Hi All,

Long time lurker,
Since I'm looking for an engine for my m56x 2011,
Do I really need it be, the same make/year/model?
or can I just source other model/years like Q70/L, QX56/80/Patrol/Armada or even the Titan's Pickups

Basically, How compatible are the engine between different models/year?

*I don't want to buy a 2011 VK56VD engine since here in Canada, the Free Recall/Fix already ended.

I think as long as you stick to a M56/Q70 5.6L between 2011 and today, you'll be good. The VK56 on the Titan, etc. is different (one intake vs two). You might be able to swap the block itself though...but don't quote me on that. For ease of swap, I'd just look for M56/Q70 5.6L motors.

I honestly haven't done too much research into the VK56VD yet. I am hoping to buy a damaged M56 from a member here and start tearing into the engine. If I could find a damaged engine by itself I'd buy it.

I haven't gotten confirmation on how much the SUVs share on the engine yet. An Infiniti/Nisssn tech who was active here thought the differences wouldn't be trivial:
has-anyone-gut-the-first-cats-on-the-ma ... 17298.html

In sourcing a used engine, I would stick to the '13+, the years that didn't even get affected by the recall.

The people who have reported the v8 failures so far have done so after the recall work.
I knew I wasn't fully crazy to express concerns with the logistics around the recall.
1. topic618841.html
2. post6706072.html#p6706072

You can count me in with a dead engine after the TC recall.

Just added 5k on it after the fix. now I need a new engine.

Sorry to hear that.

How many miles/km did your car have at failure?
What have they diagnosed the cause of death to be?

And is there anything you can tell us about the frequency and specifics of oil changes to the car?

Ed,

The recall did effect the 2013's, there might be no TBF after a certain vin# but my car did receive the recall repair.

Tech, I would advise you to go with the '14 or newer just to be sure. I'm actually not sure if the 14's weren't effected but the dealer should give you guidance on this.

Good luck
Keep us posted

See if a dealer might have a new one laying around but that's a very long shot.

Andy

The recall affected certain 2011 - 2013 QX56 and M56 models. The dealer will have to run your VIN to see if the vehicle falls under the recall campaign.

No other years or models to my knowledge.

EdBwoy wrote: ↑

Thu Jul 26, 2018 5:31 pm

I honestly haven't done too much research into the VK56VD yet. I am hoping to buy a damaged M56 from a member here and start tearing into the engine. If I could find a damaged engine by itself I'd buy it.

I haven't gotten confirmation on how much the SUVs share on the engine yet. An Infiniti/Nisssn tech who was active here thought the differences wouldn't be trivial:
has-anyone-gut-the-first-cats-on-the-ma ... 17298.html

In sourcing a used engine, I would stick to the '13+, the years that didn't even get affected by the recall.

The people who have reported the v8 failures so far have done so after the recall work.
I knew I wasn't fully crazy to express concerns with the logistics around the recall.
1. topic618841.html
2. post6706072.html#p6706072

Regarding the above link to the manifold thread, the Titan and Armada started using the VK56VD engine in 2016/2017, which is why the link to the 2017 Armada engine parts would mirror the 2011 QX56 and M56.

I would contact those JDM dealers here in the states, they sell engines that come from Japan at about 30-50,000 miles. They should be about to tell you what engine would work and might get you the right engine.

Just my.02

Andy

Malbec 56 Beast wrote: ↑

Tue Jul 31, 2018 8:13 pm

I would contact those JDM dealers here in the states, they sell engines that come from Japan at about 30-50,000 miles. They should be about to tell you what engine would work and might get you the right engine.

Just my.02

Andy

the 5.6 is not available on the M (fuga) in Japan.

The VK56VD was however available in the Nissan Patrol. Once some details are established as to how similar/different the engine is across the platforms, maybe the JDM engines will become a viable option for us as USDM sedan owners.

... But that might be a long time down the road. Right now, of the handful of VK56VD engines being sold online, I haven't seen a single non-US seller (maybe if I looked harder I would)
It took a long time for the JDM VK45DE engine to be available to us and to become widely regarded as an ideal substitute for blown Infiniti M45 engines.
M45 JDM engine project link

Bump. Half a year check in.

