Nissan Sunny 1990 - one of the most popular models of the Japanese automobile industry of the late 80s - early 90s. This car, also known as B13 (according to internal classification Nissan), has become a symbol of reliability, simplicity and efficiency. In Russia and CIS countries Sunny has become widespread due to its availability, unpretentiousness and a huge number of spare parts.

Available in sedan, hatchback and station wagon body styles, Nissan Sunny 1990 offered buyers a choice of several gasoline engines, manual and automatic transmissions. Despite its modest characteristics by modern standards, the car is still in demand among car enthusiasts who value it for its maintainability and low maintenance costs. In this article we will analyze the technical features of the model, typical problems, operating nuances and tuning possibilities.

Technical characteristics of Nissan Sunny B13 1990

Model range Nissan Sunny 1990 included several modifications, differing in engines, transmissions and equipment. Basic versions were equipped with simple carburetor engines, while top versions were equipped with injection systems. Below are the key technical parameters.

All engines Sunny B13 had a timing belt drive, which required regular belt replacement every 60–80 thousand km. Transmissions - both manual (4- and 5-speed) and automatic (3- and 4-speed) - were famous for their reliability, but had their own characteristics in maintenance.

Parameter GA14 (1.4 l, carb.) GA16 (1.6 l, engineer) SR20DE (2.0 l, eng.)
Engine type P4, 8-valve P4, 16-valve P4, 16-valve, DOHC
Power, hp 75 90–110 140–150
Torque, Nm 110 130–140 172–180
Transmission Manual transmission-5 / automatic transmission-3 Manual transmission-5 / automatic transmission-4 Manual transmission-5 / automatic transmission-4
Max. speed, km/h 160 180–190 200–210

The version with a motor stands out SR20DE, which was installed on sports modifications (for example, Nissan Sunny GTi-R). This engine, known from models Nissan Silvia And Nissan 200SX, allowed the car to accelerate to 100 km/h in 8–9 seconds, which was an outstanding result for the early 90s.

📊 What engine does your 1990 Nissan Sunny have?
  • GA14 (1.4 l)
  • GA16 (1.6 l)
  • SR20DE (2.0 L)
  • Other
  • I don't know

Typical problems and malfunctions

Despite the legendary reliability, Nissan Sunny B13 has a number of “diseases” that every owner should know about. Most problems are related to age of the car and quality of service. Let's look at the most common faults.

One of the main “headaches” of owners is body corrosion. The sills, wheel arches and underbody are especially vulnerable. If the car has not been treated with anti-corrosion agent from the factory or during operation, rust can become critical within 10–15 years. Another common problem is oil leaks - usually from under the valve cover, crankshaft seals or rear camshaft seal.

  • 🔧 Engine: tripping, floating speed (often the fault is spark plugs, high-voltage wires or the carburetor), knocking of hydraulic compensators (on 16-valve engines).
  • 🔥 Electrical: oxidation of contacts in the fuse box, generator malfunctions, problems with sensors (especially on injection versions).
  • 🚗 Chassis: wear of silent blocks, ball joints, wheel bearings. Rear shock absorbers often “leak” after 100 thousand km.
  • ⚙️ Gearbox: on a manual transmission - wear of the 2nd and 3rd gear synchronizers, on an automatic transmission - jerks when switching (requires an oil and filter change).
⚠️ Attention: If on Nissan Sunny with motor GA16 There is a metallic knocking noise during a cold start, check immediately hydraulic compensators and oil level. Delaying repairs may damage the camshaft!

Another typical problem is engine overheating. Most often the thermostat, pump or clogged radiator are to blame. On carburetor versions it often fails fuel pump, which leads to startup difficulties. Injection models may suffer from malfunctions crankshaft position sensor or lambda probe.

How to check the fuel pump on Sunny B13?

To diagnose the fuel pump, remove the rear seat and locate the fuel filler door. When the ignition is turned on, the pump should emit a characteristic buzzing sound for 2-3 seconds. If there is no sound, check the fuse (15A, usually number 17 in the block), the pump relay and its power supply. On carburetor versions, the pump is mechanical and driven by the camshaft - its malfunction is often associated with wear of the pusher or diaphragm.

Maintenance and repair: what you need to know

Regular maintenance is the key to longevity Nissan Sunny B13. Despite the simplicity of the design, some nuances require special attention. For example, changing engine oil should be carried out every 5–7 thousand km (or once a year) if mineral or semi-synthetic oil is used. For injection engines, fuel quality is critical - Using gasoline with an octane number below 92 can lead to detonation and damage to the piston group.

