Nissan S20 engine
The Nissan S20 engine 2.0 L (1,990 cc) was a straight-6, DOHC internal combustion engine produced by Nissan (designed by the former Prince engineers) from 1969 to 1973. It was essentially a revised production variant of the 1966 Prince GR8 engine from Prince/Nissan's R380 racecar. It produces 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) at 7000 rpm and 177 N⋅m; 130 lbf⋅ft (18 kg⋅m) of torque at 5600 rpm. The S20 weighs 199 kg (439 lb). This engine is not to be confused with the unrelated Nissan SR20, which is a straight 4 cylinder petrol engine used in other Nissan models.
| Nissan S20 engine | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan Motors |
| Designer | Yuji Sakakibara |
| Production | 1968-1973 |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | Straight-6 |
| Displacement | 2.0 L; 121.4 cu in (1,990 cc) |
| Cylinder bore | 82 mm (3.23 in) |
| Piston stroke | 62.8 mm (2.47 in) |
| Valvetrain | DOHC 4 valves x cyl. |
| Combustion | |
| Fuel system | 3x Mikuni-Solex N40PHH-A24 carburetors Lucas mechanical fuel injection |
| Fuel type | Gasoline |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled |
| Output | |
| Power output | 160 hp (119 kW; 162 PS) |
| Specific power | 80.4 hp (60.0 kW; 81.5 PS) per liter |
| Torque output | 177 N⋅m; 130 lbf⋅ft (18 kg⋅m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Dry weight | 199 kg (439 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Prince GR-8 |
The S20 powered Nissan's Skyline GT-R (C10 and C110) and Fairlady Z432 models.
In Motorsport
Compared to the Nissan L series straight six engines, the S20 was too small and too complex. In the 1970 All-Japan Fuji 1000km race, 6 Fairlady Z 432R models were entered with the S20, and one with an L24 fitted. The Z fitted with the L24 won easily, and due to its simpler and more robust design, the L- series went on to become the favored engine in motorsport and tuning,[1] while the S20 remains relatively obscure.
History
The S20 was one of the technical carryovers to the Nissan brand from Prince technology. The Skyline model - built as a Prince car since the model's inception in the 1950s - received the new engine. The Skyline GT-B in 1969 saw the introduction of the PGC10 GT-R, followed by the KPGC10 GT-R with a shorter wheelbase and 2 fewer doors in 1970. This model would later win 49 straight touring car victories. For 1972, Nissan introduced the C110 Skyline powered by the L series of engines. A small number of KPGC110 GT-R would be built utilizing the remainder of the S20s.
The S20 was later fitted to the Nissan Fairlady Z432, a sports racing model of the Nissan Fairlady Z (S30) model line.
The S20 features a dual overhead cam, cross-flow head with four valves per cylinder, and pent-roof combustion chamber. Most engines utilized triple Mikuni-Solex 40PHH dual-choke carburetors; models after 1969 offered optional Lucas mechanical fuel injection. In racing trim, the fuel-injected motors reportedly produced over 225 bhp (168 kW), with 250 bhp (186 kW) for larger tracks like Fuji Speedway.
This engine was used in the following vehicles:
- Skyline GT-R (PGC10 type) 4-door sedan 1969 - 1970. (832 units)
- Skyline GT-R (KPGC10 type) 2-door coupe 1970 - 1972. 70 mm (2.8 in) shorter wheelbase than the PGC10. (1,197 units)
- Skyline GT-R (KPGC110 type) January–April 1973. (197 units)
- Fairlady Z432 (PS30) 1969 - 1972
- Fairlady Z432R (PS30SB) Z432 race car based nearly 100 kg (220 lb) lighter than production Z432. (3 units)
Engine specifications
- 1,990 cc (2.0 L; 121.4 cu in) water-cooled gasoline inline-six engine
- Bore x Stroke 82 mm × 62.8 mm (3.23 in × 2.47 in)
- Maximum output (gross) 160 bhp (119 kW; 162 PS) @ 7,000 rpm
- Maximum torque (gross) 177 N⋅m; 130 lbf⋅ft (18 kg⋅m) @ 5,600 rpm
- Triple Mikuni-Solex N40PHH-A24 2-barrel carburetors
- DOHC 4 valves per cylinder, lifter valve direct-driven[2]
- 06 liter oil capacity
- dry weight 199 kg (439 lb)
References
- https://www.classiczcars.com/forums/topic/56870-l24-battles-six-s20s-guess-who-wins/
- "1969 Nissan Skyline GT-R Hardtop C10". carfolio.com. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
