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{{overly detailed|date=March 2013}}
{{overly detailed|date=March 2013}}
{{Infobox automobile engine
[[File:VRH35Z.jpg|thumb|right|250px|VRH35Z Engine]]
| name = Nissan VRH engine
The '''VRH''' engine family consists of several racing engines built by [[Nissan|Nissan Motor Company]] beginning in the late 1980s. All VRH engines are in a [[V8 engine|V8]] configuration and can be either [[naturally aspirated engine|naturally aspirated]] or [[forced induction]] in design. Some of the VRH engines are loosely based on Nissan's production V8 blocks including the [[Nissan VH engine|VH]] and [[Nissan VK engine|VK]] engines, while others were designed from the ground up for racing and share no components with production blocks.
| image = VRH35Z.jpg
| manufacturer = [[Nissan]]
| management = ECCS-R-NDIS or Nissan Electronics/[[Hitachi]] HN-1
| designer = Yoshimasa Hayashi
| production = 1988–2002
| turbocharger = [[IHI Corporation|IHI]] (some versions)
| configuration = 90° [[V8 engine|V8]]
| displacement = {{convert|2996|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}<br />{{convert|3495|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}<br />{{convert|3499|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}<br />{{convert|3999|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}<br />{{convert|3396|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}<br />{{convert|4997|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}
| bore = {{convert|85|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|93|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|96|mm|in|abbr=on}}
| stroke = {{convert|66|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|77|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|64.39|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|73.6|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|62.5|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|86.3|mm|in|2|abbr=on}}
| block = [[Aluminium]]
| head = Aluminium
| valvetrain = [[DOHC]] [[Multi-valve#Four valves|4 valves]] x [[Cylinder (engine)|cyl]].
| fuelsystem = [[Fuel injection]]
| compression = 8.5:1, 9.0:1, 13.8:1, 14.0:1
| fueltype = [[Gasoline]]/[[Methanol]]
| oilsystem = Multi-stage [[dry sump]]
| coolingsystem = [[Water cooling (engines)|Water-cooled]]
| power = {{convert|450|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|500|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|530|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|650|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|750|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|800|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|960|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}}
| specpower =
| torque = {{convert|290|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|320|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|325|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|470|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|542|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|520|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|578|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|591|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
| length =
| width =
| height =
| weight = {{convert|120|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}?<br />{{convert|150|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|170|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}<br />{{convert|185|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}
| predecessor = [[Nissan VEJ30 engine]]
}}
The Nissan '''VRH''' engine family consists of several racing engines built by [[Nissan|Nissan Motor Company]] beginning in the late 1980s. All VRH engines are in a [[V8 engine|V8]] configuration, with either [[Naturally aspirated engine|natural aspiration]] or [[forced induction]]. Some VRH engines are loosely based on Nissan's production V8 [[engine block]]s, including the [[Nissan VH engine|VH]] and [[Nissan VK engine|VK]] engines, while others were designed from the ground up for racing and share no components with production blocks.


V=V engine configuration R=Racing H=The eighth letter of the alphabet = Eight cylinders
The name "VRH" comes from the engines' [[V engine|V configuration]] ("V"), their purpose as racing engines ("R"), and the fact that all of them have [[V8 engine|eight cylinders]] (with "H" being the eighth letter of the [[Latin alphabet]]).{{Citation needed|date=April 2021}}


==History==
==History==
In 1987 Nissan began work on an engine exclusively for race use and began work on the VEJ30 engine, developed by [[Yoshikazu Ishikawa]]. This engine was based on old technology, and was not a success. For 1988 the VEJ30 was improved by Yoshimasa Hayashi and renamed the VRH30. Changes included increasing [[engine displacement|displacement]] to 3.4L.
In 1987, Nissan began work on an engine exclusively for race use; the result was the VEJ30 engine, developed by Yoshikazu Ishikawa. This engine was based on old technology, and was not a success. For 1988, the VEJ30 was improved by Yoshimasa Hayashi and renamed the VRH30. Changes included increasing the [[engine displacement|displacement]] to {{convert|3396|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}.