Particular attention should be paid cooling system. It is recommended to change antifreeze every 2 years or 40 thousand km. When replacing, be sure to flush the system - in old Sunny Scale and corrosion products often accumulate. Also don't forget to check the status timing belt: its break on the engines GA16 And SR20DE leads to bending of valves.

Changing the oil and oil filter|Checking the coolant and brake fluid levels|Diagnostics of spark plugs and high-voltage wires|Checking the condition of the timing belt and rollers|Checking the clutch pedal travel and free play of the steering wheel-->

Brake system Sunny B13 requires regular inspection. Front brake pads last an average of 30–50 thousand km, rear brake pads (drum pads) last up to 80 thousand km. When replacing pads, be sure to check the condition brake cylinders — their jamming can lead to uneven wear and the machine moving to the side. Also don't forget about bleeding the brakes after any intervention in the system.

⚠️ Attention: On cars with automatic transmission, it is strictly forbidden to tow the car over a distance of more than 50 km at a speed above 40 km/h! This can lead to overheating of the box and its failure. If long-distance transportation is required, use a tow truck or hang up the drive wheels.

Tuning and modifications: how to improve Nissan Sunny

Nissan Sunny B13 - an excellent platform for tuning, especially if you have a version with a motor GA16 or SR20DE. Even modest modifications can significantly improve dynamics and handling. Let's start with the simplest thing - atmospheric tuning.

For engine GA16 The following modifications are popular:

  • 🔥 Installation sports camshaft (For example, Tomei or JUN) to increase power at high speeds.
  • 💨 Replacement exhaust system to forward flow (4-2-1 or 4-1) to improve gas removal.
  • 🔧 Installation lightweight flywheel and clutches with a high coefficient of friction.
  • 🛠️ Chip tuning (ECU flashing) to optimize fuel maps and ignition.

More serious changes include turbocharged (for example, installing a turbocharger Garrett T25 on GA16) or engine swap (replacement with SR20DET or CA18DET). However, such modifications require significant investments and changes to many systems (cooling, fuel supply, transmission).

No less important suspension. Standard chassis Sunny B13 soft and comfortable, but for sporty driving it can be upgraded:

  • 🚗 Installation stabilizer links And reinforced bushings to reduce roll.
  • 🔧 Replacing shock absorbers with gas-filled ones (for example, KYB or Tokico).
  • 🛠️ Installation lowering springs (lowering 30–50 mm improves handling, but not at the expense of comfort).

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Before installing the turbine on the GA16, be sure to strengthen the cylinder block - standard head bolts may not withstand the increased pressure. Also replace the fuel pump with a more efficient one (for example, from a Nissan 200SX S14).

Selection of spare parts: original vs analogues

One of the main advantages Nissan Sunny B13 is a huge selection of spare parts. Original parts from Nissan (articles usually start with 16510-..., 11900-... etc.) are of high quality, but are often expensive. Fortunately, there are many worthy analogues.

For the engine and transmission, the best alternatives are parts from:

  • 🔧 FK (Japan) — high-quality bearings, oil seals and seals.
  • 🛠️ Febi (Germany) — reliable parts of the chassis and braking system.
  • 🚗 Denso (Japan) - spark plugs, sensors, starters and generators.
  • 🔥 NGK (Japan) - spark plugs and high-voltage wires.

When choosing spare parts for chassis pay attention to the manufacturer:

  • 🔄 Silent blocks: original or Nissens (Denmark).
  • 🛑 Brake pads: Ferodo, Brembo or Akebono.
  • 🔧 Wheel bearings: SKF or NSK.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing spare parts for Nissan Sunny B13 Always check compatibility by VIN code or article number! For example, parts for a model with GA14 may not fit GA16, even if visually they look the same.
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When purchasing used spare parts for the Sunny B13, pay special attention to the condition of threaded connections and rubber seals - they often wear out faster than metal parts.

Operation in winter: tips for owners

Winter operation Nissan Sunny B13 has its own nuances. The main problem is cold start, especially on carburetor versions. To make starting the engine easier in cold weather, follow these recommendations:

  • ❄️ Use winter oil with viscosity 5W-30 or 0W-40 (For example, Mobil 1 or Liqui Moly).
  • 🔥 Before starting, turn on for 10-15 seconds high beam - this will help “warm up” the battery.
  • 🚗 If the car is parked on the street, close it radiator with cardboard (but not completely!) to speed up warming up.
  • 🔧 On carburetor versions, adjust starting enrichment (suction) for stable operation in cold conditions.

