The 3.0-liter Nissan VG30DE engine was produced by the company from 1986 to 2000 and was installed both in civilian cars and in popular sports models of the 300ZR and 300ZX families. The power unit was offered in a wide range of capacities and was equipped with a phase regulator.
The VG30 family also includes internal combustion engines: VG30i, VG30E, VG30ET, VG30DET, VG30DETT.
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan 300ZX 3 (Z31) in 1986 – 1989;
- Nissan 300ZX 4 (Z32) in 1989 – 2000;
- Nissan Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991;
- Nissan Cedric 8 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995;
- Nissan Cima 1 (Y31) in 1988 – 1991;
- Nissan Gloria 9 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995;
- Nissan Leopard 2 (F31) in 1986 – 1992;
- Nissan Leopard 3 (Y32) in 1992 – 1996;
- Infiniti J30 1 (Y32) in 1992 – 1997.
Specifications
Production years | 1986-2000 |
Displacement, cc | 2960 |
Fuel system | distributed injection |
Power output, hp | 185 – 230 |
Torque output, Nm | 245 – 280 |
Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
Block head | aluminum 24v |
Cylinder bore, mm | 87 |
Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
Compression ratio | 9.0 – 11.0 |
Features | no |
Hydraulic lifters | yes |
Timing drive | belt |
Phase regulator | at the N-VCT inlet |
Turbocharging | no |
Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.4 |
Fuel type | petrol |
Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Leopard 1995) — city — highway — combined |
14.7 10.7 13.1 |
Engine lifespan, km | ~375 000 |
Weight, kg | 230 |
Disadvantages of the VG30DE engine
- The most problematic is the frequent cracking of the exhaust manifold;
- In addition, the exhaust gasket constantly burns and the studs of its fastening break;
- Often there is a bend in the valves in the engine due to a broken crankshaft shank;
- The same thing will happen if the owner skips the timing belt replacement schedule;
- After 100,000 km of run, the pump and the top radiator cap are often changed here.