I know the Z shares the same engine with a couple of other Nissans (i.e. Maxima, Altima, Murano) but what makes the 3.5 litre in the Z so much better? I am assuming the pistons, cams, rods, and heads are different. But is that basically it?

Any further insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

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basicly yeah, exhaust and intakes. but yeah, they are all technically the same design, but little changes are what account for the HP differences.

 

I'm pretty sure the entire lower end of the engine is all identical between models (block, pistons, crank, connecting rods).

The difference I think is in the upper part (head, valves/springs, intake manifold, cams). I think it's only 42hp difference between the least powerfull 3.5 application and the Z's 287hp, and that should be easily accomplised with the higher compression head and components.

 

Engine is the same.

Things surrounding the engine is different.

It is kept the same to keep the cost down. Why is it is great? Well it makes a lot of Hp/Tq and is reliable. Doesn't guzzle gas and passes emissions test.

Also because it's shared with a lot of platforms, performance aftermarket parts can be shared. (i.e. turbo for Z can be adapted for G35)

 

Yea compression is definitely not the reason for the HP gain. I think the compression difference btw the Maxima and the Z is something like 0.3. That will make a little extra HP but not that much. The Z has a freer flowing intake and exhaust, and might have more agressive timing or a more agressive grind on the cams possibly?

I am speculating on the cams. Does anyone know exactly where the power comes from. I wouldn't think it all comes from the intake and exhaust.

Dan

 

Also another difference is the ECU are tuned different. Like in the Murano, QX45, and Pathfinder the ECU is tuned for like off roading and in the Altima its designed for family car.