Used Nissan GT-R Engine

The GT-R (R35 generation, 2007-onwards in the UK) uses the VR38DETT twin-turbocharged V6 throughout its production run, so the engine code is your first check — if the code matches, the block is broadly the same family. However, Nissan made power and ancillary updates across the years (for example, the 2011 and 2016 refreshes brought changes to output and supporting hardware), so whether a specific unit crosses those boundaries cleanly is something you should confirm with the breaker against your registration number. Always supply your full engine code, found on your V5C or via a VIN check, when requesting a quote.

The 2011 refresh is a recognised update point for the R35 GT-R, and while the VR38DETT engine code runs across that boundary, Nissan revised power output and made changes to ancillaries and engine management around this time. Whether the earlier unit drops straight into a post-2011 car without modification — particularly regarding ECU pairing and immobiliser coding — is something you must confirm with the breaker against your specific registration rather than assume. Give the breaker both the donor year and your car's year and engine code so they can advise properly.

Trim level does not affect the engine fitted to the GT-R — whether your car is a standard GT-R, Premium, Track Edition, or NISMO, they all use the VR38DETT and fitment follows the engine code, not the badge. The NISMO variant does carry a higher-output version of the VR38DETT, so if you own a NISMO you should make sure the breaker matches not just the code but also the specification, and confirm compatibility against your registration. Trim differences between non-NISMO variants are cosmetic and interior-focused and have no bearing on engine fitment.

The UK-market R35 GT-R was sold exclusively with a dual-clutch transaxle (the GR6), so in practice gearbox type is not a variable you need to worry about when sourcing the engine itself. It is still worth mentioning to the breaker, as it confirms you have a standard UK-spec car and helps them pull the right supporting parts if needed. Your engine code remains the most important detail to supply.

The single most useful piece of information is your engine code — find it on your V5C logbook or by running a VIN check — alongside your registration number and the model year of your car. Let the breaker know the year of the donor car they are quoting you, and ask them specifically about any ancillary or mounting differences and whether ECU pairing or immobiliser coding will be required for your vehicle, as these are points to verify rather than assume. Being upfront about your year and spec means the breaker can flag any compatibility concerns before you commit.