Nissan used to use timing belts in their last generation of V-6's (VG30 engines) as my 1992 300ZX had a timing belt. They didn't have to drop the motor to replace it, but had to drop the radiator. It was an 8 hour job to do. I'm so happy they switched to a chain for the VQ. I also confirmed that it's a chain by looking at a cutaway view of the VQ in Motor Trend in their 2003 Car of the Year issue (yes, I still have it.)

2004.5 Coupe 6MT Leather, Diamond Graphite/Graphite, Premium, Aero, Splash guards, Body side moldings

 

speaking of timing chains, which way does our engine rotate? clockwise, or counter clockwise?

 

My 2004 Owner's manual says there is a timing chain. It is on the engine specs page where it gives the firing order, etc.

 

Not that im an advocate for timing belts... since a routine maint was performed on my 89 prelude and they didnt match up the teeth... end result /cries engine failure after a month (crank bearings went too much unwarranted pressure)

however chains aren't without their faults either... chains will stretch and make the engine run like ****. If any of your guys own motorcycles you'll know about chains and they stretch over time.

plus dont chains consume more engergy to move compared to belts ? hmm maybe this is why we have such bad gas milelage (just kidding)

ppp

 

Yes but the chain driven engines have a small piston thing (can't remember the name right now) that keeps the stretched chain tight. I don't think that the belt driven engines have this. I remember talking to one of my sisters old friends when he was trying to decide between a Mercedes and a Ferarri. He was leaning towards the Mercedes since the engine was chain driven and less maintenance from that aspect. I was in highschool at the time and didn't care how the engine was driven I would've just got the Ferarri.

 

service manual

 

Internally, it's chains all the way for the VQ and VK. No maintenance and no worries.
c.

 

Startup the car cold, youll hear the chain struggle to get lubrication. Makes a nice clunk

 

Here's a quick pic from my ESM clearly showing the chains.:

 

Facing which way? FVorward or looking at engine from front?

 

after lookin' at the service manual, it's clockwise...lookin' at the engine from the front.

 

I checked on this before buying my G35, didn't want a timing belt, PITA!

 

Back in the day, my mom had a Sentra, I think it was an 89 or something. With 60,000 miles on it, the BELT broke and screwed up the valve train. I'm glad Nissan uses chains now.

 

Owner's manual says chain.