Nissan VG30DE

The 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

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).

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.

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

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.