I've been doing some work on my 88 Wagon, trying to get everything cleaned up from the lack of maintenance the previous owner gave it.

However, the engine layout does not match that shown in the shop manual. In particular, the intake is different, along with the positioning of some of the other components. The intake in the manual comes around from the right to the front, and then splits to either side.

I've been told that I have the stock VG30 engine, as the name plate shows, and that the intake was changed. Does anybody know what this intake is from, or recognize anything unique? Any possible reason that this might have been replaced?







And while I'm here.. what's the difference between the VG30 and the VG30E? Does the E being in parenthesis on the name plate signify anything?

 

The intake configuration you are referring to is for the later (89+) VG motor. The one you have in your 88 is the earlier model vg with single port intake (one opening in the intake at inlet/TB) the later vg's have a dual port TB/intake inlet. What you have is the original setup for an 88. E stand for electronic fuel injection..use the search function to get all the engine designation information.

 

Thanks. From responses in the 1st-2nd gen forum, it looks like my manual (Chiltons, which supposedly covers 85-92) really only covers 89-92, as all of the diagrams and pictures reference the dual-port design. Oh well. Does anybody have a good reccomendation for a second-gen shop manual?

 

my Haynes Manual(85-92) uses pics/diagrams mostly from the pre- '89 VG like yours...I'd suggest you get that one instead!!