s3]

Great video, keep um comin👍

[@orangehammock]

please give this guy his own channel talking about engine stuff ASAP

[@paulmartinez1769]

When will there be another video on the engine?!

[@socaldatsun6910]

Awesome commentary

[@socaldatsun6910]

It was very informative and clear!

[@DavidSmith-tz9bx]

appreciated this video, thank you

[@RadDadisRad]

Watching this again after watching Sasha bang out some serious hp. I believed he used a lot of the same hardware. JWT is the company for anything Z32 and newer. They haven’t let me down and always squeaking out better power than anyone else.

[@motoiq]

And you won’t be changing your mind when you see the results of this build 👍

[@gman2478]

Does that mean Jwt gaskets as well as their Cams would be best as well?

[@bmyuusb]

I love his voice

[@seeeeeeek1]

Thanks for the video!! Very informative for a noob like myself!!

[@slicktop2jz855]

Wish you guys had videos covering the vg30dett you did a few years ago

[@Junior-pm4kn]

I NEED THIS FOR MY Q50!!!

[@MrZongee]

You should fully stretch the bolts for peak yield strength. Then use until snapped

[@motoiq]

That is not correct. They should be stretched only to the recommended amount.

[@MrZongee]

You're using stock bolts for higher compression force. I would yield them to the limit to put them in the elastic region instead of the plastic region. Otherwise they could get loose under boost. My way they break under max boost. Dude I dunno I drive two e39 m5$. Im just waiting to rebuild a vanos. I also slaughtered class of 2006 Berkeley engineering

[@motoiq]

Good for you, you should stretch bolts to the manufactures specs, not an arbitrary number you calculate. Since you slaughter engineering classes you should know that understreched bolts are prone to high cycle fatigue failure, not coming loose.

[@MrZongee]

I have no hands on experience with this yet. But if the bolts are designed to break before they strip the block then I would preload and prestrain them for their max service loading. Wouldn't it be possible to stretch them from thermal expansion? Doesn't aluminum have a higher coefficient of expansion? But the only way to increase bolt stiffness is to make it bigger. But how much bigger can you make the aluminum threads... I wish I kept my ka24de Nissan frontier

[@motoiq]

That's why you don't second guess the manufactures recommendations.

[@knieban]

Hey Mike, just wondering why you guys stuck with the VHR head instead of the HR? Ignoring the VVEL system, Are the ports, etc any different? Also, is there any reason the VVEL engines don't have exhaust valve reliefs like the HR/DE?

[@crazeguy26]

A few of the B15 guys have did the HR head swaps on there VQ swaps.

[@motoiq]

Its a legit swap. The HR head kicks ass.

[@motobazuka2535]

When will the next video arrive?

[@chrisdeez2176]

Now build a VK56DE. N/A. And would love to see a twin turbo version of that engine in a titan

[@nbhgotdatbag8172]

That would be dope af ! Ive seen VK56 swapped 240s boosted making crazy power & they’re fucking drifting monsters 🔥

[@chop3003]

When reassembling the vvel ladder and timing the chain, do you need to degree the vvel intake cam at a certain angle for proper timing?

[@motoiq]

Yes

[@Sick_Boy.]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@supercrew63]

just subbed I am building a Datsun 620 pickup with a 2014 infinity g37 engine and auto trans as that is what i bought to go drag racing like Rocky Mountain Race week kind of deal a drag and drive. that head work any ballpark on cost. I plan on keeping this engine under 8k rpm as i will be in darg and drive events and gonna run a Ford Ranger 8.8 rear end with 3.73 or 3.90 rear gears.

[@NabGer]

Well that was awesome

[@cammando117]

This looks like a great track engine. Wonder what the total cost of this would be.

[@roddydykes7053]

I know there no reason to now that you’ve done the 37HR, but any chance you could do a video on the 35DE?

[@motoiq]

we wrote how to build one here. motoiq.com/category/projects/nissan/350z/

[@KINZERS13GTR]

Looks like a V configuration of a BMW N series engine. Interesting variation to their valvetronic implementation. What does it take to crack those open deck cylinders?

[@motoiq]

These engines can get iffy when you push them past 700 or so hp.

[@Ty_on_Two]

Wheres the 2nd video man were waiting!!!🤙👍

[@motoiq]

Haha! We're working on it. A handful of variables have reared their ugly heads, but we're working on solutions which we'll let you in on. We promise the info we have coming will be worth the wait.

[@Ty_on_Two]

@@motoiq awesome man very excited! Thanks for the update !

[@EAC_Tech]

@@motoiq Update?!

