Nissan and Infiniti share engine platforms more thoroughly than almost any other manufacturer, which means the same engine often appears under both brand badges depending on which car it was pulled from. This guide covers the major JDM Nissan engine families you'll encounter in the import market. See our companion VQ35DE vs VQ35HR deep dive and engine codes guide.
VQ series: the mainstream V6
The VQ is Nissan's primary V6 architecture, used across 350Z, 370Z, G35, G37, Q50, Altima, Maxima, and Murano. It's one of the most durable and well-supported engines in the JDM market. Three codes you'll encounter most often:
| Code | Displacement | Approx. output | Main vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|
| VQ35DE | 3.5L | ~287 hp | 350Z, G35, Altima, Maxima; $749–$2,899 |
| VQ35HR | 3.5L | ~306 hp | 2007+ 350Z, later G35; ~$1,499 |
| VQ37VHR | 3.7L | ~330 hp | 370Z, G37, Q50, M37; ~$1,699 |
SR20DET: Nissan's legendary turbocharged four-cylinder
The SR20DET is the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder from the JDM 180SX, Silvia S13/S14/S15, and Bluebird. It's one of the most popular JDM-only performance engines in the drift and time-attack community precisely because it was never officially sold in the U.S. in a car. The SR20DET is compact, responds well to aftermarket development, and carries genuine JDM-only scarcity value. From our current inventory these units run approximately $2,199–$6,499 reflecting their performance demand and limited availability.
RB25DET and the RB family
The RB series is Nissan's inline-six family, best known in the Skyline and Stagea. The RB25DET (2.5L twin-turbo) is the most commonly imported variant; the RB26DETT (2.6L, Skyline GT-R) is among the most famous and most expensive JDM engines. The RB family is known for strong bottom ends that respond well to power increases, following a similar philosophy to Toyota's 2JZ.
KA24DE: the overlooked workhorse
The KA24DE is the 2.4L inline-four that powered the U.S.-market 240SX — widely used for naturally aspirated drift builds in the S13/S14 chassis because of its availability and bottom-end torque. It's a USDM-primarily engine, not a JDM import, but it's worth knowing if you're sourcing a 240SX replacement.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most reliable Nissan JDM engine for a daily driver?
The VQ35DE has one of the longest documented track records for high-mileage reliability in the Nissan family. It's genuinely well-suited to daily use and has extensive aftermarket support if you want to modify later.
Is the SR20DET hard to find?
It has become increasingly scarce as donor vehicles age and the supply of clean units narrows. Units in good condition command a premium — see our cost guide and current listings for realistic pricing.
Do Nissan and Infiniti engines share parts?
Yes — the VQ35DE from a G35 and from a 350Z are the same engine. The badge difference is just branding. This makes sourcing and cross-referencing parts straightforward across both platforms.
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