Nissan LD20
A reliable, long-lived diesel with a cast-iron block and head.
Nissan Laurel engines
The Nissan Laurel is a Japanese business car manufactured by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. between 1968 and 2002. In total, 8 generations of the model were produced. The car was manufactured in Japan and Taiwan. The first generation of the car was made immediately after the takeover by Nissan of another Japanese manufacturer, Prince, at its factories and equipment. Cars were actively exported to European, Asian and Latin American markets until 1989. In Chile and Panama, the model was sold under the name Datsun Laurel.
The Nissan Laurel was offered with 9 engines between 1980 and 1997 (6 petrol, 3 diesel). Displacement ranges from 1.8 to 3.0 liters, power output from 65 to 250 hp. 2 use a timing chain and 7 a timing belt. 3 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Nissan LD28 (about 400,000 km).
Nissan Laurel engines by generation
| Engine | Years | Volume | Power | Fuel | Timing | Oil | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Laurel 4 (C31) 1980–1984 | |||||||
| Nissan LD20 | 1980–1984 | 2.0 L R4 | 65 hp | diesel | chain | 4.7 L | ~350,000 km |
| Nissan LD28 | 1980–1984 | 2.8 L R6 | 91 hp | diesel | chain | 6.2 L | ~400,000 km |
| Nissan Laurel 5 (C32) 1984–1989 | |||||||
| Nissan RB20 | 1984–1989 | 2.0 L | 115 hp | petrol, NA / turbo | belt | 4.2 L | ~400,000 km |
| Nissan VG20 | 1984–1989 | 2.0 L V6 | 115–210 hp | petrol, NA / turbo | belt | 3.9 L | ~350,000 km |
| Nissan VG30E | 1984–1989 | 3.0 L V6 | 150–180 hp | petrol | belt | 3.9 L | ~390,000 km |
| Nissan CA18 | 1984–1989 | 1.8 L R4 | 91–175 hp | petrol, NA / turbo | belt | ||
| Nissan CA20 | 1984–1989 | 2.0 L R4 | 82–110 hp | petrol | belt | ||
| Nissan RD28 | 1986–1989 | 2.8 L R6 | 95–100 hp | diesel | belt | 6.4 L | ~350,000 km |
| Nissan Laurel 7 (C34) 1993–1997 | |||||||
| Nissan RB25 | 1993–1997 | 2.5 L R6 | 180–250 hp | petrol | belt | 4.6–4.7 L | ~400,000 km |
Nissan Laurel engine FAQ
What engines were used in the Nissan Laurel?
Nissan Laurel 4 (C31) (1980–1984): Nissan LD20 and Nissan LD28; Nissan Laurel 5 (C32) (1984–1989): Nissan RB20, Nissan VG20, Nissan VG30E, Nissan CA18, Nissan CA20 and Nissan RD28; Nissan Laurel 7 (C34) (1993–1997): Nissan RB25.
Which Nissan Laurel engine is the most durable?
By rated service life the most durable Nissan Laurel engines are: Nissan LD28 — about 400,000 km; Nissan RB20 — about 400,000 km; Nissan RB25 — about 400,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.
How much oil does the Nissan Laurel engine take?
Engine oil capacity with filter: Nissan LD20 — 4.7 L (10W-40); Nissan LD28 — 6.2 L (10W-40); Nissan RB20 — 4.2 L (0W-30 / 5W-30 / 5W-40 / 10W-30 / 10W-40); Nissan RB25 — 4.6–4.7 L (5W-30); Nissan RD28 — 6.4 L (10W-40); Nissan VG20 — 3.9 L (5W-30); Nissan VG30E — 3.9 L (5W-30).
Does the Nissan Laurel have a timing belt or chain?
Timing chain: Nissan LD20 and Nissan LD28; timing belt: Nissan CA18, Nissan CA20, Nissan RB20, Nissan RB25, Nissan RD28, Nissan VG20 and Nissan VG30E. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.
Was the Nissan Laurel available with a diesel engine?
Yes: Nissan LD20, Nissan LD28 and Nissan RD28.
Engine details
Nissan LD28
A simple and reliable cast-iron diesel with a very long life.
Nissan CA18
The timing belt must be replaced on schedule, its failure means an expensive repair.
Nissan VG20
If the engine runs rough, clean or replace faulty injectors.
Nissan VG30E
The main problem is the bending of the valves due to the breaking of the crankshaft shank.
Nissan RB20
Engines of this series are known for reliability and minimum problems in operation.
Nissan RD28
The cylinder head of this diesel engine cracks easily from overheating.
Nissan RB25
One of the most popular inline 6-cylinder engines is renowned for its excellent reliability.
Models with the same engines
- Nissan Skyline 7 shared engines
- Nissan Cedric 6 shared engines
- Nissan Gloria 6 shared engines
- Nissan 180SX/200SX/Silvia 3 shared engines
- Nissan Bluebird 3 shared engines
- Nissan Maxima 3 shared engines
- Nissan Cefiro 2 shared engines
- Nissan Crew 2 shared engines
- Nissan Leopard 2 shared engines
- Nissan Lucino/200SX 2 shared engines