I never understood why some say that (it's not just one person). At cruising speeds (RPM: 2500-3500) my 01 doesn't sound anywhere as quiet and smooth as the VQ35. My uncle's beat up 03 purrs when it rips, meanwhile my car sounds more aggressive and louder (which I like). But it sounds like it's got a cold when I'm at cruising speeds, though.

I *do* have 2 dead O2 sensors, but somehow I doubt that's the cause of it.

 

maybe its because his isn't modded?

I think most cars sound calm and smooth compared to my 3.5 ; )

 

Mine isn't either. My engine components are stock, dude. Most of my mods have been cosmetic and the full suspension inclduding tires.

 

I think that the engine sounds good.

 

Check your PM in 2 mins.

 

well..my VQ30 is really quiet....i don't know about VQ35

 

Well, my VQ35 isn't too loud cruising or otherwise, but it does make this weird "whurring" noise anywhere between 2500 and 3000rpm when I'm on the highway. I don't know what it is, and it's kinda subtle, but it really bugs me.

 

what is a vq30 and vq35?

 

not really the place to ask that question, but i'll answer it quickly. vq30 is the engine in 95-01 maximas with a slight variation in 00-01. vq35 is what has been in the maxima since 02 till now.

as for the noise between the two engines at cruising speeds, I can only attest to ones with manual trannies. Since the gearing is higher for the 5spd, the cruising speed you maintain on the highway (3300 rpm @ 80-85mph) is significantly higher than compared to a 6spd which retains an extra gear for 2600-2800 rpm @ 80-85 mph). Therefore one would have more cruising noise than the other cause the engine is worker at a higher rpm to maintain the speed

 

vq30de is nissan's 3.0L engine and the vq35de is nissan's 3.5L engine

 

My 02: crusing speed = morgue decibels (w/ Cattman Y pipe)

 

Mine is quiet till 3500...after that I can hear a faint growl...but i rarely cruise at that RPM as my avg speed on the highway is roughly 120KMpH (75ish mph)

 

After having the 97,01 and the 03, the 97 was the quitest, the 01 the loudest. The 03 is too quiet until I gun it. I must say that the 3.0 is way smoother than the 3.5, my 350 and 03 feel rough in comparison but smoother than most other cars.

 

I think my 3.0 is pretty quiet especially highway speed crusing. But accelerating, well, had quite a throaty sound when I rip it.