Nissan Laurel C32 1987 is not just a car, but a symbol of the era of the Japanese automobile industry of the 80s. At a time when manufacturers competed on power, reliability and innovation, Laurel It has found its niche as a comfortable business class sedan with sporty aspirations. This model is especially appreciated for its turbocharged engines, which even after 35 years are able to surprise with their dynamics.
The 1987 model belongs to the sixth generation (C32), which was produced from 1984 to 1989. Unlike previous versions, this Laurel received more angular body shapes, improved suspension and an expanded range of engines - from the modest CA18S to legendary RB20DET with turbocharging. Today, such cars have become rare, but they are still actively bought for restoration, drifting, or simply as collector's items.
In this article we will look at all key aspects possessions Nissan Laurel 1987: from technical characteristics to typical problems, tuning and advice on choosing on the secondary market. If you are planning to buy this car or are already its happy owner, you will find answers to most questions here.
Technical specifications Nissan Laurel C32 1987
Model range Laurel C32 offered several options for engines, transmissions and components. Below are the main technical data for the 1987 version.
| Parameter | CA18S (1.8 atm.) | CA20E (2.0 atm.) | RB20E (2.0 atm.) | RB20DET (2.0 turbo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine type | P4, SOHC, carburetor | P4, SOHC, injector | P6, SOHC, injector | P6, DOHC, turbo, injector |
| Power, hp | 95 | 110 | 130 | 180 (with factory boost 0.7 bar) |
| Torque, Nm | 142 | 167 | 172 | 226 |
| Transmission | 5 manual transmission / 4 automatic transmission | 5 manual transmission / 4 automatic transmission | 5 manual transmission / 4 automatic transmission | 5 manual transmission / 4 automatic transmission |
| Drive | Rear (FR) | |||
The most popular version today remains the version with engine RB20DET - this is the motor that made it Laurel an iconic car for drifting and tuning. From the factory he developed 180 hp, but with proper modification you can squeeze out 300+ forces without losing resource. It's important to note that RB20DET equipped with an intercooler and injection system NICS (Nissan Induction Control System), which was a real breakthrough for the 80s.
Gearboxes on Laurel C32 also deserve attention. Mechanical 5-speed FS5W71B considered one of the most reliable in the line Nissan, but the 4-speed automatic 4N71B requires more careful handling - especially under increased loads.
- CA18S (1.8 atm.)
- CA20E (2.0 atm.)
- RB20E (2.0 atm.)
- RB20DET (2.0 turbo)
- Another option
Weaknesses and typical problems
Despite the legendary reliability, Nissan Laurel 1987 has a number vulnerabilities, which are worth knowing before purchasing. Many problems are related to the age of the car and the specifics of Japanese cars of that time.
- 🔧 Body corrosion - the main headache of owners. Particularly affected are the sills, wheel arches, underbody and suspension mounting points. In Japan, cars were treated with anticorrosive from the factory, but in our climate this is not enough.
- 🔥 Engine overheating - a common problem with engines CA And RB. This is due to aging pipes, thermostat and radiator. On RB20DET The water pump also often fails.
- ⚡ Electrical and wiring — over time, the insulation of the wires becomes brittle, and the contacts oxidize. This is especially true for the ignition system and sensors.
- 🛑 Brake system — wear of calipers, brake cylinders and hoses. On cars with ABS, speed sensors often fail.
- 🔄 Automatic transmission — if you don’t change the oil every 60,000 km,
4N71Bstarts to “kick” and lose gears.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Laurel C32 be sure to check the condition turbines (if it's RB20DET). Even a slight shaft play or oil in the intercooler indicates an imminent repair, which can cost 50,000+ rubles.
Another typical problem is suspension wear. Silent blocks, ball joints and shock absorbers on cars of this age almost always require replacement. This is especially true for specimens that were used in an aggressive style (drifting, racing).
It is equally important to pay attention to exhaust system. On RB20DET The collector often burns out, and the catalyst (if it is still standing) becomes clogged and reduces power. Many owners immediately remove it and install a 4-2-1 spider for better gas removal.
How to choose a Nissan Laurel 1987 on the secondary market
Purchase Nissan Laurel C32 is always a lottery, especially when it comes to a car over 30 years old. However there are several key points, which you should pay attention to so as not to buy a “pig in a poke”.
- 📄 Car history - check if there was Laurel in an accident, is it listed as stolen? It is advisable to find a copy with Japanese history (auction sheets).
