What Engines Can You Put in Infiniti Q60? Engine Swapping Guide
Last Updated on 2025-09-08
Okay dude, let's get down to the nitty-gritty - just two gearheads trying to get the most out of your Infiniti Q60. Although an engine swap may sound like a simple task of tossing in a more powerful motor, it is so much more than that. Regardless of whether you want the Q60 to transform from a sleek cruiser to a full street beast, or you're just looking for a cool project to spend your weekends on, a properly done engine swap can do just that.
I’m ready for a coffee. Now, we can dive into the details.
So, Why Would You Swap the Engine in Your Q60?
We do not always need a reason to do something; at times it tends to be that we simply wish to do it. And that in particular is a lot more thrilling and enjoyable. Your engine could be overworked, or perhaps it is time to put the fear of God into some Mustangs at the light – whatever it is, you are no longer in the mood to play it safe.
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More Power: You ever step on the gas and feel like the car’s holding back? Dropping in a VR30DDTT Red Sport engine will fix that real quick.
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Blown Motor: If your engine’s toast, why throw the same one back in when you can upgrade?
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Project Build: If wrenching is therapy for you (like it is for me), there’s nothing more satisfying than making an engine swap work.
Whatever your reason is, once the idea gets in your head… it’s game over. You have to build it.
First Thing’s First – What Engine Can You Actually Swap In?
Choosing the right engine type is critical when preparing to do a motor swap for the first time. This will set the cost and level of success for the entire Q60 project. It will also indicate the time required to complete the task, which is where an engine swap compatibility chart comes in handy.
Now, if you did not do so already, make sure to get the year and trim level of your Infiniti Q60 before proceeding to the chart below. This will assist you in identifying the engine currently installed in your vehicle. Alongside multiple other cars sharing the same engine, the chart lists engines by model years.
Infiniti Q60 Engine Swap Compatibility Chart
| Nissan / V6 / VQ - Petrol / VHR / VQ37VHR | |
|---|---|
| Infiniti M37x, | 2011, 2012, 2013 |
| Infiniti Q50, | 2014, 2015 |
| Infiniti Q60, | 2014, 2015 |
| Infiniti Q70, | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Infiniti QX50, | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 |
| Nissan 370Z | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 |
| Mercedes-Benz / Inline-4 / M274 - Petrol / DE20 / M274DE20AE | |
|---|---|
| Infiniti Q50, | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Infiniti Q60 | 2017, 2018 |
| Nissan / V6 / VR-Series - Petrol / DDTT / VR30DDTT | |
|---|---|
| Infiniti Q50, | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Infiniti Q60 | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Nissan / V6 / VR-Series - Petrol / DDTT / VR30DDTT Red Sport | |
|---|---|
| Infiniti Q50, | 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
| Infiniti Q60 | 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 |
If you’re not sure what type of engine is fitted in your Infiniti Q60, the next section of this article will help you determine this as well as know the specifications of the motor. Once you’ve obtained the information you need, come back to the chart for a compatibility check.
How Do You Know What Engine You’ve Got?
Before you start dreaming about swaps, you need to know exactly what’s under your hood right now. If you don’t, here’s how you check:
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Check Your VIN
Find the VIN—driver’s door, windshield base, engine bay. Plug it into a VIN decoder online. The 8th digit usually tells you the engine code. -
Know Your Trim & Year
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2014–2015? You’ve probably got the VQ37VHR.
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2017–2022? Base trims get the 2.0L Turbo, Luxe/Sport get the VR30, Red Sport gets the VR30DDTT (400hp version).
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Look at the Engine Plate
On the block or valve cover, there’s usually a stamped engine code.
How Do I Know If an Engine Will Fit My Q60?
Now we get into the meat of it. Picking an engine is one step, fitting it into the car is an entirely different kettle of fish. Some swaps are truly just plug-and-play. But many others—well, let’s just say they require blood, sweat, and broken sockets. First, you’ve got to deal with the matter of physical space. Is the new engine taller? Wider? Does it hang lower because of a different oil pan? Is there gonna be a struggle between your firewall and your turbo manifold? Yeah, let’s not find that out the hard way.
