DeXteR wrote:i think that since this is the ultimate vh faq it should say which vehicles were equipped with the vh45/41de engines. also, because this seems to be a global subforum, where these vehicles are readily available.
obviously, the usdm 90-96 infiniti q45 was equipped with the vh45de.
others?
You dont want a 96 VH45DE. It didnt have VVT, used OBDII and is overall not a good thing to use, unless of course youre going with something wild, like a carburetor setup or something where using EFI and VVT isnt a big deal.
Anyway, theres basically 3 VH motors.
VH45DEUS VH41DEJDM VH41DE
The VH45DE was the same in the following cars.90-95 Infiniti Q4589-01 Nissan President
The US VH41, which I'll call UVH41DE is not a motor you want. Its ALMOST different enough to be a different motor than a VH. Apparently, it uses weaker internals, less efficient intake and exhaust manifolds, not to mention using OBDII which is a pain to deal with. Overall they arent worth getting
The JDM VH41DE, which I'll call the JVH41 is basically the exact same motor as the VH45DE except with a shorter stroke (which I believe is from the crank). Similar exhaust manifolds, nearly identical plenum, but a slightly different accessory drive setup. On the VH45, the alternator is mounted sort of on the side on the bottom. On the JVH41, its mounted in a much nicer location (for swaps) right on top above the water pump. it also uses a duplex timing chain setup, whereas the VH45 uses a single one.
I dont know if in practice this timing chain difference matters but I thought I'd throw it out. VH45 timing chain setups are not considered weak so I almost consider it a level upgrade.... not really an upgrade, but something different, personal preference if you will..
The JVH41DE was not available in any US vehicles, but pretty much any Y32 or Y33 chassis car you can get a JVH41 in. This includes, but not limited to, the cima, gloria, J.Ferie, and so on. Its important to note that VH41's were offered with AWD, so if someone wanted to do an AWD VH swap thatd be the place to go, however those cars are pretty rare.
in my opinion, the "ultimate" VH swap would be a JVH41 with VH45 internals (which swaps directly over). Not sure if its worth going to all that trouble, but thats my opinion.