Nissan SR20DE/DET engine characteristics
The SR20 series engines were produced at Nissan’s Yokohama plant from 1989 to 2007. These engines became one of the most popular and widely used engines of the company, due to their reliability, performance and great potential for tuning. They have been fitted to many car models including the Nissan Almera, Nissan Primera, Nissan X-Trail GT, as well as sports models like the Nissan 180SX, Nissan Silvia and others.
Design and Materials
The SR20DE and SR20DET engines have an in-line configuration with four cylinders. The cylinder block is made of aluminum for light weight and good heat conduction. Each cylinder is equipped with four valves, which contributes to better engine flow and efficiency. Piston stroke and cylinder diameter are each 86 mm. Depending on the model, the compression ratio varies from 8.3 to 11.0.
Performance
The SR20 engine has a displacement of 1998 cubic centimeters. Power and torque depend on the specific engine modification:
- Power: from 115 hp at 6,000 rpm to 280 hp at 6,400 rpm
- Torque: from 166 Nm at 4800 rpm to 315 Nm at 3200 rpm
These parameters provide excellent dynamics and allow the engines to be used in both city cars and sports models.
Economy
Fuel consumption for the Infiniti G20 with the SR20 engine averages:
- In the city: 11.5 liters per 100 km
- On the highway: 6.8 liters per 100 km
- Mixed cycle: 8.7 liters per 100 km
Oil consumption can reach up to 500 grams per 1000 kilometers of mileage, which is the norm for sports and highly loaded engines. The engine oil capacity is 3.4 liters and the recommended oil change interval is 15000 km, although for maximum reliability and durability it is better to change every 7500 km.
Maintenance and Service Life
The operating temperature of the engine is around 90 degrees Celsius. Although the exact engine life is not specified, in practice the SR20 has been shown to last over 400,000 kilometers with proper maintenance and operation.
Tuning and Potential
The SR20DE and SR20DET engines have considerable tuning potential. Power can be increased to 400 horsepower or more without significant loss of life. This makes the SR20 a popular choice among car enthusiasts looking to improve the performance of their vehicles.
Automotive Applications
SR20 engines have been installed in a wide range of Nissan and Infiniti vehicle models:
- Nissan Almera
- Nissan Primera
- Nissan X-Trail GT
- Nissan 180SX/200SX/Silvia
- Nissan NX2000/NX-R/100NX
- Nissan Pulsar/Sabre
- Nissan Sentra/Tsuru
- Infiniti G20
- Nissan Avenir
- Nissan Bluebird
- Nissan Prairie/Liberty
- Nissan Presea
- Nissan Rasheen
- Nissan R’nessa
- Nissan Serena
- Nissan Wingroad/Tsubame
Nissan SR20DE and SR20DET engines are a symbol of Nissan’s engineering excellence. Their high reliability, performance and great tuning potential make them a popular choice among car enthusiasts around the world. Installed on a variety of models, these engines provide excellent dynamic performance and durability, confirming Nissan’s reputation for high quality engines.
SR20DE/SR20DET engine troubleshooting and repair
SR20One of Nissan’s most famous and legendary engines was launched in 1989, on the Nissan Bluebird. This motor replaced the outdated cast iron CA20. The then-new SR20DE used an aluminum cylinder block with cast iron dry liners. The block height is 211.25 mm. Motor geometry is square 86×86 mm, connecting rods are 136 mm long, piston height is 32 mm.
The cylinder head is twin-shaft with 4 valves per cylinder, the injection system is multipoint. In parallel with this motor was produced and less known SR20Di, which differed from SR20DE, single-point injection, corresponding cylinder head, with redesigned channels. Mono-injected versions had an output of only 115 hp at 6000 rpm, while the first modification of SR20DE could boast 140 hp at 6400 rpm.
The most popular SR motor is SR20DE, so further we will talk about it.
SR20DE
The first version had a red valve cover and therefore is called as SR20DE Red top High port. This model is distinguished by intake ducts, exhaust system (pipe diameter 45 mm) and camshafts 248/240, lift 10.0/9.2 mm, which allows to spin the Redtop up to 7500 rpm.
Only in 1994 SR20DE Black top Low port was produced with improved environmental performance, redesigned inlet channels of the cylinder-head, with camshafts 240/240, lift 9.2/9.2 mm, exhaust diameter 38 mm.
Further, from 1995 the intake camshaft was replaced by a new one, with phase 232 and lift of 8.66 mm, which reduced the maximum rpm to 7100.
From 2000 came SR20DE roller rocker versions, with roller rockers and 232/240 camshafts, 10.0/9.2 mm lift. Also, other springs and valves were used (shorter by 3 mm), lightweight modified pistons, lightweight crankshaft, short intake manifold. These modifications were produced until 2002, after which the SR20DE was discontinued.
