Engine Nissan VG20

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.

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.

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)

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.

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