Got an oem set of the timing system from z1, and what they've sent me, specifically the guides, seem different from what I pulled off my engine. I have a 07 rev up, and from an email they claim that these will bolt on and work just the same, even if the top guide is missing the middle bolt hole. They say that what I was sent was a new redesign and that middle bolt hole is unnecessary. I've asked in other places and most people tell me that these guides are for a hr. Could use some advice. I've already asked for a refund/parts exchange but they seem more inclined to just tell me it works as is :/


Top guide

 

I can understand the confusion here since you say you have an 07 "Revup". As I understand things, by 2007 all Z33s had switched over to the HR drivetrain, but there might be a few late production VQ35DE Revups that made it out the door in early 2007. If you indeed have a DE Revup, then I would simply order a kit for the 2006 model year 6MT, this should help alleviate any miscommunication/assumptions by the vendor.

Do you have the P/N details for the components? Since these are genuine OEM, they should be on the wrapper/packaging and we can validate from there.
Cheers!
-Icer

 

I've checked and this engine seems to line up with the rev up. It's got the different timing covers, and has the valve timing control sensors on the exhaust camshaft. I've chatted with z1, and they said this is a redesigned guide by nissan 10 years ago and when they build them they use these parts, and just not bolting the top guide in the middle. I watched some youtube videos and I did see people just not bolting the guide down. So I guess they might be telling the truth or sum ****. I'll get the part #s soon, not home. I remeber they do claim that the part # matches the vin

 

Looking at some online Nissan dealers, it does appear that the upper chain guide has been updated/changed to eliminate the center bolt. But it's hard to say with confidence without the P/N. Online parts photos are often recycled and may not show the exact component you're getting. It also looks like standard DE and Revup DE timing chain kits are the same in terms of all the major components except for the exhaust cam sprockets/gears, which are often included in standard (non-revup) DE kits. For a Revup DE, you simply re-use your existing exhaust sprockets/gears with VTC.
Cheers!
-Icer

 

Did a double check and it does seem that these will work, they just got updated to this new design. I really was worried since someone claimed that with these parts sealing the half moon seal would be impossible l. I am unsure what the **** that is, this is my first v6 teardown so I'm just learning as I go. I'm planning to build the heads for FI, running all the mods I need for turbo then get a fresh block to build. I am very much enjoying my time disassembling and researching how this engine works.

 

That was me, the half moon seals are the rubber seals that are sandwiched between the upper oil pan and rear main/front timing cover. They're really not designed to be installed at an angle. The "proper" way is to remove the upper oil pan. Sure you can RTV the hell out of it and pray it works, but it's a backwards way of doing things

 

Some cylinder head designs also use a half-moon seal, also called cam plugs. These are a common source of oil leaks on many high mileage Honda and Toyota engines. I don't believe the VQ35DE cylinder heads have cam plug seals, but it's been a while since I've taken a close look. Speaking from experience on Honda and Toyota engines, these seals are done in conjunction with a valve cover gasket replacement. Nothing very difficult about them.

The bottom end seals Dark is referring to are best done with the engine out of the vehicle. It's amazing that VQ35s don't have that many oil leaks, as there are a ton of various O-ring seals and RTV joints around the engine. The most common oil leaks I have seen or heard of are the valve covers + spark plug tube seals & the oil filter/cooler plate. Basically easy stuff to tackle. I'm sure front and rear main seals will eventually leak, but I have yet to experience this myself.
Cheers!
-Icer