Nissan Laurel C31 (1985): legendary sedan with a turbo engine and rear-wheel drive

Nissan Laurel 1985 is not just a car, but a symbol of the era of the Japanese automobile industry of the 80s. In the back C31 the model combined the elegant design of a business sedan, the dynamics of sports versions with turbo engines and legendary reliability Nissan. This car has become a cult car not only in Japan, but also in the secondary market of the CIS, where it is valued for its ease of repair, availability of spare parts and unique character.

In 1985 Laurel offered with a wide range of engines - from naturally aspirated CA18S to turbocharged CA18ET, as well as diesel units. A special feature of the model was the use of rear-wheel drive and independent suspension on all wheels, which made it manageable both on the highway and in the city. Today original copies with turbo engines and manual transmission are considered rarities and cost 2-3 times more than standard versions.

In this article we will look at the technical nuances Nissan Laurel C31, typical “diseases” after 30+ years of operation, and we will also give practical advice on selection, repair and tuning. If you are an owner or just planning a purchase, here you will find answers to key questions.

Specifications Nissan Laurel 1985 (C31)

Model Laurel C31 was produced from 1984 to 1989 and was offered in several modifications, differing in engines, transmissions and equipment levels. Basic versions were equipped with naturally aspirated engines, and top versions were equipped with turbocharged units with an intercooler. Below are the key technical parameters.

All modifications Laurel 1985 built on a platform RWD (rear-wheel drive) with a longitudinal engine. Front suspension - independent on struts MacPherson, rear - multi-link. The brake system is disc on all wheels (ventilated front), which was a progressive solution for the mid-80s.

Parameter	CA18S (atmospheric)	CA18ET (turbo)	LD20-II (diesel)
Engine type	Gasoline, R4	Petrol, R4, turbo	Diesel, R4
Volume, cm³	1 809	1 809	1 952
Power, hp	105	130	70
Torque, Nm	147	186	132
Transmission	5 manual transmission / 4 automatic transmission	5 manual transmission / 4 automatic transmission	5 manual transmission / 4 automatic transmission

The version with a motor deserves special attention CA18ET - this is the first mass-produced turbo engine Nissan with an intercooler, which later formed the basis of the legendary SR20DET. Turbine T25 and injection system ECCS allowed to develop 130 hp, which was an impressive figure for a 1.8-liter unit. However, such engines required high-quality fuel and regular maintenance.

⚠️ Attention: On versions with CA18ET after 1987 an improved turbine was installed T28, which failed less often. When purchasing, check the year of manufacture - early models are prone to turbine overheating.

Engines and transmissions: pros and cons

Engine selection for Laurel C31 depended on the sales market. In Japan, turbocharged versions predominated, in Europe - diesel ones, and naturally aspirated engines were exported to Asia. Let's consider each option in more detail.

Gasoline engines

• 🔧 CA18S - naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine with 105 hp. Easy to maintain, but rather weak for a heavy body. Resource to capital is 250–300 thousand km with proper operation.
• 🚀 CA18ET — a turbocharged version of the same engine. Power is 130 hp, but requires careful handling of the turbine and cooling system. Typical problems: oil leak from the turbine, failure of the knock sensor.
• 💎 RB20E — 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine (125 hp). Rare option for Laurel, but very reliable. Often found in Japanese domestic market versions (JDM).

Diesel engines

• ⛽ LD20-II — 2.0-liter diesel engine with a power of 70 hp. Economical (consumption 6–7 l/100 km), but noisy and vibration-laden. The main problem is corrosion of fuel equipment when using modern diesel fuel.
• 🔥 LD28 — 2.8-liter diesel engine (90 hp), installed on export versions. More reliable than LD20, but spare parts are more difficult to find.

Transmissions on Laurel C31 two types were offered: 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic Nissan RE4R01A. A manual transmission is considered “indestructible,” but the second gear synchronizers wear out over time. The automatic is more capricious - it requires regular oil changes (every 60 thousand km) and is afraid of overheating.

