Nissan VG30ET

The Nissan VG30ET is turbocharged a 3.0 l (2,960 cc, 180.62 cu.in.) V6 60° straight-four, four-stroke cycle gasoline engine from Nissan VG-family.

The VG30ET features cast-iron block and two aluminum heads with single overhead camshafts (SOHC) and two valves per cylinder. The Nissan VG30ET engine is equipped with multi-point fuel injection and mechanically timed electrical ignition system with a single ignition coil and mechanical distributor. Until 1987 the engine used Garrett T3 turbocharger (6.8 psi; 0.47 bar) since 1988 model year the VG30ET used Garrett T25 (4.5 psi; 0.31 bar) to reduce turbo lag.

Cylinder bore and the piston stroke are 87.0 mm (3.43 in) and 83.0 mm (3.27 in), respectively. The early version has a compression ratio rating 7.8:1, since 1988 the compression ratio was increased to 8.3:1. The produced from 203 PS (149 kW; 200 HP) of maximum horsepower for JDM and USDM to 234 PS (172 kW; 230 HP) for the European market and from 308 Nm (31.42 kg·m; 227.3 ft·lb) to 342 Nm (34.88 kg·m; 252.4 ft·lb) of torque, respectively. On April 1987 the “W” series VG30 was released, and the output power was increased to 208 PS (153 kW; 205 HP).

The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:

• VG – Engine Family
• 30 – 3.0 Liter Displacement
• E – Multi Point Fuel Injection
• T – Turbocharged

General information

Cylinder block

The VG30ET 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). The Nissan VG30ET 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 49.9 mm (1.97 in), center distance is 41.5 mm (1.63 mm).

Main bearing cap 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

• 123-132 Nm; 12.5-13.5 kg·m; 90-98 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 single overhead camshaft for each head and rocker shaft with rocker arms. The camshafts are driven by a single timing belt.

The intake valve diameter is 42.0 mm (1.65 in), the exhaust valve diameter is 35.0 mm (1.38 in), the duration is 252° for both side. The “W” series has 248° duration for both sides. The VG30ET is equipped with a hydraulic lash adjuster. Each valve uses dual valve springs.

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

• 78-88 Nm; 8.0-9.0 kg·m; 58-65 ft·lb

Maintenance data

Vehicle applications

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.