Fully Explore "VG30ET Modifications"

How to modify and upgrade the Nissan VG30ET

"Comprehensive guide to tuning the Nissan VG30ET engine!"

Today, we embark on a journey into the heart of automotive nostalgia as we explore the potential and charm of the VG30ET engine. Have you ever wondered how to infuse your VG30ET-powered ride with a dose of modern performance while honoring its timeless roots?

The Nissan VG30ET, a distinguished member of the VG engine family, made its mark in the automotive world during the 1980s. This turbocharged gem, featured in models like the Nissan 300ZX, brought a thrilling combination of power and sophistication to the roads. As we reminisce about its glory days, it's essential to note that this engine's production spanned from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s.

Picture this: a V6 powerhouse boasting a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per cylinder bank, driving a robust 205 horsepower and 227 lb-ft of torque in its prime. The VG30ET was a pioneer, not just in performance but also as a precursor to the technological advancements we see in engines today.

But why dwell on the past when the road ahead is paved with possibilities for modification and upgrade? If you've ever envisioned unlocking more power, precision, and perhaps a touch of contemporary flair in your VG30ET-powered vehicle, you're in for a treat. In the paragraphs to come, we'll be your guide through the landscape of modifications and upgrades, aiming to make your Nissan not just a relic of the past but a revived and dynamic performer.

This isn't just an article; it's an invitation to join a community of enthusiasts. Have you embarked on your own VG30ET project? Share your experiences, ask questions, and let's build a vibrant space for collective automotive passion in the comments below.

Get ready because the next part of our journey is about detailing the best mods and upgrades for your Nissan VG30ET, ensuring you not only save time but also experience the joy of driving a finely-tuned turbocharged classic.

TorqueCars are regularly getting messages requesting info on how to improve the VG30ET from people wanting to know what are the things tuners recommend when it comes to VG30ET power upgrades. So let us look into Nissan VG30ET tuning mods and outline the best modifications on this great engine and point out some potential pitfalls along the way.

Our aim here is to look at VG30ET tuning and summarise the ultimate modifications. Nissan VG30ET have loads of potential and with the optimum modifications like a remap, turbo upgrades and camshafts you will greatly improve your driving pleasure.

Just because particular upgrades are are common on VG30ET it doesn't mean it is good, instead we will concentrate on the best upgrades that will give your VG30ET the best power gain for you spend.

Without us subscribing to the misaprehension of 'if it's shiny and makes more noise it must be good' you seem to get in many tuning magazines and on car forums'.

Improving air intake on the VG30ET

You need air matched to fuel for an engine to work. If there is little supply of fuel then it will run lean, if there is insufficient air it runs rich losing power . We'll pick up on fuelling later in this article but for now we shall look at air supply.

So Pulling more air and fuel into your VG30ET is the main goal to any engine tuning task.

You'll commonly see there's a limitation in the air flow sensor AFM/MAF on the VG30ET when considerably more air is being sucked into the engine.

You'll see that 4 bar air sensors coping with quite large power gains, whereas the OEM air sensor sapped power at a much lower level.

Intake flow the air during the suck phase from the filter and allow it to be pulled into the engine and mixed with fuel.

The bore size, shape and flow characteristics of the air Intake manifold can make a substantial improvement to fuel delivery on the VG30ET.

I usually find headers are needing a performance upgrade, although some makers provide reasonably good headers.

Larger VG30ET valves, doing a bit of port work and head flowing will also lift power, and importantly will permit a greater power increase on other modifications.

VG30ET performance cam tips.

Different VG30ET engines respond better to mild cam durations check your engine on a rolling road.

The ecu map and fuelling also have an effect on the bhp gains you'll make.

Altering valve durations can alter the bhp band and on most engines the exhaust and intake durations do not need to match, although most cams and tuners use matched pairs there are some advantages to extending the intake or exhaust durations.

Significant air intake, and exhaust improvements on the VG30ET can be made from camshaft upgrades. Changing the camshaft profile alters the intake and exhaust durations on the engine and can dramatically change the engines power and power output.

NB: Fast road cams commonly increase the power over the rev range, you could drop a little low down bhp but your top end will be higher.

Motorsport and race cams, increase the top end band but as a result the car will not idle smoothly and low end power nearly always suffers.

In a car used daily you need to optimize your torque band to your usage of the car.

I'd be amazed if you find a VG30ET Motorsport camshaft is a pleasure to live with when driving in heavy traffic.

Stage 1, 2 and 3 mods for the VG30ET

Before we break the best tuning upgrades down into stages of tune, let's list the most effective tuning upgrades for you.

