Engine Nissan SR20DE

The 2.0-liter Nissan SR20DE engine (or SR20 for short) was produced at the company’s factories from 1989 to 2002 and was installed on many popular concern models, such as Almera, Primera or Silvia. The same power unit, but in the version with single injection, was assembled under a different index SR20Di.

In October 1989, a 2.0-liter was added to the Nissan SR family of gasoline engines. It was a very progressive engine for that time with distributed fuel injection, an aluminum cylinder block, a 16-valve head with hydraulic lifters and a timing chain. This unit had many modifications, the power of which varied from 130 to 165 hp.

The first versions of the unit were intended for sports cars and charged versions of models, therefore they were distinguished by bright valve covers. In the catalogs they are called Red or Blue Top. Since about 1994, the production of standard units began, which were heavily suffocated by ecology, they had a smaller lift of the camshafts and valve covers in black and silver. In 2000, a new modification of the motor appeared with a lightweight connecting rod and piston group and roller rockers.

SR family: SR16VE, SR18DE, SR20DE, SR20DET, SR20VE, SR20VET.

Specifications

Production years	1989-2002
Displacement, cc	1998
Fuel system	distributed injection
Power output, hp	130 – 165
Torque output, Nm	170 – 195
Cylinder block	aluminum R4
Block head	aluminum 16v
Cylinder bore, mm	86
Piston stroke, mm	86
Compression ratio	9.5 – 10
Features	no
Hydraulic lifters	yes
Timing drive	chain
Phase regulator	no
Turbocharging	no
Recommended engine oil	5W-30, 5W-40
Engine oil capacity, liter	4.0
Fuel type	petrol
Euro standards	EURO 2/3
Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Nissan Primera P11 2000) — city — highway — combined	11.4 6.2 8.1
Engine lifespan, km	~400 000
Weight, kg	160

The engine was installed on:

• Nissan 180SX S13 in 1991 – 1998;
• Nissan 200SX S14 in 1995 – 1998, 200SX B14 in 1995 – 1998 (SE-R);
• Nissan Almera 1 (N15) in 1995 – 2000, Almera Tino 1 (V10) in 1998 – 2006;
• Nissan Avenir 1 (W10) in 1990 – 2001;
• Nissan Bluebird U12 in 1989 – 1992, Bluebird U13 in 1991 – 1997, Bluebird U14 in 1996 – 2001;
• Nissan Presea 1 (R10) in 1990 – 1995, Presea 2 (R11) in 1995 – 2000;
• Nissan Primera 1 (P10) in 1990 – 1996, Primera 2 (P11) in 1995 – 2002;
• Nissan Pulsar N14 in 1990 – 1995, Pulsar N15 in 1995 – 2000;
• Nissan Sentra 3 (B13) in 1990 – 1994, Sentra 4 (B14) in 1995 – 1999;
• Nissan Silvia S13 in 1991 – 1994, Silvia S14 in 1993 – 2000;
• Nissan Serena C23 in 1991 – 2000;
• Nissan Wingroad Y10 in 1996 – 1998;
• Infiniti G20 P10 in 1990 – 1996, G20 P11 in 1998 – 2002;
• Nissan NX B13 in 1991 – 1993 (NX2000);
• Nissan Prairie M11 in 1988 – 1998;
• Nissan Rasheen in 1998 – 2000 (Rasheen Forza).

Disadvantages of the SR20DE engine

• This is a fairly reliable power unit without any pronounced weaknesses. On the forums, they regularly complain only about floating speed due to contamination of the idle speed controller. Sometimes the cause of unstable operation is glitches in the mass air flow sensor or a burned-out lambda probe.
• The engines of this series are equipped with a distributor ignition system and it lasts a long time. However, oil may ooze from under it and then you will have to replace the shaft seal. Also, owners often change high-voltage wires and it is better to buy the original.
• Almost all versions of the motor have an EGR valve with a vacuum or electric drive. When it gets dirty and sticks, the engine loses traction and starts to run unstable. Many owners turn it off and this often results in an increase in fuel consumption.
• Among other shortcomings, it is worth noting regular lubricant leaks from under the valve covers, a low resource of the knock sensor and not the most efficient crankcase ventilation system. On long runs, oil consumption is often encountered due to wear of rings and caps.

Frequently asked questions about the Nissan SR20DE