The 3.0-liter Nissan VG30DETT engine was produced from 1989 to 2000 at the Japanese plant and was installed as the top power unit of the popular 300ZX sports coupe. The Garrett twin-turbo engine developed 300 hp in a manual and 280 hp in an automatic transmission.
VG family: VG20E, VG20ET, VG20DET, VG30i, VG30E, VG30ET, VG30DE, VG30DET, VG30DETT, VG33E.
Specifications
| Production years | 1989-2000 |
| Displacement, cc | 2960 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 280 – 300 |
| Torque output, Nm | 384 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 8.5 |
| Features | twin intercoolers |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | at the N-VCT inlet |
| Turbocharging | double Garrett T22/TB02 |
| 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 300ZX 1999) — city — highway — combined |
15.0 9.0 11.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 245 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan 300ZX 4 (Z32) in 1989 – 2000.
Disadvantages of the VG30DETT engine
- The biggest number of problems delivers constantly cracking issue;
- Also, its gasket often burns out, and when the collector is removed, the studs break;
- Often there is a breakage of the crankshaft shank with a bend in the valves in the internal combustion engine;
- The same thing can happen if the timing belt replacement schedule is not followed;
- By 150,000 km, a water pump is usually already flowing and hydraulic lifters are knocking.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan VG30DETT
How much power does the Nissan VG30DETT make?
The Nissan VG30DETT develops 280 - 300 hp and 384 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan VG30DETT take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.4 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Nissan VG30DETT have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan VG30DETT uses a timing belt.
Does the Nissan VG30DETT need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Nissan VG30DETT has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Nissan VG30DETT last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan VG30DETT is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan VG30DETT?
Nissan 300ZX 1999: city 15.0, highway 9.0, combined 11.2 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan VG30DETT installed on?
Nissan 300ZX 4 (Z32) in 1989 - 2000.
What are the common problems of the Nissan VG30DETT?
The biggest number of problems delivers constantly cracking issue. Also, its gasket often burns out, and when the collector is removed, the studs break. All known problems.