This engine was still based on the obsolete VEJ30 and development of the all new VRH35<ref name="Subete">Super Car Chronicle Part 3 レーシングカーのテクノロジー ISBN 4-7796-0785-X</ref> was started in parallel with VRH30. In 1989 the VRH35 appeared as a new development engine and was used in the [[Nissan R89C]]. The improved VRH35Z appeared in 1990 in the [[Nissan R90C|R90C]].
This engine was, however, still based on the obsolete VEJ30, and development of the all-new VRH35<ref name="Subete">Super Car Chronicle Part 3 レーシングカーのテクノロジー {{ISBN|4-7796-0785-X}}</ref> was started in parallel with the VRH30. In 1989, the VRH35 appeared as a new development engine and was used in the [[Nissan R89C]].


[[File:Nissan R390 GT1 (1998) front-left 2012 Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A [[Nissan R390|Nissan R390 GT1]] that was powered by the VRH35L engine.]]
[[File:Nissan R390 GT1 (1998) front-left 2012 Nissan Global Headquarters Gallery.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A [[Nissan R390|Nissan R390 GT1]] that was powered by the VRH35L engine]]
A 3.0-litre variant of the VRH35Z was also used in the 1998 [[Courage Compétition|Courage]]-Nissan C51 at the [[1998 24 Hours of Le Mans]]. Both C51s [[Did Not Finish|failed to finish]].<ref name="racingsportscars">[http://www.racingsportscars.com/type/archive/Courage/C51.html Courage Nissan C51]</ref>
In 1997 Nissan, working in partnership with [[Tom Walkinshaw Racing]], fielded an updated version of the engine called the VRH35L in the [[Nissan R390 GT1|R390 GT1]]. This revised engine produces around 641 hp (478 kW) at 6800 rpm.


The design of the engine was later sold to [[McLaren Automotive|McLaren]], where it served as the basis of their [[McLaren M838T engine|M838T]] and [[McLaren M840T engine|M840T]] engines (which were used in all of McLaren's line-up since the [[McLaren 12C|McLaren MP4-12C]]).<ref name="caranddriver">{{cite web|date=2011-02-01|title=Car & Driver: 2012 McLaren MP4-12C Tech Trickledown|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2012_mclaren_mp4-12c-first_drive_review/tech_trickledown_page_2|access-date=2011-03-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-mclaren-mp4-12c-first-drive-review-tech-trickledown-page-2|title=2012 McLaren MP4-12C First Drive|date=14 February 2011}}</ref>
The engine was also used in the 1998 [[Courage Compétition]] C51<ref name="racingsportscars">[http://www.racingsportscars.com/type/archive/Courage/C51.html Courage Nissan C51]</ref> Nissan at the [[1998 24 Hours of Le Mans]]. Both cars retired.


==VRH30T==
The design of the engine was later sold to [[McLaren Automotive]] where it formed the basis of their M838T family of engines.<ref>http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-mclaren-mp4-12c-first-drive-review-tech-trickledown-page-2</ref>
[[File:Nissan R88C front-left 2012 Suzuka Circuit Time Machine Exhibition.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A [[Nissan R88C]] that was powered by the VRH30T engine]]The VRH30T was used in the [[Nissan R88C|R88C]].
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum 90° V8
*Aspiration: [[Twin-Turbo]] ([[IHI Corporation|IHI]])
*Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Displacement: {{convert|2996|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}
*Bore x Stroke: {{convert|85x66|mm|2|abbr=on}}
*Power: {{convert|750|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 8000&nbsp;rpm
*Torque: {{convert|542|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 5500&nbsp;rpm


==VRH35Z==
==Other VRH Racing Engines==
[[File:2007-06-15 Nissan R 90 CK (Bj. um 1990) - Motor.jpg|thumb|right|250px|VRH35Z engine in a [[Nissan R90CK]] race car]]The VRH35Z first appeared in 1990 in the [[Nissan R90C|R90C]].
A naturally aspirated 5.0L version, the '''VRH50A''', was used in the [[Nissan R391]]. The '''VRH35ADE''', was used by [[Infiniti]] in their [[Indy Racing League|Indy]] race car. Other naturally aspirated versions are the '''VRH34A''' and '''VRH34B''', used by [[Nissan]] in their [[Nissan GT-R]] [[Super GT]] race car.

