Keeping your 2004 Infiniti G35 running smoothly requires more than just swapping out worn parts; it demands the right lubricants to protect the powerful 3.5L VQ35DE engine and its transmission system. This vehicle is known for its responsive handling and robust performance, but it also places significant stress on fluid systems, especially during aggressive driving or extreme weather conditions. Choosing the correct viscosity and formulation ensures optimal engine protection, reduces wear, and extends the service life of your Infiniti.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for unsurpassed engine protection, this oil offers up to 25,000 miles of guaranteed service and excellent resistance to horsepower loss.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Designed for up to 20,000 miles of protection, this fluid features enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother for longer intervals.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective solution that fights sludge and deposits while outperforming conventional oils, meeting original equipment milestones.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines with over 75,000 miles, featuring enhanced anti-wear additives and reduced sludge production.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns with greater capacity to capture wear-causing contaminants, ensuring clean oil circulates through your engine.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while maintaining fluidity in sub-zero conditions for automatic transmissions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Offers reliable wear protection and smooth shifting performance for those seeking OEM-grade specifications.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube – Ideal for the manual gearbox, this lube protects brass synchronizers and resists rust and corrosion in all temperatures.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS responsiveness and stable viscosity across a wide temperature range for superior braking safety.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Engine Oil and Filter Specifications
The heart of the 2004 Infiniti G35 is the VQ35DE engine, a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers significant power and smooth operation. However, this engine operates at high temperatures and requires oil that can maintain viscosity under stress. For this vehicle, 5W-30 is the preferred viscosity for all temperature ranges, though 10W-30 or 10W-40 may be used if temperatures stay above -18°C. The total oil capacity for a change, including the filter replacement, is 5.0 quarts. After refilling, it is crucial to check the oil level to ensure accuracy, as overfilling or underfilling can impact engine health.
The oil drain plug should be torqued to 25 ft/lbs to prevent leaks without damaging the threads. When selecting an oil, the AMSOIL Signature Series stands out as the top recommendation for those who want the maximum protection available. It is rated for up to 25,000 miles or one year of driving, depending on which comes first. This makes it an ideal choice for drivers who commute long distances or prefer extended oil change intervals. For those who want a balance of performance and value, the Extended-Life 5W-30 offers 20,000 miles of service. The OE 5W-30 is another robust option that is designed to outperform conventional oils while meeting original equipment standards. If your Infiniti G35 has accumulated significant mileage, the High-Mileage 5W-30 is specifically engineered with boosted detergents and anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and oil consumption.
Filter selection is just as critical as the oil itself. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K12-EA) is designed to work in tandem with the synthetic oils, capturing small, wear-causing contaminants more effectively than standard filters. It features a greater capacity to hold contaminants, which helps extend the life of both the filter and the engine oil. For owners who prefer a WIX brand filter, the WIX Oil Filter (51358-EA) is also a recommended alternative that offers premium media and improvements over original equipment manufacturer filters.
Transmission and Driveline Protection
Proper transmission maintenance is essential for the longevity of the G35, which comes available with both automatic and manual transmissions. For the automatic transmission (model RE5R05A), the fluid capacity for a total fill is 10.9 quarts. AMSOIL offers two primary options for automatics. The Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF is a premium choice that withstands the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero temperatures. Alternatively, the OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF provides reliable wear protection and smooth shifting characteristics that meet original equipment expectations.
For the manual transmission (model FS6R31A), which holds 6.1 pints of fluid, AMSOIL recommends the 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube. This fluid is formulated to protect against increased heat and pressure while offering outstanding cold-flow properties. It is especially beneficial for protecting brass synchronizers and provides excellent seal compatibility to prevent leaks. In the differential, which requires 3 pints of fluid for the rear end, the SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 or 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lubes are recommended. These lubricants contain friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and help control thermal runaway, protecting against rust and corrosion to ensure long oil, seal, and equipment life.
Fluids for Brakes, Cooling, and Steering
Brake fluid integrity is critical for safety, particularly in a performance-oriented vehicle like the G35. The recommended fluid is AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid. This fluid provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems and maintains a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent braking performance in both hot and cold conditions.
Coolant capacity varies slightly depending on the transmission type. The automatic version requires 9 quarts of antifreeze, while the manual version requires 9.2 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a pre-mixed, ethylene glycol 50/50 formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. It is free of phosphates, nitrates, nitrites, silicates, borates, and amines, making it safe for use with a wide variety of cooling system components. For those who prefer a concentrated option, the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers up to 150,000 miles of protection and greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
The power steering system also benefits from synthetic lubrication. AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid is designed to reduce friction and keep seals soft to prevent leaks. It offers strong anti-wear protection and excellent high-temperature and low-temperature performance, contributing to quiet operation and long fluid life.
Additional Maintenance and Care Products
Beyond the essential engine and drivetrain fluids, maintaining your Infiniti G35 involves attention to air filtration and fuel system health. The WIX Air Filter (46116-EA) uses premium media to improve airflow and filtration efficiency over OEM-branded filters, ensuring the engine breathes freely. For fuel system maintenance, the AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive is highly effective. It restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after just one tank of fuel, while also reducing the need for higher-octane fuel and helping prevent carbon rap.
Seasonal care is also important for vehicle longevity. The AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, fighting ethanol corrosion and varnish buildup, which is ideal if the vehicle is driven less frequently. For winter storage, the AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil provides a rust preventative coating to protect internal engine components during periods of inactivity.
About the Vehicle
The 2004 Infiniti G35 represents a peak era for the brand’s sedan lineup, combining Japanese reliability with a sporty, driver-focused design. Part of the Nissan G-platform, the G35 was introduced to compete directly with European sport sedans, offering a potent blend of luxury and performance. The specific model discussed here is equipped with the legendary VQ35DE 3.5-liter V6 engine, a powerplant celebrated for its smoothness, high-revving capabilities, and responsive throttle. This engine typically produced around 280 to 300 horsepower, giving the G35 a spirited acceleration that was uncommon for its time.
Owners of the 2004 G35 often appreciate its balanced chassis and rear-wheel-drive layout, which provides an engaging driving experience. Whether driven as a daily commute vehicle or enjoyed on winding backroads, the G35 delivers a comfortable yet dynamic ride. The sedan body style, along with the available coupe variant, solidified the G35’s reputation as a versatile performance cruiser. The VQ35 engine family is renowned for its durability, provided it receives regular maintenance with high-quality lubricants that can handle the heat and stress of spirited driving. The 2004 model year, in particular, is valued by enthusiasts for its classic design cues and the raw mechanical feel it offers, making it a rewarding vehicle to maintain and drive. Proper care of the engine and transmission fluids is the key to unlocking the full potential and long-term reliability of this iconic Japanese sports sedan.