Nissan VG20E was produced from 1983 to 1999 at a Japanese plant and many popular models of the concern such as Cedric, Leopard, and Maxima were installed. From 1987 to 2005, a gas version of this unit was used under the symbol VG20P for 100 hp.
Nissan VG20ET was assembled from 1983 to 1989 and was installed on a number of popular models of the concern, such as Laurel, Leopard or Maxima. This power unit is incredibly popular all over the world among budget swap enthusiasts.
Nissan VG20DET was produced by the company from 1987 to 1992 and was installed on several well-known models of the concern, such as Leopard, Cedric or Gloria. This unit is very powerful for its displacement and attracts connoisseurs of the swap.
VG family: VG20E, VG20ET, VG20DET, VG30i, VG30E, VG30ET, VG30DE, VG30DET, VG30DETT, VG33E.
Specifications
| Production years | 1983-1999 |
| Displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 115 – 130 (VG20E) 155 – 170 (VG20ET) 185 – 210 (VG20DET) |
| Torque output, Nm | 162 – 172 (VG20E) 210 – 220 (VG20ET) 215 – 265 (VG20DET) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v (VG20E) aluminum 12v (VG20ET) aluminum 24v (VG20DET) |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 78 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 69.7 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 – 9.5 (VG20E) 8.0 (VG20ET) 8.0 – 8.5 (VG20DET) |
| Features | no (VG20E) no (VG20ET) intercooler (VG20DET) |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no (VG20E) no (VG20ET) N-VCT (VG20DET) |
| Turbocharging | no (VG20E) yes (VG20ET) yes (VG20DET) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.9 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Cedric 1994) — city — highway — combined |
12.5 8.6 10.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 200 (VG20E) 205 (VG20ET) 210 (VG20DET) |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan 200Z 3 (Z31) in 1983 – 1989;
- Nissan Cedric 6 (Y30) in 1983 – 1987, Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991, Cedric 8 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995;
- Nissan Gloria 7 (Y30) in 1983 – 1987, Gloria 8 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991, Gloria 9 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995;
- Nissan Laurel 5 (C32) in 1984 – 1989;
- Nissan Leopard 2 (F31) in 1986 – 1992, Leopard 4 (Y33) in 1996 – 1999;
- Nissan Maxima 2 (PU11) in 1984 – 1988.
Disadvantages of the VG20 engine
- If the engine runs rough, clean or replace faulty injectors;
- Rarely, but there is a breakage of the crankshaft shank with a bend in the valves in the motor;
- Closer to 200,000 km, hydraulic lifters are often knocking or a water pump is leaking;
- Regularly it is necessary to change a burnt-out exhaust manifold gasket here;
- It is very difficult to remove the release without breaking the studs, which are then not so easy to return.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan VG20
How much power does the Nissan VG20 make?
Power output of the Nissan VG20, hp: 115 - 130 (VG20E); 155 - 170 (VG20ET); 185 - 210 (VG20DET). Torque, Nm: 162 - 172 (VG20E); 210 - 220 (VG20ET); 215 - 265 (VG20DET).
How much oil does the Nissan VG20 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.9 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Nissan VG20 have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan VG20 uses a timing belt.
Is the Nissan VG20 turbocharged?
Yes, the Nissan VG20 is turbocharged (no (VG20E); yes (VG20ET); yes (VG20DET)).
Does the Nissan VG20 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Nissan VG20 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Nissan VG20 last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan VG20 is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan VG20?
Nissan Cedric 1994: city 12.5, highway 8.6, combined 10.8 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan VG20 installed on?
Nissan 200Z 3 (Z31) in 1983 - 1989; Nissan Cedric 6 (Y30) in 1983 - 1987, Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 - 1991, Cedric 8 (Y32) in 1991 - 1995; Nissan Gloria 7 (Y30) in 1983 - 1987, Gloria 8 (Y31) in 1987 - 1991, Gloria 9 (Y32) in 1991 - 1995; Nissan Laurel 5 (C32) in 1984 - 1989; Nissan Leopard 2 (F31) in 1986 - 1992, Leopard 4 (Y33) in 1996 - 1999; Nissan Maxima 2 (PU11) in 1984 - 1988.
What are the common problems of the Nissan VG20?
If the engine runs rough, clean or replace faulty injectors. Rarely, but there is a breakage of the crankshaft shank with a bend in the valves in the motor. All known problems.
