Go with the flow : The VQ35 Cooling System

On July 13, 2010, in Engine, by B.Hobbs

Heat

You may consider it your enemy, it has definitely been responsible for more than a few oddly shaped pistons and blown head gaskets.  The fact of the matter is that heat is simply energy, it works both for us and against us. A tremendous amount of heat is generated from the combustion process and put to work, the more we can harness the more efficient our engine becomes.

Approximately 1/3 of that heat is wasted through exhaust gas ( which can be utilized by turbochargers, but that is another story ) approximately another 1/3 is actually used to drive the piston downward and get the job done. The remainder of this heat energy is radiated outward from the cylinder and your cooling system is designed to transfer that heat to your coolant and pass it through a heat exchanger to keep engine temperatures in check.

Z33 cooling circuit

Z33 cooling circuit

This is the cooling circuit diagram for the VQ35 straight from the 03 350Z factory service manual. One look at this diagram will tell you that this aint your granpappy’s ol’ small block. Shortly after the 350z was released, aftermarket performance parts came pouring out of the woodwork to support enthusiasts.

Before you knew it there were big time turbo kits and high powered engine builds to the tune of 600whp. It was then that these tuners began to see the apparent downfall of the cooling system for the VQ35 used in the Z33. In this diagram you will see the rear cylinders ( #5 and #6 ) circled in red. If you follow the flow chart from the water pump you will see that coolant flows into the engine from that point, up through the heads and into the engine block. Coolant flows from the front of the head to the rear and exits through the water pipe connected to both sides.

The block on the other hand is another story, the coolant flows from the front of the engine to the rear cylinders and has nowhere else to go. I’m not about to call out Nissan engineers (although I’ve had cause to curse them in the past) because under normal and even spirited driving conditions the factory cooling system will keep engine temps manageable. However, under heavy load conditions such as a long highway pull on a high powered engine or pulling lots of weight uphill, coolant flow to the rear cylinders is insufficient and can lead to troublesome or even catastrophic engine failure in the form of blown head gaskets or over expanded pistons that will have a once smooth cylinder looking more like a funnel.

Pathfinder cooling circuit

Pathfinder cooling circuit

Enter the Pathfinder. The VQ35 found in the Pathfinder is only slightly different than the Z33 VQ35, but the one major difference worthy of discussion in this particular post is pointed out in red on this cooling circuit diagram.

If you follow the same flow, from the water pump and into the engine block, you’ll find that the coolant now has a “back door” out of the block where it will meet the other superheated coolant from the heads and return to the radiator. A thermostat is in place between the block and water pipe (shown on the diagram as an X) simply to let the engine reach operating temperature more quickly and reduce emissions.

Nissan engineers saw this one coming during their road tests for the Pathfinder, though they didn’t tune those VQ35′s to unscrupulous amounts of power, they more likely just ran them really hard off road and hauled lots of weight uphill. There’s no telling how many engines they scrapped before they decided on this system, but their loss is our gain.

Many fine retailers have put together “Pathfinder cooling mod” kits that will supply you with the rear coolant pipe, thermostat, hose and plate that you can swap right into your Z33 to greatly improve your coolant flow and safeguard your rear cylinders.

Is it something that your momma needs on her sedan to run to the grocery store? No, but you should give the Pathfinder system as well as other “reliability mods” some consideration if you plan to really put your VQ35 through a beating with lots of boost or serious track time.


 

O HELLA OEM’s Porsche G35

On July 10, 2010, in G35, G35, by O HELLA OEM

This is my Porsche powered by a VQ35 engine…Oh wait back to reality, my G35 just got a fresh Porsche 911 GT3 paint job called Atlas Grey Metallic that is. Anyways My G is my daily driver so I tried to keep the look as OEM as possible. So I put a Full Nismo body kit because this kit just looks like it came out of the factory, don’t you agree?

O HELLA OEM's VQ35 Powered Porsche G35

O HELLA OEM’s VQ35 Powered Porsche G35

To think a couple months ago my G35 was pretty much stock. 2010 was the year for my G35′s transformation east jump and i went all out as you can see but i still have much more to do.

 

 

O HELLA OEM's VQ35 Powered Porsche G35

O HELLA OEM’s VQ35 Powered Porsche G35

 

Your probably wondering what’s with the Blue wheels? Those aren’t just any ordinary blue wheels. The color is called Fzero Blue from Volk Racing and I believe there’s only 2 sets in 19″ with +12 offsets ever made. So trust me when I say that you probably wont see any G or Z with these set of wheels at a car shows you attend to.  That may sound a bit cocky but take it how you want it. HA!

 

 

O HELLA OEM's VQ35 Powered Porsche G35

O HELLA OEM’s VQ35 Powered Porsche G35

 

 

 

 

I think the G35 has one of the most sexiest stock rear ends period!. Everything about a G35 is just perfect in my eyes. Any angle , every corner you look at the G35 lines wont disappoint.

