Hi everyone, I have some questions about this engine. I've got an 07 altima with a vq35de and I'm wondering if there's a difference between bolt patterns between the different cars. I'm noticing a lot of performance upgrades like intake manifolds that are marked as being for 350z/g35's but not the altima. Isn't it the exact same engine? Thanks!

The engines are technically the same but the altimas engine sits sideways so the intake and exhaust manifolds are way different. Next closest in design is the Maxima.. and I’m still trying to figure out what’s interchangeable too! (New to the 3.5 Altima game)

The biggest difference between the transverse QR and VQ setups is the tranny, the '09B and later '10H used with the 6-cylinders are much stouter units than the '10A/'10D trannies used with the 4-cylinders. The Max VQ also isn't identical to the Altie VQ, the Max version used mag retarders on the exhaust cams and produced a bit more power than the Altima version. That means not only the trannies, but also the engine harnesses and ECM's aren't cross-compatible for swaps.

Hey Vstar,

Anything interchangeable from the 09+ maxima that would be worthwhile to the 3.5 Altima? I’m thinking about plenum and TB?

Maybe. If you have the VIN's for the recipient and donor, you can cross-reference the stuff in NissanPartsDeal to see exactly what's shared.

I’m speaking in upgrade/performance gains?
I know the maximas are rated for a little more power. I know the TB and plenum are a bit larger. I’m thinking this is where some of the power is found?

The extra power is largely from the mag draggers. You probably can take advantage of the larger plenum and TB, but only by making commensurate changes to the exhaust, and your gains will still be limited by valve and cam profiles. Your engine is an air pump, and breathing is always a not-so-simple exercise in velocity and balance.

That’s def leaning me in the right direction. Thank you.
I live in CA so I can’t mess with the stock manifolds and cats, but starting from there the y pipe looks pretty pinched going towards the rear, if I open up the pinch and straight pipe the 3rd cat, and giant resonator, do you think there will be gains? I really don’t want louder although it’s probably inevitable.

Yah, the Altima exhausts are pretty restrictive. I'm sure you can bust out several more ponies just with a good catback.