Engine differences about Series 1 S30 Zs?

[Kerrigan]

I apologize if I have asked this question here before (so I won't get fried again by certain "contributors" to the forum).

Could someone describe the physical differences between the L20 engine and the L20A engines from 1960-1972?

Apparently the S30 Z with the L20 was only available in the Japanese Home Market cars?

I do know both are 6-cylinder engines and that the L20 is a 2.0 liter engine and that's about it as far as what I have learned thus far.

What I did find in Wikipedia is:

"L20/L20A

Nissan L20 engine

The L20 is a SOHC 12-valve engine produced from 1966. A 78.0 mm bore and 69.7 mm stroke meant a displacement of 1,998 cc. Later, this engine became the L20A to avoid confusion with the four-cylinder L20B introduced in 1975. The L20 was used in the Nissan Skyline 2000 GT and Nissan Cedric 130, producing 109 hp (81 kW) for the 2000 GT and 123 hp (92 kW) for the Cedric."

This does not indicate the L20 was used in the FairladyZ, so is this just another example of Wikipedia information being incomplete?

If someone has replied to this query before with the information could you please paste the link? I've not found it in my internet searches thus far.

Thank you.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Kerrigan
added information

[Zed Head]

I think I saw some of the responses on your other thread. Some of the irritation might come from the fact that you're not including any of the helpful information from the other replies. You're ignoring what's been said and quoting Wikipedia. Maybe you could put some time in to compiling what you've learned so that people see their help being acknowledged. It seems like you'll keep asking the same question until you get an answer that you're looking for. "Describing differences" is very vague. What is the purpose of your question? Maybe someone can help you get their instead of citing differences.

Tom Monroe's How To Rebuild Your Datsun Engine book says that the the L20A is a six cylinder engine that was not sold in the USA. There's a difference. The L20B is a 4 cylinder engine. The 1972 FSM shows an L20A as an option for the 240Z though, which seems odd if it wasn't sold in the USA. Maybe Canada got it. I included a picture of the L20A specs.

I collected all of this in 5 minutes with my paper book and the internet. If you could do the same, people could fill in the gaps instead of starting from scratch every time you ask. What do you know and what are your sources.

Just trying to help you out. Compile what you know and show it.

[Z fan]

@ Kerrigan, don't feel bad by forums contributors, forums are composed by all kinds of personalities , some are good nature and others are radicals in their interactions . Been fried by the in clan of a forum is the norm , so take it for what its worth . Good luck with your Z adventure.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Z fan

[240260280z]

L20A FSM is here: http://www.xenons30.com/files/FSM%20L20aL24engine.pdf

[Zed Head]

Here's another good source - http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Engine-Specific/L20A,%20L24%20&%20L26%20Engines/L20A,%20L24%20&%20L26%20Engines%20EG.PDF

I haven't seen any reference to an L20 engine anywhere yet. Only L20A and L20B. Your Wikipedia reference indicates that L20 and L20A are the same engine. So why would there be a difference?

Seems like your real question is "where was the L20A engine used?"

Again, just trying to help out. The answer to your question seems to be that there are no differences. They are the same engine. The A was added to show that it's the 6 cylinder 2 liter engine versus the 4 cylinder 2 liter enigne.

[Kerrigan]

Thank you for the information.

And I appreciate you reply; very civil and helpful.

I have posted the information on our FairladyZ-L and it seems to incite so many different options about the car (and me) which has been good as it's caused me to keep looking for all the data I can find.

And the confusion about these cars is rampant.

It can't have the engine it has, it's number is "wrong for the car" and so on.

It's fun, but confusing.

I've had local Z "experts" look at the car when shown and tell me it's not original, that it's been "tampered with", has a engine that was not original, and so on.

Had the car for over 35 years and know IT'S history being the 2nd owner since 1971, and always want to learn more about it.

I'd be happy to learn it's a "factory fluke" or the ilk.

Then, as the ONLY example left, it would be priceless :-)

All in all, it continues to be a wonderful learning process and a barrel full of laughs over some of the "information" shared by others.

Hell, even the books are wrong according to some folks, and the pictures of the car new must have been "faked" when published ... what a hoot.

I just love the guys who say "the books are bull****, don't believe your eyes."

One more time around the block:

Manufactured as the Japanese Domestic Model (JDM) for the home market in Japan.

Build window is May-July 1971 based on coded dates on wiring, fuel pump, etc. Total number of S30 models built in 1971 is 3,346 based on Nissan production records I've seen here and other sites.

Luxury Model (suffix "L"), sub-model D.

Equipped with original unmodified L20 2.0 liter engine coupled to original 5-speed manual transmission, ending with the original R180 3.9 ratio differential.

L20 engine is 1998cc with 130bhp @6000 rpm, producing 128 ft lbs torque @ 4400 rpm.

Listed top speed is 195kph with a dry curb weight of 995 kg.

Full exterior restoration in 2007-2008 repainted in match to factory original paint Nissan 901 Grand Prix Metallic Silver, using original Nissan parts. Disassembled for painting except for engine unit.

Interior remains original with original seat upholstery, has original factory option Hatichi AM/8-track tape player radio which still works and plays Steppenwolf just grandly.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Kerrigan

[Kerrigan]

Nice manual ... note the cover does not list an L20 engine ... just an L20A ... with the single down-draft carburetor.

I've never seen a manual specifically for L20 engine with the dual Hitachi carbs ... never.

Do you know of one? I'd LOVE to see it!

Like to find the right specs for internal parts .. like bearings, rings, pistons, and the like.

Here's another good source - http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Engine-Specific/L20A,%20L24%20&%20L26%20Engines/L20A,%20L24%20&%20L26%20Engines%20EG.PDF

I haven't seen any reference to an L20 engine anywhere yet. Only L20A and L20B. Your Wikipedia reference indicates that L20 and L20A are the same engine. So why would there be a difference?

Seems like your real question is "where was the L20A engine used?"

Again, just trying to help out. The answer to your question seems to be that there are no differences. They are the same engine. The A was added to show that it's the 6 cylinder 2 liter engine versus the 4 cylinder 2 liter enigne.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Kerrigan

[Kerrigan]

It's funny actually that Wikipedia has it wrong as well ... so much for those "experts" ... ;-)

[Kerrigan]

Wait .. hold the phone ...

How can the 6-cylinder be designated L20 if the "A" was added to denote the 6-cylinder from the 4-cylinder L20?

Man, I'm confused! Geeze, what am I not catching on to here??

Here is a for-real L20 6-cylinder dual Hitachi carburetored engine in the 1971 FairladyZ-L.

Here's the stamp on the block. There isn't an "A" anywhere.

Don't know what else to say, except "weird".

Here's another good source - http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Engine-Specific/L20A,%20L24%20&%20L26%20Engines/L20A,%20L24%20&%20L26%20Engines%20EG.PDF

I haven't seen any reference to an L20 engine anywhere yet. Only L20A and L20B. Your Wikipedia reference indicates that L20 and L20A are the same engine. So why would there be a difference?

Seems like your real question is "where was the L20A engine used?"

Again, just trying to help out. The answer to your question seems to be that there are no differences. They are the same engine. The A was added to show that it's the 6 cylinder 2 liter engine versus the 4 cylinder 2 liter enigne.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Kerrigan
more data

[Z fan]

Not to offend , Nippon send this car to this shore as an economical GT, there for all initial data is not that well documented as these tin cans are not an EXOTIC automobile .

Edited June 21, 2014 by Z fan

[Zed Head]

Wait .. hold the phone ...

How can the 6-cylinder be designated L20 if the "A" was added to denote the 6-cylinder from the 4-cylinder L20?

Man, I'm confused! Geeze, what am I not catching on to here??

Here is a for-real L20 6-cylinder dual Hitachi carburetored engine in the 1971 FairladyZ-L.

Here's the stamp on the block. There isn't an "A" anywhere.

Don't know what else to say, except "weird".

I didn't read through all of your other posts but I do see that you might having some "cognitive bias" going on. You're interpreting things to fit what you "know" instead of changing what you know to fit the reality. There's nothing written anywhere that I see about an "A" stamp. Why would you need an A or a B stamped on the engine, all you have to do is count cylinders. So looking for an A stamp seems pointless. The A and B seem to be for documentation and manual purposes.

The number on the engine would match the number on the body plate, in the USA market. I don't know if they did that in Japan. Is that where the "mis-matched number" thing comes from? It could just be a replacement motor.

From your post farther above it seems like you just have a plain old JDM Fairlady Z with an L20 six cylinder. What's the big deal? The FSM shows it as a stock engine for the car. What are you really looking for?

Edit - seriously, I'm just wondering what the fuss is about.

Edited June 21, 2014 by Zed Head

[240260280z]

pics https://www.google.co.jp/search?btnG=Search&gbv=1&tbm=isch&q=l20%20nissan%20site:.jp%20-%22l20a%22

stuff https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=l20+nissan+site:.jp+-%22l20a%22&gbv=1&source=lnms&sa=X&ei=gOSlU6DaMtK9oQSdwYL4AQ&ved=0CAQQ_AU