The Infiniti G37 is a rear-wheel-drive luxury sports coupe, sedan, and convertible produced for the U.S. market from the 2008 model year through the 2013 model year. The coupe arrived first in 2008, with the sedan and convertible joining the lineup for 2009.
All U.S.-market G37 models share a single engine option across every production year and body style. Understanding the timing system on the G37 is relevant for long-term maintenance planning and for evaluating used vehicles with high mileage.
Correct identification of the timing system type determines whether a scheduled replacement interval applies and what symptoms to watch for as the vehicle accumulates mileage. Misidentifying the system can lead to unnecessary service costs or, conversely, deferred maintenance that risks engine damage.
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Does the Infiniti G37 Have a Timing Belt or Timing Chain?
All U.S.-market Infiniti G37 models from 2008 to 2013 use a timing chain. No G37 produced for the U.S. market uses a timing belt. The VQ37VHR engine carries this chain across every body style and model year.
2013 Infiniti G37 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | No scheduled interval; replace on condition |
| Maintenance Notes | Final production year of the G37 nameplate. Sedan transitioned to Q50 for 2014; coupe and convertible continued as Q60. Timing system unchanged throughout production. |
The 2013 G37 was the last model year before Infiniti’s nameplate change. All body styles use the 3.7L VQ37VHR with a timing chain. No scheduled chain replacement interval is specified by the manufacturer.
2012 Infiniti G37 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | No scheduled interval; replace on condition |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. The entry-level G25 sedan was also available for 2012 but is a separate model with a different engine; it is not part of the G37 lineup. |
Maintaining clean oil at the manufacturer’s recommended change interval is the primary chain-protection measure on the 2012 G37. Neglected oil can accelerate guide rail wear and tensioner degradation.
2011 Infiniti G37 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | No scheduled interval; replace on condition |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. The 2011 model year introduced the IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) coupe variant; the IPL uses the same VQ37VHR engine and timing system. |
| Engine Option | Timing System |
|---|---|
| 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 (standard) | Timing Chain |
| 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 (IPL) | Timing Chain |
Both standard and IPL versions of the 2011 G37 use identical timing chain hardware. The IPL tune does not alter the timing system configuration or replacement guidance.
2010 Infiniti G37 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | No scheduled interval; replace on condition |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. All-wheel drive became available across all three body styles for 2010. The AWD configuration uses the same VQ37VHR engine and timing system as the RWD variant. |
The 2010 model year expanded AWD availability to all body styles. Both RWD and AWD drivetrain configurations share the same 3.7L VQ37VHR timing chain system.
2009 Infiniti G37 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | No scheduled interval; replace on condition |
| Maintenance Notes | The G37 lineup expanded to three body styles for 2009. The sedan and retractable-hardtop convertible joined the coupe. All three body styles use the identical VQ37VHR engine and timing chain system. |
For 2009, the sedan and convertible joined the G37 lineup. All body styles introduced this year share the same VQ37VHR timing chain configuration carried over from the 2008 coupe.
2008 Infiniti G37 Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Yes |
| Replacement Interval | No scheduled interval; replace on condition |
| Maintenance Notes | First model year of the G37 nameplate; coupe body style only. The VQ37VHR was introduced on this vehicle as its debut application. The sedan carried the G35 designation through the 2008 model year and is a separate model. |
The 2008 G37 launched the VQ37VHR engine in the U.S. market. Only the coupe body style was produced under the G37 name this year. The timing chain system on this debut engine matches every subsequent G37 model year.
Timing Belt vs Timing Chain on the Infiniti G37
A timing belt is a rubber composite component with reinforced teeth that links the crankshaft to the camshafts, synchronizing valve timing. It is lightweight and quiet but degrades over time and requires scheduled replacement at manufacturer-defined mileage intervals.
A timing chain is a metal link assembly performing the same function as a belt. It is housed inside the engine and lubricated by engine oil. The VQ37VHR uses a dual-chain system with a primary chain and secondary chains driving each bank’s camshafts.
The primary maintenance difference is that a timing belt requires proactive replacement on a fixed schedule regardless of apparent condition. A timing chain has no scheduled replacement interval on the G37; service is driven by symptoms such as rattling, noise at startup, or diagnostic fault codes.
Timing chain failure on the VQ37VHR, while uncommon, carries higher repair cost than a belt replacement due to labor intensity. Early warning signs include a metallic rattle from the front of the engine at cold startup that diminishes as oil pressure builds. Ignoring this symptom risks chain skip or breakage.
Infiniti G37 Timing System Maintenance
The VQ37VHR timing chain carries no manufacturer-specified replacement mileage interval. Infiniti classifies it as a lifetime component, intended to last the service life of the vehicle under normal operating conditions with consistent oil maintenance.
A cold-start rattle from the front of the engine that fades within seconds of startup is the most documented early symptom of chain guide or tensioner wear on the VQ37VHR. A rattle that persists beyond oil pressure buildup warrants immediate inspection.
Engine oil condition directly governs timing component longevity on this engine. The chain tensioners are hydraulically actuated and depend on clean, properly pressurized oil. Extended oil change intervals or using oil outside the manufacturer’s specification accelerates guide rail degradation and tensioner wear.
Inspection or replacement of the timing chain assembly is appropriate when abnormal noise is confirmed, when the chain is found stretched beyond service limits during engine-open repair work, or when high-mileage preventive maintenance is being performed. Full replacement of the chain, guides, tensioners, and crankshaft sprocket as a set is the standard practice when work is performed.
| Timing Belt | Timing Chain |
|---|---|
| Not used on any G37 engine | Used on all G37 VQ37VHR engines (2008–2013) |
| Requires scheduled replacement | No manufacturer-specified replacement interval |
| Fails silently; replace before symptoms appear | Warn via startup rattle before catastrophic failure |
| Lower cost per service event | High labor cost due to front engine access requirements |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Infiniti G37 have a timing belt or a timing chain?
All Infiniti G37 models from 2008 to 2013 use a timing chain. No U.S.-market G37 engine uses a timing belt. This applies to all body styles and trim levels.
When does the timing chain need to be replaced on the G37?
There is no scheduled replacement interval. Infiniti designates the VQ37VHR chain as a lifetime component. Replace it only when symptoms such as startup rattling or confirmed stretch are present.
Is the Infiniti G37 an interference engine?
Yes. The VQ37VHR is an interference engine. A broken or jumped timing chain will cause piston-to-valve contact, resulting in significant internal engine damage.
What causes timing chain noise on the VQ37VHR?
Worn chain guide rails and hydraulic tensioner degradation are the most common causes. Low oil level or infrequent oil changes accelerate this wear on the VQ37VHR’s guide and tensioner system.
Does the 2008 G37 have the same timing system as the 2013?
Yes. The VQ37VHR engine was introduced in the 2008 coupe and remained unchanged in timing system design through the final 2013 model year across all body styles.
How much does G37 timing chain replacement cost?
Labor is the primary cost driver. The VQ37VHR requires significant front-of-engine disassembly. Rates vary by region and facility. Obtain a current estimate from a licensed service center.
Conclusion
Every U.S.-market Infiniti G37 produced from 2008 through 2013 uses a timing chain in the 3.7L VQ37VHR V6. No production year, body style, or trim level uses a timing belt. The chain carries no manufacturer-specified replacement interval.
Because the VQ37VHR is an interference engine, maintaining consistent oil change intervals and addressing any startup chain noise promptly are the most important steps for protecting the timing system and avoiding major engine damage.
Always verify timing system details using the owner’s manual or manufacturer service information before scheduling repairs.
