Popular models like the Cedric, Leopard, Stagea, and Skyline were equipped with the 3.0-liter Nissan VQ30DD engine, which was built between 1996 and 2004 in a number of boost options. This power unit is renowned for being picky about the fuel quality it uses.
The internal combustion engines VQ30DE, VQ30DET, VQ35DE, VQ35DD, VQ35HR, and VQ37VHR are also part of the VQ30 series.
The engine was mounted on:
- Nissan Cedric 10 (Y34) in 1999 – 2004;
- Nissan Gloria 11 (Y34) in 1999 – 2004;
- Nissan Leopard 4 (Y33) in 1996 – 1999;
- Nissan Skyline 11 (V35) in 2001 – 2004;
- Nissan Stagea 2 (M35) in 2001 – 2004.
Specifications
| Production years | 1996-2004 |
| Displacement, cc | 2987 |
| Fuel system | NEO-Di direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 230 – 260 |
| Torque output, Nm | 295 – 325 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 24v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 93 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 73.3 |
| Compression ratio | 11 |
| Features | NDIS |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | three chains |
| Phase regulator | eVTC |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.7 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Skyline 2003) — city — highway — combined |
14.2 8.6 10.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 190 |
Disadvantages of the VQ30DD engine
Low-quality fuel consumption is linked to numerous issues with this engine;
The MAF sensor malfunctions, the high-pressure fuel pump fails, or the engine’s nozzles are continuously clogged;
Many people frequently experience detonation due to deposits on the intake valves; bad gasoline destroys the catalyst, the crumbs of which are drawn into the combustion chamber; as a result, the oil starts to burn and scuffs form on the cylinder walls.