Key takeaways

• The 370Z uses the VQ37VHR, a 3.7L V6 with Nissan's VVEL valve technology.
• Stock output is 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. The Nismo trim makes 350 hp.
• Oil consumption is the most common complaint owners raise.
• The same engine powers several Infiniti models, so parts and JDM units are easy to source.
• A used or JDM VQ37VHR swap runs a few thousand dollars less than a factory reman unit.

The 370z engine is the VQ37VHR, a 3.7-liter V6 that replaced the VQ35 in 2009. It's known for smooth power, a high redline, and a few oil-related faults that show up as the miles climb. Let’s cover the specs, the reliability record, and what a replacement costs if your Z needs a new heart.

What engine is in the Nissan 370Z?

Every Nissan 370Z, badged the Z34, left the factory with the VQ37VHR. Nissan introduced it for the 2009 model year and kept it through the car's final year in 2020. No other engine option ever shipped in a US-spec 370Z.

VQ37VHR by model year

The core engine stayed consistent across the run, though output crept up over time.

Is it a VQ engine?

Yes. The VQ37VHR is part of Nissan's VQ engine family, a lineup that's powered everything from the Maxima to the Pathfinder since the early 1990s. The 3.7 is the most advanced version of that family, built with a higher compression ratio and Nissan's VVEL system.

VQ37VHR specs

Power and torque

Stock 370Z models make 332 hp at 7,000 rpm and 270 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. The Nismo trim gets a revised exhaust and intake tune, pushing output to 350 hp. Those numbers hold up well against other naturally aspirated sports car engines from the same era, and the VQ37VHR has proven the test of time according to owners who've run one for over a decade. 

VVEL explained

VVEL stands for variable valve event and lift. It's Nissan's system for adjusting how far and how long the intake valves open, based on load and rpm. The result is a broader torque curve and better throttle response than the old VQ35 offered. It was Nissan's first production engine to use the technology.

VQ37VHR vs VQ35HR vs VQ35DE

The VQ37VHR replaced the VQ35HR, which itself followed the earlier VQ35DE. Displacement grew from 3.5L to 3.7L, and the VVEL system arrived only with the 3.7. If you're comparing the two eras side by side, our VQ35DE engine guide covers the 350Z and G35 versions in detail.

Which other cars use the VQ37VHR?

Infiniti G37, Q50, Q60 and M37

The VQ37VHR isn't unique to the 370Z. Infiniti used the same block in the G37, the early Q50 and Q60, and the M37 sedan. That shared platform is part of why JDM Infiniti VQ engines are such a common swap source for 370Z owners, since parts and used units are widely available.

QX50 and QX70

Infiniti also dropped the VQ37VHR into the QX50 and QX70 crossovers. The tune differs slightly for those applications, so it's worth confirming the exact engine code before you buy a donor unit.

Is the 370Z engine reliable?

Overall, yes, with a couple of known weak points. Most owners get well past 100,000 miles without a major failure. The issues that do come up tend to be gradual rather than sudden.

Oil consumption

This is the most reported issue. Some owners notice the engine burning through oil faster than expected, particularly on higher mileage examples. It rarely strands anyone, but it does mean checking the dipstick more often than you would on most daily drivers.

Timing chain and cam wear

Timing chain stretch shows up occasionally, usually on engines that went long stretches between oil changes. Regular maintenance keeps this in check for most owners. It's not a widespread failure point like it is on some other engine families.

What to check before you buy

• Oil level and condition, plus any burnt oil smell
• Service records, especially oil change intervals
• A compression test across all six cylinders
• Unusual noise from the timing chain area at cold start
• Any check engine light history

Is the 370Z a fast car?

For a naturally aspirated sports car, yes. The 370Z runs 0 to 60 in roughly five seconds, and the Nismo trim shaves a bit off that with its extra power and lighter setup. It won't keep up with modern turbocharged rivals, but the power delivery is linear and predictable, which a lot of drivers actually prefer.

Replacing a 370Z engine

JDM import vs used vs remanufactured

You've got three real options when a 370Z needs a new engine. A JDM import is typically the cheapest route and comes from a low-mileage donor car. A used domestic engine costs more but skips the shipping wait. A remanufactured unit costs the most but comes with a longer warranty. Most shops selling a compression-tested VQ37VHR will pull it from Japan, since supply there tends to be cleaner and lower mileage.

Matching the CD009 transmission

If your car came with a manual, it likely uses the CD009 six-speed. Matching the transmission to the engine matters for SynchroRev Match function and proper fitment, so it's worth pairing a swap engine with a compatible CD009 rather than mixing generations.

What the swap involves

A full swap includes pulling the old engine, transferring sensors and accessories, and mounting the replacement with new gaskets and fluids. Budget a few days of labor if you're working with a shop, longer if it's a first-time DIY job.

What a VQ37VHR costs in 2026

Pricing varies by mileage and condition, but a JDM VQ37VHR typically runs a few thousand dollars less than a comparable remanufactured unit. Add labor, gaskets, and fluids on top of the engine price itself. Getting a written compression report before you buy helps avoid paying for a low mileage number that doesn't match actual wear.

Frequently asked questions

What engine is in the 370Z?

The VQ37VHR, a 3.7-liter V6 built by Nissan.

Does a 370Z have a VQ engine?

Yes, every 370Z uses an engine from Nissan's VQ family.

Is the 370Z a fast car?

Yes, with a 0 to 60 time of around five seconds, depending on trim.

Is the 370Z engine reliable?

Generally reliable, though oil consumption is a known issue to watch for.

Shop imported, compression-tested JDM engines

If your 370Z needs a replacement, we stock compression-tested VQ37VHR units pulled from Japan, along with matching transmissions. Every engine ships with a 90-day warranty, so you're covered if something turns up after the swap. Browse our JDM Nissan engines collection, or check our JDM Infiniti VQ engines if you're sourcing a G37 or Q60 unit instead.