SR20 engine: specifications, features and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The SR20DE engine is one of the most famous powertrains used in Nissan vehicles. It was first used back in 1989. This equipment was released as a replacement for the CA20 cast-iron engine, which was already outdated by that time.

General Description

At that time, the new SR20DE engine used an aluminum cylinder block and dry cast iron liners. The height of this block was 211.25 mm. As for the overall dimensions, this device is a square type with dimensions of 86 x 86 mm, the length of the connecting rods of the power unit is 136 mm, the height of the pistons is 32 mm. The cylinder head of this type is twin-shaft with 4 valves per cylinder. The SR20DE engine has a multipoint injection system. Here it can be noted that in parallel with this type of motor, the SR20Di was also produced, but its popularity turned out to be much less. It differed from its well-known counterpart in that the injection system was single-point with redesigned channels. This also affected the power, since the mono-injection devices differed only in 115 hp. With. and 6000rpm. The SR20DE engine of the first modification was already distinguished by its power of 140 hp. With. and 6400 rpm. Since it is the DE modification that has become the most common, it is worth considering in more detail.

The first model of the unit

The first engine of this class was distinguished by the fact that it had a red valve cover, which is why it was called the SR20DE Red top High port. As for the data of this model, it had intake valves, an exhaust system with a pipe of 45 mm in diameter, camshafts with indicators such as 248/240, a lift of 10.0/9.2 mm. All this data led to the fact that this modification of the power unit could reach 7500 rpm.

The next version was released only in 1994 and it was an improved version of "Redtop". In this case, the same cover turned black, and therefore the Red was changed to Black in the name. As for the changes in the technical characteristics of the SR20, the second modification has become more environmentally friendly. It also had redesigned cylinder head intake valves, camshafts were 240/240 with 9.2/9.2 mm lifts, and the exhaust pipe diameter was reduced to 38 mm.

It can be added that in 1995 an engine was released that had a new camshaft with slightly lower parameters, due to which the number of revolutions in it dropped to 7100 per minute.

Latest SR20DE

For example, the SR20 engine for the Nissan Serena or other brandsthe same company was somewhat modified one more time. The last changes to it took place in 2000. Then equipment was released, which was called Roller rocker. Roller rockers and camshafts with 232/240 ratings and 10.0/9.2 mm lifts were used here. Here, the springs and valves were somewhat shortened (by 3 mm). Small changes were made to the pistons, a lighter crankshaft was used, as well as a shortened version of the intake manifold. With such characteristics, the SR20DE Roller Rocker engine was produced for only 2 years, and in 2002 the company stopped the production of this equipment altogether.

Other modifications

It is worth mentioning that in 1989, not only an atmospheric version of this type of engine was released, but also another modification of it, which was called SR20DET, its difference lies in the fact that turbocharging was used here.

The engines for the Nissan Liberty SR20 and SR20DET were similar in that the manufacturers provided both modifications with the same red cover, and the year of their release and completion coincided. As for the differences, the SR20DET was additionally equipped with the same type of turbocharger as the Garret T25G. The working pressure of this element is 0.5 bar. Naturally, this change became significant and could not but affect the technical characteristics and design. Heavy-duty connecting rods were used here, 370 cc / min injectors were installed, as for camshafts, 240/240 models were mounted here.their respective lifts. Another design difference was the introduction of a throttle valve with dimensions of 60 mm. In terms of technical characteristics, the SR20DET engine also in some cases greatly exceeded its counterpart. In particular, the power increased to 205 hp. s., but the number of revolutions was 6000 per minute. Torque was 274 Nm while maintaining 4000 rpm.

Improved version of SR20DET

It is worth noting that from 1990 to 1994 an improved version of the Redtop was produced with a turbocharger. If on a conventional engine the compression ratio was lowered to 8.5, then here it was reduced by another 0.2 from this value. The turbine itself was also replaced by the T28, due to which the working pressure increased to 0.72 bar. There were also more powerful 248/248 camshafts with 10.0 mm lifts. The injectors have been changed from 370 to 440, and the cylinder head bolts have also been strengthened, and a few other miscellaneous small improvements have been made. All these changes led to the fact that the power increased to 230 hp. with., the number of revolutions per minute increased by another 400, and the torque became equal to 280 Nm while maintaining 4800 revolutions.

At the end, we can add that the improved version was used in only one type of car - this is the Nissan GTi-R, which was specially prepared for participation in the WRC.

Common features of the entire SR20 series

Here it is worth noting that high quality makes itself felt, reliability and durability of thesemotors is proven and is at a very high level. As for any significant shortcomings, they are virtually absent. But there are small problems. These include floating idle. This is usually caused by a broken idle speed controller or low-quality fuel. With an enviable frequency, an element such as the DMRV can fail.

In general, for example, the resource of the timing chain is very high and amounts to more than 250 thousand km. The technical characteristics of the SR20 engine are acceptable even now. If you fill in high-quality oil, periodically service the engine of the SR model, then you can drive more than 400 thousand kilometers on it without any breakdowns.

Possibility of improvement

Because the engine itself can last quite a long time, it can still be adequately operated on older Nissan models. For this reason, it would be wise to improve it.

As for the atmospheric type SR20DE, you need to start with the cylinder head. You need to make a decision whether to take Low or High Port. Here it is necessary to be guided by the following principle. If the porting of the head will not be carried out, then it is better to take the "Low port". If such an operation is still carried out, then "High Port" will be clearly preferable, since its potential is much greater.

To increase the power of this type of engine, you can start with the simplest. You will need to buy JWT S3 camshafts, as well as a systemcold intake, direct-flow exhaust with a 4-1 type manifold. Since the option is considered budgetary, it will, of course, give an increase, but it will be quite insignificant. To significantly increase the increase in power for such a power unit, it will be necessary to reduce the compression ratio. For this, the installation of lightweight pistons, which can be taken from a model such as the SR20VE, is excellent. Installing these details will help increase the compression ratio to 11.7.

Design features of the entire line, reviews

It's worth noting that replacing the right SR20 engine mount (or the left one) is fairly straightforward, as you don't have to completely remove the entire engine from the car. In general, there are several common features:

• all cylinders are made of cast iron and "dry" liners inside an aluminum block;
• all intake and exhaust manifolds are made of steel;
• DOCH gas distribution scheme has two overhead camshafts that control 16 valves;
• almost every version of this engine is forced by the fact that an additional turbo was installed.

Reviews about the SR20 engine, or rather about the entire line as a whole, are quite positive. Many noted that the quality of all parts and the entire power unit as a whole is very worthy. If you monitor its condition and carry out an inspection or any minor work in a timely manner, then it is able to serve for a long time. This is further supported by the fact that, for example,the last SR20DE was released in 2002, and it still works properly in some car models to this day. Therefore, the SR20 engine is the most popular engine in existence today.