01
Nissan GT-R
Generation/Chassis
R35 (2007-2025)
Badge(s)
GT-R, GT-R Premium, GT-R Black Edition, GT-R Track Edition, GT-R Nismo
Years
2007-2025
Link
Nissan VR38DETT Engine - Replacement Cost, Problems & CompatibilityProblems & Compatibility
The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 that powers every R35-generation Nissan GT-R - the most celebrated Nissan engine of the modern era. Reconditioned units from £9,000 with specialist builds exceeding £20,000.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Used from
£5,000
Reconditioned from
£9,000
Rebuilt from
£12,000
GB
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Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Key Specs
Nissan VR38DETT - Specifications at a Glance
Engine Code
VR38DETT
Fuel
Petrol
Configuration
3.8L V6, twin-turbo, DOHC 24v, VVT on intake
Power Output(s)
480-600hp depending on model year/tune
Years Produced
2007-2025
UK Models Fitted
1 model - Nissan GT-R (all R35 variants)
2025 UK Replacement Requests
Replaced
VQ series (indirect predecessor)
Replaced By
No direct successor as of 2025
Most Common Failure
High-RPM oil aeration / oil pressure drop
Reconditioned Price Range
£9,000-£18,000 supply-only
Vetted UK specialists for VR38DETT replacements
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Fitted To
Which Nissan Models Use the VR38DETT-
| Model | Generation/Chassis | Badge(s) | Years | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Nissan GT-R | R35 (2007-2025) | GT-R, GT-R Premium, GT-R Black Edition, GT-R Track Edition, GT-R Nismo | 2007-2025 |
CROSS-BRAND
VR38DETT is documented across 1 BMW applications spanning Nissan GT-R. Registration lookup confirms the exact suffix before quotes are sent.
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Prices
Nissan VR38DETT Engine Replacement Cost (UK)
Condition | Supply Only | Fitted (Independent Specialist) | Typical Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
Used | £5,000-£9,000 | £6,500-£10,500 | 3-6 months |
Reconditioned | £9,000-£18,000 | £10,500-£19,500 | 12-24 months |
Rebuilt | £12,000-£25,000+ | £13,500-£27,000+ | 12-24 months |
What genuinely moves the price for the VR38DETT is the power level you're aiming for. Standard reconditioned units for road use sit in the lower band, but if the engine is being rebuilt for high-power applications (800hp+), forged internals, upgraded turbos, and aftermarket oiling solutions can push costs well beyond £20,000. See our full reconditioned engine cost guide.
Labour Guide
Fitting a VR38DETT typically takes 12-18 hours at independent GT-R specialist rates (£85-£150/hr) - significantly higher than mainstream engines due to the twin-turbo V6's complexity and the GT-R's transaxle layout .
Price Factors
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Common Problems
Nissan VR38DETT Engine Problems - What Actually Fails
Every engine has its weak points. Here are the known issues with the VR38DETT, based on real-world data and verified failure patterns.
Verified issue focus: High-RPM oil aeration / oil pressure drop.
1. High-RPM Oil Aeration - All R35 GT-Rs, Particularly Track-Used Cars
1. High-RPM Oil Aeration - All R35 GT-Rs, Particularly Track-Used Cars
Typical onset:
From 7,000+rpm sustained operation; particularly high-mileage cars 50,000+ miles
What happens:
At high engine speeds, crankcase windage becomes severe enough to aerate the oil. Air bubbles reach the oil pump pickup, pressure drops, and bearings starve. This can cause bottom-end bearing damage over time, especially on track-driven cars. Aftermarket deep sump oil pans (e.g., AMS Alpha, GT1R) are a common preventative fix, adding 1.5 quarts of capacity and relocating the pickup to avoid aeration.
Repair vs replace:
If caught early with pressure data, an upgraded oil pan solves the issue. If ignored to the point of bearing failure, full bottom-end rebuild is required - crank, bearings, and potentially girdle work. The forum-sourced example of an engine with bottom-end damage requiring full rebuild confirms this can be a terminal failure mode. Read our full engine oiling system failure guide
Read more about this issue
2. High-Mileage Wear - Turbocharger and Valve Train
2. High-Mileage Wear - Turbocharger and Valve Train
Typical onset:
60,000-80,000+ miles
What happens:
The IHI twin turbos are robust at stock power levels, but with age and mileage, wastegate rattle and bearing wear can develop. The valve train - particularly valve springs - can fatigue on high-mileage or frequently-tracked cars, with the OEM springs showing degradation at sustained high RPM.
Repair vs replace:
Turbo rebuilds (£800-£2,000 each) or replacement with upgraded units is common. Valve spring replacement with uprated items (JUN offers a VR38-specific set at ¥189,000 MSRP ) is a sensible preventative step on high-mileage engines being rebuilt. Read our full turbo failure guide
Read more about this issue
The VR38DETT received continuous updates throughout its run. 2017+ engines benefit from revised turbos and better cooling from the factory . Nismo-spec engines use higher-spec components, including additional strengthening, making them the most durable factory variant .
Compare rebuilt VR38DETT prices with the failure already addressed
Engine Variants
How to Confirm You Have the VR38DETT
The VR38DETT was purpose-built for the R35 GT-R and never used in any other Nissan production model. Confirming your car has one is straightforward - if you own an R35-generation GT-R, you have a VR38DETT. The engine code is stamped on the engine block (front-left side of the block, visible from underneath with undertrays removed) and appears on the V5C registration document for all UK-market GT-Rs. Which similar-looking codes it is commonly confused with: - VQ38DETT - does not exist as a factory Nissan code - VQ35DE/HR - the 3.5L V6 from the 350Z, completely unrelated - VR35 - a development code, never reached production Fitting the wrong revision matters: Early VR38DETTs (2007-2010) differ from later units in turbocharger design, ECU calibration, and internal component specification - 2017+ engines use upgraded turbos and a different oil pump design, among other changes .
