I've seen plenty of comments in different threads about the VQ engine being old or outdated. For those who hold that opinion, what does that mean exactly? Do you mean that you think it uses technology that is obsolete? Does an engine design have a shelf life in your opinion, and if so how long? Is there anything specific that makes you feel this way? Are there any other examples of engines still being used in current cars that you feel also are outdated?

Please shed some light into my dark abyss of ignorance about this.

 

As long as an engine can "run" I don't think it's outdated. Any engine can be put to use, IMO. The VQ37VHR is in no way "outdated".

 

sr20 been outdated for ten years now lol I still love it and people still mod it.

I guess when you can no longer find parts or aftermarket support

 

The VQ is not outdated, I guess I have missed those posts. I think its a very good engine.

 

I think most ppl are talking about the technology in the motor itself. Nissan should step up with a v6 turbo motor.

 

Just have to take a look at what Chevrolet has done with its "smallblock" V8. It's been alive, growing strong and kicking since 1955. No outdating with this block.

 

Still using pushrods.

 

The only way that i could say that the VQ is 'outdated' is in that it is a large capacity NA motor when most manufacturers are now going with smaller capacity boosted motors.

That being said, most people also now want tiny little 100hp, FWD buzz boxes that get 1000km's to a tank of fuel and are about as much fun as a proctologist appointment. I'll take 'outdated' over that anyday.

 

The VQ series motors are still pretty amazing, but I think Nissan could make even more power and up the efficiency if they started using direct injection or smaller displacements like the VQ25HR with a tiny turbo and direct injection. Mazda is doing some amazing things with their Skyactive motors right now - super high compression.

I know the VQ has caught a lot of crap for not being as refined or smooth as other manufacturer's equivalent engines, but then again a lot of this can be overlooked due to the power they make. I remember when Nissan's VQ35HR was making a little over 300hp when other manufactures were lagging behind with their 6's and less than 290hp.

Push rods to me are oldschool, but like another poster said that tried and true design can still make efficient power today. GM knows it works and hasn't dropped it (yet). IMHO, if your motor doesn't have variable valve timing, 10:1+ compression, piston coatings, direct injection, some lighter weight valvetrain parts, etc. then it's bordering on being outdated.

 

I've not made those comments but is it b/c it's not direct injection, forced induction, and does not get the mileage that other comparable engines get?

 

I don't think forced induction is the ticket to call an engine outdated, it is not new technology. With the recent increase in fuel economy requirements/goals it has become more mainstream, but certainly not a new technology.

 

The VQ35 engine was 'outdated' although producing 300hp. So they included an incredible modern and COMPLEX variable cam timing, and also upped the displacement.

Improved low-speed torque and even stronger top-end. That's technology working upward.

By comparison, the VQ37VHR engine (our dead stock G37 engine in the all models and supplied engine in the 370Z and FX37/EX37 SUV's) is only 225cu in. and produces 53 hp per cyl.

An equivalent V8 should net 424hp and the displacement would only be 301ci. American N/A muscle cars would LOVE this ratio of power to CI.

This is an engine that is considered outdated? Not in my neighborhood!

However, technology DOES march onward and upward. However, as the SB Chevy engine has shown, refinements on a good baseline stay the course.

I'm also driving a direct injection small displacement turbo (2009 Mini S). Direct injection is good? Sure, until you have to clean the PCV induced carbon, clogging the intake ports and valves every 40k because of carbon buildup, which isn't a problem with port injection because the fuel washes the ports.

Be careful what you wish for!

 

For me, I think the vq is a little outdated based on it's sound and feel.

I went from a vg30 in my j30 which was smooth and quiet to a vq35 in my 2005 G coupe. First thing I did was change the exhaust, I hated the sound so much it almost kept me from buying the car. One thing I noticed was my coupe sounded and felt better than the loaner sedans I drove. Went to an '08 coupe and the exhaust note was much better, but I could understand what the "thrashy, noisy, etc" reviews were talking about. Again, I found the sedan was much more noticeable than the coupe.

Fast forward a few years and now I'm in an '11 vert. Personally, I like the engine sound even when it's at redline but I wouldn't call it smooth. When I get a loaner I find I drive differently so I don't rev the engine because it sounds harsh to me.

Really love the power of the vq37, but I think it's due for an update. Honestly I'd be shocked if we don't see a new engine when the next coupe drops.

 

[QUOTE=
Really love the power of the vq37, but I think it's due for an update. Honestly I'd be shocked if we don't see a new engine when the next coupe drops.[/QUOTE]
I wouldn't be shocked since the all new Q50 is still rolling with the same ole 3.7

 

I found that the thrashiness in the VQ37VHR's was perceived to be from the engine, calling it unrefined. I've had countless people compliment how smooth my car revs and soundswhen accelerating, decelerating, and switching gears. Funny what a proper exhaust can do for a "thrashy" motor. I feel that after at least 7-8 years in the mainstream market, most manufacturers have worked the kinks out of DI. I feel this VQ design has another iteration in it before it's put to the pasture. Redesigning an engine isn't cheap, so working with what is on the shelf is more enticing to bean counters.