From 1983 to 1999, the Nissan VG20E was manufactured in a Japanese facility, where it was installed alongside several of the company’s well-known models, including the Cedric, Leopard, and Maxima. This unit’s gas version, designated VG20P for 100 horsepower, was in use from 1987 to 2005.
The Nissan VG20ET was built between 1983 and 1989 and installed on several of the company’s well-known models, including the Laurel, Leopard, and Maxima. Budget swap enthusiasts all over the world are huge fans of this power unit.
From 1987 to 1992, the company produced the Nissan VG20DET, which was installed on a number of the company’s well-known models, including the Leopard, Cedric, and Gloria. This unit draws swap enthusiasts and has a lot of power for its displacement.
The engine was mounted on:
- Nissan 200Z 3 (Z31) in 1983 – 1989;
- Nissan Cedric 6 (Y30) in 1983 – 1987; Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991; Cedric 8 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995;
- Nissan Gloria 7 (Y30) in 1983 – 1987; Gloria 8 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991; Gloria 9 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995;
- Nissan Laurel 5 (C32) in 1984 – 1989;
- Nissan Leopard 2 (F31) in 1986 – 1992; Leopard 4 (Y33) in 1996 – 1999;
- Nissan Maxima 2 (PU11) in 1984 – 1988.
Specifications
| Production years | 1983-1999 |
| Displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 115 – 130 (VG20E) 155 – 170 (VG20ET) 185 – 210 (VG20DET) |
| Torque output, Nm | 162 – 172 (VG20E) 210 – 220 (VG20ET) 215 – 265 (VG20DET) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v (VG20E) aluminum 12v (VG20ET) aluminum 24v (VG20DET) |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 78 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 69.7 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 – 9.5 (VG20E) 8.0 (VG20ET) 8.0 – 8.5 (VG20DET) |
| Features | no (VG20E) no (VG20ET) intercooler (VG20DET) |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | no (VG20E) no (VG20ET) N-VCT (VG20DET) |
| Turbocharging | no (VG20E) yes (VG20ET) yes (VG20DET) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.9 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Cedric 1994) — city — highway — combined |
12.5 8.6 10.8 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~350 000 |
| Weight, kg | 200 (VG20E) 205 (VG20ET) 210 (VG20DET) |
Disadvantages of the VG20 engine
Replace or clean any malfunctioning injectors if the engine runs rough;
In rare cases, the crankshaft shank breaks and the motor’s valves bend;
Near 200,000 km, a water pump is leaking or hydraulic lifters frequently knock;
Here, a burned-out exhaust manifold gasket needs to be changed on a regular basis;
It is quite challenging to remove the release without shattering the studs, which are then difficult to replace.