The Nissan L series: how a rushed design became a modular legend
In short: Launched in 1966, the six-cylinder L20 was a rushed design based on a Mercedes model. However, Nissan refined the series with the L16, creating a modular powerhouse. This durable lineup, spanning from 1.3 L to 2.8 L, became famous for its reliability and parts interchangeability throughout the 1980s.
The L series began with the L20 in 1966, a six-cylinder engine designed before the Prince merger. Because it was rushed, it lacked the refinement of its successors. However, Nissan's Small Engine Division learned from these early mistakes, developing the L16 four-cylinder in 1967. This new design, influenced by the Mercedes-Benz M180 and the Prince G engine, underwent rigorous testing to ensure superiority over the original L20.
This pivot toward quality established a 'Modular L Series' that lasted until 1986. The lineup grew to include various displacements, from the 1.3 L L13 to the 2.8 L six-cylinder. The L16, produced from 1967 through 1973, became a cornerstone of the series, powering the Datsun 510 in North America and the Nissan Bluebird. Its versatility was unmatched; for example, the L20B was the most versatile powerplant in Nissan's US history, appearing in six different model families including the A10, 610, 710, S10, 620, and 720.
The series was also highly adaptable to local markets and specific needs. The 1.8 L L18 was particularly popular in non-USA markets because its under-2-liter displacement helped drivers avoid fuel and classification tariffs. For enthusiasts, the L20B became a legendary choice for turbocharging due to its robust, nearly square configuration and forged U60 crankshaft. Even the series' diesel variants, like the LD20, offered distinct performance profiles, with the turbo version producing 79 PS at 4400 rpm.
By the time the series was replaced by the Z, CA, VG, and RB series, it had already cemented its reputation for durability and parts interchangeability. It remains a benchmark for automotive engineering longevity.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Nissan L engine
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