Mounting is yet another piece of the puzzle. If you are still inside the same engine family, for example dropping a VR30 into a Q60 already equipped with a VR30 engine, it will probably bolt up. But for anything else, you are going to have to fabricate or source custom motor mounts. And then it gets worse with the transmission. Unless the new engine is coming with its own trans (and if the new engine indeed came with its own trans, then you are also going to have to mess with driveshaft length, shifter location, or the crossmember) you are taking chances on fitment. Not impossible, but absolutely more work.
Wiring and ECU – AKA the Part Where People Quit
No one particularly enjoys wiring, but if your engine and ECU aren’t communicating, your car’s not moving. If you’re replacing the motor with one from the same generation Q60, you may be able to reflash your current ECU. But let’s face it, most swaps need either a standalone ECU or a custom wiring harness. That means learning to solder (or paying someone who actually knows what they're doing). If you're working with a Haltech or AEM QECU, make sure the unit supports all your inputs and sensors/otherwise you will be dealing with blinking lights on the dash and trying to debug the system for weeks.
Fuel and Cooling – The Life Support Systems
After inserting the new engine, you'll need to acclimate it, as well as keep it cool. The stock Q60 fuel pump may struggle, especially if you’re planning to add more boost. Depending on the demands of the pump, fuel lines and the engine, you might need to upgrade to a higher-flow pump or even install a return-style system. Cooling is equally critical. Upgraded performance aluminum radiators, upgraded fans along with stronger hoses will be needed because hotter, aftermarket engines are not suited for the stock radiator and fans. Performers also may need an oil cooler.
Exhaust, Intake, and All That Fab Work
No matter what, every single swap will need specially tailored custom exhaust work—just accept it. Even if the manifolds are compatible, your Q60’s underbody is geometry-challenged, so the exhaust piping will most likely be misaligned. You’ll likely have to cut, weld, and potentially even reroute the entire exhaust system just to have it fit. The same goes for everything else, especially with turbocharged setups. Intercooler piping, as well as custom throttle body and throttle body spacer mounts, will depend on how tight the engine bay will be and can be very troublesome. With this type of work you are going to require a MIG welder or at least a reliable exhaust shop.
Suspension and Brakes – Don’t Skip This Part
More power means additional weight which puts further strain on your chassis. Many builders prioritize their focus on getting the engine to work, ignoring vital details involving how to keep the car planted at speed or help decelerate before the next red light. The stock suspension on the factory Q60 was engineered to cope with the weight and torque of the engine. If you change it, particularly with a heavier engine, it helps loosen coil springs and wide suspensions. Warranty performance coilovers or at the very least, decent shocks and springs are a necessity. Don’t even attempt to use stock brakes after adding over 100 horsepower. Bigger rotors and better brake pads along with the possibility of the large brake kits make a substantial improvement.
A/C, Power Steering, and Everything Else You Forgot
The swap will get you on the little things. Your new engine may not work with the factory A/C compressor or power steering pump, for example. In that case, you will have to find aftermarket brackets, maybe have custom high-pressure lines made, or in some cases, delete these systems completely. It depends on how much you want cold air and effortless steering in parking lots.
Other Annoying Surprises That Might Pop Up
Every swap comes with headaches. The hood may not fit so you may need a taller one or to trim the height. The radiator may not fit which makes repositioning the coolant hoses a requirement. The shifter may sit two inches too far causing the center console to sit at an odd angle. And that isn’t even scratching the surface of emissions regulations – some cars are able to get inspected depending on the region where free additional components might be required. California is the worst for swapping engines unless it is CARB certified or you’re being refereed.