The '''VRH34A''' is a 3.4L(3396cc) V8 that produces 450-500&nbsp;ps and over 290&nbsp;lb-ft (393 N-m).

The '''VRH34B''' is a 3.4L(3396cc) V8 that produces 500-530&nbsp;ps and over 325&nbsp;lb-ft (393 N-m).

The '''VRH35ADE''' is a 3.5L(3495cc) V8 that produces 650&nbsp;ps @10700&nbsp;rpm and 320&nbsp;lb-ft (434 N-m)@10400&nbsp;rpm.

The '''VRH50A''' is a 5.0L(4997cc) V8 that produces 650&nbsp;ps @7200&nbsp;rpm and 470&nbsp;lb-ft (618 N-m)@6000&nbsp;rpm.

<br>
The VRH engines also formed the basis for [[McLaren Automotive|McLaren's]] [[Mclaren M838T|M838T]] engine used in the [[McLaren MP4-12C]] supercar.<ref name="caranddriver">{{cite web|url=http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q1/2012_mclaren_mp4-12c-first_drive_review/tech_trickledown_page_2|title=Car & Driver: 2012 McLaren MP4-12C Tech Trickledown|date=2011-02-01|accessdate=2011-03-27}}</ref>

==Specification of VRH30T==
[[File:Nissan R88C front-left 2012 Suzuka Circuit Time Machine Exhibition.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A [[Nissan R88C]] that was powered by the VRH30 engine.]]
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum 90º V8
*Aspiration: Twin-Turbo ([[IHI Corporation|IHI]])
*[[Valvetrain]]: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Displacement: 2996 cc
*Bore x Stroke: 85 x 66 mm
*Power: 750&nbsp;ps @8000&nbsp;rpm
*[[Torque]]: 542&nbsp;lb-ft (735 N-m)@5500&nbsp;rpm

==Specification of VRH35Z==
[[File:2007-06-15 Nissan R 90 CK (Bj. um 1990) - Motor.jpg|thumb|right|250px|VRH35Z engine in a [[Nissan R90CK]] race car.]]
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum
*Aspiration: Twin-Turbo [[IHI Corporation|IHI]]
*Aspiration: Twin-Turbo ([[IHI Corporation|IHI]])
*[[Valvetrain]]: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Displacement: 3496 cc
Displacement: {{convert|3495|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}
*Bore x Stroke: 85 x 77 mm
*Bore x Stroke: {{convert|85x77|mm|2|abbr=on|order=flip}}
*Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
*Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
*Power: 800&nbsp;ps @7600&nbsp;rpm
*Power: {{convert|800|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 7600&nbsp;rpm
*[[Torque]]: 578&nbsp;lb-ft (784 N-m)@5600&nbsp;rpm
*Torque: {{convert|578|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 5600&nbsp;rpm
*Engine Management: ECCS-R-NDIS
*Engine Management: ECCS-R-NDIS
*Weight: 185 kg
*Weight: {{convert|185|kg|lb|abbr=on}}


==Specification of VRH35L==
==VRH35L==
[[File:VRH35L R390 003.JPG|thumb|right|250px|VRH35L engine from the [[Nissan R390 GT1|R390 GT1]]]]
[[File:VRH35L R390 003.JPG|thumb|right|250px|VRH35L engine from the [[Nissan R390 GT1|R390 GT1]]]]In 1997, Nissan, working in partnership with [[Tom Walkinshaw Racing]], fielded a VRH35L in the [[Nissan R390 GT1|R390 GT1]].
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum
*Aspiration: Twin-Turbo [[IHI Corporation|IHI]]
*Aspiration: Twin-Turbo ([[IHI Corporation|IHI]])
*[[Valvetrain]]: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Displacement: 3496 cc
*Displacement: {{convert|3495|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}
*Bore x Stroke: 85 x 77 mm
*Bore x Stroke: {{convert|85x77|mm|2|abbr=on}}
*Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
*Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
*Power: 650&nbsp;ps @6800&nbsp;rpm
*Power: {{convert|650|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 6800&nbsp;rpm
*[[Torque]]:520&nbsp;lb-ft (706 N-m)@4400&nbsp;rpm
*Torque: {{convert|520|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 4400&nbsp;rpm
*Dry weight: {{convert|170|kg|lb|abbr=on}}
*Weight: 170 kg (Dry Weight)


