From 1986 to 2000, the company produced the 3.0-liter Nissan VG30DE engine, which was used in both popular sports models of the 300ZR and 300ZX families as well as civilian vehicles. The power unit came with a phase regulator and was available in a variety of capacities.
Internal combustion engines VG30i, VG30E, VG30ET, VG30DET, and VG30DETT are also members of the VG30 family.
The engine was mounted on:
- Nissan 300ZX 3 (Z31) in 1986 – 1989;
- Nissan 300ZX 4 (Z32) in 1989 – 2000;
- Nissan Cedric 7 (Y31) in 1987 – 1991;
- Nissan Cedric 8 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995;
- Nissan Cima 1 (Y31) in 1988 – 1991;
- Nissan Gloria 9 (Y32) in 1991 – 1995;
- Nissan Leopard 2 (F31) in 1986 – 1992;
- Nissan Leopard 3 (Y32) in 1992 – 1996;
- Infiniti J30 1 (Y32) in 1992 – 1997.
Specifications
| Production years | 1986-2000 |
| Displacement, cc | 2960 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 185 – 230 |
| Torque output, Nm | 245 – 280 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 87 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 83 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 – 11.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | at the N-VCT inlet |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 3.4 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Leopard 1995) — city — highway — combined |
14.7 10.7 13.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~375 000 |
| Weight, kg | 230 |
Disadvantages of the VG30DE engine
The exhaust manifold’s frequent cracking is the most troublesome;
Furthermore, the studs of the exhaust gasket’s fastening break and it burns continuously;
A broken crankshaft shank frequently causes a bend in the engine’s valves;
The pump and top radiator cap are frequently replaced here after 100,000 kilometers of operation; the same outcome will occur if the owner misses the timing belt replacement schedule.