Nissan RB20DE Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan RB20DE |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 6-cylinder DOHC 24-valve liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 122 cu.in (1.99 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 150-165 Hp (111-122 kW) at 6500 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Multi-point electronic fuel injection |
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Nissan RB20DE engine is a 2.0-liter,
inline-six, water-cooled, naturally aspirated gasoline engine belonging
to Nissan’s RB-series. Introduced in the mid-to-late 1980s and used
through the 1990s, the RB20DE occupies an important position in Nissan’s
performance lineage.
It served as the naturally aspirated counterpart to the RB20DET turbo
variant and powered several rear-wheel-drive Nissan platforms including
the Skyline R31, R32, and R33; Cefiro A31; and Laurel C32/C33/C34.
Though not as powerful as the turbocharged RB engines, the RB20DE is
respected for its smoothness, high-revving nature, mechanical
durability, and ease of maintenance.
The engine features an aluminum DOHC cylinder head, cast-iron block,
chain-driven valvetrain, multi-point fuel injection, and Nissan’s early
variable valve timing system on some versions (NVCS). With its
oversquare geometry, the RB20DE revs freely and smoothly, delivering
power with a linear and refined character.
It is commonly used in budget builds, drifting, and restoration projects
due to its availability, reliability, and compatibility with other
RB-series components. While modest in torque output, it excels in
refinement and mechanical endurance.
The RB20DE has a displacement of 1,998 cc (122.0 cu in). Bore is approx.
78.0 mm (3.07 in), and stroke is approx. 69.7 mm (2.74 in). This
oversquare layout supports high-rpm characteristics and reduces piston
speed. Compression ratio is generally 9.5:1 - 10.0:1 depending on model
year and ECU tuning. Power output ranges 150-165 hp at 6,000-6,800 rpm.
Torque output ranges 132-140 lb-ft (180-190 Nm) at 4,800-5,600 rpm.
Idle speed is approx. 700-750 rpm. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
Redline varies by version, typically 7,000-7,500 rpm. The smoothness is
characteristic of the inline-six configuration, complemented by the
seven main-bearing crankshaft support.
The block is cast iron with deep skirts for stability. The crankshaft is
forged steel and rotates on seven main bearings to ensure smooth,
durable high-rpm performance. The connecting rods are forged steel, and
the pistons are cast aluminum alloy with reinforced crowns and
anti-friction coatings. Wrist pins are full-floating. RB engines are
known for bottom-end robustness and the RB20DE is no exception.
Oil passages are designed for consistent lubrication at high rpm. The
crankcase ventilation system is engineered to reduce pressure buildup
and protect seals. The bottom end is capable of sustaining extended
operation without fatigue when serviced correctly.
The RB20DE uses an aluminum DOHC head with:
- Dual overhead camshafts
- Four valves per cylinder
- Timing belt-driven valvetrain
- Hydraulic lash adjusters
- Roller rocker-style cam followers
- NVCS (Nissan Variable Cam System) on later models
The DOHC layout ensures efficient airflow at high rpm. The combustion
chamber design promotes efficient burn and knock resistance. Intake
ports are shaped for velocity, while exhaust ports manage heat
effectively. NVCS adjusts intake cam phasing to improve torque and
drivability at low and mid rpm.
The RB20DE utilizes a multi-point electronic fuel-injection (MPFI)
system.
Components include:
- Electric in-tank fuel pump
- Fuel-pressure regulator
- High-pressure fuel rail
- Multi-hole injectors (approx. 190-240 cc/min depending on version)
- Airflow meter (hot-wire MAF)
- Throttle body
- Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Fuel pressure ranges approx. 36-43 psi.
The ECU manages injection timing using
signals from:
- Oxygen sensor
- Coolant temperature sensor
- Throttle-position sensor
- Crank-angle sensor
- Cam-angle sensor
- Intake-air-temperature sensor
The lubrication system is a full-pressure wet-sump design.
Specifications:
- Oil capacity 4.2-4.5 liters (4.4-4.8 US qt)
- Oil pressure approx. 45-65 psi at 3,000 rpm; approx. 15-20 psi at idle
- Recommended oil 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 synthetic
The trochoid oil pump provides stable lubrication. Oil is routed to
crankshaft journals, connecting rods, camshafts, timing components, and
hydraulic lifters. Regular oil changes ensure timing-belt sprocket and
lifter longevity.
The cooling system is liquid-cooled, forced-circulation.
Components include:
- Belt-driven water pump
- Aluminum radiator
- Thermostat
- Coolant expansion tank
- Heater core
- Electric cooling fan
Specifications:
- Thermostat begins opening approx. 82°C (180°F)
- Fully open approx. 95°C (203°F)
- Cooling capacity 7.0-7.8 liters (approx. 7.4-8.2 US qt)
The RB20DE is stable when coolant quality is maintained and radiator
flow is unobstructed.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
The induction system includes:
- Air-cleaner housing
- Replaceable paper filter
- Hot-wire MAF sensor
- Throttle body
- Long-runner aluminum intake manifold
The long-runner manifold favors mid-range torque and smooth throttle
response. The throttle body uses a dashpot for stable deceleration
characteristics.
The exhaust system includes:
- Cast-iron or stainless-steel exhaust manifold
- O2 sensor
- Catalytic converter
- Secondary resonators
- Muffler assembly
The exhaust tone of the RB20DE is smooth and refined due to the
six-cylinder geometry.
The ignition system is fully electronic and
includes:
- Individual coil-on-plug ignition modules (later versions)
- Distributor-type ignition with igniter (early versions)
- Crank-angle sensor located at the crank pulley
- Cam-angle sensor integrated into the cam gear or distributor cap
- Knock sensor
Spark-plug gap ranges approx. 0.9-1.1 mm (0.035-0.043 in). The ECU
adjusts timing dynamically for knock and efficiency.
- Length 780-830 mm (30.7-32.7 in)
- Width 630-650 mm (24.8-25.6 in)
- Height 690-720 mm (27.2-28.3 in)
Dry weight 165-185 kg (364-408 lb) depending on accessories.
Routine service intervals:
- Oil and filter every 5,000-8,000 km (3,000-5,000 miles)
- Air filter every 20,000 km
- Spark plugs every 20,000-30,000 km
- Coolant every 2 years
- Fuel filter every 30,000-40,000 km
- Timing belt every 100,000 km (60,000 miles)
Compression pressure:
- Approx. 160-190 psi
- Variation between cylinders less than 10 percent
Idle speed approx. 700-750 rpm indicates proper engine health.
- Cylinder-head bolts: approx. 85-95 lb-ft (115-130 Nm)
- Main-bearing caps: approx. 60-70 lb-ft (81-95 Nm)
- Connecting-rod bolts: approx. 28-35 lb-ft (38-48 Nm)
- Flywheel bolts: approx. 75-85 lb-ft (102-115 Nm)
- Intake-manifold bolts: approx. 18-22 lb-ft (24-30 Nm)
- Exhaust-manifold nuts: approx. 25-30 lb-ft (34-40 Nm)
- Spark plugs: approx. 15-20 lb-ft (20-27 Nm)
- Oil-drain plug: approx. 25-30 lb-ft (34-40 Nm)
The RB20DE engine appeared in:
- Nissan Skyline R31
- Nissan Skyline R32
- Nissan Skyline R33 (select trims)
- Nissan Laurel C32, C33, C34
- Nissan Cefiro A31
- Nissan Stagea (base trims)
____________________________________________________________________________________
| Car Engines Technical Specifications |
| Small Engines Technical Specifications |
| Industrial Engines Technical Specifications |
| Outboard Engines Technical Specifications |