==Specification of VRH35ADE==
==VRH35ADE==
The VRH35ADE was used by [[Infiniti]] in their [[Indy Racing League|Indy]] race car.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://racecarsdirect.com/Advert/Details/89354/nissan-infiniti-indycar-engine|title=Nissan Infiniti Indycar Engine|date=8 November 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://racecarsdirect.com/Advert/Details/113140/infiniti-v8-indy-car-engine|title = Infiniti V8 indy car engine| date=15 January 2024 }}</ref>
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum-alloy block and heads; molybdenum coated pistons
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum-alloy block and heads; [[molybdenum]]-coated [[piston]]s
*Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
*Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
*[[Valvetrain]]: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Displacement: 3495 cc
*Displacement: {{convert|3499|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}
*Bore x Stroke: 93 x 64.39 mm
*Bore x Stroke: {{convert|93x64.39|mm|abbr=on}}
*Compression Ratio: 13.8:1
*Compression Ratio: 13.8:1
*Lubrication System: Multi-stage dry sump
*Lubrication System: Multi-stage [[dry sump]]
*Oil Capacity: 12.0 quarts
*Oil Capacity: {{convert|12|USqt|L|abbr=on}}
*Power: 650&nbsp;ps @10700&nbsp;rpm
*Power: {{convert|650|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 10700&nbsp;rpm
*[[Torque]]: 320&nbsp;lb-ft (434 N-m)@10400&nbsp;rpm
*Torque: {{convert|320|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 10400&nbsp;rpm


==VRH40ADE==
==Specification of VRH34A==
The VRH40ADE was used by [[Infiniti]] in their [[Indy Racing League|Indy]] race car.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.motortrend.com/features/infiniti-indy-motorsport/| title = Infiniti Indy - Wide Bloody Open - Motor Trend Magazine| date = June 1999}} </ref>
[[File:Motul Autech GT-R 2011 Super GT Fuji 250km.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A [[Nissan_GT-R#Motorsport|Nissan GT-R]] that competed in the Super GT500 class that was powered by the VRH34A engine.]]
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum-alloy block and heads; [[molybdenum]]-coated [[piston]]s
*Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
*Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Displacement: {{convert|3999|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}
*Bore x Stroke: {{convert|93x73.6|mm|abbr=on}}
*Compression Ratio: 14.5:1
*Lubrication System: Multi-stage [[dry sump]]
*Oil Capacity: {{convert|12|USqt|L|abbr=on}}
*Power: {{convert|740|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 10700&nbsp;rpm
*Torque: {{convert|385|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 8500&nbsp;rpm

==VRH34A==
[[File:Motul Autech GT-R 2011 Super GT Fuji 250km.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A VRH34A-powered [[Nissan GT-R#Motorsport|Nissan GT-R]] that competed in the Super GT500 class]]The VRH34A is one of two engines used in Nissan's [[Super GT|GT500]]-spec [[Nissan GT-R|GT-R]].
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum
*Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
*Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
*[[Valvetrain]]: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Displacement: 3396 cc
*Displacement: {{convert|3396|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}
*Bore x Stroke: 93 x 62.5 mm
*Bore x Stroke: {{convert|93x62.5|mm|abbr=on}}
*Power: 450-500&nbsp;ps @? rpms
*Power: {{convert|450|-|500|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}}
*[[Torque]]: Over 290&nbsp;lb-ft @? rpms
*Torque: Over {{convert|290|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}
*Dry weight: {{convert|120|kg|lb|abbr=on}} ?
*Weight: 120 kg (Dry Weight)?


