VK45DE
Nissan VK45DE Engine
Nissan VK45DE engine specs
| Manufacturer | Yokohama Plant |
| Also called | Nissan VK45 |
| Production | 2001-2010 |
| Cylinder block alloy | Aluminum |
| Configuration | V8 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves per cylinder |
| Piston stroke, mm (inch) | 82.7 (3.26) |
| Cylinder bore, mm (inch) | 93 (3.66) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 (VK45DE) 11.0 (VK45DD) |
| Displacement | 4494 cc (274.2 cu in) |
| Power output | 207 kW (280 HP) at 6,000 rpm 235 kW (320 HP) at 6,400 rpm 245 kW (333 HP) at 6,400 rpm 250 kW (340 HP) at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque output | 451 Nm (333 lb·ft) at 3,600 rpm 446 Nm (329 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm 455 Nm (336 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm 452 Nm (333 lb·ft) at 4,000 rpm |
| Redline | 6,600 |
| HP per liter | 62.3 71.2 74.1 75.7 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Weight, kg (lbs) | 236 (520) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (mpg) -City -Highway -Combined |
for Infiniti M45 19.7 (12) 10.3 (23) 13.7 (17) |
| Turbocharger | Naturally aspirated |
| Oil consumption , L/1000 km (qt. per miles) |
up to 1.0 (1 qt. per 600 miles) |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30 5W-30 5W-40 10W-30 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, L (qt.) | 6.4 (6.8) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 5,000-10,000 (3,000-6,000) |
| Normal engine operating temperature, °C (F) | – |
| Engine lifespan, km (miles) -Official information -Real |
– 400,000+ (250,000) |
| Tuning, HP -Max HP -No life span loss |
350+ – |
| The engine is installed in | Infiniti FX45 Infiniti M45/Nissan Fuga Infiniti Q45 Nissan Cima Nissan President |
Nissan VK45DE engine reliability, problems and repair
VK45DE engine appeared in the very beginning of 2001, and the first car, equipped with it, was Infiniti Q45. This engine replaced both VH41DE and VH45DE at once. VK45 cylinder block is new alumimiun 90° V8. Its height has remained the same (220.35 mm), cylinders diameter is 93 mm, and piston stroke is 82.7 mm. Length of connecting rods is the same, 147 mm, but they are less heavy. Also the engine uses light pistons, and compression ratio increased to 10.5.
This block is covered with two aluminium heads with 4 valves per cylinder. They are similar to the heads of VQ35DE engine. VK45 heads were equipped with continuously variable valve timing control system (CVTCS) on intake camshafts, and also they used hydraulic lifters. Diameter of intake valves is 36 mm, the exhaust are 31.5 mm. The engine has timing chain, which usually works well and does not cause any troubles. VK45DE uses electronic throttle body, variable length intake manifold and new exhaust system. Firing order is 1-8-7-3-6-5-4-2.
Also a version with direct fuel injection system was produced (the system similar to the one of QR20DD). Its compression ratio was increased to 11. That was VK45DD engine, and it developed 280 HP at 6,000 RPM.
In 2010 VK45DE was discontinued and instead, VK50VE and VK56DE were installed.
Nissan VK45DE engine problems and malfunctions
This engine is quite good, but it has a problem with front catalytic converters. It is still more actual for the countries with low-quality fuel. Because of bad gasoline, your catalytic converters may be destroyed and their ceramic dust will get into the cylinders. If it has happened, more likely you will have to buy a new engine. To avoid such situation, you should better change upper catalytic converters for high flow cat converter and adjust ECU.
Also the misfire problem is possible. More likely your valve covers have deformed and engine oil accumulates in spark plug wells, you should check it. As for the rest, the engine is perfect. See after the cooling system, clean your radiator periodically, serve the engine in time and use recommended engine oil. It will help avoiding the problems and your engine will be reliable and durable.
Nissan VK45DE engine tuning
N/A Build
This engine is quite powerful even without performance tuning, but you can gain some more additional horsepower. For this buy JWT 256/256 camshafts, valve springs, cold air intake and headers. Then it is necessary to adjust ECU according to the new aftermarket parts. As the result, it will give about 30-40 HP and nicer sound, it is quite good addition. Installing turbocharger would involve much more things. For this you would have to purchase Darton sleeves, change all stock internals for the forged, what would be too costly. It is easier to buy a faster car in this case.
