The 3.0-liter turbo engine Nissan VQ30DET was produced from 1995 to 2007 in Japan and was installed on such popular concern models as Sima, Cedric, Gloria or Leopard. There was also a twin-turbocharged version of this engine under the VQ30DETT index.
VQ30 family: VQ30DE, VQ30DET, VQ30DD, VQ35DE, VQ35DD, VQ35HR, VQ37VHR, VQ40DE.
Specifications
| Production years | 1995-2007 |
| Displacement, cc | 2987 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 270 – 280 |
| Torque output, Nm | 365 – 385 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 93 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 73.3 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 |
| Features | ECCS, NDIS |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | three chains |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | one Garrett turbine |
| 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 Gloria 2003) — city — highway — combined |
15.8 8.5 11.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 230 |
The engine was installed on:
- Nissan Cima 3 (Y33) in 1996 – 2001, Cima 4 (F50) in 2001 – 2007;
- Nissan Cedric 9 (Y33) in 1995 – 1999, Cedric 10 (Y34) in 1999 – 2004;
- Nissan Gloria 10 (Y33) in 1995 – 1999, Gloria 11 (Y34) in 1999 – 2004;
- Nissan Leopard 4 (Y33) in 1996 – 1999.
Disadvantages of the VQ30DET engine
- Most often, owners complain about the oil burner due to the appearance of scuffing in the cylinders;
- Cylinders are scratched here by catalyst crumbs, which are sucked into the combustion chamber;
- Due to overheating, warping of the mating surfaces of the cylinder head often occurs;
- Timing chains stretch a lot and begin to rattle at about 200,000 km;
- The reason for floating engine speed is usually a dirty idle valve.
Frequently asked questions about the Nissan VQ30DET
How much power does the Nissan VQ30DET make?
The Nissan VQ30DET develops 270 - 280 hp and 365 - 385 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Nissan VQ30DET take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.0 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Nissan VQ30DET have a timing belt or chain?
Timing drive of the Nissan VQ30DET: three chains.
Is the Nissan VQ30DET turbocharged?
Yes, the Nissan VQ30DET is turbocharged (one Garrett turbine).
Does the Nissan VQ30DET 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 VQ30DET last?
The typical lifespan of the Nissan VQ30DET is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan VQ30DET?
Nissan Gloria 2003: city 15.8, highway 8.5, combined 11.1 L/100 km.
What cars was the Nissan VQ30DET installed on?
Nissan Cima 3 (Y33) in 1996 - 2001, Cima 4 (F50) in 2001 - 2007; Nissan Cedric 9 (Y33) in 1995 - 1999, Cedric 10 (Y34) in 1999 - 2004; Nissan Gloria 10 (Y33) in 1995 - 1999, Gloria 11 (Y34) in 1999 - 2004; Nissan Leopard 4 (Y33) in 1996 - 1999.
What are the common problems of the Nissan VQ30DET?
Most often, owners complain about the oil burner due to the appearance of scuffing in the cylinders. Cylinders are scratched here by catalyst crumbs, which are sucked into the combustion chamber. All known problems.





