Nissan RB20E Specifications
| Engine Model: Nissan RB20E |
| Engine Type: 4-cycle inline 6-cylinder DOHC 24-valve liquid-cooled gasoline |
| Total Displacement: 121.9 cu.in (1.99 L) |
| Rated Engine Power: 115-130 Hp (85-96 kW) at 6000 rpm |
| Fuel System Type: Multi-point electronic fuel injection |
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The Nissan RB20E engine is a 2.0-liter,
inline-six, four-stroke, water-cooled gasoline engine produced as part
of Nissan’s RB-series, introduced in the early 1980s. The RB20E is the
simplest and most maintenance-friendly version of the RB20 family,
featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) cylinder head, multi-point
fuel injection, and fully electronic engine management.
It powered a wide range of Nissan rear-wheel-drive sedans and coupes
including the Skyline R31 and R32 (base models), Laurel C32 and C33, and
Cefiro A31 entry trims. Although modest in power output compared to its
turbocharged siblings (such as RB20DET) or higher-output naturally
aspirated variants (like RB20DE), the RB20E excels in reliability,
smoothness, low emissions, and ease of maintenance.
Designed around durability rather than performance, the RB20E utilizes a
robust cast-iron block, aluminum SOHC head, stable ignition system, and
a strong crankshaft supported by seven main bearings. It offers
characteristic inline-six smoothness, predictable torque, and excellent
longevity, often surpassing high mileage with minimal internal wear. Its
simple layout, absence of turbocharging, and low mechanical stress make
the RB20E one of the most reliable RB-series engines ever produced.
The RB20E displaces approx. 1,998 cc (121.9 cu in). Bore is approx. 78.0
mm (3.07 in), and stroke is approx. 69.7 mm (2.74 in), giving the engine
a distinctly oversquare design that supports smooth revving and reduced
piston speed. Compression ratio varies by model year but is 9.0:1 -
9.5:1.
Factory power output:
- 115-130 hp at 5,600-6,000 rpm depending on ECU version
- 120-130 lb-ft (160-175 Nm) of torque at approx. 3,200-4,000 rpm
The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4. Idle speed is approx. 700-750 rpm.
Redline is 6,500 rpm, though the SOHC valvetrain and conservative fuel
maps limit its high-rpm operation to preserve longevity.
The block is cast iron with thick cylinder walls, deep skirts, and
strong main-bearing supports. The crankshaft is forged steel with seven
main bearings for excellent rotational stability. Connecting rods are
forged steel with full-floating wrist pins.
Pistons are cast aluminum alloy with reinforced ring lands and
three-ring packs. The bottom end is engineered for durability and can
withstand high mileage without significant wear.
Oil passages are machined precisely to maintain consistent pressure and
lubrication across all bearings. The block design also minimizes
vibration and resonance, contributing to the engine’s characteristic
smoothness.
The RB20E uses a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) aluminum cylinder head
with two valves per cylinder.
Features include:
- Single overhead camshaft driven by timing belt
- Hydraulic lash adjusters for zero-maintenance valve clearance
- Conventional rocker-arm valvetrain
- Wedge-type combustion chambers for fuel efficiency and emissions
control
The SOHC design reduces complexity and cost, while hydraulic lash
adjusters eliminate routine adjustment. The head’s combustion-chamber
shape ensures efficient burn, stable idle, and low emissions.
The RB20E uses a multi-point electronic fuel-injection (MPFI) system.
System components include:
- Electric in-tank fuel pump
- High-pressure fuel rail
- Multi-hole fuel injectors
- Throttle body
- Hot-wire mass-airflow (MAF) sensor
- Engine Control Unit (ECU)
- Cold-start injector (early versions)
Fuel pressure ranges 36-43 psi.
The ECU adjusts injection timing and
duration using signals from:
- Oxygen sensor
- Coolant temperature sensor
- Throttle-position sensor
- MAF sensor
- Crank-angle sensor
- Intake-air-temperature sensor
The lubrication system is a full-pressure wet-sump type.
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: 5W-30, 10W-30, or 10W-40 depending on climate
A crankshaft-driven trochoid oil pump provides reliable lubrication. Oil
passages supply crankshaft bearings, connecting rods, camshaft journals,
and timing components. A spin-on oil filter provides full-flow
filtration.
The cooling system is liquid-cooled, forced-circulation.
Components include:
- Belt-driven centrifugal water pump
- Thermostat
- Aluminum radiator
- Overflow tank
- Heater core
- Temperature sensors for ECU and gauge cluster
Specifications:
- Thermostat starts opening approx. 82°C (180°F)
- Fully open approx. 95°C (203°F)
- Cooling-system capacity 7.0-7.8 liters (7.4-8.2 US qt)
The RB20E is less prone to overheating than its turbocharged
counterparts due to reduced thermal output.
| Intake and Exhaust Systems |
The induction system includes:
- Air-cleaner housing
- Paper air filter
- MAF sensor
- Long-runner aluminum intake manifold
- Throttle body with dashpot for smooth deceleration
The long intake runners help improve torque at low and mid rpm,
enhancing drivability.
Exhaust system include:
- Cast-iron exhaust manifold
- Oxygen sensor
- Catalytic converter
- Downpipe and muffler system
The exhaust design favors quiet operation and emissions compliance. The
RB20E has a smoother, quieter exhaust note than high-output RB engines.
The ignition system is fully electronic and
includes:
- Single ignition coil with distributor (early models)
- Optical crank-angle sensor inside distributor housing
- ECU-controlled ignition timing
- High-tension spark-plug leads
- Knock sensor (some variants)
Spark plugs use a gap of approx. 0.9-1.1 mm (0.035-0.043 in). Timing is
dynamically adjusted for emissions and fuel economy.
- Length: 770-820 mm (30.3-32.3 in)
- Width: 620-650 mm (24.4-25.6 in)
- Height: 680-710 mm (26.8-28.0 in)
Dry weight: 165-180 kg (364-397 lb) depending on accessories
Recommended service intervals:
- Oil and filter: every 5,000-7,000 km (3,000-4,500 mi)
- 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 mi)
Compression pressure:
- Approx. 150-180 psi
- Cylinder variation: less than 10 percent
Idle speed should remain approx. 700-750 rpm.
- 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 RB20E engine appeared in:
- Nissan Skyline R31
- Nissan Skyline R32 (base models)
- Nissan Laurel C32 and C33
- Nissan Cefiro A31 (entry trims)
- Various rear-wheel-drive sedans in export markets
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