==Specification of VRH50A==
==VRH50A==
[[Image:Nissan VRH50A engine rear Nissan Engine Museum.jpg|230px|right|thumb|[[Nissan]] VRH50A racing engine at the [[Nissan Engine Museum]]]]
[[Image:Nissan VRH50A engine rear Nissan Engine Museum.jpg|230px|right|thumb|[[Nissan]] VRH50A engine at the [[Nissan Engine Museum]]]]The VRH50A was used in the [[Nissan R391]].
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum, Closed Deck
*Cylinder Block: Aluminum, Closed Deck
*Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
*Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
*[[Valvetrain]]: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
*Displacement: 4997 cc
*Displacement: {{convert|4997|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}}
*Bore x Stroke: 96.00 x 86.3 mm
*Bore x Stroke: {{convert|96x86.3|mm|abbr=on}}
*Compression ratio: 14.0:1 (estimated)
*Compression ratio: 14.0:1 (estimated)
*Redline: 8000&nbsp;rpm
*Redline: 8000&nbsp;rpm
*Power: 650&nbsp;ps @7200&nbsp;rpm
*Power: {{convert|650|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} at 7200&nbsp;rpm
*[[Torque]]: 470&nbsp;lb-ft (618 N-m)@6000&nbsp;rpm
*Torque: {{convert|470|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 6000&nbsp;rpm
*Engine Management: Nissan Electronics/Hitachi HN-1
*Engine Management: Nissan Electronics/[[Hitachi]] HN-1
*Weight: 150 kg
*Weight: {{convert|150|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

==Other VRH engines==
The '''VRH34A''' and '''VRH34B''' are naturally aspirated engines used by [[Nissan]] in their [[Nissan GT-R|GT-R]] [[Super GT]] race car from 2010.

The '''VRH34A''' is {{convert|3396|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} and produces {{convert|450|-|500|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} and over {{convert|290|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque.

The '''VRH34B''' is {{convert|3396|cc|L|1|abbr=on|order=flip}} and produces {{convert|500|-|530|PS|kW bhp|0|abbr=on}} and over {{convert|325|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque.


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of Nissan engines]]
* [[List of Nissan engines]]
* [[Nissan VEJ30 engine]]
* [[Nissan VH engine]]
* [[Nissan VH engine]]
* [[Nissan VK engine]]
* [[Nissan VK engine]]
Line 113: Line 147:
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|author=Yoshimasa Hayashi (林義正).
|author=Yoshimasa Hayashi (林義正).
|title=レーシングエンジンの徹底研究
|script-title=ja:レーシングエンジンの徹底研究
|publisher=グランプリ出版
|publisher=グランプリ出版
|year=1991
|year=1991
|isbn=4-87687-114-0
|isbn=4-87687-114-0
|language=Japanese
|language=ja
}}
}}
*{{cite book
*{{cite book
|author=Naoshi Kuroi (黒井尚志).
|author=Naoshi Kuroi (黒井尚志).
|title=ル・マン―偉大なる草レースの挑戦者たち
|script-title=ja:ル・マン―偉大なる草レースの挑戦者たち
|publisher=[[Shueisha|集英社]]
|publisher=[[Shueisha|集英社]]
|year=1992
|year=1992
|isbn=4-08-780158-6
|isbn=4-08-780158-6
|language=Japanese
|language=ja
}}
}}


Line 132: Line 166:


[[Category:Nissan engines|VRH35]]
[[Category:Nissan engines|VRH35]]
[[Category:World Sportscar Championship engines]]
[[Category:V8 engines]]
[[Category:Engines by model]]
[[Category:Gasoline engines by model]]
[[Category:Group C]]

Latest revision as of 01:39, 5 June 2024

Nissan VRH engine
Overview
ManufacturerNissan
DesignerYoshimasa Hayashi
Production1988–2002
Layout
Configuration90° V8
Displacement3.0 L (2,996 cc)
3.5 L (3,495 cc)
3.5 L (3,499 cc)
4.0 L (3,999 cc)
3.4 L (3,396 cc)
5.0 L (4,997 cc)
Cylinder bore85 mm (3.35 in)
93 mm (3.66 in)
96 mm (3.8 in)
Piston stroke66 mm (2.60 in)
77 mm (3.03 in)
64.39 mm (2.54 in)
73.6 mm (2.90 in)
62.5 mm (2.46 in)
86.3 mm (3.40 in)
Cylinder block materialAluminium
Cylinder head materialAluminium
ValvetrainDOHC 4 valves x cyl.
Compression ratio8.5:1, 9.0:1, 13.8:1, 14.0:1
Combustion
TurbochargerIHI (some versions)
Fuel systemFuel injection
ManagementECCS-R-NDIS or Nissan Electronics/Hitachi HN-1
Fuel typeGasoline/Methanol
Oil systemMulti-stage dry sump
Cooling systemWater-cooled
Output
Power output450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp)
500 PS (368 kW; 493 bhp)
530 PS (390 kW; 523 bhp)
650 PS (478 kW; 641 bhp)
750 PS (552 kW; 740 bhp)
800 PS (588 kW; 789 bhp)
960 PS (706 kW; 947 bhp)
Torque output290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m)
320 lb⋅ft (434 N⋅m)
325 lb⋅ft (441 N⋅m)
470 lb⋅ft (637 N⋅m)
542 lb⋅ft (735 N⋅m)
520 lb⋅ft (705 N⋅m)
578 lb⋅ft (784 N⋅m)
591 lb⋅ft (801 N⋅m)
Dimensions
Dry weight120 kg (265 lb)?
150 kg (331 lb)
170 kg (375 lb)
185 kg (408 lb)
Chronology
PredecessorNissan VEJ30 engine