- 🔍 Body condition — inspect the car on a lift. Pay special attention to the sills, side members and welding areas. Rust under the paint is a reason to bargain or refuse.
- 🔧 Engine and transmission - Start the engine when cold. Smoke from the exhaust, knocking or vibration are warning signs. Check the oil on the dipstick: if it is black or has metal shavings, the engine has clearly not been cared for.
- 💰 Availability of spare parts — check which parts have already been replaced. For example, if on RB20DET There's a new turbo or intercooler, that's a plus.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful with cars that have price too low. Often under the guise of “clean” Laurel They sell copies after major repairs or with low mileage. The average price for a more or less live specimen today is from 300,000 to 600,000 rubles.
If you are buying a car for tuning, pay attention to the equipment. The most valued versions are with limited slip differential (LSD), sports suspension and full power accessories. Also check if the VIN number has been cut off - this is a common problem with cars imported from Japan.
It would be a good idea to take it with you for inspection. Japanese car specialist or at least an experienced owner Laurel. They know what to pay attention to first and will be able to assess the real condition of the car.
☑️ What to check when buying a Nissan Laurel 1987
Tuning and modifications: how to unlock the potential of the Laurel C32
Nissan Laurel 1987 — an excellent platform for tuning, especially if there is RB20DET. With this motor you can achieve impressive results even with minimal investment. Let's consider the main directions of modifications.
Engine and turbo
Standard RB20DET produces 180 hp, but its potential is much higher. Here are several stages of tuning:
- 🔥 Chip tuning — ECU firmware for increased boost (up to 1 bar) gives an increase of 30-40 hp. without mechanical modifications.
- 💨 Turbine improvement - replacement of standard T25 on Garrett T28 or T3/T4 allows you to increase power to 250+ hp.
- ⚡ Fuel system — installation of more efficient injectors (for example, Nismo 370cc) and fuel pump Walbro 255 l/h.
- 🔧 Intercooler and exhaust - replacing the standard intercooler with a more efficient one (for example, from Skyline R32) and a 4-2-1 spider setup.
For serious tuning you can’t do without transmission reinforcement. Clutch Nismo or OS Giken, a reinforced flywheel and axle shafts will help transfer increased power to the wheels without the risk of breakdowns.
Suspension and brakes
To improve handling, many owners install:
- 🚗 Coilovers - for example, Tein Super Street or BC Racing to adjust ground clearance and stiffness.
- 🔄 Anti-roll bars - from Skyline R32 or 180SX.
- 🛑 Brake system — replacing standard calipers with 4-piston ones from Z32 or installation of perforated discs.
Do not forget that after modifications to the suspension it may be necessary wheel alignment adjustment. It is also worth installing reinforced silent blocks and levers, especially if you plan to drive on the track.
Before installing a larger turbine, make sure that your RB20DET has forced internals (forged pistons, connecting rods). Otherwise, the risk of engine destruction under high loads increases significantly.
Operation and maintenance: how to extend the life of a legend
To Nissan Laurel 1987 served faithfully, he needs regular and quality service. Here are the main recommendations:
Routine work
- 🛢️ Oil change — every 5,000 km (for RB20DET It's better to use synthetics 5W-40 or 10W-40).
- 🔧 Filters - change air, fuel and oil together with the oil.
- 🔥 Coolant - once every 2 years or 40,000 km.
- ⚡ Spark plugs and wires - every 20,000 km (for turbo engines it is better NGK BCPR7ES or Denso Iridium).
Winter operation
During the cold season Laurel C32 requires special attention:
- ❄️ Use winter oil (0W-30 or 5W-30) for easy starting.
- 🔋 Check the battery charge - old Japanese cars are sensitive to low voltage.
- 🚗 Install winter tires with studs or Velcro (size
195/60 R15or205/55 R16). - 💡 Check the operation of the heater - the stove radiator often gets clogged.
⚠️ Attention: If your Laurel parked for a long time (for example, in winter), be sure to remove the terminals from the battery and start the engine once a month to avoid ring sticking and cylinder corrosion.
Also don't forget about regular underbody washing, especially in slush. This will help avoid corrosion and extend the life of the suspension.
Where to look for spare parts and how much they cost
One of the main problems of owners Nissan Laurel C32 is search for spare parts. Many parts are no longer produced, but they can be found:
- 🌍 Japanese online auctions — Yahoo! Japan Auctions, GoPart, CarFromJapan. Here you can find original parts at reasonable prices.
