The Nissan VG30E is a 3.0 l (2,960 cc, 180.62 cu.in.) natural aspirated V6 60° 4-stroke gasoline engine from Nissan VG-family.
The VG30E features cast-iron block and two aluminum heads with single overhead camshafts (SOHC) and two valves per cylinder. The Nissan VG30E engine is equipped with multi-point fuel injection and mechanically timed electrical ignition system with a single ignition coil and mechanical distributor.
Compression ratio rating is 9.0:1. Cylinder bore and piston stroke are 87.0 mm (3.43 in) and 83.0 mm (3.27 in), respectively. It produces 160 HP (120 kW, 163 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 235 Nm (23.9 kg·m, 173 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm. On April 1987 the “W” series VG30 was released, the output power was increased to 165 HP, but leaving torque unchanged. In 1989, the Nissan Maxima was used the VG30E with variable intake plenum. It was improving torque to 247 Nm (25.2 kg·m, 182 lb⋅ft) at 3,200 rpm.
The breakdown of the engine code is as follows:
- VG – Engine Family
- 30 – 3.0 Liter Displacement
- E – Multi Point Fuel Injection
General information
| Engine Specifications | |
| Engine code | VG30E |
| Layout | Four stroke, V6 |
| Fuel type | Gasoline (petrol) |
| Production | 1984- |
| Displacement | 3.0L, 2,960 cc (180.62 cu in) |
| Fuel system | Multi Point Fuel Injection |
| Power adder | None |
| Power output | 160 HP (120 kW, 163 PS) at 5,200 rpm 165 HP (123 kW, 165 PS) at 5,200 rpm |
| Torque output | 235 N⋅m (23.9 kg·m, 173 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm 247 N⋅m (25.2 kg·m, 182 lb⋅ft) at 3,200 rpm |
| Firing order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Dimensions (L x W x H): | – |
| Weight | 220 kg (485 lbs) |
Cylinder block
The VG30E 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. The Nissan VG30E 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).
| Cylinder block | ||
| Cylinder block alloy | Cast-iron | |
| Compression ratio: | 9.0:1 | |
| 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): | 86.967-86.975 mm (3.4238-3.4242 in) | |
| Piston pin outer diameter: | 20.993-20.998 mm (0.8265-0.8267 in) | |
| Piston ring side clearance: | Top | 0.040-0.073 mm (0.0016-0.0029 in) |
| Second | 0.030-0.063 mm (0.0012-0.0025 in) | |
| Piston ring end gap: | Top | 0.21-0.44 mm (0.0083-0.0173 in) |
| Second | 0.18-0.44 mm (0.0083-0.0173 in) | |
| Oil | 0.20-0.72 mm (0.0079-0.0299 in) | |
| Connecting rod small end diameter: | 20.958-20.971 mm (0.8251-0.8256 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 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 VG30E is equipped with a hydraulic lash adjuster.
| Cylinder head | ||
| Block head alloy | Aluminium | |
| Valve Arrangement: | SOHC, belt drive | |
| Head surface flatness | Less than 0.05 mm (0.002 in) | |
| Valves: | 12 (2 valves per cylinder) | |
| Intake valve timing | 252° “W” – 248° | |
| Exhaust valve timing: | 252° “W” – 248° | |
| Valve head diameter: | INTAKE | 42.0-42.2 mm (1.654-1.661 in) |
| EXHAUST | 35.0-35.2 mm (1.378-1.386 in) | |
| Valve length: | INTAKE | 125.3-125.9 mm (4.93-4.96 in) |
| EXHAUST | 124.2-124.8 mm (4.89-4.91 in) | |
| Valve stem diameter: | INTAKE | 6.965-6.980 mm (0.2743-0.2748 in) |
| EXHAUST | 7.945-7.960 mm (0.3128-0.3134 in) | |
| Valve spring free length: | OUTER | 51.2 mm (2.016 in) |
| INNER | 44.9 mm (1.768 in) | |
| Camshaft cam height: | INTAKE | 39.607-39.657 mm (1.5593-1.5613 in) “W” – 39.537-39.727 mm (1.5566-1.5641 in) |
| EXHAUST | 39.607-39.657 mm (1.5593-1.5613 in) “W” – 39.537-39.727 mm (1.5566-1.5641 in) | |
| Camshaft journal diameter: | 46.935-46.955 mm (1.8478-1.8486 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
- 78-88 Nm; 8.0-9.0 kg·m; 58-65 ft·lb
Maintenance data
| Compression pressure | |
| Standard | 11.6 kg/cm2 (168 psi) / 300 rpm |
| Minimun | 8.5 kg/cm2 (121 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, 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-40, 20W-50 |
| Oil type API | API SF |
| Engine oil capacity (Refill capacity) | With filter change 4.0 l (4-1/4 Us. qt., 3-1/2 Imp. qt) Without filter change 3.3 l (3-1/2 Us. qt., 2-7/8 Imp. qt.) |
| Oil change interval, km (miles) | Every 12,000 (7,500) |
| Ignition system | |
| Spark plug | Standard type: NGK BCPR6ES-11 Hot type: BCPR5ES-11 Cold type: BCPR7ES-11 |
| Spark plug gap | 1.0-1.1 mm (0.039-0.043 in) |
Vehicle applications
| Model | Years Produced |
| Nissan 300ZX | 1984–1989 |
| Nissan Laurel | 1984–1989 |
| Nissan Maxima | 1985–1994 |
| Nissan 200SX SE | 1987–1988 |
| Nissan Homy / Caravan E24 | 1988–1996 |
| Infiniti M30 | 1990–1992 |
| Nissan Leopard | 1990–1992 |
| Nissan Hardbody Truck D21 | 1990–1997 |
| Nissan Pathfinder/Nissan Terrano | 1990–1995 |
| Nissan Gloria/Nissan Cedric | 1992–1999 |
| Nissan Quest | 1993–1998 |
| Mercury Villager | 1993–1998 |
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.
