Z31 Engine Information and Specifications

VG30 Series Specifications

USDM United States Domestic Market

VG30E Specs:

Early 1984 to 5/1987 VG30ET USDM Specs:

1984-1987 turbo cars came with a Nissan made Garrett T3 Turbocharger.
The engine was either type A or type B (1984 to April 1987), with press fit wrist pins.

Late 5/1987-1989 VG30ET USDM Specs:

1988+ turbo cars came with a Nissan made Garrett T25 Turbocharger.
The W-series engines featured redesigned water jackets, fully floating piston wrist pins, and more power.

JDM Japanese Domestic Market

VG30ET Specs:

The VG30ET was the same as the USDM motors but made about 5 less horsepower due to emission standards.

European Market

VG30ET Specs:

The European models made 230 hp (170 kW) in turbo form due to a better camshaft profile (Nismo camshafts). Some models were also equipped without catalytic converters.

VG20ET Series Specifications

The VG20ET offered in the Japanese 200Z, 200ZG, and 200ZS was basically a VG30ET with the bore and stroke decreased. The turbo had two different settings: closed at low speeds (improving response), open at high speeds (improving flow), with a maximum angle of 27-degrees and A/R ranging from 0.21 to 0.77.

Though the intake and exhaust manifolds look similar to the VG30ET units, they do not interchange due to the smaller deck height of the VG20.

VG20ET Specs:

VG30DE Series Specifications

The VG30DE was an early version of the motor used in the later 90+ 300ZX. It featured a slightly different block, dual overhead cam heads, and 24 valves with Nissan's own variable valve timing (NVCV) for increased high RPM efficiency. The production blocks and heads were used successfully in Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo and NPT-90 race cars (IMSA GT Champions 3 years).

The easiest way to spot a VG30DE block is there are only 8 head bolts vs the VG30E(T) having 13.

VG30DE Specs:

RB20DET Series Specifications

The 200ZR had the last straight six offered in a Z, the RB20DET. These early twin-cam RBs (identified by their red ribbed cam cover) run a relatively low 8.5:1 static compression ratio, 24 valve DOHC, and a ceramic wheeled turbocharger with an air-to-air intercooler fed by the 200ZR’s hood scoop. It also used a NICS dual-stage twin-runner ignition system, a hot-wire airflow meter, and direct-fire ignition.

The RB20DET has a cast iron block and aluminum head. All RB engines have belt-driven camshafts and all cam lobes move only one valve.

RB20DET Specs:

RB20DET Camshaft Specs: