Nissan KA20 Engine

Nissan KA20 Engine.
Proven Strength, Smooth Power & Lasting Reliability

Nissan KA20 Engine is a tough and efficient power unit designed to deliver smooth performance, low maintenance costs, and excellent reliability.
This 2.0-litre inline-four, 16-valve, DOHC petrol engine belongs to Nissan’s well-known KA-series — a line respected for its durability, fuel efficiency, and consistent power delivery.

Commonly found in models such as the Nissan NP300 Hardbody, Frontier, and Atlas trucks, the KA20 is trusted by both commercial and private vehicle owners across Southern Africa.

With a displacement of 1,998 cc, the KA20 produces around 130–140 horsepower (97–104 kW) and 180–190 Nm of torque, depending on the vehicle model and configuration.

Built with a strong cast-iron block and an aluminium alloy cylinder head, it offers excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength. Its multi-point fuel injection system provides smoother throttle response, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions, while the simple mechanical layout ensures easy serviceability.

The KA20 is also known for its quiet operation and stable idle, making it ideal for everyday driving or light-duty commercial use.
Regular oil changes and use of high-quality lubricants help maintain smooth performance and long engine life.
Each engine we sell is hand-picked, inspected, and compression-tested, imported directly from low-mileage Japanese vehicles to guarantee customers receive a clean, reliable, and ready-to-install engine.

Whether you’re replacing a worn-out motor or upgrading your workhorse pickup, the Nissan KA20 offers proven power, simple maintenance, and long-term reliability, making it one of the most dependable petrol engines in Nissan’s lineup.

Common Weaknesses & Maintenance Notes.

The Nissan KA20 Engine is renowned for its reliability, and most issues that occur are minor and easily preventable with regular maintenance.
Over high mileage, some users may experience oil seal leaks, worn spark plugs, or intake gasket seepage — all of which are normal signs of wear and straightforward to fix.
The ignition coils and fuel injectors can occasionally require cleaning or replacement, especially if low-quality fuel has been used.

To keep performance consistent, it’s recommended to perform oil changes every 10,000 km using 5W-30 or 10W-40 synthetic oil, and to replace filters, spark plugs, and belts at regular service intervals.
The engine’s timing chain-driven design eliminates the need for frequent timing belt replacements, reducing long-term maintenance costs.

When serviced properly, the KA20 can easily exceed 350,000 km with minimal repairs, offering excellent value and dependability. All our KA20 2.0L Engines are thoroughly inspected and tested before sale, ensuring customers receive a top-quality, crack-free, and compression-strong unit ready to perform with confidence.