Nissan VG30DE

Nissan VG30DEThe Nissan VG30DE is a 3.0 l (2,960 cc, 180.62 cu.in.) natural aspirated V6 60° four-stroke gasoline engine from Nissan VG-family. The VG30DE was manufactured since 1985 up to 2000. The engine was introduced at the 1985 Frankfurt Autoshow, on Nissan MID4 concept car.

The VG30DE features cast-iron block and two aluminum heads with double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder (24 valves in total). The Nissan VG30DE engine is equipped with a multi-point fuel injection system (EGI) and mechanically timed electrical ignition system with a single ignition coil and mechanical distributor. It has VTC (Variable Timing Control) system on the intake camshafts and EGR system.

Two versions of the VG30DE were available for different markets. The first version has two throttle bodies facing the front of the vehicle. This engine version was used on Nissan 300ZX and Fairlady Z. The second version has two throttle bodies to the left side of the vehicle.

Compression ratio rating is 9.0:1-11.0:1. Cylinder bore and piston stroke is 87.0 mm (3.43 in) and 83.0 mm (3.27 in), respectively. It produces from 185 PS (136 KW; 182 HP) at 6,000 rpm to 230 PS (169 kW; 227 HP) at 6,000 rpm of horsepower and from 245 Nm (24.99 kg·m; 180.81 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm to 279 Nm (28.46 kg·m; 205.9 ft·lb) at 4,000 rpm of maximum torque.

The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:

  • VG – Engine Family
  • 30 – 3.0 Liter Displacement
  • D – DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)
  • E – Multi Point Fuel Injection

General information

Engine Specifications
Engine codeVG30DE
LayoutFour stroke, V6
Fuel typeGasoline (petrol)
Production1985-2000
Displacement3.0L, 2,960 cc (180.62 cu in)
Fuel systemMulti Point Fuel Injection
Power adderNone
Power output 185 PS (136 kW; 182 HP) at 6,000 rpm
190 PS (140 kW; 188 HP) at 6,000 rpm
200 PS (147 kW; 197 HP) at 6,000 rpm
212 PS (156 kW; 210 HP) at 6,000 rpm
224 PS (165 kW; 222 HP) at 6,000 rpm
230 PS (169 kW; 227 HP) at 6,000 rpm
Torque output 245 Nm (25.0 kg·m; 180.8 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm
250 Nm (25.5 kg·m; 184.5 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm
260 Nm (26.5 kg·m; 191.9 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm
262 Nm (26.7 kg·m; 193.4 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm
268 Nm (27.3 kg·m; 197.8 ft·lb) at 4,400 rpm
273 Nm (27.8 kg·m; 201.5 ft·lb) at 4,800 rpm
279 Nm (28.5 kg·m; 205.9 ft·lb) at 4,000 rpm
Firing order1-2-3-4-5-6
Dimensions (L x W x H):
Weight220 kg (485 lbs)

Cylinder block

The VG30DE has a cast-iron block with a four-bearings crankshaft supported system. The cylinder bore is 87.0 mm (3.43 in), piston stroke is 83.0 mm (3.27 in) and compression ratio rating is 9.0:1-11.0:1. The Nissan VG30DE motor has two compression and one oil control rings. The connecting rod center distance is 154.10 mm (6.0669 in). The crankshaft main journal diameter is 62.9 mm (2.48 in) and crankpin diameter is 50.0 mm (1.97 in), center distance is 41.5 mm (1.63 mm).

Cylinder block
Cylinder block alloyCast-iron
Compression ratio:9.0:1, 10.5:1, 11.0:1
Cylinder bore:87.0 mm (3.43 in)
Piston stroke:83.0 mm (3.27 in)
Number of piston rings (compression / oil):2 / 1
Number of main bearings:4
Cylinder inner diameter (standard):87.000-87.010 mm (3.4252-3.4256 in)
Piston skirt diameter (standard):86.975-86.985 mm (3.4242-3.4246 in)
Piston pin outer diameter:21.993-22.001 mm (0.8657-0.8662 in)
Piston ring side clearance:Top0.040-0.073 mm (0.0016-0.0029 in)
Second0.030-0.063 mm (0.0012-0.0025 in)
Oil0.015-0.185 mm (0.0006-0.0073 in)
Piston ring end gap:Top0.21-0.40 mm (0.0083-0.0157 in)
Second0.50-0.76 mm (0.0197-0.0299 in)
Oil0.20-0.76 mm (0.0079-0.0299 in)
Connecting rod small end diameter:22.000-22.012 mm (0.8661-0.8666 in)
Connecting rod center distance:154.1-154.2 mm (6.067-6.071 in)
Crankshaft main journal diameter:62.975 mm (2.4763 in)
Crankpin diameter:49.974 mm (1.9675 in)
Crankshaft center distance:41.47-41.53 mm (1.6327-1.6350 in)

Main bearing beam bolts tightening procedure and torque specs:

  • 90-100 Nm; 9.2-10.2 kg·m; 67-74 ft·lb in two-three stages

After securing bearing cap bolts, make sure crankshaft turns smoothly by hand.

