Nissan VG30 Info
Nissan's VG engine family consists of V6 piston engines designed and produced by Nissan for several vehicles in the Nissan lineup. VG engines displace 2.0L, 3.0L, and 3.3L and feature an iron block and aluminum head. Early versions featured SOHC and 12 valves for mid-range power. Later versions featured DOHC with 24 valves and variable valve timing for increased high RPM efficiency and smoother power delivery. The VG series engine was installed in thousands of Nissan vehicles, starting in 1984. The VG design was retired in 2004, when Nissan went to the all aluminum VQ series V-6 engine. OEM availability is listed at the bottom of the page...
Versitility...
...the VG series engines are very versitile. All of the VG blocks share all of the same engine/transmission and accessory mounting bosses/locations, making mixing and matching parts from FWD to RWD configuration very easy. The VG30 and VG33 blocks are nearly identical other than bore size and minor water routing differences. Boring out a VG30 block to a VG33 bore size results in the same wall thickness as a VG33.
Performance Potential...
...the VG series engines are highly upgradable. A very stout cast iron block coupled with an equally strong girdle type iron main cap assembly, along with hi-alloy forged steel crankshafts, rolled fillet radius throughout, and long 6.071" rods have potential for around 600hp and 25+psi on the stock bottom end. Modified versions have made it to 1000hp. Maximum RPM is around 9000. Aftermarket parts for these engines include...
...low compression forged pistons for extreme boost applications
...4340 H-beam connecting rods (not required until you reach 700+hp)
...intake manifold for 2bbl holley if you want to run a carb
The VG30 is the engine used in the world dominating performance of the Electramotive GTP Nissan cars that ran the IMSA series from '85 thru '90. Remember this car?...
...it used a stock block, crank, and the early VG30E SOHC heads.
Weak Points...
...the timing belt must be changed every 60K mi as valve damage WILL result if the belt breaks.
...the exhaust studs on the early engines were weak and can snap.
...
Nissan VG30 into '86-'91 MAZDA RX-7
Conversion Parts & Prices
BASIC KITS...Just what you need to get your VG-30 engine & RWD manual or automatic transmission into place.
Easy bolt-in installation. No cutting or welding required.
Just choose one below that fits your requirements...
2VG30E BASIC KIT OPTION #1-
This kit is designed to retain the stock 300ZX exhaust manifolds
and heat shields that wrap around the rear of the engine.
RX-7 subframe must be spaced down 3/8" with included shims, but
trimming of an inner hood brace is still required for hood
clearance at the distributor.
This conversion has plenty of room for a supercharger.
Includes...
Engine Cradle
Cradle Installation Hardware
Left & Right Engine Side brackets
Transmission Crossmember-(choice of manual or automatic)
Transmission Mount Adapter Plate
Installation instructions and wiring info.......................$555.
all the above plus...
(2) Rubber Engine Mount set
(1) Rubber Transmission Mount...................................$575.
all the above plus...
Driveshaft- all new custom steel bolt-in driveshaft
complete/assembled with slip yoke and rear flange
specify slip yoke spline/diameter...............................$975.
2VG30E/DE/ET BASIC KIT OPTION #2-
This kit is designed for use with custom header or turbo manifold sets,
allowing a lower and more rearward engine location and easy exhaust routing.
This engine location clears the stock RX-7 hood.
No hood trimming or subframe shimming required.
Includes...
Engine Cradle & spuds, Bolts,
Transmission Crossmember-
(choice of manual or automatic)
Installation instructions and wiring info.......................$615.
BASIC KIT w/ DRIVESHAFT
Special package deal price (includes Nissan slip yoke).........$1015.
TACHOMETER RECALIBRATION
available on an exchange basis...................................$65.
TEMP. SENDER ADAPTER BUSHING adapts stock Mazda
temp. guage and sender to Nissan..................................$12.
...Click Here for Ordering Information...
2nd gen RX-7/VG30 Engine Cradle...this conversion uses the same engine cradle as our Chevy V-8 conversion. Easy bolt-in installation. Power steering is easily retained. No oil pan modification is required. Clearance between the VG30 rear sump oil pan and the RX-7 power steering rack is 3/16".
VG30 Engine Side Adapter Brackets...these brackets bolt directly onto the side of the VG30 using the existing engine mount holes. Common off-the-shelf OEM style rubber mounts (NAPA PN#602-1108) are used.
2nd gen RX-7/VG30 Transmission Crossmember...our transmission mount adapter plate allows using a common inexpensive OEM style rubber mount (NAPA PN#620-1024). The transmission crossmember itself was designed using laser alignment for perfectly parallel transmission output shaft and differential pinion shaft centerlines, insuring a vibration-free installation.
VG30...
...the plain VG30 is a 3L (2960 cc) engine produced from April 1987 through 1996. It has a long crank snout and a knock sensor in the cylinder valley.
Applications:
...1987-1995 Nissan Pickup
...1987-1995 Nissan Pathfinder
VG30E...
...the 3.0L (2995 cc) VG30E produces 160 hp and 174 ft.lb. Bore is 3.43 in (87 mm) and stroke is 3.27 in (83 mm).
Applications:
...1984–1989 Nissan 300ZX
...1987–1988 Nissan 200SX SE
...1984–1993 Nissan Maxima
...1990–1991 Infiniti M30
...1987 Nissan Pick-up
...1987 Nissan Pathfinder
...1992–1995 Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager
VG30ET...
...the 3.0L VG30ET was available in early production with a single Garrett T3 turbocharger producing 200 hp and 230 ft.lb. It was later changed to a single Garrett T25 turbocharger to reduce turbo lag, and was bumped to 200 hp and 235 ft.lb. Neither engine was equipped with an intercooler as they both featured low boost pressure.
Applications:
...1984–1989 Nissan 300ZX Turbo
VG30DE...
...the 3.0L (2995 cc) VG30DE produces 240 hp and 227 ft.lb. Bore is 3.43 in (87 mm) and stroke is 3.27 in (83 mm).
Applications:
...1990–1996 Nissan 300ZX
...1993–1998 Infiniti J30
VG30DETT...
...the 3.0L VG30DETT produces 300 hp and 280 ft.lb. It featured twin T25 turbochargers, twin intercoolers and variable valve timing.
Applications:
...1990–1996 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo
VG33E...
...the VG33E is a 3.3L (3275 cc) version built in Smyrna, TN. Bore is 91.5 mm and stroke is 83 mm. Output is 180 hp at 4800 RPM with 202 ft.lb of torque at 2800 RPM. It has an cast iron engine block and aluminum SOHC cylinder heads. It uses SFI fuel injection, has 2 valves per cylinder with roller followers and features forged steel connecting rods, a one-piece cast camshaft, and a cast aluminum intake manifold.
Applications:
...1996–2000 Nissan Pathfinder
...2000–2004 Nissan Frontier
...2000–2004 Nissan Xterra
VG33ER...
...the 3.3L VG33ER or VG33S is supercharged and produces 210 hp at 4800 RPM with 246 ft.lb of torque at 2800 RPM.
Applications:
2000–2004 Nissan Frontier SC
2000–2004 Nissan Xterra SC
