JimR's SE-R Page
Introduction
What is a SE-R?

The SE-R lettering can be been found on three generations of Nissan sport compacts: the 1991-1994 (B13) Sentra, 1995-1998 (B14) 200SX, and the 2002-2005 (B15) Sentra, as well as the 2005+ (L31) Altima SE-R. Though "SE-R" isn't an acronym for anything (as with "SS" for Super Sport, etc.), it's sometimes used as an umbrella descriptor for any car powered by Nissan's 2.0-liter, 140hp four-cylinder SR20DE engine (Infiniti G20, Nissan NX2000, etc.). The 2002 Sentra SE-R uses the more powerful, but less free-revving 2.5L QR25DE, while the Altima SE-R has the 3.5L VQ35DE V-6.

'92 Sentra SE-R
From the outside, the original Sentra SE-R looks a lot like an ordinary Sentra two-door, but with minor upgrades like alloy wheels, factory fog lights, and a trunk lid spoiler. To find the main difference, you have to look under the hood. Replacing the standard 1.6L GA16DE engine is the DOHC 2.0L SR20DE, mated to a close ratio 5-speed gearbox with a viscous limited-slip differential. The car features 140hp, 132ft-lb torque, and a 7500RPM redline stock, as well as stiffer springs, larger swaybars, four-wheel disk brakes, and SE-R-only 14-inch rims.

JDM Primera SR20DE

The SR20DE was originally destined for cars like the Nissan Primera (Infiniti G20) - the engine's combination of high revs, economy, and reliability fit the Primera's profile as an Autobahn tourer. The SR20DE isn't the lightest for its displacement (the new 2.5L QR25DE is no bigger), but it does have a very strong bottom end. Turbocharged versions called the SR20DET were used in higher-end sports efforts like the Silvia and rally-bound Pulsar GTi-R, and highly massaged NA versions have powered winning Primera touring cars. Dropping the SR20DE in the Sentra was one of Nissan's wisest moves of the 1990s - it's a gem.

The SE-R has the duality for both around town driving and racing...or around town racing. It's a lot of fun to drive the car hard, and can be pushed to the limits fairly predictably. Car and Driver says, "Even if you have all day to get from point A to point B, the SE-R will have you driving as if you were very late." Keep in mind that this is in a car that usually sold for $11,500 to $16,000 brand new.

With so much bang for the buck, it became an instant cult hit among owners and automobile journalists. It was on Car and Driver's Ten Best List all four years of its production ('91-'94) and Automobile's All-Star list in 1993 and 1994, among others. Even today Sport Compact Car considers it to be one of their 10 best used car buys.

As much car as it was, it was not for everybody. From my estimates, less than 25,000 Sentra SE-Rs were ever made, and none of them had leather seats or power windows.

My SE-R

Click for full-size chart

Stock dyno run (2002): 122.7hp and 119.3ft-lb torque
Dyno run (2005, Springfield Dyno): 134.4hp and 124.2ft-lb torque

On the rollers Dyno Conditions:

March 24, 2002 - Kansas City, Kansas
2500 to 7100RPM, 100RPM interval
Intake air temperature: 51.6F
Gear ratio: 83.64 RPM/MPH

Car Stats:

- 17 degree timing
- 91 octane unleaded
- Modified stock airbox, K&N panel filter


Other modifications (2002): Ractive strut tower brace, Pacesetter adjustable short-shifter, 15x6.5" MB Motoring MB5 rims with 195/50-15 Bridgestone Potenza RE730s.
Current modifications: Hyperco Gen2 300/200lb F/R springs, KYB AGX struts, eBay XS Power header, Warpspeed Performance catalytic converter, Energy Suspension poly urethane rear bushings, ActiveTuning RSTB, K & N FIPK cone filter, two sets of 15x7" ATS Comp Lite wheels

Essential Links:

Specs
Engine Chain-driven, all-aluminum DOHC 16-valve I-4
Displacement: 1998 cc
Horsepower (SAE net): 140 bhp @ 6400RPM
Torque (SAE net): 132 lb/ft @ 4800RPM
Redline: 7500 RPM - Rev limiter at 7700RPM or so.
Minimum Fuel: 87 octane unleaded
Drivetrain 5-speed manual
Final-drive ratio: 4.18:1, limited slip diff.
Gear  Ratio  Overall Ratio (RPM)  MPH
1st   3.06:1  12.79:1 (7500)      38
2nd   1.83:1  7.63:1 (7500)       63
3rd   1.29:1  5.37:1 (7500)       90
4th   0.98:1  4.07:1 (7500)       119
5th   0.76:1  3.16:1 (6100)       125
Chassis &
Suspension
Layout: front engine/front drive

Front suspension: MacPherson struts with lower A-arms, swaybar
Rear suspension: MacPherson struts, dual lower lateral links, swaybar

Brakes &
Wheels
Front: 9.8 in. vented discs
Rear: 9.1 in. solid discs
(ABS optional)

Wheel type: 14x5.5" cast alloy
Tires (OE): 185/60R14 Dunlop SP Sport D87M

Dimensions & Capacities Wheelbase: 95.7 in.
Track, F/R: 56.9/56.3 in.
Length: 170.3 in.
Width: 65.6 in.
Height: 53.9 in.
Ground clearance: 5.3 in.
Curb weight: 2594 lb.
Weight distribution, F/R: 63.5/36.5%
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons
Trunk space: 16.0 cubic feet - Holds four mounted R-compound tires plus spare!
Fuel Economy EPA city/highway: 24/32MPG
Cruise range: 320 mi.
Production: August 1990-October 1994
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