The Nissan CA20S is a 1,974 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1982 and 1991. It features a cast iron block, aluminum cylinder head, single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and a twin-barrel carburetor. This engine was designed for durability and ease of maintenance in Nissan's compact and mid-size vehicles of the era.
Fitted to models such as the Auster/Stanza (T11/T12), Silvia (S12), and Vanette (C22), the CA20S was engineered for reliable, economical transportation. It offered a balance of adequate power for its time and good fuel efficiency, making it suitable for daily commuting and light commercial use. Emissions compliance for its production period was managed through basic engine management and carburetor tuning.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft and rocker arms, particularly in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. This issue, noted in Nissan service documentation, is often linked to infrequent oil changes or the use of incorrect oil viscosity. The design, while robust, requires diligent maintenance to ensure longevity of the valvetrain components.
Production years 1982–1991 meet applicable Japanese and international emissions standards for their respective model years (Nissan Technical Bulletin NTB-85-012).
The Nissan CA20S is a 1,974 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact sedans and light commercial vehicles (1982-1991). It combines a durable cast iron block with a simple SOHC valvetrain to deliver reliable, economical performance. Designed to meet emissions standards of its era, it prioritizes serviceability and longevity over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,974 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 87.0 mm | |
| Power output | 75–85 kW (102–115 PS) | |
| Torque | 157–167 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin-barrel downdraft carburetor | |
| Emissions standard | Japanese 1980s standards | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 140 kg |
The SOHC design provides adequate power for its era but requires regular valve clearance adjustments every 20,000 km to prevent noise and power loss. Using the specified SAE 10W-40 oil is critical to protect the flat-tappet camshaft and rocker arms from premature wear. The carburetor demands periodic cleaning and synchronization to maintain fuel economy and smooth idle. High-mileage engines should have the timing chain inspected for stretch, as failure can lead to piston-valve contact. Replacing the mechanical fuel pump with a quality unit is recommended as a preventative measure.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 meeting API SF/CC specification (Nissan Owner's Manual). Modern equivalents with ZDDP additive are recommended for older engines.
Emissions: Meets Japanese emissions standards applicable to 1982-1991 model years (Nissan Technical Bulletin NTB-85-012).
Power Ratings: Measured under JIS D 1001 standards. Output varies slightly by model application and carburetor tuning (Nissan Group PT-1985).
Nissan Service Manual (SM-CA20S)
Nissan EPC Documentation (CA20S-001)
Nissan Technical Bulletin (NTB-85-012)
Nissan Owner's Manuals (Auster T12, Silvia S12)
The Nissan CA20S was used across Nissan's T11/T12 and S12 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-carburetor jetting for the Silvia and reinforced mounts for the Vanette-creating minor interchange considerations. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat boss at the rear of the cylinder head, near the distributor (Nissan SM-CA20S). The 8th digit of the VIN for Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles often corresponds to the engine type ('S' for CA20S). Visually, it can be identified by its single cam cover and twin-barrel carburetor. Critical differentiation from the CA20E: The CA20S uses a carburetor, while the CA20E has electronic fuel injection with a throttle body and associated sensors. Service parts like the cylinder head and intake manifold are not interchangeable between S and E variants.
The CA20S's primary reliability risk is valvetrain wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or neglected examples. Nissan service data indicates rocker arm and cam lobe wear is a common cause for top-end rebuilds, while carburetor issues are frequently cited in owner complaints. Infrequent oil changes and incorrect oil viscosity make valvetrain component failure significantly more likely.
Analysis derived from Nissan technical bulletins (1982-1991) and owner workshop manual data. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about NISSAN CA20S.
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