Nissan SR20DET Engine 2.0L Turbo

The Nissan SR20DET is a 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline-4 engine, widely regarded as one of the most durable and tunable 4-cylinder engines ever produced. Found in the legendary Silvia, 180SX, and Pulsar GTi-R, this engine features a closed-deck cast iron block, factory forged connecting rods, and piston oil squirters, making it capable of reliably supporting 350-500+ horsepower with minimal internal modifications.

  • Engine Code: SR20DET

  • Configuration: Inline-4 (Straight 4)

  • Displacement: 1,998 cc (2.0L)

  • Bore x Stroke: 86 mm x 86 mm (Square design)

  • Compression Ratio: 8.5:1 (Redtop/Blacktop) / 9.0:1 (S15 – VVT)

  • Induction: Single Turbocharger (Garrett T25, T28, or T28 Ball Bearing depending on revision)

  • Fuel System: Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection (MPFI) – Side-feed or Top-feed injectors depending on version

  • Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder, Chain drive

  • Oil Capacity: 3.7 Liters (with filter)

  • Engine Weight (Dry): Approx. 139 kg (306 lbs)

  • OEM Horsepower:

    • Redtop (S13/180SX): 205 hp @ 6,000 rpm

    • Blacktop (S14/15): 220 hp @ 6,000 rpm

    • Blacktop (S15): 250 hp @ 6,400 rpm (with VVT and T28 turbo)

  • OEM Torque:

    • Redtop: 203 lb·ft @ 4,800 rpm

    • S15: 203 lb·ft @ 4,800 rpm (peak torque maintained longer due to VVT)

  • Factory Forged Connecting Rods: Provides exceptional strength for high-boost applications (350-500+ whp capable on stock rods).

  • Closed-Deck Cast Iron Block: Eliminates cylinder wall flex and allows for aggressive boost levels without sleeving.

  • Piston Oil Squirters: Sprays oil directly onto the underside of pistons for superior cooling and detonation resistance.

  • Timing Chain (Not Belt): Maintenance-free, robust timing chain system vs. rubber belts on competitors.

  • 86mm x 86mm Square Bore/Stroke: Ideal geometric balance for both low-end torque and high-RPM power.

  • Variable Valve Timing (S15 Blacktop only): Intake-side VVT improves low-end response and mid-range torque.

  • DOHC 16-Valve Cylinder Head: High-flow ports with solid lifters (S13/S14) or hydraulic lifters (S15) – check compatibility.

  • Top-Mount or Front-Mount Turbo: T25 (early) or T28 (late) flange – easily upgradeable to Garrett GT/GTX series.

Revision

Donor Vehicle

Key Features

Redtop (Early)

180SX / Silvia S13 (1989-1993)

No VVT, T25 turbo, side-feed injectors

Blacktop (Late)

Silvia S14 (1993-1998)

No VVT, T28 turbo, improved ECU mapping

Blacktop (S15)

Silvia S15 (1999-2002)

Intake VVT, T28 ball bearing turbo, top-feed injectors

GTi-R

Pulsar GTi-R (1990-1994)

Factory 444cc injectors, different intake plenum, 4WD oil pan

  • 1x SR20DET Longblock (Cylinder head + block)

  • 1x Intake Manifold with Throttle Body

  • 1x Exhaust Manifold with Turbocharger (T25, T28, or T28 ball bearing – verify revision)

  • 1x Wiring Harness (if included – specify year)

  • Injectors, ignition coils, alternator, and starter.