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The Nissan GA16 engineᵂ is similar to the A15, but has the distributor in the back. This is a high-output lightweight engine, the GA16DE version has 16V head and variable camshaft technology making 115 hp. RWD transmissions are available in Asia and Europe markets. It is also possible to adapt a 60-series Transmission from a Datsun B210 or B310 as well. There are also GA13 and GA14 engines but it's not really worth all the work for the smaller displacement. A GA18 is perenially discussed, but appears to be a global legend, always existing in some other country but never actually seen. The GA engine series was replaced by the QG series in 1999 (the QG18DE has 126 HP).
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Overview
The Nissan GA16 engine is similar to the A15, but distributor is in the back and RWD transmissions are available and Asia and Europe markets. The compelling part of this swap is 116 HP from variable cam timing. You could even carburete this engine and still use the VCT with an RPM-activated 12V relay.
GA16E 3-valve head
GA16DE in Datsun 1200
GA15 from FN14 Pulsar
Sources
GA16 is fitted to FWD Nissans like Sunny/Sentra and Pulsar circa 1989-2000. Also came in Tsubame Y10 (Mexico) through 2004, and in Tsuru B13 through 2007.
Nissan B13ᵂ Sentra/Sunny 1991-1994 USA
110 hp - standard two compression rings on pistons.
Nissan B14ᵂ "Sentra" 1995-1999 USA Sentra (except SE/SE-R) GA16DE 1,597cc DOHC 7,200 rpm redline 115 hp (86 kW) @ 6000rpm * Low drag single compression ring on each piston * micro polished crankshaft journals 110 ft lb @ 4500 rpm
USA - GA engine B12 1985-1990 Sentra GA16I (central fuel injection) B13 1991-1994 Sentra B14 1995-1999 Sentra KN13ᵂ c1987 Sentra SE GA16DE KN13 c1987 Sentra SE GA16
JAPAN GA16DE B13 Sunny GA16DE B14 Sunny GA16DE C23 Serena GA16DE N14 Pulsar GA16DE N15 Pulsar GA16DE
JAPAN - other GA series B12 Sunny GA15E B12 Sunny GA15S B12L Sunny GA15E B12L Sunny GA15S B13 Sunny GA13DS B13 Sunny GA15DS B14 Sunny GA13DE B14 Sunny GA15DE C23 Serena GA16DS N13 Pulsar GA15E N13 Pulsar GA15S N13P Pulsar GA15E N13P Pulsar GA15S N14 Pulsar GA13DS N14 Pulsar GA15DS N15 Pulsar GA15DE R10 Presea GA15DS R11 Presea GA15DE RB14 Sentra GA15DE U13 Bluebird GA16DS W10 Avenir GA16DS
Europe EL C23M Serena GA16DE N14 Pulsar GA14DS N14 Pulsar GA16DS N14 Pulsar GA14DE N14 Pulsar GA16DE N15 Pulsar GA14DE N15 Pulsar GA16DE P10E Primera GA16DS P10E Primera GA16DE P11E Primera GA16DE W10 Avenir GA16DS W10 Avenir GA16DE WP11E Avenir GA16DE Y10 AD Wagon GA16DS Y10 AD Wagon GA16DE B12 Sunny GA16I B12 Sunny GA16S B13 Sunny GA16DS B13 Sunny GA16DE N13 Pulsar GA14S N13 Pulsar GA16S N13 Pulsar GA16I
Look for the Bulge on left side of this photo, which indicates NVCS variable-valve timing (115hp)
VCT bulge on right front of valve cover
1991-1994 Nissan NX 1600 N14 1991-1994 Nissan Sentra B13 1994-1995 Nissan 100NX B13 (UK) 1991-1994 Nissan Presea R10 1995-1996 Nissan Presea R11 1995-1999 Nissan Sentra B14 1995-1999 Nissan 200SX B14 1995-1999 Nissan Almera N15 1995-1999 Nissan Pulsar N15 1993-1999 Nissan Primera P10/P11 10/1992-07/1995 Nissan Sunny Y10 1999-2001 Nissan Exalta Philippines
Transmission
A-series Transmission
GA engines may use the E-series bellhousing pattern — reportedly it shares enough bolt and alignment pin holes with the A-series for the transmissions to line up. Just like the E15, the block dowels line right up.
Use an A-series gearbox. Three block-to-transmission bolts line up. The input shaft may need to be machined as it is a little too long for the GA16DE.
Or, use any 4-speed or 5-speed you want. Use the traditional method of an aluminum adapter plate that bolts to the engine and provides new holes for the transmission and starter.
- bolt up 3 bolts
- redrill 4th bolt
- machine GA flywheel to accept A12/A14/A15 flywheel ring gear
- grind GA block corner where A-series starter fits
- Cut extra length off the A-series spigot (or drill the GA crank deeper)
GA uses B22 pilot bushing, as fitted to many Datsun engines
A22/PB21 PB22 I.D. 12.2mm 16mm O.D. 17mm 20.7mm
GA RWD Transmission
Or in Europe or Asia, source a Serena GA RWD transmission (Nissan Van C23 1992-). They have these in Japan, Malaysia and New Zealand too.
Nissan 32010-G2N69 RS5W71C * remote shift 5-speed 71-series transmission for GA engine * Europe 32010-0C061 RS5W71C * 9106-9701 Japan * through 2009 Malaysia
This is a large 71-series transmission, so tunnel mods will be required. Possibly could be converted to floor shift using Z-car or Silvia rear housings. However, the shifter will be too far back. Instead, consider the stock Remote Shift version, with a floor shifter from another car adapted (remote shifter).
Was also available in 4WD versions (FF+rear diff)
Nissan Rasheen 1995-2000 AWD - IRS GA15DE mounted transversely uses RS5F31A transaxle with transfer case 2-piece propeller shaft uses R180? differential
Swap Notes
Use a manual transmission GA engine flywheel. If using a 60 series B210/B310 transmission: remove the GA starter ring gear [it's facing the wrong way for the FWD starters anyway]. Use the [smaller] A series starter ring gear and machine the back of GA flywheel to fit it [it's an interference fit]. Then heat the A-series ring gear and install it backwards from the original GA gear. You can notch the GA block for clearance and use the stock A-series starter.
Remove EGR and block, since it points backwards.
Remove distributor and fit an inexpensive EDIS crank trigger system (about $200 USD). Or simply cut an access panel in your firewall for clearance and use the original distributor.
Weld up new motor mount brackets -- typical engine swap stuff. This is not a bolt-in swap.
Fit a carburetor (custom manifold) OR use the factory EFI and ECU (convert your 1200 to EFI):
EFI fuel pump Surge tank Fuel lines Return line to fuel tank
On a GA16DE the standard throttle valve will be against the firewall. Either relocate it with a custom intake, cut out the firewall to allow intake piping, or use twin side draft carbs.
Weber DCOE twin-carburetor M007 manifoldᴳ - http://www.manifolds.co.za
M007: for Nissan GA14S/GA14D/GA16S/GA16D * Use gasket 14035-74Y00
Oil Pan needs to be clearanced on the bottom to clear crossmember [on a B310]. The sump is in the correct place, but the bottom of the pan is tapered and needs to be flat.
New exhaust pipe and use 1.75 piping and muffler and tail pipe
See photos and writeup at ratsun.net☁
Variable Cam Timing
The compelling part of this swap is 116 HP from variable cam timing. You could even carburete this engine and still use the VCT with an RPM-activated 12V relay.
- 23796-57Y00 VALVE ASSY-SOLENOID, VALVE TIMING CONTROL
- 13025-57Y10 SPROCKET-CAMSHAFT,INTAKE