ACL trimetal connecting rod bearings Nissan VQ35HR VQ37VHR VR30DDTT

The Nissan VQ35HR and VQ37VHR V6 engines

The VQ35HR is the second version of Nissan's naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6, with 24 valves and double overhead camshafts, revised to rev higher than the VQ35DE; the 3.7-litre VQ37VHR derives from it, with variable valve timing and lift. ACL lists the same bearing set for both engines and for the VR30DDTT: a single set covers the family.

From the factory, this engine is fitted with standard production connecting rod bearings, sized for the loads of the original engine: as soon as power, engine speed or boost pressure increase, they reach their limits.

Trimetal connecting rod bearings

A trimetal bearing stacks three layers: a steel back, a copper-lead intermediate layer with high load capacity and an anti-friction running surface that protects the journal. The complete set contains 12 half shells, six pairs for a six-cylinder engine.

The original bearing relies on an aluminium alloy over a steel back, intended for low to medium loads, whereas trimetal is designed for high, sustained loads: an aluminium bi-metal takes around 8,000 psi, a performance trimetal up to 12,000 psi, 50% more. Hence better resistance and better durability on turbocharged, supercharged and high-revving engines.

Technical specifications

Technical guide

The ACL rod bearings shown here are trimetal bearings, designed for engine building and racing. Compared with an original bearing, they handle far higher loads: they cope with increased power, high rpm or the addition of a turbo or supercharger, where a standard bearing quickly reaches its limit.

The brand

ACL Bearing Company, an Australian manufacturer of high-performance engine bearings since 1949, offers with its Race Series precise trimetal bearings, available in many sizes and proven on built engines worldwide.

Vehicle compatibility

This connecting rod bearing set fits the VQ35HR and VQ37VHR V6 of the following Nissan models: