Sentra README! Make sticky!

[fugiot]

To all noobs: read this first before asking questions!
I. Years
II. Motors
III. Models and Trims
IV. Tuning and swaps
V. Specs
VI. Links and Prices
VII. Getting the best mileage
VIII. Maintenance and Common Problems
IX. What cars have the SR20 engine?








YEARS********************************************* ************************

1991-94: all Sentras and NXs were called B13
1995-99: all Sentras and 200SXs were called B14
2000-Present: all Sentras are called B15








MOTORS******************************************** ************************

GA16DE(B13 version): 1.6 liter, 110hp@6000rpm, 108ft-lb@4000rpm, 6800rpm redline

GA16DE(B14 version): 1.6 liter, 115hp@6000rpm, 108ft-lb@4000rpm, 6800rpm redline

SR20DE(B13 version): 2.0 liter, 140hp@6400rpm, 132ft-lb@4800rpm, 7500rpm redline

SR20DE(B14 version): 2.0 liter, 140hp@6400rpm, 132ft-lb@4800rpm, 7000rpm redline

SR20DE(B15 Version): 2.0 liter, 145hp@6400rpm, 136ft-lb@4800rpm, 6800rpm redline

QG18DE(B15 Version): 1.8 liter, 126hp@6000rpm, 129ft-lb@2600rpm, 6500rpm redline

QR25DE(B15 Version): 2.5 liter, 175hp@6000rpm, 180ft-lb@4000rpm, 6200rpm redline

VQ35DE(Max/Altima): 3.5 liter, 265hp@5800rpm, 255ft-lb@4400rpm, 6800rpm redline








MODELS and TRIMS********************************************* ***************



B13-


"The B13 Sentra"
The trims available for the B13 Sentras were E, XE, GXE, SE, Limited Edition and SE-R. All trims existed for all 4 years except the Limited Edition which was only a 1994 model.

E: 1991-1994
GA16DE, 2 or 4-door, Basic, Bare-bones, most were 4-spd man., or 3-spd auto. Very basic and VERY light at 2300lbs.

XE: 1991-1994
GA16DE, 2 or 4-door, the average Sentra, basic ammenities.

GXE: 1991-1994
GA16DE, 4-door only, more upscale, more features, heaviest Sentra at 2500lbs.

SE: 1991-1994
GA16DE, 2-door only, sportier look(spoiler, fogs), tighter suspension.

Limited: 1994 only
GA16DE, 2 or 4-door, Like a GXE and SE mixed together.

SE-R: 1991-1994
SR20DE, 2-door only, pure sports model, sporty look, 14" rims, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, LSD, Fogs.



"The B13 NX"
The NX was available from 1991-1993 in either the NX1600 model or the NX2000 model. Egg-shaped 2-door only car.

NX1600: 1991-1993
GA16DE, like a smaller Sentra GXE

NX2000: 1991-1993
SR20DE, like a smaller Sentra SE-R with larger brakes and other small differences. Just as fast.





B14-


"The B14 Sentra"
The trims available for the B14 were the base model, XE, GXE, GLE, SE, and SE-Limited. ALL B14 Sentras were 4-Door.

Base Model: 1995-1998
GA16DE, like the older "E" model

XE: 1995-1999
GA16DE, Like the older XE model

GXE: 1995-1999
GA16DE, Like the older GXE model

GLE: 1995-1998
GA16DE, First truly upscale Sentra, fully loaded

SE: 1998-1999
GA16DE, Like the older SE model

SE-Limited: 1999 only
SR20DE, The last of the true SR20 SE-Rs. Wasn't called an SE-R but it was at heart. Best looking B14 by far. Extremely rare.



"The B14 200SX"
Trims available for the B14 200SX were the base model, SE, and SE-R. ALL B14 200SXs were 2-Door

Base Model: 1995-1998
GA16DE, like the older "E" model 2-door

SE: 1995-1998
GA16DE, like the B14 Sentra SE, but 2-door

SE-R: 1995-1998
SR20DE, The most popular B14, a true B13 SE-R succesor, 15" rims, 1995-97 model years had LSD, '98 did not.





B15-


"The B15 Sentra"
Trims available for the B15 Sentra were the CA, XE, GXE, 1.8, 1.8s, SE, 2.5s, SE-R and Spec-V

XE: 2000-2003
QG18DE, lowest model B15, similar to older XE models.

GXE: 2000-2003
QG18DE, Similar to older GXE models

CA: 2001-2002
QG18DE(special design), specifically for the California market, this car is rated as ULEV with a special 1.8 liter motor and is similar to the GXE in design and features

SE: 2000-2001
SR20DE(roller-rocker version), Like a subdued SE-R, this is a heavy sports Sentra with the most tame version of the SR20DE to ever be developed. Designed for more low-end power, the SR20 in this model loses some of it's characteristic high-strung performance but still moves fairly swiftly.

1.8: 2004+
QG18DE, the replacement for the GXE with a new name

1.8s: 2004+
QG18DE, the replacement for the XE with a new name

2.5s: 2003-2004
QR25DE(165hp version), an all new top of the line Sentra built for comfort with the B15 SE-R motor. It was called the 2.5 LE in 2003. The only non-SE-R Sentra with the SE-R motor. Quite heavy though.

SE-R: 2002+
QR25DE(165hp version), the "base" SE-R with either 5-spd man. or 4-spd auto. Much more aggressive look compared to other B15s.

SE-R Spec-V: 2002+
QR25DE(175hp version), only offered in 6-spd man, large 17" rims, LSD, optional Brembo brakes.








TUNING******************************************** *************************

The most popular tuning companies for Sentras are Jim Wolf Technology(JWT), Stillen, Hotshot, and JGY Customs. JWT makes some incredible products. Their ECU is top-notch, and cams are unrivaled. It can be difficult to squeeze more power out of most Nissan motors and the real significant gains come from reducing rotating mass. Lightweight rims, lightweight pullies, and a lightweight flywheel will turn any Nissan into a new car.




"B13-B14 GA16DE"

Not too much available for the GA motor, but there are enough parts available to make it very quick. The Hotshot turbo kit will run about $4,000 but put the car at 200+whp! It can be difficult to squeeze more power out of most Nissan motors and the real significant gains come from reducing rotating mass. Lightweight rims, lightweight pullies, and a lightweight flywheel will turn any Nissan into a new car.

To swap to the SR20 motor, you need to also swap the transmission, the motor mounts, the ecu/harness, and front axles. It's not a cheap swap but has been done many times.



"B13-B14 SR20DE"
Mainly 3 ways to tune.

1.Modify the original SR20DE motor. Dramatic gains can be had from flywheel, ecu, and cams. Also, the brakes from the NX2000 are a nice cheap upgrade.

2.Swap to an SR20DET or turbo the SR20DE. Massive power to be had here. Need to upgrade the MAF at about 250hp(to a Ford Cobra or 300ZX one) along with the injectors(300ZX). The tranny is the weak spot here. It can't sustain much over 200whp before it needs shot-peening or cryo-treatment(for strength). For $3000, you can obtain a new gear set made by PAR, good for up to 600whp, through JGYcustoms. Benefits over the VVL swap, below, are high hp output, and easy power gains.

3.Swap to a VVL motor. Either the SR20VE(190hp) or SR16VE(170hp). This is the newest craze in the B13/B14 SE-R tuning world. It offers a nice high-revving VTEC-style motor making 187hp from 2.0 liters. JWT is currently working on a cam upgrade and the Hotshot SR20DE headers are compatible with it along with all SR drivetrain parts. Benefits of the VVL swap over the turbo are better gas mileage(including the n/a DE), and lower torque output to save the transmission. You will need the JWT ecu, and either Summit solenoid switches or a Greddy MSS to activate the VTEC style cam switchover.



"B15 QG18DE"
Not many parts available for this motor at all. Extremely hard to find. It can be difficult to squeeze more power out of most Nissan motors and the real significant gains come from reducing rotating mass. Lightweight rims, lightweight pullies, and a lightweight flywheel will turn any Nissan into a new car.



"B15 SR20DE"
This is the least responsive SR20 motor around. It can be modified in all the same ways of the older SR20s, but it will show the smallest gains. Best to swap an older SR20, or a newer VVL into the B15 Sentra SE.

It can be difficult to squeeze more power out of most Nissan motors and the real significant gains come from reducing rotating mass. Lightweight rims, lightweight pullies, and a lightweight flywheel will turn any Nissan into a new car.



"B15 QR25DE"
All standard bolt-ons available. Fantastic motor for it's size and application. Responds well to air flow increases.

Turbo kits available from various smaller tuners.

This motor contains a balance shaft which ruins some of it's power curve and revving response. Removing it is a must for any Spec owner.

A rising trend in the Spec world is the VQ35 swap. The VQ35 is the fwd motor from the 2002+Maxima and 2002+ Altima SE or SE-R.

It can be difficult to squeeze more power out of most Nissan motors and the real significant gains come from reducing rotating mass. Lightweight rims, lightweight pullies, and a lightweight flywheel will turn any Nissan into a new car.



***Available companies***
This is just an example. It is by no means, a complete list.

Intakes:
JWT pop-charger, Hotshot, AEM, HKS, Stillen

Exhaust Systems:
Apexi, Borla, Injen, Greddy, HKS, JGY, Stillen, Tanabe

ECUs:
JWT reprogrammed ECU

Flywheels:
Clutchmaster, Fidanza, Unorthodox, JWT

Clutches:
ACT, Clutch Master, SPEC, Unorthodox, JWT

Spark Plugs:
NGK or Denso. NOT BOSCH!

Cams:
JWT S1, HKS, Nismo

Headers:
Hotshot, Topspeed

Turbo Kits:
Hotshot, FMAX, JGY Customs

Suspension:
KYB, AGX, Tein









SPECIFICATIONS************************************ ***************************


B13 with GA16DE:
0-60mph = 9.8 seconds
1/4 mile = 17.1 seconds
Top speed = 115mph

B13 with SR20DE:
0-60mph = 7.6 seconds
1/4 mile = 15.7 seconds
Top speed = 128mph

B14 with GA16DE:
0-60mph = 9.6 seconds
1/4 mile = 17.0 seconds
Top speed = 115mph

B14 with SR20DE:
0-60mph = 7.8 seconds
1/4 mile = 15.9 seconds
Top speed = 128mph

B13/B14 with stock boost SR20DET:
Average 0-60mph = 5.6 seconds
Average 1/4 mile = 13.5 seconds
Top speed = 155mph

B13/B14 with mildy modded SR20VE:
Average 0-60 = 5.6 seconds
Average 1/4 mile = 14.0
Top speed = 150mph

B15 with QG18DE:
0-60mph = 9.3 seconds
1/4 mile = 16.8 seconds
Top speed = 120mph

B15 with SR20DE:
0-60mph = 8.5 seconds
1/4 mile = 16.3 seconds
Top speed = 130mph

B15 with QR25DE(2.5s)
0-60mph = 8.1 seconds
1/4 mile = 16.1 seconds
Top speed = 137mph

B15 with QR25DE(Spec-V)
0-60mph = 7.4 seconds
1/4 mile = 15.4 seconds
Top speed = 140mph

B15 with QR25DE Turbo(average)
0-60 = 5.5 seconds
1/4 mile = 13.5 seconds
Top speed = 155mph

B15 with VQ35DE
0-60mph = 5.2 seconds
1/4 mile = 13.2 seconds
Top speed = 155mph








LINKS and PRICES******************************************** *****************


Links:
www.jimwolftechnology.com - Cams, ECU
www.jgycustoms.com - Great for Motors!
www.stillen.com
www.mossyperformance.com
www.courtesynissan.com
www.horsepowerfreaks.com - Great site for a lot of parts
www.hotshot.com



Prices:
Average price for a GA16DE is $400
Average price for an SR20DE is $500
Average price for an SR20DET is $1500
Average price for an SR20VE is $1700
Average price for an VQ35DE is $3500








Getting the best gas mileage******************************************* **********


0. Get a TUNE-UP!; Spark plugs, wires, distributor, fuel filter.
1. Make sure you are using NGK, Denso, or HKS spark plugs
2. Get an intake; JWT, HKS, AEM, Hotshot, K&N
3. Get lightweight wheels; Konig, Kosei K1, SSRs
4. Get lightweight pulleys; Unorthodox
5. Get a reprogrammed ECU($500) from Jim Wolf Technology
6. Get a lighweight flywheel; Fidanza, Unorthodox, Stillen, JWT








Maintenance and Common Problems****************************************** ******


1. Never use Bosch spark plugs! Your Nissan will run like crap with them. Use NGKs. Don't bother with platinums either. They are a waste of money. If you want premium plugs, get NGK Iridiums or HKS Iridiums.

2. Never use fuel injector cleaner! It will eat at your injectors and leave them mishappen. All Nissans have had self-cleaning injectors since the mid-80's. If you must clean them, have it done physically.

3. B13s are suspect to sagging door hinges

4. Stock clutches are WEAK(w/the exception of B15 SE-R's). Do not use them for racing or you will be replacing it within 6 months.

5. 1991-93 SE-Rs have a common transmission problem where 5th gear disengages into Neutral by itself. Also known as "5th gear pop-out"

6. 2002 Spec-Vs are at high risk of being lemon.

7. Run your SR20DE to redline at least once a month. It will keep the cams from gunking up.

8. Always have rear tire pressure at least 3psi lower than the front tires. Optimal street settings for Sentras is 34 Front/29 Rear.

9. Valvoline or Mobile 1 Synthetic are the best choices of motor oil for your Sentra. Stay away from conventional Pennzoil.

10. Nissan sucks at making a reliable power window. If you can do without it, get a Sentra with manual windows.








What Cars have the SR20 Engine???***************************************** ********

In order of speed[1/4 mi. in brackets]:
1) 1991-1994 Sentra SE-R [15.7]
2) 1991-1993 NX2000 [15.8]
3) 1995-1998 200sx SE-R [15.9]
4) 1999 Sentra SE-Limited(SE-L)[16.1]
5) 1991-1996 Infiniti G20 [16.2]
6) 2000-2001 Sentra SE 2.0 [16.2]
7) 1999-2001 Infiniti G20 [17.0]

[nismo_pilot]

sweet writeup, sticky is a must

[fugiot]

Added a 7th section to the FAQ!!!

