Im working on a new project with my s12 and I was curious what are the difference and the similarities of the VGXXE motors. I just need to know the basic stuff like are the blocks the same, the heads, the intake manifolds, and the bore and stroke on the vg33e?

any help would be appreciated

thanks Robbie

from what i've read on the m30 forums.

Oh, and the VG33E found in the pathfinder/exterra/frontier also has a 9.0:1 CR. The engine is the same as the VG30E (same as in same cams, heads, valves, rods etc) the only difference is the pistons, they have a larger bore, the stroke is the same as the VG30E.

depends on which block you have now though because there two different series of blocks out there. Early series produced from 5/83 to 3/87 and these dont share alot of compatibility with the later seires from 4/87-present. Physical dimensions yes, rods, pistons, block, and heads NO. peace.

I have a 1999 Frontier XE/SE 5-speed 4x4 w/ 3.3L VG33e and I have a 1988 Nissan Pickup Automatic 3.0L. Can the 3.0L VG30e replace the VG33e in my '99 model?

Yes and no... as a direct replacement no. The cranks are different between the two, which will throw off how your accessories mount up. The VG33 crank pulley won't fit on the VG30 crank snout and the VG30 crank pulley won't line up with the VG33's accessories.

From there, you have two options. You can either put the VG30 and its own accessories into the '99 or you can put the VG33's crank, oil pump, timing sprocket and cam gears, oil pickup, oil pan, oil filter block plate, crank pulley, accessory brackets and accessories on the VG30 block (along with any other needed swap parts like intake and exhaust manifolds, clutch and flywheel, etc.)

You can definitely make it work, but it will take quite a bit of work to pull off and either way, putting the VG30 in the VG33's place will cause a loss of power. Personally... if there's something wrong with the VG33 I would just replace it or rebuild it. There are a ton of those engines listed here: http://www.car-part.com

SOHC---------Bore---vs--Stroke---C/R-----Interference3.3L----91.5mm---83mm----8.9---------Yes3.0L----87mm-----83mm-----9.0---------Yes <--Villager/Quest

Villager/quest 3.0L specs are the same as the 3.3L except the bore is 87mm.Some 3.0L depending on year have the same crank as the 3.3L

Blocks are different between 3.3 and 3.0, mainly bore and some coolant passages. I've also noticed at least 3 diff 3.3L blocks (minor differences).

Heads are different but are swappable (minor modification needed when swapping in 3.0L heads -> 3.3L block) Not sure about swapping in 3.3L heads on 3.0L block though...hmm good question to ask some VGP members... (brb)

Cranks can be swapped.All 3.3L are "w-series", but lost the "new" coolant passages. These are irrelevant anyways.

Stay tuned...VGP's pages are growing and theres more of this info to come.

Modified by Zdaddy at 11:12 PM 3/13/2008
Modified by Zdaddy at 8:02 AM 4/2/2008

Zdaddy wrote:Some 3.0L depending on year have the same crank as the 3.3L

That's very interesting... do you know which ones came with that crank??

I recant that. There are so many minor differences between them all that its not even funny. Just when you think you know them all, along comes a difference that wasn't expected, and walla! Suddenly you don't know it all.

In general it is the 96+ cranks that have the same diameter, that's as much as I know. I haven't measured all their snout lengths and, keyways, oil pump fitment etc and so fourth. Sorry that was an overgeneralized statement on my part. So my bad. But I'd put a nice wager on the fact that 96+ SOHC cranks are very compatible...if not directly swappable. But that's coming from ignorance. One day VGP will have a differences section and in that section will be a crank category with pictures and info of every type of VG crank.

Anyone wanna help? Send pictures and any info you have to *REDACTED*

I have a long and short nose 30E crank as well as a TT crank. I'll get some pictures and send them your way.

great!

I wanted to ask the same question, but the answers from some of you are just plain off the mark - read his question. Basically, Can I swap out a VG30E with a VG33E. In other words, do the motor mounts and transmission match up and do I need to consider any mechanical differences if I haev a 4x4? I don't want to hear about the stupid crank - it's irrelevant. From your experience, are the motors basically interchangeable?