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Infiniti VG30E specs: 3.0L (181 ci) 6-cylinder, 87 x 83 mm (3.4252 x 3.2677 in) bore and stroke. Rated 160 hp, 1984–1989. Used in the Nissan Z. SOHC.
The Infiniti VG30E is close to square: 3.4252" bore against 3.2677" stroke, within 4.8%, which splits the difference between a high-revving layout and a torque layout. The 3.2677" stroke does not reach 4,000 ft/min of mean piston speed until about 7,350 RPM, so piston speed is not what limits this engine's revs — valvetrain and breathing are. Each of the 6 cylinders displaces 30.2 ci (494 cc).
It is one of 8 engines in the VG family, the smallest at 181 ci. 6 factory variants share these dimensions, rated at 160 hp across 1984–1989.
| Displacement | 181 ci / 3 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.4252" |
| Stroke | 3.2677" |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Configuration | V6 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 1.048 |
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | aluminum |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 160 hp |
| Years | 1984–1989 |
| Bore/stroke character | 1.048 — square — bore and stroke are within 5%, a balanced compromise |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,268 ft/min — conservative for a street engine |
| Displacement per cylinder | 30.2 ci |
Each link opens the calculator with this engine's specs already filled in.
These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | 160 hp | VG30E |
| 1985 | 160 hp | VG30E |
| 1986 | 160 hp | VG30E |
| 1987 | 160 hp | VG30E |
| 1988 | — | VG30E |
| 1989 | — | VG30E |