Nissan RB20E engine
The Nissan RB20E engine was introduced in 1984 and was produced until 2002. This is the smallest motor of the entire legendary RB series. It is believed that it is a replacement for the old L20.
It is RB20E that is the very first version in the entire line. She received six cylinders arranged in a row in a cast-iron block, and a short-stroke crankshaft.
On top, the manufacturer put an aluminum head with one shaft and two valves on the cylinder. Depending on the generation and modification, the power was 115-130 hp.
Features
ICE parameters correspond to the table:
| Features | Parameters |
|---|---|
| Exact volume | 1.99 l |
| Power | 115-130 h.p. |
| Torque | 167-181 at 4400 rpm |
| Cylinder block | Cast iron |
| Supply system | Injection |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Number of valves | 2 per cylinder (12 pieces) |
| Fuel | Gasoline AI-95 |
| Combined flow | 11 L by 100 km |
| Engine oil volume | 4.2 l |
| Required viscosity | Depends on season and engine condition. 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40 |
| Oil change via | 15000 km, better - after 7.5 thousand |
| Possible oil waste | 500 grams per 1000 km |
| Engine resource | Over 400 thousand kilometers. |
The specified characteristics correspond to the first version of the motor.
Vehicles with RB20E engine
The power plant was first installed on a Nissan Skyline car in 1985, the last time it was installed on a Nissan Crew in 2002, although the car itself was produced until 2009 based on other engines.
List of models with RB20E engine:
- Stegea – 1996-1998.
- Skyline – 1985-1998.
- Laurel – 1991-1997.
- Crew – 1993-2002.
- Cefiro – 1988-199
This unit has successfully existed on the market for 18 years, which indicates its reliability and demand.
Modifications
The original RB20E is not interesting. This is a classic 6-cylinder in-line engine with classic performance. The second version was called RB20ET - it was a turbocharged engine that “blew” 0.5 bar.
Engine power reached 170 hp. That is, the original version received a significant increase in power. However, some modifications with a turbocharger had a power of 145 hp.
In 1985, Nissan introduced the RB20DE ICE, which later became the most famous in the line. Its highlight is a 24-valve cylinder head with individual ignition coils. Other changes also took place: intake system, new crankshaft, connecting rods, ECU. These engines were installed on the Nissan Skyline R31 and R32, Laurel and Cefiro models, they could develop power up to 165 hp. These motors were produced for a long time and became widespread.
By tradition, the most successful modification of Nissan installed a 16V turbocharger, giving a pressure of 0.5 bar. The model was called RB20DET, the compression ratio was reduced to 8.5, modified nozzles, connecting rods, pistons, cylinder head gasket were used inside. Motor power was 180-190 hp.
There was also a version of the RB20DET Silver top - this is the same RB20DET, but with the ECCS system. Its power reached 215 hp. at 6400 rpm. In 1993, this unit was discontinued, as a 2.5-liter version appeared - RB25DE, which could develop the same power, but without a turbocharger.
In 2000, the manufacturer slightly modified the RB20DE engines in order to fit its characteristics into environmental standards. This is how the NEO modification with a reduced content of harmful substances in the exhaust appeared. She received a new crankshaft, an upgraded cylinder head, an ECU and an intake system, and the engineers were also able to remove the hydraulic lifters. Engine power has not changed significantly - the same 155 hp. This unit is found on Skyline R34, Laurel C35, Stegea C34.
Service
All versions of RB25DE engines, except for NEO, do not need valve adjustment, as they are equipped with hydraulic compensators. They also received a timing belt drive. The belt must be replaced after 80-100 thousand kilometers, but if a suspicious whistle appears from under the hood or the speed floats, an urgent replacement may be required.
When the timing belt breaks, the pistons bend the valve, which is accompanied by costly repairs.
Otherwise, engine maintenance comes down to standard procedures: changing oils, filters, using high-quality fuel. With proper maintenance, these engines will cover more than 200 thousand kilometers without major repairs.
Problems
The entire RB series, including the RB25DE engines, is reliable. These power plants are devoid of serious design and technological miscalculations that would lead to a block split or other serious problems. These engines have a problem with ignition coils - they fail, and then the engine troit. They are recommended to be changed after 100 thousand kilometers. Also, the entire RB series is gluttonous, so the increased gas mileage when driving in the city or even on the highway should not surprise the owner.
The rest of the problems in the form of oil leakage or its waste are typical and characteristic of all internal combustion engines. For the most part, they are associated with natural aging.
Tuning
Masters say that it is possible to achieve more power from the RB20DE, but this is a waste of time and money. It is easier and cheaper to buy a contract RB20DET with a turbine, which will allow you to quickly increase power.
But RB20DET can already be improved. The fact is that it does not use the best turbocharger, which is difficult to tune. But it manages to “inflate” it to 0.8 bar, which gives about 270 hp. To do this, new nozzles (from the RB20DETT engine), candles, intercooler and other elements are installed on the RB26DET.
There is an option to change the turbine to TD06 20G, which will add even more power - up to 400 hp. There is not much point in moving further, since there is an RB25DET motor with a similar power.
Conclusion
The Nissan RB20E engine is a reliable unit with a long resource, which is now obsolete. On the roads of Russia, there are still cars with this engine on a steady pace. However, in any case, due to natural aging, their resource is coming to an end.
The relevant resources sell RB20E contract engines worth 30-40 thousand rubles (the final price depends on the condition and mileage). After decades, these motors are still working and being sold, which confirms their reliability.
