The Nissan VQ30DD NEO-Di is a 3.0 l (2,988 cc, 182.33 cu.in.) natural aspirated V6 60° 4-stroke gasoline engine from Nissan VQ-family. The Nissan VQ30DD engine was produced since 1997 to 2004.
The VQ30DD motor features a lightweight aluminum block with a fully balanced four-bearings crankshaft and two aluminum heads with two camshafts (DOHC) and four valves per cylinder. The Nissan VQ30DD engine is equipped with direct fuel injection system, eVTC (Electromagnetic Continuous Variable Valve Timing Control), NDIS (Nissan Direct Ignition System) with individual coils on each spark plug and variable-length intake manifold.
Cylinder bore and piston stroke are the same with the VQ30DE, it is 93.0 mm (3.66 in) and 73.3 mm (2.886 in), respectively. Compression ratio rating is increased 11:1. The Nissan VQ30DD engine produced from 232 PS (170 kW, 228 HP) to 259 PS (190 kW, 255 HP) at 6,400 rpm of output power and from 294 Nm (29.9 kg⋅m, 217 lb⋅ft) to 324 Nm (33.0 kg⋅m, 239 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm of torque.
The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:
- VQ – Engine Family
- 30 – 3.0 Liter Displacement
- D – DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts)
- D – Direct fuel injection
General information
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine code | VQ30DD |
| Layout | Four stroke, V6 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline (petrol) |
| Production | – |
| Displacement | 3.0 L, 2,988 cm3 (182.33 cu in) |
| Fuel system | Multi Point Fuel Injection |
| Power adder | None |
| Power output |
232 PS (170 kW, 228 HP) at 6,400 rpm 245 PS (180 kW, 242 HP) at 6,400 rpm 259 PS (190 kW, 255 HP) at 6,400 rpm |
| Torque output |
294 Nm (29.9 kg⋅m, 217 lb⋅ft) at 4,400 rpm 309 Nm (31.5 kg⋅m, 228 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm 324 Nm (33.0 kg⋅m, 239 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm |
| Firing order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | – |
| Weight | – |
Cylinder block
The VQ30DD has an aluminum cylinder block with a four-bearings crankshaft supported system, forged steel connecting rods, a micro-finished one-piece forged crankshaft. The crankshaft journal diameter is 60 mm (2.36 in), the crankpin diameter was increased from 45 mm (1.78 in) on VQ30DE to 50 mm (1.96 in).
The cylinder bore is 93.0 mm (3.66 in), piston stroke is 73.3 mm (2.886 in) and compression ratio rating is 11:1. The Nissan VQ30DD motor has two compression and one oil control rings. The connecting rod’s length are 147.7 mm (5.81 in)
| Cylinder block | ||
| Cylinder block alloy | Aluminium | |
| Compression ratio: | 11.0:1 | |
| Cylinder bore: | 93.0 mm (3.66 in) | |
| Piston stroke: | 73.3 mm (2.886 in) | |
| Number of piston rings (compression / oil): | 2 / 1 | |
| Number of main bearings: | 4 | |
| Cylinder inner diameter (standard): | 93.000-93.010 mm (3.66141-3.6618 in) | |
| Piston skirt diameter (standard): | 92.979-92.988 mm (3.6606-3.6609 in) | |
| Piston pin outer diameter: | 21.989-22.001 mm (0.8657-0.8662 in) | |
| Connecting rod bushing inner diameter: | 22.000-22.012 mm (0.8661-0.8666 in) | |
| Connecting rod big end diameter: | 53.00 mm (2.0866 in) | |
| Connecting rod center distance: | 147.60-147.70 mm (5.8110-5.8149 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance: | Top | 0.045-0.080 mm (0.0018-0.0031 in) |
| Second | 0.030-0.070 mm (0.0012-0.0028 in) | |
| Oil | 0.015-0.185 mm (0.0006-0.0073 in) | |
| Piston ring end gap: | Top | 0.22-0.32 mm (0.0087-0.0126 in) |
| Second | 0.32-0.47 mm (0.0126-0.0185 in) | |
| Oil | 0.20-0.60 mm (0.0079-0.0236 in) | |
| Crankshaft main journal diameter: | 59.975 mm (2.3612 in) | |
| Crankpin diameter: | 49.956-49.974 mm (1.9667-1.9674 in) | |
| Crankshaft center distance: | 36.61-36.69 mm (1.4413-1.4445 in) | |
Main bearing cap bolts tightening procedure and torque specs:
- Step 1: 32-38 Nm; 3.3-3.9 kg·m; 24-28 ft·lb
- Step 2: Turn all bolts 90-95°
After securing bearing cap bolts, make sure crankshaft turns smoothly by hand.
