Reinforced ARP bolts for OEM rods NISSAN INFINITI ISUZU MITSUOKA SAMSUNG VQ35DE

The engine concerned

This kit is intended for the Nissan VQ35DE engine, a 3.5-litre 24-valve V6 found under the bonnet of the 350Z, Altima, Maxima, Murano, Pathfinder, Quest, Skyline V35, Stagea, Teana, Elgrand, Terrano, Presage, Cefiro and Fuga, as well as of the Infiniti FX35, G, I35, M35, QX4, QX60 and JX, the Isuzu Filly, the Mitsuoka Galue and the Samsung SM7.

It replaces the original rod bolts of the VQ35DE, which are tightened by angle and designed for a single fitting, with an ARP bolt with an M8 thread made from ARP2000.

Reinforced ARP bolts for connecting rods

At every engine revolution, the rod and piston assembly pulls on the rod cap, and only its bolts hold it against these inertia loads. The original ones are intended for stock power and for a single installation.

This kit brings together ARP2000 connecting rod bolts tightened by stretch: the ARP instruction sheet gives the range to read on the gauge, and the torque figure applies only when no gauge is available. Material: ARP2000, an alloy steel developed by ARP, heat treated to 220,000 psi tensile strength, with threads rolled after heat treatment. Against classes 10.9 and 12.9 of original fasteners, between 150,800 and 176,900 psi minimum, the margin is 24 to 46%. The ARP2000 bolts hold up to 9,500 rpm (calculated estimate).

Technical specifications

Tightening torque and stretch

ARP recommends tightening to a measured stretch, which gives a more accurate preload than torque alone, given as a fallback. Torque and stretch figures assume ARP lubricant.

The values above come from the ARP 202-6006 instruction sheet applicable at the date of publication; it is authoritative in the event of any difference. Read the ARP 202-6006 instruction sheet

No thread locker is called for by the ARP instruction sheet for this kit: the bolts are fitted with ARP Ultra-Torque grease, on the threads and under the head.

The ARP instructions for this kit require the big ends to be checked and resized once the fasteners are fitted: this job belongs to an equipped machine shop.

Measuring bolt stretch

With the stretch gauge, you read directly how much the bolt stretches during tightening: the dial gauge sits on both ends of the fitted bolt, and tightening stops when the stretch reaches the value in the table. Friction no longer comes into play, hence a more consistent preload on a heavily stressed engine.

Technical guide

Tightening is done with ARP assembly grease, on the threads and under the head: the torque and stretch figures in the table were established with it.

The ARP brand

ARP (Automotive Racing Products) came into being in the early 1970s, when Gary Holzapfel, who came from the aerospace industry, decided to tackle the engine failures caused in motorsport by inadequate fasteners. Today the brand produces thousands of part numbers in California for the cylinder head, the main bearings and the connecting rods, in materials suited to each application, with manufacturing known for its consistency.

Vehicle compatibility

Why is it the most cost-effective solution?

The original rod bolt, taken to its yield point by torque then angle tightening, keeps a permanent stretch. The ARP2000 bolts, reinforced and stronger, withstand higher engine speeds and inertia loads, which reduces the risk of a fastener-related failure and saves a far heavier engine repair.

Matching connecting rod bearings

New bolts, new bearings: find below the connecting rod bearings suited to this engine.