Engine · Nissan

Nissan VQ35: what the engine asks of an ECU

Page data last updated 2 October 2026

The VQ35 is a V6 with a sensor on each cam, so the count depends on the version: two on the base DE, four on the Rev-Up and the HR. Cam phasing comes with it, and so does the solenoid count.

Check which version you have before you count inputs.

Where this comes from

Some items on this page are cited from Wikipedia and from ECU manufacturers such as Haltech, not from the engine's maker. Each row names its source, and a † marks a row that is crowdsourced. Always check your specific sensors and manuals where you have them.

A figure like 58x is pulses per crank revolution from one sensor. It is a rate, not a sensor count, and it does not say whether the sensor is VR or Hall. The planner reads sensor type, cam sensor count and variable cams from the cited text. Where the text does not settle one, the row says so: check your sensor.

Variants

VQ35DE (base, 2003-04)

Engine
6 cylinders, V layout1
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated2
Fuel injection
Port injection, sequential2
Ignition
COP, smart coils (igniter built in)2
Crank trigger
crank Hall reading flywheel trigger ring (equal-gap, needs cam for sync) - NOT optical2
Cam trigger
2x Hall (intake)2
Cams and variable timing
4 camshafts; variable timing: 2 (CVTC intake-only)1, 2
Firing order
1-2-3-4-5-6 (Nissan numbering)2
Factory ECU
Nissan1
Notes
Base 350Z and G35. Intake-only CVTC, two cam sensors. About 287 hp and a 6,600 rpm redline.1

How the planner reads the trigger text

Crank sensor type
Hall
Cam sensor type
Hall
Cam position sensors
2
Variable cams
2

Wire-in ECUs that cover it: 9 as they come, 25 more with add-on modules. The count is the planner's, worked out from the pin tables.

Fits as it is 9
Fits with add-ons 25

Plan a build around the VQ35DE (base, 2003-04)

VQ35DE Rev-Up (2005-06)

Engine
6 cylinders, V layout1
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated †
Fuel injection
Port injection, sequential †
Ignition
COP, smart coils (igniter built in)2
Crank trigger
crank Hall reading flywheel trigger ring (equal-gap, needs cam for sync) - NOT optical2
Cam trigger
4x Hall2
Cams and variable timing
4 camshafts; variable timing: 4 (dual CVTC: intake CVTC + exhaust e-VTC)1 †
Firing order
1-2-3-4-5-6 (Nissan numbering)2
Factory ECU
Nissan1
Notes
Adds electric exhaust cam phasing (e-VTC), so four cam sensors. Higher lift (10.59 mm), a short intake, about 298 to 300 hp and a 7,000 rpm redline. †

† Crowdsourced. This figure comes from builder and parts-supplier pages, not from the engine's maker or an ECU manufacturer. Treat it as a lead, then check your specific sensors and manuals.

How the planner reads the trigger text

Crank sensor type
Hall
Cam sensor type
Hall
Cam position sensors
4
Variable cams
4

Wire-in ECUs that cover it: 9 as they come, 24 more with add-on modules. The count is the planner's, worked out from the pin tables.

Fits as it is 9
Fits with add-ons 24

Plan a build around the VQ35DE Rev-Up (2005-06)

VQ35HR (High-Rev, 2007+)

Engine
6 cylinders, V layout1
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated †
Fuel injection
Port injection, sequential †
Ignition
COP, smart coils (igniter built in)1 †
Crank trigger
Hall †
Cam trigger
4x Hall2
Cams and variable timing
4 camshafts; variable timing: 4 (dual CVTC: intake CVTC + exhaust e-VTC)1 †
Firing order
1-2-3-4-5-6 (Nissan numbering)2
Factory ECU
Nissan (HR-specific, not DE-interchangeable) †
Notes
About 80% new parts: symmetric twin intake with dual throttle bodies, a ladder-frame block, a taller deck, 10.6:1 compression, a 7,500 rpm redline and about 306 hp. Coils and sensors are HR-specific.1

† Crowdsourced. This figure comes from builder and parts-supplier pages, not from the engine's maker or an ECU manufacturer. Treat it as a lead, then check your specific sensors and manuals.

How the planner reads the trigger text

Crank sensor type
Hall
Cam sensor type
Hall
Cam position sensors
4
Variable cams
4

Wire-in ECUs that cover it: 9 as they come, 24 more with add-on modules. The count is the planner's, worked out from the pin tables.

Fits as it is 9
Fits with add-ons 24

Plan a build around the VQ35HR (High-Rev, 2007+)

Pairing the engine with a gearbox? BoxSelector has the ratios for the boxes that bolt up to it, and works out road speed and tyre size before the money goes: gearbox ratios.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia: Nissan VQ engine Wikipedia · infobox, lead, VQ35DE, VQ35HR
  2. Haltech: VQ35DE engine Haltech (ECU maker) · Ignition Coils, Crank Sensor, Cam Sensor, Model Variants, General Information

Always verify against the manufacturer's manual and your tuner before wiring.