Infiniti G20
| Infiniti G20 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Nissan |
| Also called | Nissan Primera |
| Production | 1991–2002 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact Luxury car |
| Body style | 4-door sedan |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | SR20DE 2.0 litre Inline (140-5 hp) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Infiniti G35 |
| P10 | |
|---|---|
| First Generation Infiniti G20 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1991–1996 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L SR20DE I4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm (100.4 in) |
| Length | 4440 mm (174.8 in) |
| Width | 1695 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1390 mm (54.7 in) |
| Curb weight | 1150 to 1278 kg (2535 to 2818 lb) |
| P11 | |
|---|---|
| Second Generation Infiniti G20 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1999–2002 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.0 L SR20DE I4 |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Length | 4508.5 mm (177.5 in) |
| Width | 1694 mm (66.7 in) |
| Height | 1400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 1321 to 1352 kg (2913 to 2981 lb) |
The G20 was Infiniti's entry-level car during most of the 1990s and some of the 2000s. It was marketed as a competitor to European luxury sport coupes such as the BMW 3-series, as seen in adverts stating; "Born in Japan, educated in Europe, now acclaimed in America." However, at dealers it was marketed primarily to middle-aged professional women, and as such was not as popular new as its main competition, the similarly-priced Acura Integra.
The G20 was product of badge engineering as it was virtually identical to the non-USDM Nissan Primera though with a variation of one motor, a transversely mounted DOHC NA reciprocating internal combustion engine, the SR20DE a 2.0 litre Inline 4-cylinder. An engine also shared with the Nissan Sentra/Nissan 200SX SE-R and Nissan NX2000. The engine produced 140 crank horsepower at first, and 145 in '00+ editions (116 to 126 whp; stock range) and 132 ft·lbf or 136 ft·lbf (111 to 120 wft·lbf; stock range). The SR engines were also fairly high-revving with a redline of 7450 rpm for '91 through '96 editions, 6950 rpm for the '99 edition, and 6750 rpm for '00+ editions. Like other SR powered cars, the G20 became extremely popular among "tuners" who liked it for its flexibility, reliability, fuel economy and high power-handling capabilities. Thanks to this and their low buy-in cost, used SR powered Sentras, 200SXs and G20s have become popular and prominent in the tuner sub-culture.
Two variations of the G20 exist in the United States, the HP10 (P10), built from 1991 to 1996, and the HP11 (P11), built from 1999 to 2002. The two main optional packages were Touring (badged G20t, and available from MY94 to 96 and MY99 to 01) and Sport (no badge modification, MY02 only). All G20s were built in Oppama, Japan.
First Generation 1991-1996 (P10)
The first 1991 G20 was completed on July 10, 1991. The final 1996 G20 was completed on July 19, 1996. The main changes for the P10 came as a midyear refresh in 1993 (MY93.5), when dual airbags replaced motorized seatbelts, leather interiors came standard with power front seats, and the audio system was upgraded to six speakers; and MY94, when a new chrome grille was added, a lowport motor replaced the original highport SR20DE, and the suspension was softened. A new trim line, the G20t, retained the harder suspension settings and came with an upgraded, sportier black interior, fold-down rear seats, and a limited-slip differential. MY94 also saw the AC converted from R12 to R134a, a change to OBD-II, and other new options such as keyless entry. The G20 was temporarily discontinued after the 1996 model year, and although the J30 served as Infiniti's entry-level car for the 1997 model year, they lacked an entry-level car for 1998, when the J30 was discontinued.
Second Generation 1999-2002 (P11)
The second-generation G20 underwent several changes, including adopting the multi-link beam rear suspension from the 1995-1999 Nissan Maxima. Despite enthusiasts' aversion to the beam, several publications praised the handling of the updated G20. With the increased size and luxury options, however, the stock 140-5 crank horsepower was seemingly underpowered. The first 2nd generation 1999 G20 was completed on May 18, 1998. The final 2nd generation 2002 G20 was completed on January 11, 2002. Several noteworthy changes for the P11 came as a refresh in the 2000 model year, when the 145 crank horsepower roller rocker variant of the SR engine was implemented, immobilizer circuitry was added, and a keyless remote trunk release became a feature. The G20 was discontinued in favor of the new entry-level rear wheel drive G35/Nissan Skyline, which can be considered a more competent car compared to other luxury branded cars of the time; though also priced $5,000 USD above the MSRP (avg. $23,000) of the last G20s. The G35 was aimed more at the entry luxury-sports car market, an area that Nissan's Infiniti brand has neglected in the past with the G20 as it was aimed at the luxury sport compact car market.
Paint codes
Code - G20 name (alternate name or names)
AR2 - Red (Active Red or Crimson Blaze Red)
AX5 - Royal Blue (Merlot)
BS3 - Dark Blue (Neptune Blue)
BW9 - Midnight Blue (Majestic Blue)
ET1 - Autumn Bronze Metallic
EV0 - Sandrock Beige (Sunlit Sand)
JV0 - Dark Green (Sequoia Green Metallic)
JW0 - Millennium Jade
KH3 - Black Obsidian (Super Black)
KL0 - Silver Crystal Metallic (Spark Silver)
KR4 - Titanium (Sonic Silver or Sierra Silver)
TV3 - Brilliant Blue Pearl (Maui Blue)
QT1 - Aspen White Pearl (Icelandic Pearl or Avalanche)
Infiniti G20 sales by Calendar Year (CY)
'91 CY 13,929
'92 CY 14,592
'93 CY 16,545
'94 CY 17,248
'95 CY 16,818
'96 CY 13,467
Total '91-'96 CY sales = 92,599
'99 CY 16,108
'00 CY 13,095
'01 CY 11,512
'02 CY 5,760
Total '99-'02 CY sales = 46,475
Total '91-'02 CY sales = 139,074
Used Car Trouble Spots
- Fifth-gear pop-out - On early manual transmission models, a flawed 5th gear synchro can cause the transmission to pop out of gear when under load (accelerating or going uphill). To lower chance of pop-out, do not rest one's hand on the gear lever.