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Leojang’s Turbo G35 Anime Beast

On July 10, 2010, in Engine, G35, Widebody, by admin

When I first saw this car I was browsing the forums over @ G35NYC.com and I was flat out amazed that someone took the time to be creative and put some ill graphics on their show G. Little did I know then, that it was a DAILY DRIVEN G. Now this VQ35 powered turbo G, has got all the trimmings, including a built engine courtesy of VinnyTenRacing.com. I believe it pushes over 500whp, and I forgot what he ran at the track, but I know it was some impressive numbers, with full interior, system and all. I’m sure a lot of you enthusiasts have seen this vehicle already, but we here @ VQ35.com wanted to make sure it got a spot on our featured cars line up. Alright, enough of the small talk, on with the goods!

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Name: Leo Jang
Vehicle: 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe
Hometown: Baltimore

Engine Modifications:

VTR Stage 3 built long block, VTR Stage 4 ported and polished head, ARP studs, CP pistons, Darton MID sleeve, ACL/Calico bearings, Cometic dead gasket, Ferrea titanium valves and valve springs, JWT turbo cams, custom fuel system w/twin Bosch pump, 850cc DW injectors, NGK iridium spark plugs, Unorthodox underdrive pulleys, Nismo crank, oil pump, JWT 700bb twin turbo kit, Hydra EMS, GReddy intercooler, Koyo 53mm racing radiator, Dual 10” Flex-a-fan with custom thermostat, HKS Hi-Power exhaut, custom powdercoated pipings, polished manifold, chromed engine front cover, Vibrant intercooler hoses, Samco radiator hoses, ARC oil cap, ARC radiator cap, ARC oil catch Can, ARC strut bar, RareJDM harness cover, WeaponR steering/coolant tank.

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Interior:

Custom upholstered Sparco Milano Prestige2 racing seats, matching door panels and rear seat, matching shift boot and E-brake boot, custom made seat rails with brackets, Arc shift knob, Sparco harnesses, Sparco Flash 5 steering wheel, Sparco race pedals, Sparco E-brake, color matched trims, Autometer Nexus gauges: boost, fuel pressure, oil pressure, EGT, A/F wideband, water temp installed in custom gauge pods, GReddy B-Spec boost controller.

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Audio & Multimedia:

Pioneer D3, Zapco Ref 360 watt 4 channel amp, Zapco c2k 6.0 600 watt 2 channel amp, JL Audio 1000/1 1000 watt mono amp, JL 12w7 Subwoofer, custom installed Farenheit 7” widescreen monitors in trunk, Morel Elate 5.25” front speakers, installed with plexi rings with LEDs, Morel Tempo 6.5” speakers custom installed in trunk.

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Exterior:

3 Stage Lime Green with Blue/Green Pearl, with black accents, APR custom widebody, custom made front bumper w/molded grill, deleted side marker, deleted door moldings, custom vented hood, fenders, molded rear bumper, molded/customized side skirts, molded Sparco fuel cap, APR GTC300 spoiler, custom graphics inspired by ARTFACTORY.

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Suspension & Wheels:

ZEAL Function Xs coilovers, Eibach front and rear sway bars, SPC rront and rear camber kits, polished upper and lower arms, Project Mu 14” 4 piston front/rear BBK, HRE 590R 19x10F, 19×12.5R, with flat black center, inner barrel with Pearl White lip, Falken FK452 275/30/19F, 315/25/19R, Neochro r40 lug nuts.

Leojang's VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Leojang’s VQ35 Powered Anime Beast

Now that’s another sick VQ35 powered G for ya! On to the next one my friends!

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NWP Engineering Phenolic Thermal Intake Spacer Kits for the VQ35NWP Engineering Phenolic Thermal Intake Spacer Kits for the VQ35NWP Engineering Phenolic Thermal Intake Spacer Kits for the VQ35

NWP Engineering Phenolic Thermal Intake Spacer Kits for the VQ35

NWP Engineering Phenolic Thermal Intake Spacer Kits

Applications:

1995 – 1999 Nissan Maxima (3L DOHC V6 VQ30DE)
2000 – 2001 Nissan Maxima (3L DOHC V6 VQ30DEK)
2002 – 2003 Nissan Maxima (5th generation 3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
2004 – 2008 Nissan Maxima (6th generation 3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
2002 – 2006 Nissan Altima (3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
2003 – 2007 Nissan Murano (3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
2004 – 2008 Nissan Quest (3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
2002 – 2004 Infiniti I35 (3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
1992 – 1994 Nissan Maxima SE (3L DOHC V6 VE30DE)

Below are the 5 spacers included in the 04-08 Maxima VQ35DE Kit:

All NWP Engineering Thermal Intake Spacer Kits include the hardware and lengthened bolts needed to do the entire install. Also included are full installation instructions with pictures.

