The Nissan VG30T is a 2,960 cc, 60° V6 turbocharged petrol engine produced between 1984 and 1989. It features a cast-iron block, aluminium heads, and a single Garrett T3 turbocharger with an air-to-air intercooler. In standard form for the 300ZX, it delivered 160 kW (215 PS) and 319 Nm of torque, providing strong, linear power delivery for grand touring.
Fitted primarily to the Z31 300ZX Turbo, the VG30T was engineered for spirited performance and highway cruising refinement. Emissions compliance for its era was managed through electronic fuel injection and an early three-way catalytic converter system, meeting applicable Japanese and North American standards of the mid-1980s.
One documented concern is premature failure of the turbocharger's oil seals, leading to oil consumption and potential bearing damage. This issue, referenced in Nissan Service Bulletin NTB86-089, is often linked to heat soak after hard driving without adequate cool-down. Nissan later revised the turbo oil drain line routing and recommended extended idle periods post-drive.
Production years 1984–1989 meet applicable Japanese and US EPA standards for their model year (VCA UK Type Approval not applicable for this non-EU market engine).
The Nissan VG30T is a 2,960 cc 60° V6 turbocharged petrol engine engineered for sports coupes (1984-1989). It combines electronic fuel injection with a single turbocharger and intercooler to deliver strong, linear power and grand touring capability. Designed to meet 1980s emissions standards, it balances performance with the technology of its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,960 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V6, SOHC, 12-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged, intercooled | |
| Bore × stroke | 87.0 mm × 83.0 mm | |
| Power output | 160 kW (215 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 319 Nm @ 3,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch L-Jetronic) | |
| Emissions standard | 1980s US EPA / Japanese standards | |
| Compression ratio | 7.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T3 (Air-to-air intercooler) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The turbo provides strong mid-range thrust but requires a 30-60 second idle cool-down period after spirited driving to prevent oil coking in the turbo bearings. Using high-quality 10W-40 oil is recommended for turbo protection. The low 7.8:1 compression ratio necessitates premium fuel to prevent detonation under boost. The Bosch L-Jetronic system is robust but sensitive to vacuum leaks; maintaining all hoses is critical. The intercooler is susceptible to heat soak in traffic; ensuring its ducting is intact improves consistency.
Oil Specs: Recommends SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Nissan Owner's Manual Z31, 1986). Modern synthetic 10W-40 is often preferred for turbo longevity.
Emissions: Meets 1980s US EPA and Japanese standards (Nissan Service Bulletin NTB86-089). Not certified for EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE net standards. Output is for stock US-spec 300ZX Turbo (Nissan TIS Doc. VG-30T-04).
Nissan Technical Information System (TIS): Docs VG-30T-01, VG-30T-02, VG-30T-03
Nissan Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC): Doc. VG-8876
Nissan Service Bulletin: NTB86-089
Nissan Owner's Manual: 300ZX (Z31), 1986 Model Year
The Nissan VG30T was used exclusively in Nissan's Z31 platform with longitudinal rear-wheel-drive mounting. This engine received specific adaptations for the 300ZX Turbo, including a reinforced transmission bellhousing and a unique engine wiring harness. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left side of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Nissan TIS VG-30T-01). The 8th VIN digit for the Z31 Turbo is 'T'. Visually, it is distinguished from the naturally aspirated VG30E by the presence of a turbocharger, intercooler, and associated piping on the driver's side. The intake plenum is also unique to the turbo model. Critical differentiation: The VG30T uses a different ECU and has a lower compression ratio than the VG30E.
The VG30T's primary reliability risk is turbocharger failure due to oil seal degradation, with elevated incidence in vehicles driven hard without cool-down. Nissan Service Bulletin NTB86-089 details the issue, while owner reports frequently cite vacuum leaks as a secondary cause of running problems. Adherence to the cool-down procedure and using quality oil make turbo longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (1984-1989) and owner-reported failure data (1990-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about NISSAN VG30T.
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