Nissan L28 Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan L28 |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 6-cylinder SOHC 12-valve liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 168 cu.in (2.75 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 135-150 Hp (101-112 kW) at 5200 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Twin down-draft or single carburetors |
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The Nissan L28 is a 2.8-liter inline-six
gasoline engine and one of the most significant members of Nissan’s
legendary L-series family. Introduced in the mid-1970s and produced well
into the 1980s, the L28 powered the iconic Datsun/Nissan 280Z and 280ZX
sports cars, as well as several large sedans in various global markets.
Its architecture - cast-iron block, aluminum overhead-cam cylinder head,
robust seven-bearing crankshaft, durable timing chain, and strong
internal components - resulted in an engine known for exceptional
reliability, long life, and tuning potential.
The L28 appeared in multiple configurations, including the carbureted
L28 (early export versions), the fuel-injected L28E, and the
turbocharged L28ET. The naturally aspirated L28 focused on smooth torque
delivery, dependable performance, and ease of maintenance. Its
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system on L28E variants significantly
improved drivability, emissions, and fuel control. Today the L28 remains
immensely popular among enthusiasts restoring classic Z cars due to its
combination of durability, smoothness, and strong aftermarket support.
The Nissan L28 is a water-cooled, inline-six, four-stroke gasoline
engine with a displacement of 2753 cc (168 cubic inches). Bore is 86.0
mm (3.39 in) and stroke is 79.0 mm (3.11 in). This configuration is
slightly oversquare, emphasizing smooth high-rpm operation and strong
mid-range torque.
Compression ratio varies by version:
- Early carbureted L28: approx. 8.3:1
- L28E (EFI): approx. 8.6:1-8.8:1
Power output (naturally aspirated
versions):
- L28 carbureted: approx. 135-145 hp (101-108 kW) at 5200 rpm
- L28E: approx. 135-150 hp (101-112 kW) at 5200 rpm
Torque output: 144-160 lb-ft (195-217 Nm) around 3600-4400 rpm. Firing
order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Idle speed is 700-800 rpm depending on EFI or
carburetor configuration.
The block is cast iron with thick cylinder walls that tolerate multiple
overbore rebuilds. The forged-steel crankshaft uses seven main bearings
- one of the most durable bottom-end designs of its era. This
configuration produces exceptional smoothness and longevity.
Connecting rods are forged steel with large bearing surfaces. Pistons
are lightweight aluminum alloy with three-ring packs: two compression
rings and one oil ring. Piston crown designs vary slightly between
carbureted and EFI versions but all are optimized for wedge-type
combustion chambers.
The aluminum cylinder head uses a single overhead camshaft (SOHC)
operating two valves per cylinder (12 valves total). The camshaft is
driven by a double-row steel timing chain with a hydraulic tensioner and
steel guide rails, known for long service life.
Valve sizes (std):
- Intake valves: approx. 44 mm (1.73 in)
- Exhaust valves: approx. 35 mm (1.38 in)
Valve lash is manually adjustable:
- Intake: 0.25 mm (0.010 in) cold
- Exhaust: 0.30 mm (0.012 in) cold
Combustion chambers are wedge-shaped, promoting efficient burn
characteristics, acceptable emissions, and good torque.
Fuel delivery systems vary by version:
1. Carbureted L28
Uses dual down-draft Hitachi carburetors (export markets) or a single
carburetor in select regions. Simple, reliable, and easy to rebuild.
2. L28E - Electronic Fuel Injection
Uses Bosch L-Jetronic multi-point EFI licensed by Nissan.
Key components include:
- Air Flow Meter (AFM)
- Six solenoid-type injectors
- Throttle body with TPS (throttle-position switch)
- Coolant temperature sensor
- Fuel pressure regulator (approx. 36 psi base pressure)
- Electric fuel pump
EFI dramatically improved cold starting, throttle response, emissions,
and fuel economy.
A full-pressure wet-sump lubrication system
with a crank-driven gear-type oil pump supplies oil to:
- Main bearings
- Rod bearings
- Camshaft journals
- Rocker arms and valve system
- Timing components
Oil capacity is 4.5-5.0 liters (4.8-5.3 qt) with filter.
Recommended viscosity: 10W-30, 10W-40, or 20W-50 depending on climate
Oil pressure:
- 3000 rpm: 350-450 kPa (50-65 psi)
- Idle: >70 kPa (>10 psi)
Cooling is provided by a belt-driven centrifugal water pump. Coolant
flows through the block, head, radiator, and heater core.
Thermostat:
- Starts opening at approx. 82°C (180°F)
- Fully open near 95°C (203°F)
Cooling system capacity: 8.0-9.0 liters (8.5-9.5 qt). Mechanical cooling
fans, fan clutches, or electric fans may be fitted depending on year.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
Induction on carbureted versions uses cast-aluminum manifolds. EFI
versions use an aluminum intake plenum with individual runners and an
air-flow-meter metering system.
Exhaust system features:
- Cast-iron manifold
- Dual-port collector for improved flow
- Oxygen sensor (L28E)
- Catalytic converter in emissions-regulated markets
Motorsport applications often use tubular headers for increased flow.
| Ignition and Electrical System |
Ignition systems vary:
- Early L28: breaker-point distributor
- L28E: electronic ignition module
All versions feature:
- Mechanical and vacuum advance mechanisms
- Distributor-mounted ignition pickup
- Conventional 12-V ignition coil
Common spark plug types: NGK BP6ES or BP5ES
Spark plug gap: approx. 0.8 mm (0.031 in)
Alternator output is 35-50 amps on early models and up to 60 amps on
later L28E versions.
Depending on market, the L28 may include:
- PCV system
- EGR valve
- EVAP charcoal canister
- Thermal vacuum switches
- Anti-dieseling solenoid (carbureted versions)
- Length: 720-760 mm (28.3-29.9 in)
- Width: 520-540 mm (20.5-21.3 in)
- Height: 650-720 mm (25.6-28.3 in)
Dry weight: 190-210 kg (419-463 lb) depending on accessories
Maintenance intervals:
- Oil and filter: every 5000-8000 km (3000-5000 miles)
- Air filter: every 20,000 km
- Fuel filter: every 20,000-30,000 km
- Spark plugs: every 15,000-20,000 km
- Valve lash: every 20,000 km
- Coolant: every 40,000 km or 2 years
- EFI system inspection: every 20,000 km
- Timing chain: inspect at high mileage
Healthy compression: 150-175 psi (1034-1206 kPa) with <10% cylinder
variation
- Cylinder head bolts: 100 Nm (74 lb-ft)
- Main bearing caps: 85 Nm (63 lb-ft)
- Connecting rod bolts: 54 Nm (40 lb-ft)
- Flywheel bolts: 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
- Crank pulley bolt: 155 Nm (114 lb-ft)
- Intake manifold: 22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
- Exhaust manifold: 28 Nm (21 lb-ft)
- Spark plugs: 18 Nm (13 lb-ft)
- Oil drain plug: 34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
The L28 engine family powered:
- 1975-1978 Datsun 280Z (S30)
- 1979-1983 Datsun/Nissan 280ZX (S130)
- Nissan Cedric/Gloria (select trims)
- Nissan Laurel (regional trims)
- Nissan Patrol (limited markets for carbureted L28 variants)
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