VQ35DE Off a 2004 350z Manual

VQ35DE Engine for Sale. 2004 Nissan 350Z 3.5L V6 Manual Engine 110k Miles.

The VQ35DE engine is one of the most respected naturally aspirated V6 engines Nissan has produced. If you own a 2004 Nissan 350Z with a manual transmission and need a replacement engine after internal wear, a spun bearing, or a mechanical failure that makes replacement more practical than rebuilding the original, a verified low mileage Nissan 350Z VQ35DE engine from a confirmed donor car is the most direct path back to factory spec output and reliability. At McClain Auto Part, we have been sourcing and selling used Nissan and import performance engines out of Cleveland, Ohio since 2009. As a result, the VQ35DE 3.5 V6 engine is one of the most consistently requested Nissan performance engines we carry.

350Z owners and builders come to us for a few reasons. Some need a direct factory replacement after a lubrication event or rod bearing failure on a high-mileage Z that still has a solid body and transmission worth preserving. Others are sourcing a known-mileage 2004 350Z engine manual application specifically because they want a unit pulled from a manual transmission car to match their drivetrain configuration. In addition, a group of VQ platform builders and swap enthusiasts specifically sources the Nissan VQ engine swap donor because the VQ35DE’s compact dimensions, aluminum construction, and extensive aftermarket support make it one of the most swap-friendly naturally aspirated V6 platforms available in the used engine market.

Whatever the application, the goal is the same. A tested, documented 350Z manual engine that installs correctly and delivers the output and character the VQ35DE platform is known for.

Key Features

VQ35DE engine, genuine Nissan 3.5L V6 assembly from verified 2004 350Z donor

Manual transmission application confirmed, Rev-Up or standard VQ35DE depending on unit

Approximately 110,000 miles on donor vehicle, verified from records

Compression tested on all six cylinders before shipping, numbers recorded

Full visual inspection completed at our Cleveland facility

Oil condition checked for metal contamination or bearing distress

Coolant passages inspected before packaging

Timing chain cover and valve cover condition noted

Variable valve timing components inspected and confirmed

6-month warranty against internal mechanical defects

Ships freight to all 50 states from Cleveland, Ohio

Most orders processed within 1 to 3 business days

The Nissan VQ35DE Engine Platform

The VQ35DE is the 3.5L variant of Nissan’s VQ V6 engine family. Nissan introduced the VQ series in 1994, and the engine family won Ward’s 10 Best Engines award for ten consecutive years from 1995 to 2004. The 350Z application brought the VQ35DE to a rear-wheel drive sports car for the first time in the US market, producing 287 horsepower in 2003 to 2004 naturally aspirated form.

Standard VQ35DE Versus Rev-Up

The 2004 350Z VQ35DE is available in two variants depending on the production period and specification. The standard VQ35DE produces 287 horsepower. The Rev-Up variant, introduced partway through the 2005 model year, uses revised camshaft profiles, revised intake manifold geometry, and a higher redline to produce 300 horsepower. Consequently, the two variants are not directly interchangeable without addressing the ECU calibration and supporting component differences.

Confirm which variant your car uses before ordering. The 2004 model year is a standard VQ35DE application in most cases. If your car is a late 2004 or early 2005 build date unit, confirm the exact variant with your VIN before finalizing the order.

Manual Versus Automatic Application Differences

The VQ35DE donor engine specification does not change between manual and automatic transmission applications. The engine itself is the same unit. However, sourcing a donor engine from a manual transmission car confirms the engine has not paired with the heat management and torque converter load patterns of an automatic application. For manual transmission replacement builds, a manual-application donor is therefore the confirmed like-for-like match. Confirm your application at time of order.

Why the VQ35DE for Swap Builds

The Nissan VQ engine swap market is well-developed. The VQ35DE in the 350Z configuration produces strong naturally aspirated output from a compact, lightweight aluminum V6 that fits in chassis where a V8 or larger displacement engine cannot. Common swap applications include RWD chassis conversions, kit car builds, and non-Nissan platforms where compact dimensions and a broad aftermarket support base are the primary selection criteria. Furthermore, the VQ35DE responds well to intake, exhaust, and camshaft modifications, which makes it a practical foundation for a modified naturally aspirated build before any forced induction applies.

