The 3.8-liter Nissan VR38DETT engine (or VR38 for short) has been assembled since 2007 at the concern’s plant in Tochigi, and the assembly is carried out manually and only by highly qualified specialists. This twin-turbocharged powertrain is used in GT-R series sports cars.
The VR38DETT engine has sports 24 valves with variable valve timing (DOHC). Die-cast aluminum block with 0.15 mm cylinder liner coated to provide a protective layer for the piston rings. Two turbochargers are integrated in the outlet manifolds to reduce weight and improve vehicle balance. The engine also features a thermostatically controlled sports pressure lubrication system.
VR family: VR30DDTT, VR35DDTT, VR38DETT.
Specifications
| Production years | 2007 |
| Displacement, cc | 3799 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 480 – 720 |
| Torque output, Nm | 580 – 780 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 95.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 88.4 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Turbocharging | two IHI RHF55 |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-40 / 10W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.5 (2007-2011) 5.0 (2011+) |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | Euro 5/6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan GT-R 2015) — city — highway — combined |
16.9 8.8 11.7 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~200 000 |
| Weight, kg | 225 |
| Features | Twin-Turbo |
| Phase regulator | at the CVTCS inlet |
| Oil consumption, gr/1000 km | up to 1000 |
| Oil change interval, km | 10000 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan GT-R 1 (R35) in 2007 -;
- Nissan Juke-R 1 (F15) in 2012 – 2015.
Disadvantages of the VR38DETT engine
- The engine is assembled by hand and is of very high quality workmanship;
- A number of owners have already experienced timing chain stretching on short runs.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan VR38DETT
How much power does the Nissan VR38DETT make?
The Nissan VR38DETT develops 480 - 720 hp and 580 - 780 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan VR38DETT take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.5 (2007-2011); 5.0 (2011+) liters. Recommended oil: 0W-40 / 10W-40.
Does the Nissan VR38DETT have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan VR38DETT uses a timing chain.
Is the Nissan VR38DETT turbocharged?
Yes, the Nissan VR38DETT is turbocharged (two IHI RHF55).
Does the Nissan VR38DETT need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Nissan VR38DETT has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Nissan VR38DETT last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan VR38DETT is ~200 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan VR38DETT?
Nissan GT-R 2015: city 16.9, highway 8.8, combined 11.7 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan VR38DETT installed on?
Nissan GT-R 1 (R35) in 2007 -; Nissan Juke-R 1 (F15) in 2012 - 2015.
What are the common problems of the Nissan VR38DETT?
The engine is assembled by hand and is of very high quality workmanship. A number of owners have already experienced timing chain stretching on short runs. All known problems.
Bore spacing?
Cylinder wall thickness?