Connecting rod bearing nut
- Step 1: 19-21 Nm; 1.9-2.1 kg·m; 14-15 ft·lb
- Step 2: Turn nuts 90-95°
Crankshaft pulley bolt
- Step 1: 39-49 Nm; 4.0-5.0 kg·m; 29-36 ft·lb
- Step 2: Put a paint mark on the crankshaft pulley
- Step 3: Again tighten by turning 60-65°, about the angle from one hexagon bolt head corner to another.
Drive plate 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 camshafts are driven by single primary and two secondary chains. The primary timing chain transmits the rotational movement from the crankshaft to the intake camshafts, the secondary chains connects intake and exhaust sprocket on each head respectively.
The intake valve diameter is 36.0 mm (1.41 in) and the exhaust valve diameter is 31.2 mm (1.23 in). The VQ30DD motor does not have hydraulic lifters, so special valve lifters are used to adjust the valve clearance.
| Cylinder head | ||
| Block head alloy | Aluminium | |
| Valve Arrangement: | DOHC, chain drive | |
| Cylinder head height: | 126.3-126.5 mm (4.97-4.98 in) | |
| Valves: | 24 (4 valves per cylinder) | |
| Valve head diameter: | INTAKE | 36.0-36.3 mm (1.417-1.429 in) |
| EXHAUST | 31.2-31.5 mm (1.228-1.240 in) | |
| Valve length: | INTAKE | 96.57-96.77 mm (3.8019-3.8098 in) |
| EXHAUST | 95.02-95.22 mm (3.7409-3.7502 in) | |
| Valve stem diameter: | INTAKE | 5.965-5.980 mm (0.2348-0.2354 in) |
| EXHAUST | 5.955-5.970 mm (0.2344-0.2350 in) | |
| Valve spring free length: | INTAKE | 42.37 mm (1.6681 in) |
| EXHAUST | 46.52 mm (1.8314 in) | |
| Exhaust camshaft journal diameter: | №1 | 25.935-25.955 mm (1.0211-1.0218 in) |
| №2, 3, 4, 5 | 23.445-23.465 mm (0.9230-0.9238 in) | |
| Camshaft cam height: | INTAKE | 44.96 mm (1.770 in) |
| EXHAUST | 44.96 mm (1.770 in)) | |
Head tightening procedure and torque specs:
- Step 1: 98 Nm; 10.0 kg·m; 72 ft·lb
- Step 2: Loosen all bolts completely
- Step 3: 34-44 kg·m; 3.5-4.5 kg·m; 25-33 ft·lb
- Step 4: Turn all bolts 90-95°
- Step 5: Turn all bolts another 90-95°
Camshaft sprocket bolts
- 103-113 Nm; 10.5-11.5 kg·m; 76-83 ft·lb
Problems and malfunctions
The Nissan VQ30DD is reliable and durable.
Some problems that can happen:
- MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor malfunction
- Pressure reduction in high pressure fuel pump
- Ignition coils malfunction
- Loss of power due to catalyst failure
- High fuel consumption and detonation due to carbon deposits on the valves.
- Engine does not start. Error code is P0335: Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. Often the problem is in the starter fault.
The engine has three timing chains, their service life is about 150,000 miles of mileage (200,000-250,000 km). The valve clearance needs to be adjusted every 60,000 miles of mileage (90,000 km). The Nissan VQ30DD life expectancy is 200,000 miles of mileage (300,000 km).
