The VK engine (formerly known as the ZH) is a V8 piston engine from Nissan. It is an aluminum DOHC 4-valve design with variable valve timing. It also features a variable intake system and an optional direct injection fuel system.

The VK is based on Nissan's VQ V6 rather than the VH V8 used in previous Q45/Cima models. Changes include titanium valves and aluminium lifters. The 4.5 L engine uses a 93 mm bore and 82.7 mm stroke and a 90° bank angle.

VK45DE

The 4.5 L (4494 cc) VK45DE was introduced in 2002 and is built in Yokohama, Japan. Bore is 93 mm and stroke is 82.7 mm. Output is 340 hp (254 kW) at 6400 RPM with 333 ft.lbf (451 Nm) of torque at 4000 RPM. It has an aluminum engine block and aluminum DOHC cylinder heads. It uses SFI fuel injection, has 4 valves per cylinder with VVT and features forged steel connecting rods, a one-piece cast camshaft, and an unusual nylon intake manifold.

This engine is used in the following vehicles:

• 2002-2004 Infiniti Q45, 340 hp
• 2004 Infiniti FX45
• 2004 Infiniti M45

VK45DD

The 4.5 L VK45DD adds a direct injection fuel system.

This engine is used in the following vehicles:

• 2002-2004 Nissan Cima (Japan)

VK56DE

The VK56DE is a 5.6 L (5552 cc) version built in Decherd, TN. Bore is 98 mm and stroke is 92 mm. Output is 305 hp (227 kW) at 4900 RPM with 385 ft.lbf (522 Nm) of torque at 3600 RPM.

Applications:

• Nissan Pathfinder Armada
• Nissan Titan
• Infiniti QX56

See also

• List of Nissan engines