The edge of VR38DETT engine and key items to maintain

 

The VR38DETT engine (Nissan GT-R R35’s 3.8L twin-turbo V6) advantages.

1. The natural edges/strengths of the VR38DETT
2. Key items to maintain & upgrade to extract best performance

Edge of the VR38DETT

• Strong base architecture – 3.8L displacement, DOHC 24-valve, twin-turbo V6, forged steel crank.
• Semi-closed deck aluminum block – lighter than iron, but reinforced for high boost.
• High potential on stock internals – capable of ~700–800 hp on stock block with proper tuning & fueling.
• Efficient cylinder head design – good airflow, with variable valve timing (VVT) on intake.
• Robust turbocharging system – stock turbos can handle decent boost; upgrade path is straightforward.
• Aftermarket support – massive global tuning community, with proven parts/kits from mild street builds to 2,000+ hp drag monsters.
• Balanced power & drivability – torque-rich, yet smooth, making it usable on both street & track.

Key Items to Maintain

(keeping the engine reliable under performance use)

• Oil & lubrication system
  
• Use high-quality ester-based oil (e.g. Motul 300V, HKS, Amsoil)
• Upgrade oil cooler if pushing power
• Regular oil analysis to monitor bearing health
• Cooling system
  
• Radiator upgrade (Koyo, Mishimoto, etc.)
• Intercooler maintenance/upgrade
• Ignition system
  
• Strong coils + colder plugs
• Fuel system upkeep
  
• Clean injectors, fuel pump checks
• Transmission & driveline service (GR6 is sensitive)
  
• Regular clutch pack inspections, fluid changes

Upgrades to Improve Performance

(steps depending on target hp levels)

1. Supporting Mods (before chasing big numbers)

• High-flow intakes & downpipes
• Exhaust system for freer breathing
• ECU tune / Cobb Accessport / EcuTek / MoTeC for precise mapping

2. Fuel & Airflow

• Bigger fuel injectors & high-flow fuel pumps
• Flex-fuel conversion (E85 or ethanol mix) for knock resistance
• Upgraded intercoolers & hard piping

3. Turbo System

• Stage 1: Stock turbo upgrade or bolt-on turbos (AMS Alpha 9, HKS GT800, etc.)
• Stage 2: Big twin-turbos (GTX, G30/G35 based, 1000+ hp setups)

4. Engine Internals (for >900 hp builds)

• Forged pistons (CP, JE, Wiseco)
• Forged connecting rods (Carillo, Manley, etc.)
• Upgraded bearings & head studs (ARP)
• Ported heads, oversized valves, upgraded cams

5. Oil & Cooling Reliability

• Upgraded oil pump gears (stock weak point at high rpm)
• Secondary oil cooler or dry sump system for extreme builds
• Larger radiator & transmission cooler

6. Transmission & Drivetrain

• Dodson, ShepTrans, or PPG upgraded clutch packs & gears
• Stronger driveshafts & axles for 4-digit hp builds

Summary:

The VR38DETT’s edge is its strong displacement, turbo platform, and aftermarket support. 

For best performance, the priority is oil/cooling reliability, then fueling and turbo upgrades, followed by forged internals & transmission reinforcements if aiming for >900 hp.