The Nissan 300ZX used a 3.0-liter VG-series V6 engine family, with naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants across two generations: VG30E and VG30ET in the Z31, and VG30DE and VG30DETT in the Z32.
Across its lifespan, the 300ZX evolved from an early single-overhead-cam design to a modern dual-overhead-cam, 24-valve configuration, with a turbocharged option that defined its performance image. The sections below break down the engine lineup by generation.
Z31 generation (1983–1989)
Engine options
In the Z31 generation, buyers were offered two main VG-series engine variants: a naturally aspirated 3.0 L V6 and a turbocharged version to boost performance.
- VG30E — 3.0 L naturally aspirated V6; used in the non-turbo Z31 models.
- VG30ET — 3.0 L turbocharged V6; used in the 300ZX Turbo models.
These engine choices defined the Z31’s performance spectrum, with the turbocharged version delivering substantially more power and torque than the naturally aspirated one.
Z32 generation (1990–1996)
Engine options
In the Z32 generation, Nissan transitioned to a DOHC 3.0 L V6 with two configurations: a naturally aspirated setup and a Twin-Turbo variant, both part of the VG30DE family.
- VG30DE — 3.0 L naturally aspirated DOHC V6; used in the NA Z32 models.
- VG30DETT — 3.0 L twin-turbo DOHC V6; used in the Turbo models, delivering higher performance.
In practice, the Twin-Turbo variant provided significantly more horsepower and torque than the naturally aspirated version, reinforcing the Z32’s performance-oriented image.
Engine design overview
Across both generations, the 300ZX centered on Nissan’s 3.0-liter VG-series V6 engines, shifting from a single-overhead-cam setup in early NA models to a more modern DOHC, 24-valve design in later NA and Turbo variants. The Twin-Turbo variant offered boosted performance through turbocharging.
Summary
Bottom line: the 300ZX’s powertrain revolved around the VG-series 3.0 L V6 engines, with natural aspiration and turbocharged options across Z31 and Z32 generations. The Z31 used VG30E and VG30ET; the Z32 used VG30DE and VG30DETT, giving a range from everyday NA performance to high-performance turbocharged capability.
Notes: Specifications can vary by market and year; consult specific model-year literature for exact figures, emissions equipment, and trim-level differences.