Ambitious Mechanics Try, Fail to Make Nissan VQ Engine Actually Sound Good For Once

We may earn a commission from links on this page.
Image for article titled Ambitious Mechanics Try, Fail to Make Nissan VQ Engine Actually Sound Good For Once
Screenshot: The Hoonigans

The Nissan 350Z and Infiniti G35 are probably the best beginner drift cars a person can buy, in the States at least. Cheap, not too old, with plenty of power from the VQ-series Nissan V6. That’s the problem though. These all have VQs, and they sound notoriously awful.

Please enjoy as the Hoonigans and shop mechanic Dan attempt to rid the ear-piercing FRHWHWHWAAHRHRHHHGHGHGHRHRHRHRHRHR buzz from the 3.5-liter aluminum-block dual-overhead-cam engine.

Advertisement

They do not succeed.

They do at least get rid of the straight-pipe, which is what’s mostly responsible for making the VQ sound bad.

Advertisement

As for sounding good, the best VQ that comes to mind is Chris Forsberg’s old Formula Drift engine, but that was a stroker motor with twin turbos, anti-lag, and some very aggressive cams. It sounded like a big block. I loved it.

Chris Forsberg's V6 FD Nissan 370Z Has Some Serious Chop

Forsberg now runs a VR-series engine, like you get in a GT-R. The old setup will be missed.