The Nissan VRH engine family consists of several racing engines built by Nissan Motor Company beginning in the late 1980s. All VRH engines are in a V8 configuration, with either natural aspiration or forced induction. Some VRH engines are loosely based on Nissan's production V8 engine blocks, including the VH and VK engines, while others were designed from the ground up for racing and share no components with production blocks.

The name "VRH" comes from the engines' V configuration ("V"), their purpose as racing engines ("R"), and the fact that all of them have eight cylinders (with "H" being the eighth letter of the Latin alphabet).[citation needed]

History

[edit]

In 1987, Nissan began work on an engine exclusively for race use; the result was the VEJ30 engine, developed by Yoshikazu Ishikawa. This engine was based on old technology, and was not a success. For 1988, the VEJ30 was improved by Yoshimasa Hayashi and renamed the VRH30. Changes included increasing the displacement to 3.4 L (3,396 cc).

This engine was, however, still based on the obsolete VEJ30, and development of the all-new VRH35[1] was started in parallel with the VRH30. In 1989, the VRH35 appeared as a new development engine and was used in the Nissan R89C.

A Nissan R390 GT1 that was powered by the VRH35L engine

A 3.0-litre variant of the VRH35Z was also used in the 1998 Courage-Nissan C51 at the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans. Both C51s failed to finish.[2]

The design of the engine was later sold to McLaren, where it served as the basis of their M838T and M840T engines (which were used in all of McLaren's line-up since the McLaren MP4-12C).[3][4]

VRH30T

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A Nissan R88C that was powered by the VRH30T engine

The VRH30T was used in the R88C.

  • Cylinder Block: Aluminum 90° V8
  • Aspiration: Twin-Turbo (IHI)
  • Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
  • Displacement: 3.0 L (2,996 cc)
  • Bore x Stroke: 85 mm × 66 mm (3.35 in × 2.60 in)
  • Power: 750 PS (552 kW; 740 bhp) at 8000 rpm
  • Torque: 542 lb⋅ft (735 N⋅m) at 5500 rpm

VRH35Z

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VRH35Z engine in a Nissan R90CK race car

The VRH35Z first appeared in 1990 in the R90C.

  • Cylinder Block: Aluminum
  • Aspiration: Twin-Turbo (IHI)
  • Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder

Displacement: 3.5 L (3,495 cc)

  • Bore x Stroke: 3.35 in × 3.03 in (85 mm × 77 mm)
  • Compression Ratio: 8.5:1
  • Power: 800 PS (588 kW; 789 bhp) at 7600 rpm
  • Torque: 578 lb⋅ft (784 N⋅m) at 5600 rpm
  • Engine Management: ECCS-R-NDIS
  • Weight: 185 kg (408 lb)

VRH35L

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VRH35L engine from the R390 GT1

In 1997, Nissan, working in partnership with Tom Walkinshaw Racing, fielded a VRH35L in the R390 GT1.

