The 3.0-liter Nissan VE30DE engine (or VE30 for short) was produced for a very short time from 1991 to 1994 and was installed only on the third generation of the Maxima sedan in the J30 body, which used to be very popular in the United States.
The Nissan VE30DE engine features cast-iron block and two aluminum heads with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder. The VE30DE is equipped with variable valve timing on the intake camshafts, multi-point fuel injection and coil-on-plug ignition.
The VE family includes only one internal combustion engine.
Specifications
| Production years | 1991-1994 |
| Displacement, cc | 2960 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 190 |
| Torque output, Nm | 258 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 10 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | three chains |
| Phase regulator | inlet only |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.8 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Maxima 1993) — city — highway — combined |
13.9 9.8 12.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 220 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Maxima 3 (J30) in 1991 – 1994.
Disadvantages of the VE30DE engine
- The engine is considered to be very resourceful and often runs up to 500,000 km without major repairs;
- The exhaust manifold gasket burns out regularly, and it is not so easy to replace;
- Even when removing, the exhaust manifold studs constantly break off;
- A number of owners were faced with replacing the pump and hydraulic lifters at 150,000 km;
- Diesel noise during engine operation indicates the manifestation of the so-called VTC problem;
- But the main problem of the motor is the difficulty of finding spare parts or a suitable donor.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan VE30DE
How much power does the Nissan VE30DE make?
The Nissan VE30DE develops 190 hp and 258 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan VE30DE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.8 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Nissan VE30DE have a timing belt or chain?
Timing drive of the Nissan VE30DE: three chains.
Is the Nissan VE30DE turbocharged?
No, the Nissan VE30DE is naturally aspirated.
Does the Nissan VE30DE need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Nissan VE30DE has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Nissan VE30DE last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan VE30DE is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan VE30DE?
Nissan Maxima 1993: city 13.9, highway 9.8, combined 12.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan VE30DE installed on?
Nissan Maxima 3 (J30) in 1991 - 1994.
What are the common problems of the Nissan VE30DE?
The engine is considered to be very resourceful and often runs up to 500,000 km without major repairs. The exhaust manifold gasket burns out regularly, and it is not so easy to replace. All known problems.
