The 2.0-liter Nissan VQ20DE engine (or VQ20 for short) was shown in 1994 as the junior representative of a new line of V6 engines and was intended for the popular Cefiro and Maxima sedans. After the modernization of 1999, this power unit received the NEO prefix to its index.
The VQ20 series also includes internal combustion engines: VQ23DE, VQ25DE, VQ25DET, VQ25DD and VQ25HR.
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Cefiro 2 (A32) in 1994 – 2000;
- Nissan Cefiro 3 (A33) in 1998 – 2004;
- Nissan Maxima 4 (A32) in 1994 – 2000;
- Nissan Maxima 5 (A33) in 1999 – 2006;
- Samsung SM5 1 (A32) in 1998 – 2005.
Specifications
| Start of production | 1994 |
| Displacement, cc | 1995 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 140 – 160 |
| Torque output, Nm | 175 – 200 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 76 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 73.3 |
| Compression ratio | 9.5 – 10 |
| Features | NDIS |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | three chains |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.0 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Cefiro 2003) — city — highway — combined |
12.3 7.3 9.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 175 |
Disadvantages of the VQ20DE engine
- Often complain about floating speed due to contamination of the idle valve;
- For even engine operation, periodic adjustment of the throttle position sensor is also required;
- Since there are no hydraulic compensators, the thermal clearances of the valves also need to be adjusted;
- By about 200 – 250 thousand kilometers, a timing chain kit will need to be replaced;
- The engine is afraid of overheating, constantly monitor the condition of the cooling system;
- Power units with high mileage almost always suffer from oil burn.