Technical Specifications

Confirm your specific model year, production date, and transmission application before ordering. Call us with your VIN and we confirm the correct variant in current inventory.

What Is Included

Included components vary by unit. Here is what a typical VQ35DE 3.5 V6 engine package from McClain includes.

Standard With Most Units

Complete VQ35DE long block assembly

Intake manifold

Fuel rails and injectors

Valve covers

Oil pan

Variable valve timing actuators and solenoids

Timing chain covers

Available on Select Units or by Request

Engine wiring harness

ECU, ECM

Throttle body and mass airflow sensor

Front accessory drive components

Coil packs and ignition wires

Starter and alternator

A Note on ECU and Wiring

The 2004 350Z VQ35DE ECU calibration covers the standard VQ35DE specification, manual transmission integration, and the 350Z’s specific sensor configuration. For a direct factory replacement, your existing ECU and harness work with the replacement engine in most cases. For a swap application, a dedicated VQ35DE swap harness and compatible ECU are required. Tell us your application when you call and we confirm what is available in current inventory.

Condition and Inspection

Every Nissan 350Z VQ35DE engine that ships from our Cleveland warehouse goes through a hands-on inspection. The dual overhead cam architecture, variable valve timing system, timing chain configuration, and aluminum construction of the VQ35DE all require specific inspection attention.

What We Check Before Every Unit Ships

Compression test on all six cylinders, actual numbers recorded

Full visual inspection of block, heads, and external surfaces for cracks, leaks, or damage

Oil condition checked for metal contamination, debris, or signs of bearing distress

Coolant passages inspected for signs of mixing or head gasket issues

Mileage verified against donor vehicle documentation, 110k miles confirmed

Timing chain cover inspected for leaks and external wear indicators

Variable valve timing actuators and solenoids checked for condition and function

Valve cover condition and gasket sealing confirmed

No audible knocking, ticking, or timing chain rattle confirmed before packaging

Timing chain condition, oil system condition, and VVT system condition are all documented separately on every unit. You receive that documentation before the order is finalized.

Vehicle Compatibility

The VQ35DE engine from a 2004 350Z manual application fits the following factory applications:

Nissan 350Z, 2003 to 2006, standard VQ35DE applications

Infiniti G35 Coupe, 2003 to 2006, confirm VQ35DE variant and Rev-Up specification

Infiniti G35 Sedan, 2003 to 2006, confirm VQ35DE variant

Before ordering for a direct factory replacement, confirm your VIN, model year, and production date. The standard VQ35DE and Rev-Up variant use different camshaft profiles and ECU calibrations. As a result, they are not directly interchangeable without addressing these differences.

Call us with your VIN and we confirm the correct unit for your application.

Common Swap Applications

The Nissan VQ engine swap platform suits the following builds particularly well:

RWD kit car and custom chassis builds where compact V6 dimensions are required

Non-Nissan sport compact swaps using VQ35DE adapter solutions

Nissan 240SX S13 and S14 VQ35DE swap builds

Custom tube chassis and formula-style builds where naturally aspirated V6 output is the target

Any rear-wheel drive chassis compatible with the VQ35DE mounting and drivetrain configuration

For swap applications, confirm your oil pan clearance, engine mount solution, ECU and wiring configuration, and transmission bellhousing compatibility before ordering. The VQ35DE swap market has dedicated hardware solutions for common applications. Call us with your swap application and we advise on what the build requires.

Swap and Installation Notes

Oil Pan Considerations

The 350Z VQ35DE oil pan is specific to the Z33 chassis. For swap applications into other chassis, a custom or aftermarket oil pan may be required for clearance with the chassis crossmember and front subframe. Therefore, confirm oil pan clearance in your specific chassis before ordering.

Transmission Compatibility

The VQ35DE uses a specific Nissan bellhousing bolt pattern. In the 350Z, the engine mates to the Nissan CD006 6-speed manual or the RE5R05A 5-speed automatic. For swap applications, confirm bellhousing compatibility and consider whether a transmission adapter is required for your specific chassis and transmission choice.