- 🏬 Specialty stores - for example, Nengun Performance or JDM Garage (spare parts are delivered from Japan).
- 🔧 Used market — showdowns in Moscow, St. Petersburg or Vladivostok. Prices are lower, but quality needs to be checked.
- 🔄 Universal analogues — some parts (bearings, belts, filters) can be selected from other models Nissan.
Approximate prices for popular spare parts:
| Detail | Price (new), ₽ | Price (used), ₽ |
|---|---|---|
| Turbine Garrett T25 | 45 000 — 60 000 | 15 000 — 25 000 |
| Intercooler (original) | 30 000 — 40 000 | 8 000 — 15 000 |
| Clutch kit Nismo | 25 000 — 35 000 | 10 000 — 18 000 |
| Cylinder head (RB20DET) | 50 000 — 70 000 | 20 000 — 30 000 |
| Coilovers Tein Super Street | 40 000 — 50 000 | — |
If you are planning a major repair, it makes sense to order parts in bulk from Japan - it will be cheaper than buying one at a time in Russia. Also note group orders (for example, through owners' clubs Laurel), where you can save on shipping.
Where to look for rare spare parts?
If you need a rare part (for example, an original bumper or interior panel), try contacting Japanese clubs Nissan Laurel through social networks. Enthusiasts often sell or exchange spare parts among themselves at nominal prices.
Owner reviews: pros and cons of Nissan Laurel 1987
To form an objective opinion about Nissan Laurel C32, it’s worth listening to the reviews of those who already use this machine. Here are the most common pros and cons noted by owners:
Pros
- ✅ Reliable engine - especially RB20DET, which with proper maintenance runs 300,000+ km.
- ✅ Easy to repair - Compared to modern machines, here you can do almost everything with your own hands.
- ✅ Unique design — Laurel C32 stands out from other Japanese sedans of the 80s.
- ✅ Good handling — rear-wheel drive and balanced suspension make the car predictable.
- ✅ Tuning potential - a huge number of spare parts from Skyline, 180SX and other models Nissan.
Cons
- ❌ Corrosion - the main problem, especially if the car has not been treated with anticorrosive.
- ❌ Difficulty with spare parts — some parts have to wait for months or be ordered from Japan.
- ❌ High fuel consumption — RB20DET in the city it can “eat” 14-16 liters per 100 km.
- ❌ Poor sound insulation — on the highway you can hear everything, from the wind to the suspension.
- ❌ Low passive safety — by modern standards the body is too soft.
Many owners note that Laurel 1987 - this is a car not for everyone. It requires constant attention, investment and love. But if you are ready to devote time to her, she will reward you with reliability and drive behind the wheel.
The 1987 Nissan Laurel C32 is an excellent choice for those who appreciate classic Japanese style and are willing to invest in maintaining the car. For everyday use it is suitable only for true enthusiasts.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Laurel 1987
Which engine in the 1987 Nissan Laurel is the most reliable?
Considered the most reliable and durable RB20E (atmospheric 2.0). It is easier to maintain than the turbo version, and with proper use it can easily cover 300,000+ km. However, if you need dynamics, then RB20DET is the best choice, but it requires more attention to the turbine and cooling system.
Is it possible to install an engine from a Skyline R32 on a Laurel C32?
Yes, this is a popular swap. RB25DET or RB26DETT from Skyline become without major modifications (you need to adapt the engine mount mounts and possibly replace the gearbox). However, such tuning will require re-registration with the traffic police, which can be a problem.
How much does it cost to restore a 1987 Laurel body?
The cost depends on the condition of the car. Complete restoration (replacement of thresholds, arches, bottom) will cost 150,000 - 300,000 rubles. If rust is just beginning, you can spend 50,000 - 80,000 rubles. It is important to find a good mechanic who works with vintage cars.
What kind of gasoline should I put in a Nissan Laurel 1987 with RB20DET?
For RB20DET We recommend gasoline with an octane rating of at least 95. If the engine is boosted (boost is increased, a more efficient turbine is installed), it is better to use 98th or add octane boosters. It is also important to monitor the quality of the fuel - bad gasoline quickly kills the turbine.
Where can I find original documentation for Laurel C32?
Original manuals (FSM — Factory Service Manual) can be found on English-language forums (for example, Nicoclub or SkylineOwners) or buy at eBay. There are also Russian translations of some sections on thematic sites dedicated to Nissan.