The Nissan 370Z is a two-seat rear-wheel-drive sports car sold in the U.S. market from 2009 through 2020.
It was offered in both coupe and roadster body styles across a single engine family throughout the production run.
All U.S.-market 370Z models were equipped with the 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 engine.
Understanding the timing system used in this engine is important for accurate maintenance planning and for evaluating service records on used examples.
The 370Z uses a timing chain rather than a belt across every model year. Chain-equipped engines have no manufacturer-scheduled replacement interval, but they rely on consistent oil maintenance to preserve chain guide and tensioner condition over time.
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Does the Nissan 370Z Have a Timing Belt or Timing Chain?
All Nissan 370Z models from 2009 through 2020 use a timing chain. The 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 was the sole engine offered in the U.S. market. No timing belt replacement interval applies to any 370Z variant.
2020 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Final U.S. production year. Includes 50th Anniversary Edition trim. All variants use the same VQ37VHR timing chain configuration. |
The 2020 370Z is the final U.S. production year, including the 50th Anniversary Edition. All trims use the same 3.7L VQ37VHR with a timing chain requiring no scheduled replacement.
2019 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. NISMO and Heritage Edition trims use the same engine and timing configuration. |
Engine and timing configuration are unchanged from the prior model year. Both the standard coupe and NISMO trim use the same VQ37VHR chain-driven timing system, with oil maintenance as the primary service requirement.
2018 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. Verify oil change history on high-mileage used examples before purchase. |
Oil change history directly affects timing chain guide condition on the VQ37VHR. Infrequent oil service is the primary risk factor for chain wear on high-mileage 2018 models.
2017 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. Chain rattle at cold startup may indicate worn tensioners or chain stretch. |
Cold-start chain rattle on the 2017 370Z warrants prompt inspection of the timing chain tensioners and guides. Consistent short-interval oil changes help preserve chain system longevity on the VQ37VHR.
2016 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. Use of full-synthetic oil at Nissan-specified intervals is recommended for chain component longevity. |
The VQ37VHR timing chain system carries over unchanged into 2016. Full-synthetic engine oil used at manufacturer-specified intervals supports chain guide and tensioner condition over the engine’s service life.
2015 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. The NISMO variant uses the same engine architecture and timing configuration as base models. |
Both the standard 370Z and the NISMO trim use the same VQ37VHR timing chain configuration in 2015. No distinction in timing system type exists between trim levels or coupe and roadster body styles.
2014 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. Chain tensioner condition is the primary timing system inspection point at high mileage. |
Timing chain configuration continues unchanged from the prior model year. Tensioner wear is the most common timing system concern on high-mileage VQ37VHR engines and should be evaluated during any major engine service.
2013 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. Timing chain noise at cold start should not be dismissed on vehicles with deferred oil service. |
Persistent cold-start noise on 2013 models with incomplete oil service records may indicate chain system wear. Prompt inspection by a qualified technician is recommended when rattle or ticking occurs at startup.
2012 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. Oil viscosity and change interval compliance directly affect chain guide wear on the VQ37VHR. |
The 2012 370Z shares the same VQ37VHR timing chain system as all other model years. Oil condition and service interval compliance are the dominant factors in chain component durability on this engine.
2011 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. Engine oil level should be checked regularly, as oil consumption can develop on higher-mileage VQ37VHR engines. |
Oil level monitoring is advisable on higher-mileage 2011 examples, as the VQ37VHR can develop measurable oil consumption over time. Low oil level accelerates chain guide and tensioner wear.
2010 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | Same timing system as previous model year. Roadster body style introduced for this model year; no difference in engine or timing configuration from coupe. |
The Roadster body style joined the 370Z lineup for 2010 but uses the same VQ37VHR engine and timing chain as the coupe. Timing system type and maintenance requirements are identical across both body styles.