Maintenance data
| Valve clearance (HOT) | |
| Intake valve | 0.304-0.416 mm (0.012-0.016 in) |
| Exhaust valve | 0.308-0.432 mm (0.012-0.017 in) |
| Compression pressure | |
| Standard | 13.0 kg/cm2 (185 psi) / 300 rpm |
| Minimun | 10.0 kg/cm2 (142 psi) / 300 rpm |
| Compression differential limit between cylinders | 1.0 kg/cm2 (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 | 5W-30 |
| Oil type API | SJ |
| Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) |
With filter change 4.7 L Without filter change 4.4 L |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | 6,000 (3,000) |
| Oil Pressure, kPa (kg/cm 2, psi) |
Idle speed: More than 98 (1.0, 14) 2,000 rpm: More than 294 (3.0, 43) |
| Ignition system | |
| Spark plug |
Standard: PLFR5A-11 (NGK) Hot type: PLFR4A-11 (NGK) Cold type: PLFR6A-11 (NGK) |
| Spark plug gap | 1.1 mm (0.043 in) |
| Spark plug tightening torque | 20-29 Nm (2.0-3.0 kg⋅m, 14-22 ft⋅lb) |
Valve clearance adjustment data
Calculate the thickness of new adjusting valve lifter so valve clearance comes within specified values.
R = Thickness of removed valve lifter
N = Thickness of new valve lifter
M = Measured valve clearance
Intake:
N = R + [M – 0.30 mm (0.012 in)]
Exhaust:
N = R + [M – 0.34 mm (0.013 in)]
Valve lifters are available in 25 sizes from 7.88 mm (0.3102 in) to 8.36 mm (0.3291 in), in steps of 0.02 mm (0.0008 in).
Example (exhaust valve):
R = 7.90 mm
M = 0.52 mm
N = 7.90 + (0.52 – 0.34) = 8.08 mm, so we need a valve lifter with identification mark 808.
| Cold | Hot | |
| Intake | 0.26-0.34 mm (0.010-0.013 in) | 0.304-0.416 mm (0.012-0.016 in) |
| Exhaust | 0.29-0.37 mm (0.011-0.015 in) | 0.308-0.432 mm (0.012-0.017 in) |
Vehicle applications
| Model | Years Produced |
| Nissan Leopard (Y33) | 1997–1999 |
| Nissan Cedric (Y34) | 1999–2004 |
| Nissan Gloria (Y34) | 1999–2004 |
| Nissan Skyline (V35) | 2001–2004 |
| Nissan Stagea (M35) | 2001–2004 |
Author:
I own one of those! Its a 2001 nissan cedric HY34 VQ30DD. Perfect engine performance, but the MAF is always malfunctioning, and it cuts the engine power, i never stay for more then 7 months with the same MAF.
– Now i replaced the engine with a new one, but the very same one, and i couldn’t overcome that MAF issue… What should i do? That is the only problem i have.
– I saw there that my engine oil is 5W 30, but i put 20W 40 recently, what are the implications of that and what should i do?
– What is the right gear box oil reference? It is an automatic gear box, not the CVT.
You can donate maf sensor from opel. It won’t die anymore
Can someone assist me?
I have a Nissa skyline v35 300 gt with a vq30dd engine.
i’d like to know which ignition coils are compatible with it.
please help
Ignition coil part number is 22448-AL610, many manufacturers have these coils in stock: MOBILETRON, HITACHI, NGK, MEAT & DORIA, STARK, ERA.
Hi,
This has been really helpful as I am in a process of replacing my engine ( VQ30 DD V35 NISSAN SKYLINE 2003) What do I need to look out for on the incoming engine so as to be sure it has the correct specifications for the car. Does it have any numbers or codes on it? And do I need to get the engine together with the gear box?
Many thanks,
Daniel
I would recommend using the original service manual for your car. This information is for general guidance only, not for service procedures.
I was thinking of replacing my VQ30DD with a VQ35DE, will it be plug and play or do I have to get a new harness and computer
Did you do this and was it plug and play
Where can I purchase a new Engine for my Nissan Cedric 1999 MY34