Typical problems and weaknesses

After 30+ years of operation, even the most reliable Nissan Laurel requires attention. The main “diseases” of the model are related to corrosion, wear of rubber parts and engine features. Below is a checklist of what to look for when purchasing or servicing.

Body and corrosion

The main scourge Laurel C31 - rust. Particularly vulnerable:

• 🚗 Thresholds - rot from the inside, often requiring complete replacement.
• 🌑 Rear wheel arches - Dirt accumulates and corrosion begins.
• 🔩 Suspension mounts — bolts and silent blocks rust.
• 🚪 Bottom under the rear seat — moisture accumulates there.

If the car has been driven in regions with salt on the roads, corrosion can be critical. When inspecting, be sure to check the condition of the side members - their repair is very expensive.

Engine and turbine

On versions with CA18ET typical problems:

• 🔥 Turbine overheating - due to a clogged intercooler or faulty valve wastegate.
• 🛢️ Oil leak - through turbine seals or valve cover gasket.
• ⚡ Problems with the ignition system — coils and distributors often fail.

On naturally aspirated engines CA18S The main problem is wear of the camshafts and valves. After 200 thousand km, adjustment of the gaps is required (every 20–30 thousand km). Diesel engines suffer from high pressure fuel pump corrosion (injection pump) - its repair costs 30–50% of the cost of the car.

⚠️ Attention: If at startup CA18ET Blue smoke comes out of the exhaust pipe, this is a sign of wear on the turbine or oil scraper rings. Operating such a motor without repair will lead to stuck rings and major repairs.

Operation and maintenance: tips for owners

To Nissan Laurel 1985 served faithfully, you must follow a few key rules. The main one is regular replacement of technical fluids. Unlike modern cars, where service intervals reach 15–20 thousand km, more frequent monitoring is required here.

Oils and liquids

• 🛢️ Engine: semi-synthetic 10W-40, replacement every 7–8 thousand km. For turbo engines - only high-quality oil (for example, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf).
• ⚙️ checkpoint: for manual - 75W-90, for automatic - Nissan Matic Fluid D (analogue - Idemitsu ATF Type-J).
• 🔥 Brake fluid: Replacement every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
• ❄️ Coolant: Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, replace every 3 years.

Pay special attention to the cooling system. The radiator and pipes lose their seal over time, and the thermostat may get stuck in the closed position, which will lead to overheating. On turbo engines CA18ET It is recommended to install an additional oil cooler - this will extend the life of the turbine.

Electrics and sensors

Engine management system ECCS (analogue ECU) on Laurel C31 sensitive to the quality of contacts. Frequent problems:

• 🔌 Oxidation of connectors - especially on the oxygen sensor (lambda probe) and throttle position sensor.
• 💡 Blown fuses — the fuse box is located under the hood and often suffers from moisture.
• 📡 Distributor malfunction - on engines CA18 it fails every 50–60 thousand km.

Tuning and modifications: how to improve the Nissan Laurel C31

Nissan Laurel 1985 — an excellent base for tuning, especially versions with turbo engines. The main advantage of the model is its simple design and a large number of interchangeable parts with other cars. Nissan (For example, Skyline R31 or Silvia S12).

Engine and turbine

To increase power CA18ET The following modifications are popular:

• 🚀 Turbine replacement on T28 or Garrett T3/T4 - adds 30–50 hp, but requires strengthening the fuel system.
• 🔥 Installing a larger intercooler - reduces charge air temperature and reduces the risk of detonation.
• ⚡ Chip tuning - firmware ECU under increased boost pressure (up to 0.8–1.0 bar).
• 🛢️ Fuel system - replacing injectors with more efficient ones (for example, from Nissan 300ZX).

On naturally aspirated engines CA18S often install a turbo kit from CA18ET, but this requires replacing the pistons (compression ratio must be below 8.5:1). Alternative - installing a compressor Eaton (as in Mercedes Kompressor), which gives a power increase of up to 150 hp. without major modifications to the block.

