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Nissan VQ35DE Valve Cover Replacement: Complete Reference

2026-07-03 17:19:21
Nissan VQ35DE Valve Cover Replacement: Complete Reference

Quick Answer: The Nissan VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine powered millions of Infiniti FX35, G35, M35, and Nissan 350Z vehicles from 2003 through 2008, plus continuing applications. The valve cover is bank-specific — left and right banks are different parts. Aftermarket replacement uses Ranmi RM100001 (left bank, OE 13264-AM610) and Ranmi RM100002 (right bank, OE 13264-AM600). Both should be ordered as a pair for complete service.

VQ35DE Engine Background

The VQ35DE is a 3.5L naturally aspirated DOHC V6 with continuously variable valve timing (CVTCS). It was named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list multiple years and powered:

  • Infiniti FX35 (S50 first-generation, 2003–2008)
  • Infiniti G35 (V35 sedan and coupe, 2003–2007)
  • Infiniti M35 (Y50, 2006–2010)
  • Nissan 350Z (Z33, 2003–2008)
  • Nissan Murano (Z50, 2003–2007 select markets)
  • Nissan Maxima (A35, 2009–2014)
  • Nissan Pathfinder (R51 V6 versions)

OE Number Reference

Bank

OE Number

Ranmi SKU

Vehicle Years

Left bank

13264-AM610

RM100001

INFINITI FX35/G35/M35, 350Z 2003–2008

Right bank

13264-AM600

RM100002

INFINITI FX35/G35/M35, 350Z 2003–2008

Pair (set)

both

RM100001/02 set

Complete pair

 

For the related VQ35HR engine (revised version, 2005–2009 350Z and Infiniti G37), use:

  • Left bank: 13264-JK20A → Ranmi RM100054
  • Right bank: 13264-JK20B → Ranmi RM100055

Why Both Banks Together

Common B2B mistake: ordering only one bank. This causes:

  • Workshop confusion when only one valve cover arrives
  • Customer return of single-bank order
  • Distributor inventory mismatch over time

Best practice: always order RM100001 and RM100002 in equal quantities. The Ranmi catalog specifically lists "RM100001/02 对装 one set" indicating pair packaging.

Specifications

Attribute

Left Bank (RM100001)

Right Bank (RM100002)

Material

Glass-filled nylon

Glass-filled nylon

Color

Black

Black

Packing per inner box

8 pcs

8 pcs

Net weight

1.02 kg

0.92 kg

Inner box dimensions

45×24.5×16 cm

40×22×13 cm

Carton dimensions

70×46.5×51 cm

58×41.5×47 cm

Carton gross weight

13.6 kg

11.6 kg

 

Why VQ35DE Demand Is Strong

This engine is now 18–22 years old in early production vehicles. Replacement demand peaks because:

  • Plastic aging — original valve covers have endured 18+ summer cycles
  • Spark plug well oil leakage — VQ35DE valve cover integrates spark plug tube seals; failure is common
  • Heat aging from intake manifold proximity — Nissan VQ engine layout puts valve covers close to heat sources
  • Strong used-vehicle market — many VQ35DE vehicles still in service, especially in Middle East, Caribbean, Russia

Common Failure Patterns

In service, VQ35DE valve covers typically fail at:

  • Spark plug tube seals (oil pools around plugs, causes misfires P0301–P0306)
  • PCV port boss (heat-induced cracking)
  • Bolt boss stress fractures (over-torque from previous service)
  • Integrated baffle plate detachment (causes oil ingestion)

Replacement workflow: ~75 minutes for a workshop technician to replace both banks, including new gaskets and spark plug tube seals.

Sourcing Tips

  • Always order in pairs — RM100001 and RM100002 in equal quantities
  • Check for VQ35HR variant for newer model-year Z and G37 — uses different SKUs (RM100054/55)
  • Stock Murano-specific covers separately — RM100016/17 (left/right) for 2007–2014 Murano with internal differences
  • Request gasket sets — VQ35DE gasket set includes spark plug tube seals; confirm inclusion in supplier quote

FAQ

Q1: Is RM100001 interchangeable with VQ35HR? No. VQ35DE (2003–2008) and VQ35HR (2005–2009) have different valve cover OE numbers and physically different parts. Always cross-reference.

Q2: How many pairs in a 20ft container? Approximately 750 pairs per 20ft container based on 8 pcs per inner box and standard outer cartons.

Q3: Are all VQ35DE valve covers identical across vehicle models? Yes within the VQ35DE family. The same RM100001/02 pair fits Infiniti FX35, G35, M35, and Nissan 350Z 2003–2008.
VQ35DE Engine Background