The 3.0-liter Nissan VG30ET engine was produced from 1983 to 1991 at a Japanese plant and was installed both in sports models of the 300ZX family and in civilian Cedric and Gloria. This unit was produced with two different turbines and, accordingly, different power.
VG family: VG20E, VG20ET, VG20DET, VG30i, VG30E, VG30ET, VG30DE, VG30DET, VG30DETT, VG33E.
Specifications
| Production years | 1983-1991 |
| Displacement, cc | 2960 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 195 – 230 |
| Torque output, Nm | 295 – 345 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 7.8 – 8.3 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | Garrett T3 or T25 |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.9 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 1/2 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Cedric 1986) — city — highway — combined |
16.7 12.3 14.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~360 000 |
| Weight, kg | 225 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Cedric 6 (Y30) in 1983 – 1987, Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991;
- Nissan Gloria 7 (Y30) in 1983 – 1987, Gloria 8 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991;
- Nissan Leopard F30 in 1984 – 1986;
- Nissan 300ZX 3 (Z31) in 1983 – 1989.
Disadvantages of the VG30ET engine
- The most dangerous thing is a broken crankshaft shank, which often leads to bending of the valves;
- The exhaust manifold gasket burns out, and when it is removed, the studs break;
- Replacing the studs with thicker ones carries the risk of future header cracking;
- The timing belt resource is about 70 thousand km, and when it breaks, the valve almost always bends;
- After 100 thousand km, pump leaks and knocks of hydraulic lifters are often encountered.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan VG30ET
How much power does the Nissan VG30ET make?
The Nissan VG30ET develops 195 - 230 hp and 295 - 345 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan VG30ET take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.9 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Nissan VG30ET have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan VG30ET uses a timing belt.
Is the Nissan VG30ET turbocharged?
Yes, the Nissan VG30ET is turbocharged (Garrett T3 or T25).
Does the Nissan VG30ET need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Nissan VG30ET has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Nissan VG30ET last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan VG30ET is ~360 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan VG30ET?
Nissan Cedric 1986: city 16.7, highway 12.3, combined 14.5 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan VG30ET installed on?
Nissan Cedric 6 (Y30) in 1983 - 1987, Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 - 1991; Nissan Gloria 7 (Y30) in 1983 - 1987, Gloria 8 (Y31) in 1987 - 1991; Nissan Leopard F30 in 1984 - 1986; Nissan 300ZX 3 (Z31) in 1983 - 1989.
What are the common problems of the Nissan VG30ET?
The most dangerous thing is a broken crankshaft shank, which often leads to bending of the valves. The exhaust manifold gasket burns out, and when it is removed, the studs break. All known problems.