Timing Chain Service

The VQ35DE timing chain system is well-documented at higher mileage. On a 110,000 mile unit, inspecting and replacing the timing chain tensioners and guides at installation is a practical precaution regardless of what the pre-ship inspection indicates. This is standard practice on VQ35DE swap and replacement builds at this mileage level.

Cooling System

The VQ35DE uses a conventional cooling system. Before installing any replacement engine, flush and pressure test the existing cooling system. Replace the thermostat and water pump as preventive maintenance. Confirm coolant hose condition before first startup.

Fuel System

The VQ35DE uses a standard returnless sequential port injection system. A quality in-tank electric fuel pump sized for the application works in virtually any swap chassis. The port injection system requires no high-pressure direct injection pump, which keeps fuel system planning straightforward compared to modern direct injection platforms.

Shipping and Warranty

Shipping

We ship from Cleveland, Ohio to all 50 states. Every engine ships on a secured freight pallet, fully protected for transit. Most orders are processed and ready to ship within 1 to 3 business days after confirmation and payment. You receive a tracking number once the engine leaves our facility.

Warranty

Every engine we sell comes with a 6-month warranty against internal mechanical defects. Timing chain condition, oil system condition, and VVT system condition are disclosed and documented before the order processes. If a covered mechanical failure occurs within the warranty period, contact us. We work toward a fair resolution, whether a replacement engine, credit, or repair guidance depending on the situation.

We have been honoring warranty claims since 2009.

About McClain Auto Part

We have been sourcing and selling used Nissan and import performance engines out of Cleveland, Ohio since 2009. Over 10,000 engines shipped. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars across 800 or more verified Google reviews. Every engine sits physically in our Cleveland warehouse, our team inspects it, and it ships ready to install.

We are not a listing aggregator or broker. When you call us about a VQ35DE engine for sale, you speak directly with someone who understands the VQ35DE platform across standard and Rev-Up variants, knows the manual and automatic application differences, and gives you accurate information about the exact unit in current inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Nissan VQ35DE Engine?

The VQ35DE is Nissan’s 3.5L DOHC V6 used in the 350Z, Infiniti G35, and other applications. In 2004 350Z form, it produces 287 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque from a naturally aspirated aluminum V6 with sequential port injection and variable valve timing on the intake camshafts.

What Is the Difference Between the Standard VQ35DE and the Rev-Up?

The standard VQ35DE produces 287 horsepower. The Rev-Up variant uses revised camshaft profiles and intake geometry to produce 300 horsepower at a higher redline. The two are not directly interchangeable without ECU and component changes. The 2004 model year is a standard VQ35DE application in most cases. Confirm your build date with your VIN.

Is This Engine From a Manual Transmission Car?

Yes. This unit confirms from a manual transmission 350Z donor application. Confirm your application at time of order.

How Many Miles Are on the Engine?

Approximately 110,000 miles, verified from donor vehicle records. We confirm the exact mileage before you commit to the order.

Is the Engine Compression Tested?

Yes. Every cylinder receives a compression test before the unit ships. We record the actual numbers and provide them on request.

Is the Timing Chain Included?

Yes. The timing chain and associated components are part of the long block assembly. We inspect and document timing chain condition before shipping. On a 110k mile unit, replacing the tensioners and guides at installation is a practical recommendation.

Does It Include a Wiring Harness and ECU?

Not automatically. Harness and ECU are available on select units. Tell us your application when you call and we confirm what is in stock.

What Does the Warranty Cover?

Six months from purchase against internal mechanical defects. Timing chain condition and oil system condition are documented and disclosed before the sale. Contact us if a covered issue arises.

Ready to Order

If you are looking for a VQ35DE engine for sale, a verified Nissan 350Z VQ35DE engine from a 2004 manual application, or a clean VQ35DE 3.5 V6 engine for a direct replacement or Nissan VQ engine swap project, call us. Confirm your VIN, application, and build requirements and we will tell you exactly what we have in stock. Mileage verification, compression numbers, timing chain condition, oil system condition, included components, and shipping timeline.

Clean VQ35DE inventory moves consistently. If you have questions before committing, ask them.

McClain Auto Part. Cleveland, Ohio. In business since 2009.