Is VH45DE best engine to mount a Q45? ...Opinions?

[kirbyQ45]

The VH 45 is an amazing piece of work. An engine actually intended to do its job and do it well. Is it the most powerful and durable, the best, of the Q45's engines?

Even more so, how does the engine/car rate to its competetors of similar design (4 door luxury hot rod-stock)? When comparing to other models, and other makes, consider more aspects of the performance/vehicle than just the power.

Post away please...

[Jesda]

Most powerful, no. Thats the 340hp VK45. (least dependable)Most durable, no. Thats the 266hp VH41. (least powerful)

90-93 were good for 295hp, but of course had chain guide issues.

Is it still the best? I'd definitely say so.

The closest competitor I can think of in terms of power, weight, and packaging efficiency is the Cadillac Northstar, which is more powerful but significantly less reliable.

The Lexus engines are smooth but don't compare. Good gearing makes up for gutless engines.

Then there's the 280hp 4.6L Cobra motor in the Lincoln Continental and Mark VIII, which pretty much rocks.

[elwesso]

Jesda I disagree with you......

The VK is rated at more HP, but i doubt that it actually has more power... It doesnt feel any faster than my Q as far as peak power...... My VH45 with the ECU upgrade feels just as powerful.... The onyl difference is the 5 speed auto.

The VH45 and VH41 shoud be the same as far as dependability because the only difference is the stroke... bore is the same... 94+ dont have the injector problems that the later ones did... in theory, the VH41 should be able to handle more RPMs than the VH45 since it has a shorter stroke.

[kirbyQ45]

The closest competitor I can think of in terms of power, weight, and packaging efficiency is the Cadillac Northstar, which is more powerful

Then there's the 280hp 4.6L Cobra motor in the Lincoln Continental and Mark VIII, which pretty much rocks.

Got any years that these powerhouse engines where placed in the cars above?

[MattB]

Most powerful, no. Thats the 340hp VK45. (least dependable)Most durable, no. Thats the 266hp VH41. (least powerful)

What makes the VK less dependable?

[Jesda]

What makes the VK less dependable?

Early ring wear, excessive oil consumption.

[Jesda]

Got any years that these powerhouse engines where placed in the cars above?

93+ for the Northstar. Changed a bit in 98 (to prevent head gasket failure) and again in 2000 (to run on regular fuel) and 2005 (more power). Originally made 275-295hp. Current iterations claim 320.

93-98 for the Cobra V8 (which really should be called a Lincoln V8, since it was in the Mark VIII before it was in the Mustang)

[MattB]

Early ring wear, excessive oil consumption.

Does this affect all VKs or has this problem been corrected?

[qship96]

also,dont believe the 340hp rating of the vk45,as even Infiniti admits on their web site correct,current SAE testing will show lower HP numbers,as do many japanese vehicles- lexus ls430 ratings dropped from 290 advertised hp to 278- nissan motors says it refuses to retest current production engines{ therefor hiding behind the asterick and small print in ads}many manufacturers somewhat cheated the old lax sae hp rating systems by partially filled crankcases and disconnecting p/s pumps during testing,among other tricks to boost advertised hp numbers- my guess,the vk has 315-320 hp max.

[Q45tech]

Low ring tension [not wear] as ring tension represents about 66% of all internal friction losses in modern engines.

Pretty much a 4.3-4.6 liter 32v/24v/40v engine is the same give or take 30 lb/ft [10%].

If idle fuel consumption doesn't matter just go up a liter in displacement as Mercedes has done.

[elwesso]

also,dont believe the 340hp rating of the vk45,as even Infiniti admits on their web site correct,current SAE testing will show lower HP numbers,as do many japanese vehicles- lexus ls430 ratings dropped from 290 advertised hp to 278- nissan motors says it refuses to retest current production engines{ therefor hiding behind the asterick and small print in ads}many manufacturers somewhat cheated the old lax sae hp rating systems by partially filled crankcases and disconnecting p/s pumps during testing,among other tricks to boost advertised hp numbers- my guess,the vk has 315-320 hp max.

agreed.. and we have made a full circle..... 315HP is what the VH45 puts out with EC.

[maxnix]

What makes the VK less dependable?

Open deck design and no crankshaft girdle.

You guys really do need to read the early posts.

[Rex]

FWIW, swapping any of these into your car, will be prohibitive costs wise, unless you have the skills/tools/knowledge to do it all yourself. EVent hen you could probably swap in another VH (I'd prefer from a 90-92 with updated guides) and modify with some kind of FI. That should put you close to 400rwhp and allow you to maintain driveability and reliability.

Just my 2 cents.

[elwesso]

Or swap in an RB25 just so you can have AWD.....