The 3.0-liter Nissan VG30E engine (or VG30 for short) was assembled from 1983 to 1999 and, in fact, is one of the most massive V6 engines of its time, as it was installed on many models. The unit was produced in a wide range of capacities, there was even a version with a phase regulator.
The VG30 family also includes internal combustion engines: VG30i, VG30ET, VG30DE, VG30DET, VG30DETT.
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan 200SX 3 (S12) in 1983 – 1988;
- Nissan 300ZX 3 (Z31) in 1983 – 1989;
- Nissan Cedric 6 (Y30) in 1983 – 1987; Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991; Cedric 8 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995; Cedric 9 (Y33) in 1995 – 1999;
- 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 Maxima 2 (PU11) in 1984 – 1988; Maxima 3 (J30) in 1988 – 1994;
- Nissan Navara 1 (D21) in 1990 – 1997;
- Nissan Pathfinder 1 (WD21) in 1990 – 1995;
- Nissan Quest 1 (V40) in 1992 – 1998;
- Nissan Terrano 1 (WD21) in 1990 – 1995;
- Infiniti M30 1 (F31) in 1989 – 1992.
Specifications
| Production years | 1983-1999 |
| Displacement, cc | 2960 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 150 – 180 |
| Torque output, Nm | 240 – 260 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 – 11.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | as an option |
| Turbocharging | no |
| 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 Terrano 1994) — city — highway — combined |
16.2 11.6 14.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~390 000 |
| Weight, kg | 220 |
Disadvantages of the VG30E engine
- The main problem is the bending of the valves due to the breaking of the crankshaft shank;
- Also, there are regular leaks of the water pump and the sound of hydraulic lifters;
- Do not forget to service the timing belt every 70,000 kilometers;
- The gasket in the outlet often burns out, and when the collector is removed, the studs break;
- After replacing these studs with thicker ones, the collector often cracks.
