Nissan RB20DET Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan RB20DET |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle 6-cylinder DOHC 24-valve turbocharged liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 121.9 cu.in (1.99 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 180-215 Hp (133-160 kW) at 6400 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Multi-point electronic fuel injection |
____________________________________________________________________________________
The Nissan RB20DET engine is a 2.0-liter,
inline-six, four-stroke, water-cooled, turbocharged gasoline engine
developed by Nissan as part of the RB-series family. Introduced in the
mid-to-late 1980s, the RB20DET became widely used in
performance-oriented Nissan vehicles such as the Skyline R31 and R32,
Laurel, Cefiro A31, and other rear-wheel-drive platforms.
Known for its smooth operation, high-revving capability, and stable
boost response, the RB20DET combines a cast-iron block, aluminum DOHC
cylinder head, multi-point EFI system, single ceramic turbocharger, and
a chain-driven valvetrain. Despite its relatively small displacement,
the RB20DET is renowned for reliability, tuning potential, and balanced
performance. Its characteristic inline-six smoothness, robust
construction, and upgrade-friendly architecture made it a popular engine
in motorsport and aftermarket modification circles.
The RB20DET engine displaces approx. 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in). Bore is
approx. 78.0 mm (3.07 inches), and stroke is approx. 69.7 mm (2.74
inches), giving it an oversquare configuration optimized for high-rpm
performance. Compression ratio varies depending on generation and
turbocharger version but is 8.5:1 - 9.0:1.
Factory power output ranges from approx. 180-215 hp at 6,000-6,400 rpm
depending on ECU calibration and turbocharger model. Factory torque
output is 170-195 lb-ft (230-265 Nm) at 3,200-4,000 rpm. The firing
order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Idle speed is approx. 700-750 rpm. Redline is
7,000-7,500 rpm depending on variant.
The RB20DET uses a cast-iron block with deep skirts and thick cylinder
walls, ensuring exceptional rigidity and long-term durability even under
increased boost. The crankshaft is forged steel and supported by seven
main bearings for excellent stability at high rpm.
Connecting rods are forged steel and use full-floating wrist pins.
Pistons are cast aluminum alloy with reinforced crowns and three-ring
packs.
The RB20DET features an aluminum DOHC cylinder head with four valves per
cylinder.
The valvetrain uses:
- Dual overhead camshafts
- Timing belt-driven valvetrain
- Hydraulic lash adjusters
- Cast-steel camshafts
- Belt-driven ancillary systems
The combustion chamber is shaped for optimized swirl and strong
detonation resistance under boost. Intake ports are long, narrow, and
optimized for mid-to-high rpm airflow. Exhaust ports are designed for
consistent turbocharger response. Hydraulic lifters reduce maintenance
requirements and keep valve lash in tolerance.
The timing belt drives both camshafts, with an automatic tensioner
ensuring proper belt tension. Belt replacement is crucial to long-term
reliability.
The RB20DET uses a multi-point electronic fuel injection (EFI) system
controlled by Nissan’s ECCS (Electronic Concentrated Control System).
System components include:
- Electric in-tank fuel pump
- High-pressure fuel rail
- Multi-hole injectors (approx. 270-300 cc/min depending on variant)
- Airflow meter (hot-wire MAF)
- Throttle body
- ECU with boost and knock control
Fuel pressure ranges 36-43 psi. The ECU adjusts fuel delivery using
signals from oxygen sensor, throttle-position sensor, MAF sensor,
coolant temperature sensor, crank-angle sensor, and
intake-air-temperature sensor.
The RB20DET uses a full-pressure wet-sump lubrication system.
Specifications:
- Oil capacity: 4.0-4.5 liters (4.2-4.7 US qt)
- Normal oil pressure: approx. 45-65 psi at 3,000 rpm
- Recommended oil viscosity: 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 synthetic
A gear-driven oil pump supplies lubrication to crankshaft bearings,
connecting rods, camshafts, hydraulic lifters, timing components, and
turbocharger bearings. Turbocharged engines rely on frequent oil changes
to prevent bearing coking and oil degradation.
Cooling is managed by a liquid-cooled forced-circulation system.
System includes:
- Belt-driven centrifugal water pump
- Thermostat
- Aluminum radiator
- Overflow tank
- Turbocharger coolant lines
- Electric cooling fan (depending on chassis)
Specifications:
- Thermostat begins opening at approx. 82°C (180°F)
- Fully open at approx. 95°C (203°F)
- Cooling-system capacity: 6.5-7.5 liters (6.8-7.9 US qt)
Turbocharger coolant circulation continues briefly after shutdown in
some implementations to prevent heat soak.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
Induction components include:
- Large air-cleaner housing
- MAF sensor
- Turbocharger compressor inlet
- Intercooler (SMIC stock; FMIC in performance models)
- Charge pipes
- Throttle body
- Long-runner intake manifold
Intake runner design improves mid-range torque and throttle response.
The exhaust system includes:
- Cast-iron turbo exhaust manifold
- Turbocharger turbine housing
- Downpipe
- Catalytic converter
- After-treatment piping and muffler
Boost response and power depend significantly on exhaust flow, making
exhaust upgrades popular.
The RB20DET is equipped with a single turbocharger. Most factory
versions use a ceramic-turbine T25/T28-type turbo. Turbocharger design
emphasizes quick spool-up and consistent mid-range torque rather than
high-end power.
Key features:
- Single ceramic or steel-wheel turbocharger (variant dependent)
- Boost pressure approx. 6-9 psi (0.4-0.6 bar) from factory
- Front-mount or side-mount intercooler depending on chassis
- Wastegate-actuated boost control
Boost increases torque significantly above 3,000 rpm. Ceramic turbine
wheels spool quicker but are more fragile at high boost levels.
- Length: 775-820 mm (30.5-32.3 in)
- Width: 630-650 mm (24.8-25.6 in)
- Height: 680-710 mm (26.8-28.0 in)
Dry weight: 170-185 kg (375-408 lb) depending on accessories
Recommended intervals:
- Oil and filter: every 5,000 km (3,000 mi) for turbo use
- Air filter: every 20,000 km
- Spark plugs: every 20,000-30,000 km
- Timing belt: every 100,000 km (60,000 mi)
- Coolant replacement: every 2 years
- Fuel filter: every 30,000-40,000 km
Compression pressure:
- Approx. 150-180 psi
- Max variation: less than 10 percent
- Cylinder-head bolts: 85-95 lb-ft (115-130 Nm)
- Main-bearing-cap bolts: 60-70 lb-ft (81-95 Nm)
- Connecting-rod bolts: 28-35 lb-ft (38-48 Nm)
- Flywheel bolts: 75-85 lb-ft (102-115 Nm)
- Intake-manifold bolts: 18-22 lb-ft (24-30 Nm)
- Exhaust-manifold nuts: 25-30 lb-ft (34-40 Nm)
- Oil-drain plug: 25-30 lb-ft (34-40 Nm)
- Spark plugs: 15-20 lb-ft (20-27 Nm)
The RB20DET engine appeared in:
- Nissan Skyline R31 (late versions)
- Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-T
- Nissan Laurel C33
- Nissan Cefiro A31
- Regional rear-wheel-drive sedans and coupes
____________________________________________________________________________________
| Car Engines Technical Specifications |
| Small Engines Technical Specifications |
| Industrial Engines Technical Specifications |
| Outboard Engines Technical Specifications |
