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JDM EnginesPhoenix
VQ-series

VQ37VHR Engine in Phoenix, Arizona

The higher-output evolution of the VQ family, replacing the VQ35DE with variable valve event and lift technology and a different set of fitment constraints.

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Family
VQ37VHR (VQ-series)
Displacement
3.7 L
Configuration
V6, 60-degree
Valvetrain
DOHC, 24 valves, VVEL
Produced
2008–2019

Bore and stroke are omitted for this family: the code covers variants with different figures, and a single pair of numbers would be wrong for some of them.

The VQ37VHR is a 3,696 cc V6 that Nissan introduced for 2008 as the successor to the VQ35DE in its performance and luxury applications. It uses Nissan's Variable Valve Event and Lift system, which adjusts valve lift and timing continuously rather than switching between fixed profiles. The result is a broader torque curve and improved fuel economy over the VQ35DE it replaced.

In the Phoenix market the VQ37VHR turns up in two contexts: owners of 370Z, G37, Q50 and QX50 cars needing a direct replacement, and builders looking for a higher-output VQ for a swap. The VVEL system makes this a more complex engine than the DE it replaced, and that complexity is a factor in both the replacement and the swap conversation.

The VQ37VHR and the VQ35DE share a family resemblance but are not the same engine. Different deck height, different heads, different valve actuation, different accessory layout. Treating them as interchangeable is the most common and most expensive mistake on this family.

Why the VQ37VHR is not a VQ35DE

Despite sharing a family resemblance and similar displacement, the VQ37VHR has a different deck height, different cylinder heads, a VVEL valve actuation system and a different accessory layout. It is not a drop-in substitute for a VQ35DE.

The VVEL system adds solenoids, wiring and oil passages that are absent on the DE. A harness or ECU from a DE car will not operate a VHR without addressing those circuits.

VVEL complexity and maintenance

The VVEL system is mechanically and electrically more complex than the variable valve timing on the VQ35DE. It adds oil passages and solenoids that need to be in good condition for the engine to run correctly.

On a used unit, asking whether the VVEL system has been inspected or serviced is a reasonable question, particularly on higher-mileage engines.

Vehicles built with a VQ37VHR

Nissan 370Z, Infiniti G37, Q50 and QX50, each with its own accessory layout and wiring. The VQ37VKS is a later USDM variant with minor calibration differences.

Factory applications for VQ37VHR variants, by vehicle, model years, trim and market
VehicleYearsTrim / bodyEngine codeMarket
Nissan 370Z2009–2020: VQ37VHRBoth
Infiniti G372008–2013: VQ37VHRUSDM
Infiniti Q502014–2018: VQ37VHR / VQ37VKSUSDM
Infiniti QX502014–2017: VQ37VHRUSDM

VQ37VHR variants

Two principal variants. The VQ37VHR is the standard specification; the VQ37VKS appeared in later Q50 and QX50 models with revised calibration.

VQ37VHRBoth
The standard 3.7-litre specification across 370Z, G37, Q50 and QX50 applications.
VQ37VKSUSDM
Later USDM variant used in certain Q50 and QX50 applications with revised calibration.

Identifying a VQ37VHR

  • The VQ37VHR and VQ35DE are stamped differently on the block; the VHR suffix is the identifier. Confirm which a listing describes before committing.
  • The VVEL solenoids and wiring on the cylinder head are visible from above and distinguish a VHR from a DE at a glance when the engine is out of the car.
  • The engine code is stamped on the block in the VQ family location. The VQ37VKS is a later USDM variant with minor calibration differences.

A seller describing an engine as a particular variant is making a checkable claim. Asking for a photograph of the stamp on the actual unit is not a sign of distrust; it is the normal way this gets confirmed. The engine code guide shows where each family is stamped if you want to read the one in your own car first.

What varies between VQ37VHR units

These are the differences that decide whether two engines with the same family code are substitutes in a particular car.

  • The VQ37VHR is NOT interchangeable with the VQ35DE. Different mounting points, different accessory layout and different VVEL system complexity make this a non-substitute.
  • The VVEL system adds solenoids, wiring and oil passages that are absent on the DE. A harness or ECU from a DE car will not operate a VHR without addressing those circuits.
  • Supply year, trim and VIN to confirm the exact variant. The VQ37VKS used in later Q50 and QX50 models has minor differences from the standard VQ37VHR.

Nothing on this page confirms that a specific VQ37VHR will work in your vehicle. That takes the year, model and trim at one end and a specific unit at the other, and it happens before a price is given rather than after. What goes into that check is set out here.

Ask about a VQ37VHR for your vehicle

The code is pre-filled. Add the year, model and trim, and the variant question gets settled on our side before anything is confirmed.

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Step 1 of 3: Vehicle

Which vehicle is the engine for?

Year, make and model get us most of the way. Trim matters more than people expect. A 2008 Civic is a different engine depending on whether it is an Si.

LX, EX, Si, Type-S, V6. Whatever is on the badge.

Know your engine code? Add it here.

If you do not, leave these blank. That is genuinely fine. Working out which engine a vehicle takes is the part we do. Here is where the code is stamped if you want to look.

The single most useful thing you can give us. 17 characters.

We do not confirm that an engine fits your vehicle until it has been checked against it.

Common questions

Can I use a VQ37VHR to replace a VQ35DE?

No. Despite sharing the VQ family name and a similar displacement, the VQ37VHR is a substantially different engine with a different deck height, different cylinder heads, VVEL valve actuation and a different accessory layout. It is not a drop-in substitute for a VQ35DE. Supply the year, trim and VIN to get the correct variant.

What is the difference between VQ35DE and VQ37VHR?

Displacement, valve actuation and engine management. The VQ35DE uses conventional variable valve timing; the VQ37VHR uses VVEL, which adjusts both lift and timing continuously. The VHR also has a different deck height, different heads and different accessory layout. They share a family resemblance but are not the same engine.

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