The VQ30DE engine (or VQ30 for short) is in the record book as the best engine. For six years, he was in the TOP-10 best engines. No other engine has achieved this result. A feature of the engine is the finest processing of camshafts and crankshafts, the presence of a digital knock control system and a new engine cooling system.
The 3.0-liter Nissan VQ30DE engine was shown in 1994 as the flagship of the VQ line. They put this power unit on many popular models of the concern. In 2000, an updated and more powerful version of this motor appeared with the VQ30DEK index.
VQ30 family: VQ30DE, VQ30DET, VQ30DD, VQ35DE, VQ35DD, VQ35HR, VQ37VHR, VQ40DE.
Specifications
| Production years | 1994-2007 |
| Displacement, cc | 2987 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 190 – 220 (1994 version) 220 – 230 (2000 VQ30DE-K version) |
| Torque output, Nm | 270 – 280 (1994 version) 290 – 300 (2000 VQ30DE-K version) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 93 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 73.3 |
| Compression ratio | 10 |
| Features | ECCS, 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 2/3 (1994 version) EURO 4/5 (2000 VQ30DE-K version) |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Cefiro 2000) — city — highway — combined |
15.1 7.8 10.5 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 190 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Bassara 1 (JU30) in 1999 – 2003;
- Nissan Cedric 9 (Y33) in 1995 – 1999;
- Nissan Cefiro 2 (A32) in 1994 – 2000, Cefiro 3 (A33) in 1998 – 2004;
- Nissan Gloria 10 (Y33) in 1995 – 1999;
- Nissan Maxima 4 (A32) in 1994 – 2000, Maxima 5 (A33) in 1999 – 2006;
- Nissan Presage 1 (U30) in 1998 – 2003;
- Infiniti I30 1 (A32) in 1995 – 1999, I30 2 (A33) in 1999 – 2001;
- Samsung SM5 1 (A32) in 1998 – 2005.
Disadvantages of the VQ30DE engine
- Most internal combustion engine problems are in catalyst crumbs that are sucked into the cylinders;
- They scratch the walls of the combustion chamber and after that a strong oil burn begins;
- Warping of the mating surfaces of the cylinder head often occurs due to overheating of the motor;
- Dirty idle valve often causes floating speed;
- After 200,000 kilometers, the timing chain kit may need to be replaced;
- Oil oozes out from under the valve covers or from the camshaft position sensors.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan VQ30DE
How much power does the Nissan VQ30DE make?
Power output of the Nissan VQ30DE, hp: 190 - 220 (1994 version); 220 - 230 (2000 VQ30DE-K version). Torque, Nm: 270 - 280 (1994 version); 290 - 300 (2000 VQ30DE-K version).
How much oil does the Nissan VQ30DE take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Nissan VQ30DE have a timing belt or chain?
Timing drive of the Nissan VQ30DE: three chains.
Is the Nissan VQ30DE turbocharged?
No, the Nissan VQ30DE is naturally aspirated.
Does the Nissan VQ30DE need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Nissan VQ30DE last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan VQ30DE is ~350 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan VQ30DE?
Nissan Cefiro 2000: city 15.1, highway 7.8, combined 10.5 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan VQ30DE installed on?
Nissan Bassara 1 (JU30) in 1999 - 2003; Nissan Cedric 9 (Y33) in 1995 - 1999; Nissan Cefiro 2 (A32) in 1994 - 2000, Cefiro 3 (A33) in 1998 - 2004; Nissan Gloria 10 (Y33) in 1995 - 1999; Nissan Maxima 4 (A32) in 1994 - 2000, Maxima 5 (A33) in 1999 - 2006; Nissan Presage 1 (U30) in 1998 - 2003 and 2 more (see the full list above).
What are the common problems of the Nissan VQ30DE?
Most internal combustion engine problems are in catalyst crumbs that are sucked into the cylinders. They scratch the walls of the combustion chamber and after that a strong oil burn begins. All known problems.
