whew! I thought this engine was an INTERFERENCE ENGINE, meaning if the timing belt snaps, you may bend the valves or worse, causing lots of $$$$ to fix it!

when I first inquire about this on Nissan Tech section of the boards...

post3399563.html?hilit=2002%20nissan%20 ... e#p3399563

But, as I came up to the recommended change interval, and then exceed it (because i'm low on $ and was busy), I started to get antsy

but since this section of the site is relatively barren in comparison to other sections, I joined a yahoo group that's full of more knowledgeable people about this particular minivan & was amazed about what I've found.
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From the workshop manual, first page:

The 3.3L (200 CID) OHC V6 engine is a free-wheeling engine with an in-head dual camshaft design. Two
camshaft sprockets, a crankshaft sprocket, and a single timing belt connect the camshafts to the crankshaft.
Hydraulic valve tappets are used to provide maintenance-free valve clearance.
The crankshaft is supported in the cylinder block by a one-piece crankshaft main bearing cap. The onepiece crankshaft main bearing cap provides for increased rigidity and reduced vibration.
The oil pump is bolted to the front of the cylinder block and is crankshaft driven by a trochoid gear.

resource: yahoo quest/ villager car group's files

SECTION 303-01: Engine 2002 Villager Workshop Manual
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION Procedure revision date: 06/07/2001

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Soo both the VG30E (gen 1) and VG33E (of the 2nd gen) are FREEWHEELING! yay!

But, just to be sure, can someone from Nissan tech or here confirm this and finally put it to rest?

this will surely give me more time to find some $$$ and have this done at a later date or when it finally snaps & I can just tow it to the shop when the belt finally goes

i have worked on this car when the timing belt breaks it is non inteference. the car shuts down and can't be restarted.

Either I'm the luckiest man on the planet or the 3.3 l v6 frountier is non-interference
My 2003 Frontier has had the belt break twice with no valve damage. I believe the same 3.3l engine was used through 2004

You could have found all that information right here:

www.nissanservicemanual.com