Quote:
Originally Posted by Volk Z
It is a great engine but honestly its time for a refresh... I have been a VQ guy for over 11 years with 2 350z's and my 370z. I cant say its the most exhilirating engine i have ever experienced..
I found the EVO 8 4 cylinder was more fun out of the box... My 370z engine seems a little more enjoyable then my VQ35 in my 04 350z but it still needs boost or something like the Celica GT-S engine had with lifters for the cams that gave it a nice pop at 6k rpms...
My request to Nissan is a 325hp+ 4 cylinder turbo with a curb weight of 2800 pounds. The engine should be able to obtain 28-30mpg or higher on highway with direct injection etc. My wifes 275hp Sonata turbo gets 35mpg and is a blast to drive.
Everyone is begging for the BRZ and FRS to offer a boosted model.... Its Nissans chance to slap a 4 cyl turbo in the Z and steal that market niche.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Red__Zed
It got respect in its time. Nissan has really stretched the lifecycle and that comes with challenges (to the performance as well as the ability of the press to get excited about it!)
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No doubt the VQ is a great engine, even the earlier variants (i.e. vq35de), it even got wards 10 best engines 5 years in a row, but honestly I think the vq35hr should have been the last VQ and the 370 should have went with a new engine design. Don't get me wrong the VQ is an awesome engine but in 2014 it's really outdated, 19/26mpg w/ 330hp? competitors running with similar/more power engines and getting better mpg's.
The engine is a good reliable unit, it's just inefficient compared to the competitors, I mean you are getting v8 mileage out of a v6.
So I tend to agree with the panel that the VQ is getting way too long in the tooth in current form, with that said I think if D/I was implemented raising power/mpg output it could definitely live to see another day.
From personal experience the vq35hr in my 07 was one of my most favorite engines, especially coupled with the famous wookie growl (that the stock 370z completely forgot)