Nissan VG20
If the engine runs rough, clean or replace faulty injectors.
Nissan Leopard engines
The Nissan Leopard is a Japanese mid-range sports car from the automaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. Years of manufacture – from 1980 to 1999. In total, 4 generations of cars were produced. The Leopard was based on several models – Nissan Skyline and Laurel, Datsun 910 / Nissan Maxima and Nissan Cedric and Gloria. The latest generation of cars did not gain much popularity due to the economic downturn. The first three generations of the model were intended for the domestic market, although export versions were produced, the last, fourth, was more “Americanized”, but was not supplied to the USA.
The Nissan Leopard was offered with 9 engines between 1984 and 1999 (9 petrol). Displacement ranges from 2.0 to 4.1 liters, power output from 115 to 280 hp. 4 use a timing chain and 5 a timing belt. 4 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Nissan RB25 (about 400,000 km).
Nissan Leopard engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Leopard F30 1984–1986 | |||||||
| Nissan VG30ET | 1984–1986 | 3.0 L V6 | 195–230 hp | petrol, turbo | belt | 3.9 L | ~360,000 km |
| Nissan Leopard 2 (F31) 1986–1992 | |||||||
| Nissan VG20 | 1986–1992 | 2.0 L V6 | 115–210 hp | petrol, NA / turbo | belt | 3.9 L | ~350,000 km |
| Nissan VG30DE | 1986–1992 | 3.0 L V6 | 185–230 hp | petrol | belt | 3.4 L | ~375,000 km |
| Nissan VG30DET | 1988–1992 | 3.0 L V6 | 255 hp | petrol, turbo | belt | 3.4 L | ~360,000 km |
| Nissan Leopard 3 (Y32) 1992–1996 | |||||||
| Nissan VH41DE | 1992–1996 | 4.1 L V8 | 270 hp | petrol | chain | 5.3 L | ~400,000 km |
| Nissan Leopard 4 (Y33) 1996–1999 | |||||||
| Nissan RB25 | 1996–1999 | 2.5 L R6 | 180–250 hp | petrol | belt | 4.6–4.7 L | ~400,000 km |
| Nissan VQ25DE | 1996–1999 | 2.5 L V6 | 185–210 hp | petrol | chain | 4 L | ~330,000 km |
| Nissan VQ30DET | 1996–1999 | 3.0 L V6 | 270–280 hp | petrol, turbo | chain | 4 L | ~300,000 km |
| Nissan VQ30DD | 1996–1999 | 3.0 L V6 | 230–260 hp | petrol | chain | 4.7 L | ~300,000 km |
Nissan Leopard engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Nissan Leopard?
Nissan Leopard F30 (1984–1986): Nissan VG30ET; Nissan Leopard 2 (F31) (1986–1992): Nissan VG20, Nissan VG30DE and Nissan VG30DET; Nissan Leopard 3 (Y32) (1992–1996): Nissan VH41DE; Nissan Leopard 4 (Y33) (1996–1999): Nissan RB25, Nissan VQ25DE, Nissan VQ30DET and Nissan VQ30DD.
Which Nissan Leopard engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Nissan Leopard engines are: Nissan RB25 — about 400,000 km; Nissan VH41DE — about 400,000 km; Nissan VG30DE — about 375,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Nissan Leopard engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Nissan RB25 — 4.6–4.7 L (5W-30); Nissan VG20 — 3.9 L (5W-30); Nissan VG30DE — 3.4 L (5W-30); Nissan VG30DET — 3.4 L (5W-30); Nissan VG30ET — 3.9 L (5W-30); Nissan VH41DE — 5.3 L (5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 / 10W-40); Nissan VQ25DE — 4 L (5W-30); Nissan VQ30DD — 4.7 L (5W-30); Nissan VQ30DET — 4 L (5W-30).
Does the Nissan Leopard have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Nissan VH41DE, Nissan VQ25DE, Nissan VQ30DD and Nissan VQ30DET; timing belt: Nissan RB25, Nissan VG20, Nissan VG30DE, Nissan VG30DET and Nissan VG30ET. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Nissan Leopard available with a diesel engine?
No, all Nissan Leopard engines in our database run on petrol.
Engine details
Nissan VG30ET
The most dangerous thing is a broken crankshaft shank, which often leads to bending of the valves.
Nissan VG30DE
The most problematic is the frequent cracking of the exhaust manifold.
Nissan VG30DET
The problematic place of the motor is the exhaust manifold, it just cracks.
Nissan RB25
One of the most popular inline 6-cylinder engines is renowned for its excellent reliability.
Nissan VH41DE
This engine uses metal guides, so there are no problems with the chain.
Nissan VQ25DE
The main problems are caused by catalyst crumbs entering the combustion chamber.
Nissan VQ30DET
Most often, owners complain about the oil burner due to the appearance of scuffing in the cylinders.
Nissan VQ30DD
Many problems with this engine are associated with the consumption of low-quality fuel.
Models with the same engines
- Nissan Cedric 8 shared engines
- Nissan Gloria 8 shared engines
- Nissan Cima 4 shared engines
- Nissan Cefiro 2 shared engines
- Nissan Laurel 2 shared engines
- Nissan Skyline 2 shared engines
- Nissan Stagea 2 shared engines
- Infiniti Q45 1 shared engine
- Infiniti Q70 (M)/Nissan Fuga 1 shared engine
- Nissan Elgrand 1 shared engine