[VQuick]

Internally, the motor is almost identical to the VQ30DE, wth the exception of 9:1 pistons(vs. 10:1).

The VQs have iron cylinder liners, and can take more abuse than you might think. There are street driven Maximas with internally stock VQ30DEs making 500hp. With just lower compression pistons, they could do a lot more.

If you want to build a bigger version, use the VQ35 crank and rods. This will give you a 3.3L stroker. The compression ratio will be too high(in the 10s with a DET, 11s with a DE) for boost, so you will need new pistons to lower it.

Another option would be using a VQ35 instead of the VQ30, because the VQ35's newer heads flow much better. The engine would also be easier to find. Look for an '01+ Pathfinder, '02+ Altima or Maxima in a junkyard, and you're set.