1. Suspension Upgrades - always improve your cars handling
2. Brake Upgrades - Even before adding power improve those brakes
3. Intake - make sure the intake is not restricted, use filters and intake upgrades to improve this
4. Exhaust - as with 3 ensure there is not restriction in the exhaust, cats are the usual bottleneck
5. Tunes - remapping, piggyback ECU's and aftermarket ECU's can all make decent gains
6. Fuelling - when you've increased power you'll need to match this with more fuel
7. Turbo upgrades - Improving the intake with a large turbo and better flowing intercooler will be the biggest power gain you'll see (but one of the most complex).

This video guide to tuning cars is a great starting point to work from in your project.

Stage 1 VG30ET parts:

Fast road camshaft, Panel air filters, Remaps/piggy back ECU, Sports exhaust manifold, Drilled & smoothed airbox, Intake headers.

Stage 2 VG30ET parts:

induction kit, Fast road cam, Ported and polished head, Sports catalyst & performance exhaust, high flow fuel injectors, fuel pump upgrades.

Stage 3 VG30ET parts:

Competition cam, Internal engine upgrades (head flowing porting/bigger valves), Engine balancing & blueprinting, Twin charging conversions, Crank and Piston upgrades to alter compression, Adding or Upgrading forced induction (turbo/supercharger).

ECU mapping helps unlock the full potential of all the upgrades you've done to your VG30ET.

You will typically expect to see gains of approximately 20-30% more power on turbocharged vehicles and you can expect to see around 15% on NASP engines, but your mileage will rely on the upgrades you've carried out and the condition of your engine.

Turbo modifications on the VG30ET

To get a turbo working on a NASP engine there is a lot involved, from lowering compression ratio to improved fuel supply and mapping, so we have found a great guide to helpavoid the common pitfalls or end up with an unfinished project because you were not told what you were getting into by doing this on the VG30ET.

The more air you can get into an engine, the more fuel it can burn and uprating the induction with a turbocharger upgrade makes major power gains.

If the engine has forced induction tuning parts are relatively easy and most turbo charged engines are made using better components.

There are weak spots for every engine, with some being extremely strong and some just sufficiently able to handle stock power

It is important to find these restrictions and install higher quality crank and pistons to handle the power.

There are many drivers spending a fortune on turbocharger upgrades on the VG30ET only to see the car literally blow up soon after it's been finished.

Larger turbo chargers often experience no power at low rpm, and little turbo chargers spool up more quickly but won't have the peak end engines power gains.

In recent times the world of turbo units is always improving and we now see variable vane turbo units, allowing the vane profile is altered according to speed to lower lag and increase top end torque.

Twin scroll turbo units divert the exhaust gases into a couple of channels and push these at differently designed vanes in the turbo. They also boost the scavenging effect of the engine.

Beefing up the air intake by adding a supercharger or additional turbo will help you achieve very large torque gains, although more complex to install. We have this article on twincharging if you want to read more.

Tips about fuel supply on the VG30ET

Don't overlook the need to increase the fuelling when you are increasing the bhp - it makes the car more thirsty. Experienced tuners recommend to over specify your injectors flow rate.

As a rule of thumb add another 15% when buying an injector, this takes into account injector deterioration and gives a bit of spare capacity should the engine need more fuel.

Don't forget that different fuel grades will usually require different settings, a high octane fuel will burn more efficiently than lower octane fuel for example. A car will trim fuel supply to keep within the ideal air fuel mix but at the extreme ends you may need to adjust your injector capacity, or the mapping or you'll get flat spots and potential lean or rich fuel issues..

Recommended VG30ET performance exhaust upgrades

Only look to upgrade your exhaust system with an upgraded one is if the current exhaust is creating a restriction in flow.

On most factory exhausts you should find that the exhaust flow rate is still ok even on modest power gains, but on a serious tuning project with a big boost in power you will certainly need to get a better flowing exhaust.

Sports exhausts can usually air flow through the engine but do not go too big or you could will reduce the flow rate. Stick to one and a half to two and half inches for best results.

Typically exhaust restrictions can be located the emissions filters installed, so adding a faster flowing high performance alternative will help avoid this restriction.

Decatting (NB:catalysts reduce harmful engine emissions) is illegal in most countries and regions.

Faults issues and things to look out for on the VG30ET

Like most engines an VG30ET, should have few issues if it gets properly serviced and looked after.

We cannot stress enough the need for oil changes with the correct grade of oil on the VG30ET, failure to do this will exacerbate engine wear, on a tuned VG30ET this is more important than ever and close attention should be paid to your maintenance schedule.

If you are interested in learning more or getting impartial tuning advice for your VG30ET why not pop over to the forums at TorqueCars where you can chat about VG30ET tuning options and read about others projects who may be planning to do similar modifications on their VG30ET.

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This entry was posted under Makes and Models. Tags: engine, nissan
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