Where the 7HP Comes From

[humanRESEARCH]

Here ya go, from the June '04 Super Street, page 138 "The Power Grid" by Drew Hardin...Now maybe those wondering where the Z's additional 7HP come from:

"The Z33's Family Tree

If you look through Nissan's product catalog, it seems like the VQ engine found in the 350Z turns up in a bunch of other vehicles, too, from the Maxima and Altima to the Murano crossover utility vehicle and even the Quest minivan. Is it possible that all these cars have a sports-car engine in them?

Well, yes and no. The VQ35DE is found in all those vehicles, but it's not exactly the same engine in each case.

This motor was originally placed in the '02 Maxima as an upgrade from the previous VQ30DE. The newer engine grew in displacement from 3.0 to 3.5 liters by enlarging both the bore and stroke, while at the same time its internal parts were lightened for quicker engine response. The new engine was also fitted with continous valve timing control and a variable intake system, both of which boosted torque at low engine speeds. Overall, the improvements boosted power output from the 3.0Ls 190 hp to around 250, and torque from 205 lb-ft to 240.

So how does the Z make 287 horses and 274 lb-ft of torque? Patience, young Jedi; we're getting to that. All the VQ35DE engines share the same pistons, rods, camshafts, crankshaft, and cylinder heads. FWD versions have a different block, since motor mount positions are different. But where the Z (and the Infiniti G35) engines differ is in how they breathe. The Z and G35 engines have a larger intake manifold plenum and shorter runners to improve top-end power. Their exhaust systems, from the manifolds on down, are also different, mainly to accommodate the FWD version's transverse engine mount position. And the engine computers have differences in programming for the variable cam timing, fuel and ignition timing maps, and the variable manifold valve and electronic throttle.

Nissan also fine-tuned the ECUs and made some small changes to the intake and exhaust systems to differentiate the power output between the Z and G35 engines, and even between the G35 coupe (280 hp) and sedan (260 hp) models. So, even though they're all called VQ35DE engines, the Z car's is unique."

"All the Power in the World resides in the Eyes..."

[deadmanincbh]

Well that is intresting to read and a good write up. Thanks.

[KAHBOOM]

Very interesting..

looks like perhaps the z tube is the difference in the coupe and the z and perhaps a different ECU setup.I would think that the exhuast set up would only contribute to the significant difference in the sedan and Z/G


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