[@Ty_on_Two]

@@motoiq we ever going to see more of this thing?

[@J_rostro]

Sensei 🙏🏽

[@motobazuka2535]

What's the update?

[@samiam9059]

There is a reason Nissan has been on wards 10 best over 16 times with the V-6.

[@ryanscanlan9875]

What power did it end up making?? I'm willing to bet 420whp?

[@motoiq]

367whp or 440chp

[@Woodie-xq1ew]

I know this is a bit old but would it be possible to mount the heads to something so they could be torqued down before the valve seats are cut that way they aren't then distorted when the engine is assembled?

[@eppyz]

Just curious if the VQ40DE has these featurues? Are they more similar than differetn? Just curious. 😎

[@shmoke6089]

If you went Fi/ supercharged on the vhr would you still use the oem crank?

[@motoiq]

Yes it is pretty strong.

[@tifosif1153]

Any updates?

[@zaheerabdool]

How much power did this engine actually make? Was stock redline maintained or was it raised?

[@motoiq]

367whp, 293 lb ft of torque rev limiter at 8k

[@zaheerabdool]

@@motoiq I'll reach out as I'm interested in a build like this. 👍

[@SpectralComposites]

What benefits would you see in regards to installing a dry sump system? The goal being High RPM NA. Does it reduce overall stress on the components?

[@motoiq]

Perfect lubrication under all conditions. Better ring seal, lower oil temperatures, more power.

[@moreycohen1985]

What are you figure the output to be ? I know there are a few tuners out there that build them & use superchargers or Turbos but not at 12 to 1. It would also be nice to know the parts & time involved. I love JWT parts and I recommend the JWT clutch if and when

[@GrayFox370]

Probably anywhere between 350whp-380whp depending on the tune.

[@RadDadisRad]

Do you lap your valves to the seats in the head with lapping compound?

[@motoiq]

We usually don't with a Newen machine valve job. This valve job is very precise.

[@jckworley]

MotoIQ can I get in touch about y’all build me some heads ?

[@nismonaz6104]

Be interesting and worth it if your getting around 380-390 whp.

[@yoshioutt857]

What year motor are you working on?

[@gman2478]

Is this why most build the VQ35DE & why almost all of those hold the records? As well has highest hp & torque?

[@tokirak]

This guy is like Charlie Mock in 35 years if he cleaned up his act and became an engineer

[@sk8punk318]

Nissans new VR30DDTT engine is definitely an upgrade from the VQ37

[@nbhgotdatbag8172]

VQ37 is a way more reliable engine . Vr30 thats not the red sport only has 300 hp to the crank 😆 VQ37 =332(somewhere in the 330s) to the crank now imagine twin turbo (which cant fit unless its rear mounted) , forged internals , bigger exhaust cams , fbo on e85 ?

[@sk8punk318]

@@nbhgotdatbag8172 I have a G37s coupe and absolutely love the VQ it just sucks that you can't get a lot of gains from bolt ons unless you go FI which costs a shit ton. You can do a simple tune and turn the boost up on the VR and get a new downpipe and gain more hp that way alone compared to FBO on a VQ

[@nick_romeo]

Do you have to stick with the stock ecu because of vvel?

[@motoiq]

You don't have to but its easier and it is difficult to integrate the CANBUS with a stand-alone ECU.

[@beowolf9991]

Trust me .. you have to keep this oem ecu to run vvel ..otherwise all other options are very expensive

[@chrisnas1483]

So how reliable is a low boost turbo if you all build the motor this way?

[@franczy]

What would you recommend running for pistons in a twin turbo application?

[@SI0AX]

Not a high dome that makes the compression so high you actually have to run E85 on naturally aspirated engine like this guy. Go with forged rods and low compression forged pistons.

[@motoiq]

Low compression pistons

[@andrewsantana2092]

What are the arp main studs part numbers

[@robmotown1]

Nissan Juke turbo head bolts are the ones to use!!!! On a vq40 !!!

[@garethjohnstone9282]

Samo Hung does tuning?!

[@jad007cafe7]

What rod and main bearings do you run?

[@motoiq]

It's in the video!

[@jad007cafe7]

@@motoiq I see you installing them but you don’t seem to mention if they are oem or what brand they are. I could be mistaken and that would be quite embarrassing

[@motoiq]

Yes we did, they are King XPC.

[@jad007cafe7]

@@motoiq Thank you for replying I love your content

[@Ggldoork]

6:40 is “Monkey Motion” an industry standard term unique to Nissan? I really want to learn more about this fascinating aspect of Moto Engineering!