I just got a 2018 Q70S 5.6! I already have a 2003 & 2004 Q45 4.5 which are what I'm comparing the Q70 5.6 too! The 5.6 seems awfully noisy and rough running, especially at cold starts ups! The oil seems to have a dark tint and not because dirty! The oil smells strongly of gasoline! The tailpipes seem to have more than normal soot! The 4.5's run like a whisper, in my mind as a V8 should. Is this 5.6 loud and rough running normal?

FAM wrote: ↑

Sun Jan 26, 2020 9:20 pm

I just got a 2018 Q70S 5.6! I already have a 2003 & 2004 Q45 4.5 which are what I'm comparing the Q70 5.6 too! The 5.6 seems awfully noisy and rough running, especially at cold starts ups! The oil seems to have a dark tint and not because dirty! The oil smells strongly of gasoline! The tailpipes seem to have more than normal soot! The 4.5's run like a whisper, in my mind as a V8 should. Is this 5.6 loud and rough running normal?

Yes the cold start up is more aggressive due to open loop where the ECU does not rely on O2 sensors to adjust A/F ratio. After about 20 - 25 seconds or so, it changes to closed loop, and the engine will smooth out. Also, the engine will run a little louder during the colder months because the outside air is more dense, so the A/F ratio will change a little to accommodate that.

The darker tint of the motor oil is indicative of using full synthetic vs conventional oil, so no worries there.

The 4.5 uses SFI where the fuel is injected before the intake valves. Since the 5.6 is a DI engine, the fuel is injected after the intake valve and directly into the cylinder. In the 5.6, it's normal for the exhaust tips to exhibit soot. I'm running the sport mufflers, so I made it a daily regimen to wipe my tips with a rag to keep them looking shiny. Also, the DI engine requires a small amount of oil to seep past the valve guide seals to help lubricate the guides. The 5.6 tends to blow a little excessive oil and gas vapors through the PCV valves into the intake. These vapors along with oil droplets are reburned in the engine to reduce emissions. Because of this, you'll need to check your oil levels in between scheduled oil changes, and this also explains the gas smell in your exhaust. While some folks (myself included) installed catch cans to help trap some of the excess oil, I found that proper functioning PCV valves keep the excessive blowby to a minimum. I ended up removing my cans and returned to stock configuration since I wasn't trapping that much once I replaced my PCV valves.

Both utilize the crossplane firing order 18736542 which basically means that you'll have 2 cylinders firing sequentially on the same side. This explains the more aggressive exhaust pulse and the need for a Y-pipe to help balance those pulses by merging the two exhaust banks into one stream.

All of the above is normal for the 5.6 engine...unfortunately, it's rough on the catalytic converters, which is another thread altogether...

I can really appreciate the insight, thanks!

Has anyone encountered or have any suggestions about swapping a 5.6l engine out of an M or Q into my 2013 M37. How much of a hassle is it concerning mounting and clearance, ECU, etc and can the original trans be reused? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Blackcocoam37 wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 23, 2022 12:12 pm

Has anyone encountered or have any suggestions about swapping a 5.6l engine out of an M or Q into my 2013 M37. How much of a hassle is it concerning mounting and clearance, ECU, etc and can the original trans be reused? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Fitment should not be a problem. The M56 chassis is essentially the same as an M37s. The difference is in how they are mounted, and all the wiring differences to make it work.

The best way to tackle a job like this is to get a whole donor vehicle, ideally one with a wrecked body but the drivetrain intact. Then swap everything over.

Regarding the transmission: Even if the V6 transmission bolted into the V8 block, I wouldn't take that shortcut. The V8 transmission is beefier, and I assume they had good reason to do that.
This is neither cheap, nor quick. Have you considered just selling the M37 and buying the V8?

Thanks for replying. I am also keeping my eye open for a Q70S 5.6L but not having much luck with price, mileage, color, etc... They are hard to come by.