The Advantages of Swapping Engines on Infiniti Q60
Added engine power
Efficiency, performance, and heightened power are the main reasons why most enthusiasts engage in swapping engines for the Infiniti Q60. Imagine if a small car was paired with a big engine. Along with a top-tier fuel system and premium parts, the vehicle would become any speedster's dream machine.
Bringing a car from the dead
For us classic car lovers it would be pretty nice to see a dormant Q60 from decades ago revived and driven around. Styling bespoke Infiniti cars with more modern engines makes them easier and comfortable to drive restoring the allure of these stylish cars. Engine swaps can help bring them back to life.
A lot of enthusiasts and mechanics alike take pleasure in attempting the Q60 project build. For those who enjoy restoring and modifying cars, engine swapping is a fun and rewarding skill that has many challenges.
How Long Does It Take to Swap Q60 Engine?
If it's the same engine you'll be installing, it can probably be done over a weekend with the right tools and a friend. Supported swaps, such as upgrading from base VR30 to Red Sport VR30, will likely take a few days because of the ECU and wiring work. But full custom jobs—new engine family, transmission, wiring, and fab—can take weeks or even months depending on the time available and how many parts they’re waiting on. I’ve seen guys start an engine swap and finish two years later, but, on the other hand, I’ve also seen guys live in their garage and finish in ten days. It just depends.
How Hard Is It to Change an Engine on Infiniti Q60?
Replacing or swapping an engine is a time-consuming meticulous effort. Even with an instruction manual, utilizing a complete kit leaves space for error. Each Infiniti engine has its own electrical fuel, delivery, transmission, steering, and other bespoke modifications. For expertly skilled mechanics, the estimated completion time is a few days or even up to weeks.
How Much Does Infiniti Q60 Engine Swap Cost?
That’s the million-dollar question. If you already have the engine and you’re doing everything yourself, you could spend under $2,000. But if you’re buying a Red Sport engine, standalone ECU, custom mounts, wiring harnesses, cooling upgrades, and paying a shop to do some of the labor, the cost can snowball past $10,000 fast. Full custom swaps like LS or 2JZ builds with top-shelf parts and tuning can easily pass $20,000. So plan your budget before you yank the old engine. And always, always expect to spend more than you planned.
Recap for Installing the Engine Correctly
The general process on how to install an engine on Infiniti Q60 correctly will typically look the same but with variations based on the engine type and nature of the project. The following are some of the steps you’ll need to take.
- Start by inspecting the engine thoroughly to ensure that it matches the old one. You want to ensure that it will bolt in exactly as the old one and connect to all the accessories.
- Carefully place the new engine into the Q60’s engine bay the same way you removed the old one.
- Bolt it into place and secure it using the correct size of wrenches. Ensure all motor mounts are holding it firmly. Connect the belts and hoses accordingly.
- Connect the engine to the transmission. Ensure the latter sits flush against the engine.
- Connect all the wiring harnesses and accessories to the engine.
- Install the intake and connect the cooling system.
- Go over the connections to confirm if you’ve missed anything.
- Add coolant, oil, and any other fluids you may have drained at the beginning before testing the engine.
As a precaution, never install salvaged or damaged parts with your new engine. Always ensure that you check the Infiniti’s instructions before undertaking the work. This will help avoid any unnecessary mistakes and guide you through the entire process.
Wrapping It All Up – One Gearhead to Another
You’re incredibly awesome for considering doing an engine swap. It can be a really tough task; one that tests your skills, patience, and even your relationships. But the hard work will definitely pay off; it can give you phenomenal returns in terms of satisfaction. You would be surprised at how much information you can attain when you actually do things with your hands compared to just reading online. So, make sure you plan ahead, remain organized, and don’t shy away from asking for help if and when you need it.
It’s worth it when you put in the effort and see the results; for instance, when you start the engine, you can feel the whole car ‘s spirit revitalized and roaring to life.
If you require assistance or just need to vent out about how the wiring harness is not matching up yet again, reach out anytime. I’ll always be at the garage.