  • Cylinder Block: Aluminum
  • Aspiration: Twin-Turbo (IHI)
  • Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
  • Displacement: 3.5 L (3,495 cc)
  • Bore x Stroke: 85 mm × 77 mm (3.35 in × 3.03 in)
  • Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
  • Power: 650 PS (478 kW; 641 bhp) at 6800 rpm
  • Torque: 520 lb⋅ft (705 N⋅m) at 4400 rpm
  • Dry weight: 170 kg (370 lb)

VRH35ADE

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The VRH35ADE was used by Infiniti in their Indy race car.[5][6]

  • Cylinder Block: Aluminum-alloy block and heads; molybdenum-coated pistons
  • Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
  • Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
  • Displacement: 3.5 L (3,499 cc)
  • Bore x Stroke: 93 mm × 64.39 mm (3.661 in × 2.535 in)
  • Compression Ratio: 13.8:1
  • Lubrication System: Multi-stage dry sump
  • Oil Capacity: 12 US qt (11 L)
  • Power: 650 PS (478 kW; 641 bhp) at 10700 rpm
  • Torque: 320 lb⋅ft (434 N⋅m) at 10400 rpm

VRH40ADE

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The VRH40ADE was used by Infiniti in their Indy race car.[7]

  • Cylinder Block: Aluminum-alloy block and heads; molybdenum-coated pistons
  • Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
  • Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
  • Displacement: 4.0 L (3,999 cc)
  • Bore x Stroke: 93 mm × 73.6 mm (3.66 in × 2.90 in)
  • Compression Ratio: 14.5:1
  • Lubrication System: Multi-stage dry sump
  • Oil Capacity: 12 US qt (11 L)
  • Power: 740 PS (544 kW; 730 bhp) at 10700 rpm
  • Torque: 385 lb⋅ft (522 N⋅m) at 8500 rpm

VRH34A

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A VRH34A-powered Nissan GT-R that competed in the Super GT500 class

The VRH34A is one of two engines used in Nissan's GT500-spec GT-R.

  • Cylinder Block: Aluminum
  • Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
  • Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
  • Displacement: 3.4 L (3,396 cc)
  • Bore x Stroke: 93 mm × 62.5 mm (3.66 in × 2.46 in)
  • Power: 450–500 PS (331–368 kW; 444–493 bhp)
  • Torque: Over 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m)
  • Dry weight: 120 kg (260 lb) ?

VRH50A

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Nissan VRH50A engine at the Nissan Engine Museum

The VRH50A was used in the Nissan R391.

  • Cylinder Block: Aluminum, Closed Deck
  • Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
  • Valvetrain: DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder
  • Displacement: 5.0 L (4,997 cc)
  • Bore x Stroke: 96 mm × 86.3 mm (3.78 in × 3.40 in)
  • Compression ratio: 14.0:1 (estimated)
  • Redline: 8000 rpm
  • Power: 650 PS (478 kW; 641 bhp) at 7200 rpm
  • Torque: 470 lb⋅ft (637 N⋅m) at 6000 rpm
  • Engine Management: Nissan Electronics/Hitachi HN-1
  • Weight: 150 kg (330 lb)

Other VRH engines

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The VRH34A and VRH34B are naturally aspirated engines used by Nissan in their GT-R Super GT race car from 2010.

The VRH34A is 3.4 L (3,396 cc) and produces 450–500 PS (331–368 kW; 444–493 bhp) and over 290 lb⋅ft (393 N⋅m) of torque.

The VRH34B is 3.4 L (3,396 cc) and produces 500–530 PS (368–390 kW; 493–523 bhp) and over 325 lb⋅ft (441 N⋅m) of torque.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Super Car Chronicle Part 3 レーシングカーのテクノロジー ISBN 4-7796-0785-X
  2. ^ Courage Nissan C51
  3. ^ "Car & Driver: 2012 McLaren MP4-12C Tech Trickledown". 2011-02-01. Retrieved 2011-03-27.
  4. ^ "2012 McLaren MP4-12C First Drive". 14 February 2011.
  5. ^ "Nissan Infiniti Indycar Engine". 8 November 2023.
  6. ^ "Infiniti V8 indy car engine". 15 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Infiniti Indy - Wide Bloody Open - Motor Trend Magazine". June 1999.
  • Yoshimasa Hayashi (林義正). (1991). レーシングエンジンの徹底研究 (in Japanese). グランプリ出版. ISBN 4-87687-114-0.
  • Naoshi Kuroi (黒井尚志). (1992). ル・マン―偉大なる草レースの挑戦者たち (in Japanese). 集英社. ISBN 4-08-780158-6.