Pay special attention battery. Weak batteries (capacity less than 55 Ah) may not cope with winter loads. Check the electrolyte level and charge (the voltage should be at least 12.6 V). If the battery is more than 5 years old, consider replacing it.

Also don't forget about winter tires. For Sunny B13 suitable tire size 175/70 R13 or 185/60 R14 with markings M+S (dirt and snow). Tire pressure in winter should be 0.2 bar higher than recommended in summer.

How to “light” a Nissan Sunny B13?

1. Connect the red wire to the “+” of the donor, then to the “+” of the Sunny.

2. Connect the black wire to the “−” of the donor, and the other end to an unpainted metal part of the Sunny body (for example, to a bolt on the fender).

3. Start the donor and let it work for 5-10 minutes.

4. Try to start Sunny. If it doesn't work, check your connections and try again.

⚠️ Do not disconnect the wires immediately after starting - let the generator recharge the battery for 2-3 minutes!

Cost and where to buy Nissan Sunny 1990

Prices for Nissan Sunny B13 1990 models vary greatly depending on condition, mileage and region. In 2026, the cost of such cars in Russia and the CIS countries is:

  • 💰 From 80,000 to 150,000 rubles. - cars in running condition, but in need of repair (rust, problems with the engine or gearbox).
  • 💰 From 150,000 to 250,000 rubles. — cars in good condition, without serious problems, with a mileage of up to 150–200 thousand km.
  • 💰 From 250,000 to 400,000 rubles. - rare modifications (for example, GTi-R), cars after major repairs or with minimal mileage.

Where to look:

  • 🌍 Avito, Drom, Avto.ru - the largest sites with a large selection.
  • 🚗 Thematic forums (For example, Nissan-Club.ru or Drive2) - cars in good condition are often sold here.
  • 🔧 Japan Auctions (through intermediaries) - you can find rare modifications, but the price will be higher due to customs clearance.

When purchasing, be sure to check:

  • 🔍 Condition body (especially the sills and the bottom).
  • 🔧 Job engine cold and hot (is there any knocking or smoke from the exhaust pipe).
  • ⚙️ Gearbox (check all speeds, there is no crunching in the manual transmission or jerking in the automatic transmission).
  • 📄 Documents (check the VIN on the body and in the title, check the history through traffic police or Autocode).

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When inspecting the Nissan Sunny B13, pay attention to the condition of the side members - their corrosion can make restoring the body economically unfeasible.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 1990 Nissan Sunny

Which engine is the most reliable for the Nissan Sunny B13?

It is considered the most reliable and unpretentious GA16 (1.6 l, 16 valves). It is less susceptible to overheating than GA14, and easier to repair than SR20DE. Carburetor versions are easier to maintain, but injection versions are more economical and more powerful. With proper care GA16 easily covers 300-400 thousand km without major repairs.

Is it possible to install a turbine on the GA14?

Technically possible, but impractical. Block GA14 not designed for high loads, and the standard piston group has a low compression ratio. Turbocharging will require replacement of pistons, connecting rods, installation of an intercooler and modification of the cooling system. Much easier and cheaper to swap GA16 or SR20DE.

What is the fuel consumption of the Nissan Sunny B13?

Consumption depends on the engine and driving style:

  • GA14 (carburetor): 8–10 l/100 km in the city, 6–7 l on the highway.
  • GA16 (injector): 7–9 l/100 km in the city, 5–6 l on the highway.
  • SR20DE: 10–12 l/100 km in the city, 7–8 l on the highway.

Consumption is greatly influenced by the condition of the ignition system, filters and tire pressure.

What to do if 5th gear does not engage?

The problem is typical for manual transmission Sunny B13 and is usually associated with wear:

  • 5th gear synchronizer.
  • Shift forks.
  • Secondary shaft bearings.

A temporary solution is to double-depress the clutch when shifting. To completely eliminate the problem, you will need to disassemble the box.

Where can I find a wiring diagram for a 1990 Nissan Sunny?

Electrical diagrams can be downloaded:

  • On the forums (Nissan-Club.ru, Drive2).
  • In repair manuals (for example, Haynes Manual for Nissan Sentra B13 - similar Sunny).
  • In VKontakte or Telegram groups dedicated to Nissan Sunny.

Please note that the diagrams may differ depending on the modification (carburetor/injector, automatic transmission/manual transmission).