Suspension and brakes

To improve handling, owners often modify:

• 🔧 Springs and shock absorbers - popular kits from Tein or KYB with a decrease of 30–40 mm.
• 🛑 Brakes — installation of calipers from Nissan Skyline R32 (4-piston) and ventilated discs of larger diameter.
• 🎯 Steering — replacing the steering rack with a sports one (for example, from Cusco).

What to do if after tuning the engine starts to knock?

Detonation on CA18ET after increasing the boost, it is most often associated with a lean mixture or overheating. Check:

1. Fuel pressure (should be 2.5–3.0 bar).

2. Condition of the spark plugs (optimal gap - 0.8 mm, thermal range - 7–8).

3. Air temperature after the intercooler (not higher than 50°C).

If the problem remains, reduce the ignition timing by 2-3 degrees or install an octane corrector.

Where to buy and how much does a Nissan Laurel 1985 cost today?

Prices for Nissan Laurel C31 vary greatly depending on condition, configuration and region. In 2026, the value on the secondary market is:

• 💰 Atmospheric versions (CA18S) - from 150 to 300 thousand rubles. Body repairs are often required.
• 💎 Turbo versions (CA18ET) - from 350 to 600 thousand rubles. The price is higher if the engine is untouched and there is a service history.
• 🚜 Diesel modifications (LD20) — 100–200 thousand rubles. Demand is low due to problems with fuel equipment.
• 🏆 Collectibles - versions with RB20E or all-wheel drive (Attesa E-TS) can cost 800 thousand rubles and more.

Where to look:

• 🌍 Japan — auctions USS, TCV. Prices are lower, but you need to take into account the cost of delivery (from 150 thousand rubles) and customs clearance.
• 🇷🇺 Russia — Avto.ru, Drome, thematic groups in VKontakte (for example, "Nissan Laurel Club").
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine/Belarus - local notice boards (for example, OLX). Prices are lower than in the Russian Federation, but the risks of buying a “tired” copy are higher.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Laurel from Japan, pay attention to the mileage: many cars have “twisted” odometer readings. Check the condition of the interior (wear of the steering wheel, pedals) and the presence of original documentation (service book).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Laurel 1985

Is it possible to install an engine from a Nissan Skyline R32 on a Laurel C31?

Yes, but with modifications. The most compatible option is RB20DET (2.0 liter, turbo). You will need:

• Replacement of pallets (for Skyline And Laurel different fastenings).
• Adaptation of wiring and ECU.
• Replacing the gearbox (from R32 will work, but you need to reconfigure the clutch).

The cost of such a swap is from 200 thousand rubles (excluding the donor engine).

What kind of gasoline should I put in CA18ET?

Octane number not lower 95. On turbo engines CA18ET recommended to use 98th gasoline or add an octane corrector (for example, Liqui Moly Oktan Plus). When using 92-octane gasoline, there is a high probability of detonation, especially with increased boost.

What to do if the speedometer does not work?

Most often the problem is:

• The speedometer cable (frayed or fell off the gear at the gearbox).
• Speed sensor (on models with ECCS).
• Electrical circuit (oxidation of contacts on the dashboard).

To diagnose, remove the dashboard and check the voltage at the speedometer connector (should be 12V).

How to distinguish the original CA18ET from the naturally aspirated CA18S?

Main features of a turbo engine:

• Inscription TURBO on the valve cover.
• The presence of an intercooler and additional pipes.
• Red mark on the block ECU (indicates firmware for turbo).
• Exhaust manifold with a flange for the turbine.

Also check the VIN code: turbo versions have the designation CA18ET in technical documentation.

How much oil should I put in the CA18ET engine?

Oil volume with filter replacement - 4.2 liters. Recommended type: semi-synthetic 10W-40 or 5W-40 (for cold climates). Important: after changing the oil, let the engine idle for 2-3 minutes, then check the level - it may drop due to filling of the oil channels.