NWP Engineering Phenolic Thermal Intake Spacer Kits for the VQ35
NWP Engineering Phenolic Thermal Intake Spacer Kits for the VQ35

The VQ35DE kit consists of the following:

- TWO 1/16″ High Quality CNC Machined Phenolic Intake Manifold Spacers (Lower Intake Manifold)
- 1/4″ High Quality CNC Machined Phenolic Intake Manifold Lower Collector Spacer (Upper Intake Manifold)
- 1/4″ High Quality CNC Machined Phenolic Intake Manifold Upper Collector Spacer (Elbow)
- 1/4″ High Quality CNC Machined Phenolic Throttle Actuator Spacer (Throttle Body)
- Intake Manifold Upper Collector Coolant Bypass Fitting
- 4 Lengthened High Quality Zinc Plated Grade 8 Throttle Body bolts and washers
- 4 Lengthened High Quality Zinc Plated Grade 8 Elbow bolts and washers
- 3 Lengthened High Quality Zinc Plated Grade 8 Upper Intake Manifold bolts and washers
- 2 Lengthened High Quality Zinc Plated Grade 8 Upper Intake Manifold offset studs
- Printed Detailed Installation Instructions with Photos- Two Die Cut Silver Vinyl NWP Engineering Decals

NWP Engineering Phenolic Thermal Intake Spacer Kits for the VQ35
NWP Engineering Phenolic Thermal Intake Spacer Kits for the VQ35

Comes with everything pictured (VQ35DE Kit):

All of NWP Spacers are port matched to ensure the best airflow possible. And all OEM intake manifold gaskets are completely eliminated resulting in better airflow!

CNC Machined to the highest tolerances for the best fitment possible:

http://www.nwpengineering.com/Phenolic_Spacers.html

10hp and 12ft-lbs of torque below 5K rpm!

40 degree intake manifold temp drop!

All 3.5L kits are $225 plus $10.00 S&H. The 4th gen (95-99) Maxima Kits are $215 plus $10 S&H. The VE30DE 92-94 Maxima SE kits are $145 plus $10.00 S&H.

Please order at http://www.nwpengineering.com. If you want to pay with a money order, please contact me directly before ordering.

All packages will ship the same business day if received by 2pm EST. All packages are shipped via insured USPS 2-3 day Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation.

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NWP Engineering VIAS Block Plate Kits for the VQ35

NWP Engineering VIAS Block Plate Kits for the VQ35

NWP Engineering VIAS Block Plate Kits for the VQ35

NWP Engineering VIAS Block Plate Kits for the VQ35

The NWP Engineering VIAS Block Plate Kits allow for an easy and clean way to block off your intake manifold once you are done modifying it. The Premium Block Plate has recently been redesigned slightly to improve the look of the NWP Logo and provide a crisper and cleaner appearance.

NWP Engineering VIAS Block Plate Kits for the VQ35

NWP Engineering VIAS Block Plate Kits for the VQ35

These VIAS Block Plates are CNC Machined to the highest tolerance possible from 6061 billet aluminum. This is the highest quality VIAS Block Plate out there!

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!
If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, return it in new condition for a complete refund including shipping costs! Applies to orders within the US only.

Kit Includes:

- 1/4″ High Quality CNC Machined Variable Intake Actuator Block Plate
(Made from Polished 6061 Billet Aluminum)
- 3 Properly Sized Silver Zinc Plated Flange Bolts
- VIAS Control Solenoid Valve Vacuum Cap
- Printed Detailed Installation Instructions with Photos
- Two Die Cut Silver Vinyl NWP Engineering Decals

Applications:

- (04-08) Nissan Maxima (6th generation 3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
- (02-03) Nissan Maxima (5th generation 3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
- (02-06) Nissan Altima (3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
- (03-07) Nissan Murano (3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
- (04-08) Nissan Quest (3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)
- (02-04) Infiniti I35 (3.5L DOHC V6 VQ35DE)

Price: $60

Shipping and handling is $6.00 within the US via USPS 2-3 day Priority Mail. All international orders are shipped via USPS Priority Mail International for $18. Express shipping is available.

All orders are taken through the website at:

http://www.nwpengineering.com/Phenol…cers.html#VIAS

Also, for those on a budget, we offer a Basic version of our block plate with an engraved NWP logo instead of raised lettering. You will find this kit on our website as well for $40 here: http://www.nwpengineering.com/Phenol…ers.html#VIASB

Q: What does the VIAS/SSIM Block Plate do?

A: This is strictly a block plate kit for those that want to remove their VIAS (Variable Induction Air Control System). That will hurt low end power, but since you are removing an obstruction, it will help top end. You will gain approximately 5hp on midrange and top end power.

The other use for this block plate and considered the best option as far as performance is known as the SSIM (Secret Sauce Intake Manifold). That name was created years ago by a member of the Maxima discussion forums. This involves cutting the shelf out of the main chamber of the upper intake manifold and removing the VIAS assembly. This will still lose low end power and some midrange, but the gains in the top end are very noticeable. It’s definitely a modification that is worthwhile if you are serious about increasing top end HP. An engine tune and extended rev limiter is highly recommended if you want to get the full potential out of the SSIM.

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