SR20DET
In addition to the atmospheric version, in 1989, on the basis of SR20DE was created SR20DET with a pipe supercharger.
The first generation SR20DET Red top, featured a red valve cover and was produced from 1989 to 1994. This engine was equipped with a Garrett T25G turbocharger, operating at a pressure of 0.5 bar. As it is supposed to turbo engine, the compression ratio was reduced to 8.5. This engine has reinforced connecting rods, 370 cc/min injectors, 240/240 camshafts, 9.2/9.2 mm lift, 60 mm throttle body. Power output of SR20DET Red top is 205 hp at 6000 rpm, torque 274 Nm at 4000 rpm.
This engine is found on the following cars: Nissan Bluebird and 180SX (Silvia S13).
There is even more powerful version SR20DET Red top, produced from 1990 to 1994. Compression ratio on this engine was reduced to 8.3, turbine was replaced by Garrett T28 (TB2804), boost pressure increased to 0.72 bar. Also for this motor were used camshafts 248/248, lift 10.0/10.0 mm, injectors 440 cc/min, reinforced bolts, oil injectors, reinforced connecting rods and crankshaft, 4-throttle intake. All this made it possible to remove 230 hp at 6400 rpm, 280 Nm at 4800 rpm.
You can meet such a motor only on the Nissan Pulsar GTi-R, which was developed for participation in the WRC.
The second generation SR20DET Black top was released in 1994 and was produced until 2002 in different variations. On the S13 180SX, Bluebird, the SR20DET Black top engine differed from the Red top by the following things: black valve cover, lambda probe, brain firmware, modified ducts, pistons made of a different material.
For S14 Silvia models there was a SR20DET Black top version with VTC intake camshaft timing system. The turbine on this engine is Garrett T28, boost pressure 0.5 bar, compression ratio 8.5. The intake manifold was changed, throttle 50 mm. Power increased to 220 hp at 6000 rpm, torque 275 Nm at 4800 rpm.
The most advanced version SR20DET Black top was put on S15 Silvia and differed by a turbine Garrett T28BB (also known as Garrett GT28R or GT2560R), a large intercooler, supercharger pressure of this model of the motor – 0.8 bar, injectors performance – 480 cc/min. Power of this version is equal to 250 hp at 6400 rpm, torque is 300 Nm at 4800 rpm.
Less common is the version with a gray cap SR20DET Silver top. This engine is found on Nissan Avenir and comes in 205 hp version, with Garrett T25G turbine and 230 hp version. The latter uses a Garrett T25BB turbine, and the boost pressure is increased to 0.62 bar.
Production of the SR20DET was discontinued in 2002.
SR20VE
In addition to all of the above, on the basis of the SR20, sports atmospheric engines called SR20VE were also produced.
The first modification came out in 1997 and developed 190 hp at 7000 rpm, 196 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. From the conventional SR20DE, the VE version differed by increased to 11 compression ratio, the presence of variable valve timing and valve lift on both camshafts NEO VVL. The characteristics of camshafts: intake 220-264, lift 8.4-10.7 mm, exhaust 244-268, lift 6.6-10.34 mm.
The engine was used in Nissan Bluebird, Primera and Wingroad.
SR20VE 2nd gen
The second gen SR20VE was produced for the Japanese Nissan Primera and was even meaner. This motor used a modified intake manifold (long), larger throttle (70mm), modified intake valves and springs, different exhaust manifold, slightly modified pistons, camshafts on the intake 228-278, 10.11-12mm lift, on the exhaust 244-280, 8.3-11.15mm lift. Power of this SR20VE (20V) reached 205 hp at 7200 rpm, torque 206 Nm at 5200 rpm.
Production of SR20VE was completed in 2003.
SR20VET
The most powerful variation was intended not for Primera and Silvia, but for Nissan X-Trail GT crossover. This motor was a turbo version of the SR20VE and was called, as you can easily guess, SR20VET. It was produced from 2001 to 2007.
This engine used intake camshafts 212-248, 8.0-11.0 mm lift, and exhaust camshafts 244, 11.3 mm lift. The compression ratio on SR20VET is reduced to 9, turbocharger used Garrett T28, maximum boost pressure 0.6 bar, it gave the opportunity to get 280 hp at 6400 rpm and torque of 315 Nm at 3200 rpm.
There is no need to adjust the valves on the SR20, these motors are equipped with hydrocompensators, except for the SR20VE versions, where there are none and adjustment is necessary. Timing drive on SR20 is chain, timing chain life is 200-250 thousand kilometers and more.