2009 Nissan 370Z Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine Option(s) | 3.7L V6 (VQ37VHR) |
| Timing System | Timing Chain |
| Interference Engine | Not officially published |
| Replacement Interval | N/A – chain, no scheduled replacement |
| Maintenance Notes | First U.S. production year. The VQ37VHR uses a timing chain requiring no scheduled replacement; oil maintenance is the primary service requirement. |
The 2009 370Z introduced the VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 to the U.S. Z-car lineup. This engine uses a timing chain with no defined replacement interval; chain longevity depends on oil quality and consistent change intervals.
Timing Belt vs Timing Chain on the Nissan 370Z
A timing belt is a reinforced rubber component that synchronizes camshaft and crankshaft rotation. Belts degrade through heat, age, and oil contamination and require replacement at manufacturer-specified intervals to prevent failure. The 370Z does not use a timing belt.
A timing chain performs the same camshaft synchronization function using a metal roller chain. Chains are designed to last the lifetime of the engine under normal maintenance conditions. The VQ37VHR in all 370Z models uses this system exclusively.
The maintenance difference is significant. Timing belts require replacement typically every 60,000 to 105,000 miles depending on engine and manufacturer. The 370Z timing chain has no scheduled replacement interval, which reduces long-term maintenance costs compared to belt-equipped engines.
Warning signs of timing chain wear include a metallic rattle or ticking noise at cold startup that diminishes as the engine warms. Persistent noise after warmup or check engine codes related to camshaft timing position warrant immediate professional inspection of the chain, guides, and tensioners.
Nissan 370Z Timing System Maintenance
The VQ37VHR timing chain carries no manufacturer-scheduled replacement interval and is designed to last the engine’s service life. Maintenance consists of engine oil changes performed at the intervals and specifications listed in the Nissan owner’s manual for the 370Z.
A cold-start metallic rattle lasting more than a few seconds can indicate a weakened chain tensioner or worn chain guides. On engines with extended oil change intervals or low oil level, guide wear can progress to a point where chain noise becomes persistent.
Engine oil condition is the most critical variable in VQ37VHR chain system health. Degraded oil loses viscosity and reduces lubrication pressure to the hydraulic chain tensioners, accelerating guide and chain wear over time. Full-synthetic oil meeting Nissan’s viscosity specification is recommended.
Timing chain inspection is warranted during any major engine repair that requires front cover removal, or when persistent cold-start rattle is present. If the chain has stretched beyond tensioner compensation range, chain, guide, and tensioner replacement is the standard repair procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Nissan 370Z have a timing belt or chain?
All Nissan 370Z models from 2009 to 2020 use a timing chain. The 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 was the only engine offered in the U.S. market across the full production run.
Does the 370Z timing chain need to be replaced?
The VQ37VHR timing chain has no scheduled replacement interval. Consistent oil changes at Nissan-specified intervals are the primary maintenance requirement for chain system longevity.
Is the Nissan 370Z an interference engine?
Nissan has not officially published interference status for the VQ37VHR in the 370Z. Consult the factory service manual or a qualified Nissan technician for engine-specific guidance.
What causes timing chain noise on a Nissan 370Z?
Cold-start chain rattle typically indicates worn tensioners, stretched chain, or low oil pressure from degraded oil. Persistent noise after engine warmup requires immediate inspection to prevent further timing system damage.
Does timing chain type differ between 370Z trims or body styles?
No. The NISMO, Sport, Touring, base coupe, and roadster all use the same 3.7L VQ37VHR with the same timing chain configuration. Trim level and body style have no effect on the timing system.
How long does the Nissan 370Z timing chain last?
The VQ37VHR chain is designed to last the life of the engine with proper oil maintenance. Premature wear is most commonly associated with extended oil change intervals or sustained low oil level operation.
Conclusion
All Nissan 370Z models produced for the U.S. market from 2009 through 2020 use a timing chain. The VQ37VHR 3.7L V6 was the sole engine across all trim levels and body styles, with no timing belt variant offered at any point in the production run.
Timing chain maintenance on the 370Z centers on oil quality and change interval compliance rather than a fixed replacement schedule. Always verify timing system details using the owner’s manual or manufacturer service information before scheduling repairs.
