rb20

The RB20 is a family of 2.0-liter inline-6 engines produced by Nissan as part of the broader RB engine line. Introduced in the late 1980s, the RB20 was designed for front-engine, rear-wheel-drive platforms and offered both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants to support performance-oriented models, particularly within Nissan’s performance-oriented lineups such as the Skyline and related sedans.

Variants in the RB20 lineup include the RB20DE, a naturally aspirated DOHC 24-valve engine with electronic fuel injection, and the RB20DET, a turbocharged version used in performance-oriented applications. The turbo variant is noted for its potential tuning headroom, which contributed to its popularity among enthusiasts and in motorsport contexts, especially in markets where turbocharged engines were common.

The RB20 family was used across a range of Nissan models, including sedans and coupes in the Skyline, Cefiro, Laurel, and Cedric lines, depending on market and model year. Across the lineup, the engines are characterized by dual overhead camshafts and a multi-valve configuration, providing a balance of high-rev performance and usable mid-range torque.

Maintenance and aftermarket support have preserved interest in the RB20, particularly for aging units and turbocharged examples. Common maintenance concerns for older RB20s focus on aging components, boost-related plumbing in turbo variants, and the usual wear associated with high-mileage engines. Today the RB20 remains of historical interest in Nissan’s engine family, valued by collectors, restorers, and performance enthusiasts as part of the era’s automotive engineering.