So I purchased a 1998 infiniti I30 saturday morning at an auction for $600. Didnt have a key so I didnt know if it even worked. Started it by removing the switch and turns out it runs perfectly with no probs. Has 180k and is in good conditions

Anyway my question is, Does the i30 come with VQ30DE-K? Cause I already own a 96 maxima and the motor looks sorda different. Has the red cap and plastic manifold. Dont know much about the k motor since i bumped from a 4th gen to a 5.5 gen lol. Thanks

 

No, the 98 I30 did not come with the DEK. The previous owner either swapped the whole engine or maybe just did the upper manifold.

If you post up a pic standing at the driver's headlight and focus on the manifold, we'll be able to tell you if it was a full swap or just the manifold swap by looking for the coolant pipe that runs under the manifold (DEK motor).

 

Maybe if you posted some pics, we could tell you. But the engine is pretty similiar overall. The pollution control stuff is different than your 96.

May the service manual will help you.
http://boredmder.com/FSMs/Infiniti/I30/

 

Yea it's only a DEK manifold. Compared it to a 2001 today. Thanks. Now I'm not sure weather to keep it or resell. Seems to be running very well