- Blower Resistor - Failure of this component can cause the climate control to get stuck at the highest blower setting.
- "P10 Resistor" - This silver-colored box under the hood can cause the automatic transmission to shift roughly.
- Power Antenna - The mast can get stuck, or the motor can burn out.
- Automatic Seatbelts - In cars that have them (MY91-93) they may get stuck; there is a recall out on this.
- P10 fuel pump failure with low levels of gasoline. To lower chance of fuel pump failure, remain above 12.5% or an 1/8 of a tank or alternately keep fill-ups under 13.913 gallons.
- Power Steering hose leaks, which may corrode other engine components . To counter, replace OEM "clamps" with better aftermarket clamps.
- Starter - Failure of this part is common in both the P10 and P11, though seemingly more so in the 2000+ p11.
Tuning
Engine
Engine Upgrades
Often forced induction (turbocharging) is used to upgrade SR20DE powered G20s to middle or high levels, 200 to 300 whp. Because the SR20DET has a very similar design to the SR20DE, many components from the former can easily bolt up to the latter. More common than forced induction upgrades are the use of bolt-on aftermarket parts such as intakes and exhausts. With bolt-ons around 155 whp is possible.
Common engine modifications can include: Intakes (WAI, CAI), larger MAF, headers, exhaust (cat back, axle back), underdrive pulleys, lightened flywheel, camshafts, camshaft gears, pistons, valvetrain (7500 to 9000 rpm), headwork, stroker kits (2.2 to 2.4L). As the SR20DE is a popular tuning engine there are vast numbers of odd upgrades that are far from common.
Engine Swaps
With certain SR20DET engine swaps high levels of around 400 whp are possible. SR20VET Neo-VVL swaps are nearly never done so output is arduous to estimate, though generally comparable to a SR20DET swap in terms of output. More rare than forced induction is a SR20VE Neo-VVL engine swap which can with bolt-ons generate around 190 whp and can also be turbocharged. VQ35DE swaps are possible though not yet done.
Transmission
Common standard / manual transmission modifications include: Cryo treating, shot peening, transmission case welding, aftermarket LSD, aftermarket axles, and aftermarket clutches. Common automatic transmission modifications include: Built valve body, aftermarket torque converters, ATF coolers, and aftermarket TCU.
Stock standard / manual transmissions are typically good to about 250 whp. Stock automatic transmissions are typically good to about 155 whp. Most front wheel drive transmissions from other SR20 powered cars can be used with few modifications.
Suspension
Common suspension modifications include: Lowering springs, shocks, coilovers, strut bars (front and rear), pillow-ball strut mount (front only for P11 with front and rear for P10), sway bar (rear), and traction bars.
Wheels
P10 tire fitments:
- 195/60/14 - 23.2" diameter (35-45mm offset required) - ('91-'93 P10)
- 195/65/14 - 24" diameter (35-45mm offset required) - ('93.5-'96 P10)
centerbore = ø66.1 mm bolt pattern = 4x114.3 mm
P11 tire fitments:
- 195/65/15 - 25" diameter (35-45mm offset required) - ('99-'02 Standard)
- 195/60/15 - 24.2" diameter (35-45mm offset required) - ('99-'01 Touring)
- 205/50/16 - 24.1" diameter (35-45mm offset required) - ('02 Sport)
centerbore = ø66.1 mm bolt pattern = 4x114.3 mm
Brakes
Common brake modifications can include: Calipers, pads, and steel brake lines. Big brake kits are available.
Other
Aftermarket ECU and various engine management systems can be had. Carbon fiber body parts along with various body kits. "Universal" parts such as steering wheels and seats can at times be used. Also several OEM Nissan Primera parts from around the world primarily JDM and UKDM can be used such as dual headlights and rain guards.
Community
Custom parts are sometimes fabricated by G20 owners; these include fuel rails, brake kits, and custom body pieces (eyebrows, bumper lips, grills).
Very often members of this community partake in a group buy of brand name products for a collective discount. Also members of this community congregate in a set of "car tuning" meets, where they may go and talk about their love of the G20 and gain mutual comraderie with fellow owners.
Awards
Over its life many automotive awards were given such as:
- IntelliChoice: 1993 “Best Overall Import Car Value Over $13,000” and “Best Value in Compact Class Over $16,000.”
- J.D. Power and Associates: 1996 Top Score in Customer Satisfaction Index.
- J.D. Power and Associates: 1997 Second High Scorer in Customer Satisfaction Index.
- IntelliChoice: 1999 G20 and G20t “A Best Overall Value - Compact Sedan Over $15,000.”
- CAR Magazine: Rated One of the Top 10 Best Handling Cars in the World (P11)