Connecting rod bearing nut

  • Step 1: 14-16 Nm; 1.4-1.6 kg·m; 10-12 ft·lb
  • Step 2: Turn nuts 60-65° or 59-65 Nm; 6.0-6.6 kg·m; 43-48 ft·lb

Crankshaft pulley bolt

  • 216-235 Nm; 22-24 kg·m; 159-174 ft·lb

Flywheel (M/T) or Drive plate (A/T) fixing bolts

  • 83-93 Nm; 8.5-9.5 kg·m; 61-69 ft·lb

Cylinder head

The cylinder head is made of strong, light aluminum alloy which gives it good cooling efficiency. The has double over-head camshaft for each head and 4 valves per cylinder. The camshafts are driven by a single timing belt. The engine is equipped with VTC (Variable Timing Control) system for intake cams.

The intake valve diameter is 34.0 mm (1.34 in), the exhaust valve diameter is 29.5 mm (1.16 in), the duration is 248° for both side. The VG30DE is equipped with hydraulic valve lifters.

Cylinder head
Block head alloyAluminium
Valve Arrangement:DOHC, belt drive
Head surface flatnessLess than 0.05 mm (0.002 in)
Valves:24 (4 valves per cylinder)
Intake valve timing248°
Exhaust valve timing:248°
Valve head diameter:INTAKE34.0-34.2 mm (1.339-1.346 in)
EXHAUST29.5-29.7 mm (1.161-1.169 in)
Valve length:INTAKE103.1-103.3 mm (4.06-4.067 in)
EXHAUST103.6-103.8 mm (4.079-4087 in)
Valve stem diameter:INTAKE6.965-6.980 mm (0.2743-0.2748 in)
EXHAUST7.945-7.960 mm (0.3128-0.3134 in)
Valve spring free length:OUTER43.1 mm (1.697 in)
INNER43.1 mm (1.697 in)
Camshaft cam height:INTAKE40.405-40.595 mm (1.5907-1.5982 in)
EXHAUST40.405-40.595 mm (1.5907-1.5982 in)
Camshaft journal diameter:27.935-27.955 mm (1.0998-1.1006 in)

Head tightening procedure and torque specs:

  • Step 1: 39 Nm; 4.0 kg·m; 29 ft·lb
  • Step 2: 123 Nm; 12.5 kg·m; 90 ft·lb
  • Step 3: Loosen all bolts completely
  • Step 4: 34-44 kg·m; 3.5-4.5 kg·m; 25-33 ft·lb
  • Step 5: Turn all bolts 65-70° or to 123 Nm; 12.5 kg·m; 90 ft·lb

Camshaft sprocket bolts

  • 123-132 Nm; 12.5-13.5 kg·m; 90-98 ft·lb

Maintenance data

Compression pressure
Standard13.1 kg/m2 (186 psi) / 300 rpm
Minimun10.0 kg/m2 (142 psi) / 300 rpm
Compression differential limit between cylinders1.0 kg/m2 (15 psi) / 300 rpm
Oil system
Oil consumption , L/1000 km (qt. per miles)up to 0.5 (1 qt. per 1200 miles)
Recommended engine oil 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50
Oil type APIAPI SG
Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) With filter change 3.4 l (3-5/8 Us. qt., 3 Imp. qt)
Without filter change 3.0 l (3-1/8 Us. qt., 2-5/8 Imp. qt.)
Oil change interval, km (miles)Every 6,000 (3,750)
Oil pressure Idle speed (78 kPA, 0.8 kg/cm3, 11 psi)
3,000 rpm (353-451 kPA, 3.6-4.6 kg/cm3, 51-65 psi)
Ignition system
Spark plugNGK Platinum-tipped type
Standard type: PFR6B-11
Hot type: PFR5B-11
Cold type: PFR7B-11
Spark plug tightening torque20-29 Nm; 2.0-3.0 kg·m; 14-22 ft·lb

Vehicle applications

ModelYears Produced
Nissan MID4 Concept1985
Nissan 300ZR (Z31)1986–1989
Nissan 300ZX (Z32)1990–1997
Nissan Fairlady Z (Z32)1989–2000
Nissan Leopard (F31)1986–1992
Infiniti J301992–1998
Nissan Leopard J Ferie1992–1998
Nissan Gloria1992–1995
Nissan Cedric1992–1995
Nissan Cima1989–1991
Author: Sergei Wers
About: Co-founder and CEO of a multi-brand auto repair shop (engine repair, chassis repair, body repair and painting) for over 15 years. I have been developing internet sites with technical specifications for more than seven years.

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