Prolly the start of an odd conversation. Keeping in mind, my VQ35 was a swap and I have a somewhat direct view of the engine bay from my driver's seat (gutted dash), My situation may be a bit different. The smell has been pretty consistent for the last 2 years. Whenever I lay on it, I get a very odd smell in the car and I can't put my finger on it.

It's not tire smoke, not clutch, not exhaust or anything coming out of the exhaust, not electrical, nothing close to the headers that is burning. It could be burning oil, but it would have to be outside of the engine, for example, burning off of the header. I haven't noticed any significant oil loss, despite the reputation of the early VQ35s.

Does anyone else notice this?

 

I've noticed a hot smell every now and then at WOT, but it usually clears out within about 30 seconds of letting off the gas.

How long does it stick around?

 

bout the same. I can drive normally, no smell. When I get on it, it takes about 5-10 seconds before the smell gets into the cabin and about 20-30 seconds before it's cleared out. Best I can describe is if someone splashed oil or something on the header, but the headers are clean, the smell has been around for 2 years, only comes around at WOT.

 

road kill

 

Burnt carbon......

 

Yeah.. But running no muffler and str8 pipes with headers.. That's my excuse.

 

That's the smell of testosterone.

 

I get a smell at WOT as you guys are describing... if I had to compare it to anything it has a hint of rotton eggs but its only when I really gas it and the smell clears very fast. Wierd

 

That's your catalytic converter. Sounds like it might be starting to go. That smell is usually an early indicator.

 

You must be cr*pping your pants at WOT. Maybe wear a diaper?

Seriously, have you noticed any leaks or drips around the engine or on the ground? Any oil staining or even coolant staining in the engine bay? If you don't see anything I really wouldn't worry about it.

Have you pulled the plugs to see what they look like?

 

Think that might have anything to do with my headers? Oh well I have a megan test pipe thats goin on as soon as I can afford my 3" exhaust

 

Oh, well if you have headers, it's a very distinct possibility considering your pre-cats aren't there to help your cat out, and it has to do all the work itself.

That's what I'm planning on doing, too. I want to make my converter last long enough to take me through emissions, so I'm going to run a test pipe instead.

 

all of my vehicles have a smell when pushed. I always thought something was being cooked under the hood.