[joker_mpc]

what do u need to up grade nissan sentra that had a ga16de?i want to put a sr20de....on it.what do i need to change.?

[fugiot]

It's in the FAQ:

"B13-B14 GA16DE"

Not too much available for the GA motor, but there are enough parts available to make it very quick. The Hotshot turbo kit will run about $4,000 but put the car at 200+whp! To swap to the SR20 motor, you need to also swap the transmission, the motor mounts, the ecu/harness, and front axles. It's not a cheap swap but has been done many times.

[specvflyby]

what all will i need to swap my QR25DE for theVQ35DE out of an Altima and what would i be getting myself into?

[slideways...]

go here
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/search.php

then go here if you still have questions
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...ewthread&f=207

[Moppie]

Thread cleaned and stuck
Please keep it on topic, and next time you need a little help just PM a Mod.
(not me )

[Nismonick]

Pretty good list, your missing a couple of years though:

1982 - 1986 Datsun Nissan Sentra (B11):
Engines:
1) 1.6L E16 Motor, available with carb (E16s) or throttle Body fuel injection (E16i). The motor produced about 72HP
2) 1.7 CD17 diesel motor. This engine was sold in the states and is extremely rare.

1987-1990 Nissan Sentra (B12):
Engines:
1) E16i - Gasoline, 1.6L Inline 4. SOHC with 8 valves. Throttle body injection. Net 72HP, 70lb-ft torque. Found in the 1987-1988 cars.
2) GA16i - Gasoline, 1.6L Inline 4. SOHC with 12 valves. Throttle body injection. 96HP and 92 lb-ft torque. Found in the 1989 and 1990 models.
3) Non North American cars were also available with CA16DE's and GA15i's.

Body Styles:
1) 4 Door Sedan, front wheel drive. 3 speed auto, or 4 or 5 speed manual transmissions were offered.
2) 2 Door Sedan, front wheel drive. 3 speed auto, or 4 or 5 speed manuals offered. .
3) 2 Door Sport Coupe, front wheel drive. 3 speed auto or 5 speed manuals offered.
4) 2 Door Wagon, front or all wheel drive. 3 speed auto, or 4 or 5 speed manuals were available.
5) 4 Door Wagon, front or all wheel drive. 3 speed auto, or 4 or 5 speed manuals were offered.

The 1987 and 1988 models are reffered to as EB12's, they have different headlight and tailight styling than 1989 -1990 models.
The 1989 and 1990 models are referred to as GB12's, they have a more 'modern' headlight and tailight package as well as some other trim bits.

1991-1994 Nissan Sentra Classic (PB12):
These B12's were surplus B12's built in Nissans Mexico plant and sold in Canada alongside the newer B13 Sentra. They have the GB12 body and trim parts however they have the older E-Series (E16i) engine. 3 Speed automatics, or 4 or 5 speed manuals were available. The classic was only available in Sedan styles.

-Nick

[xbrandonx]

You know, there is a B14 E model. No power steering, bumpers aren't painted, no power windows or anything. Rare, however they do float around. I don't think they ran all the way to 99 though.

[blownb210]

Great thread. Lots of time invested here! Thank you from the Sentra community.

Just a request to update the info for turbo systems available for the GA16DE. currently under "Available companies" then "Turbo Kits" it reads:
"Hotshot, FMAX, JGY Customs

Update: unfortunately Hotshot is out of business, but fortunately all is not lost because Turbo Specialties Inc. produces not one but two turbo kits for the GA16DE. Frankly, we're lucky anybody makes a kit for 1.6L our cars. Hyundai owners should be so lucky.

Thanks, Mike

[RaeRae1]

Thank you for this fantastic sticky - learned tons of info about my 91 SE-R. Intresting to see it was notorious for popping out of 5th - figured it might just be a quirk with mine.

[mpower2008]

yea i have a 1998 B14 E ..black bumpers, no power steering, no power windows ..and basically nothing extra that you wouldnt need....motor is unbelievable strong for having 325,000 km ...and the transmission will pop out of 5th gear at approximately 178 km/h ...... i just simply figured that there was too much mass moving in the tranny and the gears were pulling apart..... glad to know it isnt just my car lol (anybody with a 1995-1999 sentra with a exaust manifold in decent shape let me know ..they are extremely pricey for new because they include a catalytic converter ...approx. $650 for new..thanks)

[salvoB14SR20DE]

hey i have a 99 sentra se limited with a B14 SR20DE automatic, i really want to make it manual but for now i want to do easier upgrades like: air intake, headers, and exhaust and i also while reading your post i also want to get a 300zx maf sensor where can i get an adapter to make this maf fit to my b14 sr20de?