Not sure- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact VR38DETT fitment before any quotes are sent.
Easily Confused
R35
The VR38DETT was purpose-built for the R35 GT-R and never used in any other Nissan production model. Confirming your car has one is straightforward - if you own an R35-generation GT-R, you have a VR38DETT.
Alternative / Next-Gen Code
R35-
The VR38DETT was purpose-built for the R35 GT-R and never used in any other Nissan production model. Confirming your car has one is straightforward - if you own an R35-generation GT-R, you have a VR38DETT.
Related JLR Variants
V5C
The engine code is stamped on the engine block (front-left side of the block, visible from underneath with undertrays removed) and appears on the V5C registration document for all UK-market GT-Rs.
Confirm the exact VR38DETT fitment
Not sure- Enter your registration above - we'll confirm your exact VR38DETT fitment before any quotes are sent.
Buying Guide
Buying a Replacement VR38DETT - What to Choose
Choosing the right replacement route depends on your budget, risk tolerance, and ownership goals. Here's a breakdown of your options.
Used:
A used VR38DETT only makes sense with verified documentation - full service history, known mileage, compression test results, and ideally bore-scope images of cylinder walls. The example of a £3,000 complete engine on GT-R forum requiring a rebuild demonstrates that cheap used units are usually damaged goods . For standard road cars, a good used unit from a specialist with warranty is viable.
Reconditioned:
A proper VR38DETT recon addresses the known weak points. The oil pan should be upgraded to a deep sump design (AMS/GT1R) to prevent oil aeration , valve springs should be inspected or replaced with uprated items, turbos should be assessed for wear, and all gaskets and seals renewed. A thorough recon also address the bottom-end bearings. For most owners, this is the sensible middle ground.
Rebuilt:
A full VR38DETT rebuild is justified when chasing serious power (800hp+) or when the engine has suffered catastrophic failure. A proper rebuild should include forged pistons and rods, billet crankshaft, upgraded main bearings, and an aftermarket oil pan . Specialist packages from JDMGarageUK start from £7,000 and climb to nearly £50,000 for full high-spec builds .
Supply & Fit Line:
Fitting a VR38DETT through our network puts you in touch with UK GT-R specialists who know the platform inside out. Nationwide delivery and supply-fit options available, with warranty on every completed installation.
Vehicle Value Note:
The R35 GT-R is a performance icon that retains significant value. R35 values range from £35,000 for earlier high-mileage examples to over £150,000 for late Nismo models . A £12,000-£18,000 engine replacement represents 10-50% of vehicle value. For high-mileage early cars approaching the lower value range, weigh the cost of a full recon against the car's overall value and condition. For later or Nismo cars, replacement is almost always financially justified.
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Related Engines
Related Engines
Explore engines that are closely related to the Nissan VR38DETT, including its predecessor, successor, and key family variants.
Predecessor
VQ series (indirect predecessor)
VQ series (indirect predecessor)
Successor
No direct successor as of 2025
No direct successor as of 2025
Sibling
R35
The VR38DETT was purpose-built for the R35 GT-R and never used in any other Nissan production model. Confirming your car has one is straightforward - if you own an R35-generation GT-R, you have a VR38DETT.
Sibling
R35-
The VR38DETT was purpose-built for the R35 GT-R and never used in any other Nissan production model. Confirming your car has one is straightforward - if you own an R35-generation GT-R, you have a VR38DETT.
FAQ
VR38DETTFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a reconditioned VR38DETT engine cost-
A reconditioned VR38DETT engine typically costs £9,000-£18,000 supply-only.
Compare VR38DETT quotesQuestion 2How much does a used VR38DETT engine cost-
Used VR38DETT engines usually start from £5,000-£9,000 depending on mileage and provenance.
Compare VR38DETT quotesQuestion 3What should I check before buying a VR38DETT replacement-
The R35 GT-R is a performance icon that retains significant value. R35 values range from £35,000 for earlier high-mileage examples to over £150,000 for late Nismo models . A £12,000-£18,000 engine replacement represents 10-50% of vehicle value. For high-mileage early cars approaching the lower value range, weigh the cost of a full recon against the car's overall value and condition. For later or Nismo cars, replacement is almost always financially justified.
Compare VR38DETT quotesQuestion 4Can I swap another engine code in place of VR38DETT-
Always verify the exact code before ordering. Common related codes include R35, R35-, V5C, but calibration, ancillaries, and emissions hardware can differ.
Compare VR38DETT quotesCompare VR38DETT Engine Prices Today
The R35 GT-R is a performance icon that retains significant value. R35 values range from £35,000 for earlier high-mileage examples to over £150,000 for late Nismo models . A £12,000-£18,000 engine replacement represents 10-50% of vehicle value. For high-mileage early cars approaching the lower value range, weigh the cost of a full recon against the car's overall value and condition. For later or Nismo cars, replacement is almost always financially justified.
Vetted UK Specialists
Vetted UK specialists for VR38DETT replacements
Minimum 12-Month Warranty
Minimum 12-month warranty on reconditioned and rebuilt options
Nationwide Delivery
Nationwide delivery plus supply and fit availability
Expert Support
Secure enquiry - no spam. Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Secure enquiry - no spam. Quotes only from vetted UK engine specialists.
Compare VR38DETT Engine Prices