The 3.3-liter Nissan VG33E engine has been produced since 1995 and is still installed in China. This power unit is most often found on pickup trucks, SUVs and minibuses. There is a version of the VG33ER equipped with a supercharger with a power of 210 hp and 334 Nm of torque.
VG family: VG20E, VG20ET, VG20DET, VG30i, VG30E, VG30ET, VG30DE, VG30DET, VG30DETT, VG33E.
Specifications
| Production years | 1995-… |
| Displacement, cc | 3274 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 170 – 180 |
| Torque output, Nm | 265 – 275 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 91.5 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 8.9 – 9.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Pathfinder 1999) — city — highway — combined |
17.7 10.4 13.9 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 230 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Elgrand 1 (E50) in 1997 – 2002;
- Nissan Navara 2 (D22) in 1997 – 2004, Navara 2 (D22) in 2001 – 2004 (VG33ER, as Frontier, North America);
- Nissan Pathfinder 2 (R50) in 1995 – 2004;
- Nissan Quest 2 (V41) in 1998 – 2002;
- Nissan Xterra 1 (WD22) in 1999 – 2004, Xterra 1 (WD22) in 2001 – 2004 (VG33ER);
- Infiniti QX4 1 (R50) in 1996 – 2000.
Disadvantages of the VG33E engine
- Due to the breaking off of the crankshaft shank, it may well bend the valves in the motor;
- The same result can be achieved if you do not follow the belt replacement schedule;
- After 200,000 km, the pump and the upper radiator cap are often replaced here;
- The gasket in the outlet regularly burns out, and the collector itself often cracks;
- The sixth spark plug and the knock sensor are very inconvenient for maintenance.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan VG33E
How much power does the Nissan VG33E make?
The Nissan VG33E develops 170 - 180 hp and 265 - 275 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan VG33E take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 3.7 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Nissan VG33E have a timing belt or chain?
The Nissan VG33E uses a timing belt.
Is the Nissan VG33E turbocharged?
No, the Nissan VG33E is naturally aspirated.
Does the Nissan VG33E need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Nissan VG33E has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Nissan VG33E last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan VG33E is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan VG33E?
Nissan Pathfinder 1999: city 17.7, highway 10.4, combined 13.9 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan VG33E installed on?
Nissan Elgrand 1 (E50) in 1997 - 2002; Nissan Navara 2 (D22) in 1997 - 2004, Navara 2 (D22) in 2001 - 2004 (VG33ER, as Frontier, North America); Nissan Pathfinder 2 (R50) in 1995 - 2004; Nissan Quest 2 (V41) in 1998 - 2002; Nissan Xterra 1 (WD22) in 1999 - 2004, Xterra 1 (WD22) in 2001 - 2004 (VG33ER); Infiniti QX4 1 (R50) in 1996 - 2000.
What are the common problems of the Nissan VG33E?
Due to the breaking off of the crankshaft shank, it may well bend the valves in the motor. The same result can be achieved if you do not follow the belt replacement schedule. All known problems.