On the basis of SR20DE was produced 1.8-liter SR18DE/Di, and on the basis of SR20VE was produced sporty modification SR16VE.
2 years before the end of SR20DE production, Nissan presented a new generation engine, designed to replace the famous 2-liter SR, it was QR20DE. Unlike the SR, the QR series did not include turbo versions or high-force atmospherics.
Problems and shortcomings of Nissan SR20DE engines
Motors of the SR series are very reliable and durable, they do not have any global problems and shortcomings. Of the less significant problems can be designated floating idle, caused by a dead idle regulator (RCH) or poor-quality fuel.
The chain of the timing mechanism
It is significantly stretched after 250 thousand kilometers and requires replacement. Although the chain cannot be called a weak point, but still it is necessary to know about it and to replace it in time.
Mass air flow sensor (MAFD)
This DMRV sensor is periodically “covered with a copper basin”. The sign is the appearance of an error on the dashboard “Check Engin” and loss of engine power, as well as difficult starting of a hot engine.
The idle speed regulator
In the course of engine operation, failure of the idle speed regulator is not excluded. It is not repairable and cannot be found in stores. You can buy the idle speed regulator at car dealerships.
DMRV periodically fails, the resource of the timing chain is very high, more than 250 thousand kilometers. The resource of the engine itself is very high, pour quality oil in SR20DE and regular maintenance, it will allow to pass 400 thousand kilometers and more.
Tuning of the engine Nissan SR20DE
Atmospheric
Before you start tuning the atmospheric SR20DE, you should decide whether to take low port or high port. If you do not plan to port the head, then it is better to take as a basis the cylinder-head from SR20DE low port, with improved blowing, in the case when porting will be performed, then the cylinder-head SR20DE high port will be preferable, due to the greater potential.
What will we use to increase the SR20DE’s power? Let’s start with the cheapest option. For a standard SR20DE we need to buy JWT S3 camshafts, cold intake, straight exhaust with 4-1 manifold and JWT brain. This will give some boost, not too significant.
To get decent power, it would be logical to increase the compression ratio. For this purpose light pistons from SR20VE, which will increase the compression ratio up to 11.7. The exhaust manifold is better to buy from SR20VE 20V, exhaust diameter 63 mm, camshafts JWT S3 with springs, it is desirable to replace connecting rods on light H-shaped, injectors to buy from SR20VE and add a light flywheel. JWT can be used as a brain. On such a motor you can get about 200 hp.
A similar thing can be done using the cylinder block from SR20VE and the cylinder head from SR16VE N1 with all the attachments. This will increase the compression ratio to 12.5. Add to that a lightweight flywheel, straight exhaust and a 4-1 manifold, it will take off over 210hp. There are more aggressive camshafts available, you can further clamp the motor, refine the bottom end, put in throttles, convert to methanol and drive a korche.
SR20DE Turbo
Turboing an atmospheric SR20DE is not the most rational idea, you need to cut oil injectors, replace pistons, buy a fuel pump, regulator and injectors, turbocharger, turbo manifold, intercooler, oil supply and oil drain, JWT control unit and other things. You’ll end up with an almost identical SR20DET. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, it is much easier and cheaper to buy a contract SR20DET and blow it up.
SR20DET Boost Up
The easiest and safest way to increase the power is to boost the engine. For this you need to buy a front intercooler, boost controller, downpipe and exhaust system on 76 mm pipe, fuel injectors 550 cc/min, fuel regulator, pump Walbro 280 lph, bloooff, maf RB25 or 300ZX, control unit Apexi. On SR20DET Red top and Black top engines without VTC, a simple boost up allows you to raise boost pressure to 1 bar and get about 300 hp. SR20DET Black top motors from S14/S15 Silvia, equipped with VTC, allow you to get up to 320 hp on the boost up.
More power can be obtained by buying a turbo on Garrett GT2871R, to it you need to put JWT S3 camshafts, ARP studs, metal cylinder head gasket, bigger injectors (850 cc/min). With such a turbo you can blow up to 400 hp in stock pistons (optimally 350 hp, for peace of mind). Further it is better not to risk and to buy forged pistons with H-beam connecting rods and blow to the maximum, up to 430-450 hp. If it turns out to be not enough, then buy a Garrett GTX3076R turbine, camshafts with phase 272/272, injectors 1000 cc/min, refine the cylinder head (porting, large valves) and blow up to 500 hp.
Also for SR20DET you can buy a stroker kit for 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 liters and more, put a big turbo on it and blow until it falls apart. In any case, these configurations are already too far from what you can use in urban conditions.
For the SR20DET, it is optimal to use a conventional boost up to 300 hp or a Garrett GT2871R-powered config at 350-400 hp.
ENGINE RATING: 5