1988 NISSAN CEFIRO 33GTR RB26
990,000 yen FOB(Japan)
Nissan Cefiro
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nissan Cefiro was an intermediate-size automobile range sold in Japan and other countries. It was introduced initially as a 4-door sedan, however a wagon was later produced. A large proportion were equipped with automatic transmissions.
Originally marketed towards the Japanese salaryman, Cefiro sold much better outside Japan, becoming extremely popular among middle class in countries such as Taiwan thanks to its high performance and comparatively low price. The top model used the same engine as found in the R32 Nissan Skyline, a 2 litre turbo charged 6 cylinder engine capable of just over 200 hp (150 kW). Other variants came with other versions of the Nissan RB engine. Brand new, the Cefiro was slightly more expensive than the equivalent Nissan Skyline.
The model years of second and third generation Cefiros in Japan differ from those in the United States. The Cefiro was also a grey import that was popular in the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand and Russia. With each incarnation, the Cefiro was marketed more toward the executive segment, losing some of its sporty zeal.
A31(1988-1994)
Released in September 1988 to the Japanese market, it ceased production in May 1994. The A31 series included many hi-tech features, such as HICAS 4-wheel steering, sonar-controlled electronic damping, automatic headlights, and an automatic electric rear view mirror, many of which were seen later on the R32 Nissan Skyline, released one year later in 1989.
The A31 Cefiro was similar to the Nissan Laurel. The Cefiro is something like a luxury Nissan Skyline although these two were produced at the same time as the Cefiro. Mechanically, it was closest to the Nissan Skyline and Nissan Laurel, as they all had the same floorpan; but it shares its MacPherson strut front suspension with the S13 Silvia with the exception of the 4WD version which shares the same front and rear suspension as the GT-R and GTS4 Skyline.
The A31 Cefiro featured several versions of the RB-series straight-6 engines including the intercooled turbo RB20DET, although it was slightly detuned in the Cefiro. It also was not fitted with a re-circulating blowoff valve like the RB20DET powered Nissan Skyline.
It was also, together with the Nissan Skyline, one of the first Japanese cars to have a 5-speed automatic transmission in the 2.5 litre and the very last of the 2 litre models. All 2 litre turbo versions with automatic transmissions used a 4-speed transmission.
Unlike many new car designs at the time, the A31 Cefiro was rear wheel drive, with all-wheel drive models being available as well. Unlike the future versions of the Nissan Laurels and Nissan Skylines, the Cefiro would become a front wheel drive in all models following the A31 Cefiro.
At the beginning of its production it was mostly overlooked as just an ordinary family sedan compared to the Nissan Skyline but in later times it has become very popular in the drifting scene. Spurred by the relatively cheap price of the car compared to other drifting vehicles in Japan, some enthusiasts bought the Cefiro for use in drifting. As a result this car has gained cult status in Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand as a drift car due to the interchangeability of parts with other performance models and highly tunable nature of the chassis design. It is also a relatively cheap car outside Japan as it is exported second hand.
This chassis was also the basis for the S13 chassis in the Nissan Silvia.
Specifications
General specifications
Body type: Sedan
Drive: RWD Displacement: 1998cc N/A and Turbo, 2498cc N/A
Engine Specs
Engine model: RB20E, RB20DE, RB24S, RB25DE, RB20DET
Max.power: 205 PS (151 kW) / 6400 rpm RB20DET
Max.power: 190 PS (138 kW) / 6400 rpm RB25DE
Max.power: 155 PS (114 kW) / 6400 rpm RB20DE
Max.power: 141 PS (107 kW) / 5600 rpm RB24S
Max.power: 125 PS (91.94 kW) / 5600 rpm RB20E
Turbo Information: Ceramic
Fuel system: NISSAN EGI (ECCS) (electronic gasoline injection) electrically controlled gasoline injection
Turbocharger: Intercooled turbo
Fuel type: Unleaded premium gasoline
Exterior specifications
Exterior dimensions (LxWxH): 4690 x 1695 x 1375 mm
Interior dimensions (LxWxH): 1910 x 1425 x 1140 mm
Wheel base: 2670 mm
Ground clearance: 150 mm
Curb vehicle weight: 1350 kg (auto turbo) 1330 kg (manual turbo) 1260 kg (manual RB20E) 1280 kg (auto RB20E) 1300 kg (RB20DE manual) 1320 kg (RB20DE auto), 1400kg (auto turbo 4wd)
Seating capacity: 5
Doors number: 4
Min. turning radius: 5 m
Fuel tank capacity: 65
Suspension specifications
Power steering: Yes
Suspension system: front Independent suspension strut type
Suspension system: rear Independent suspension multiple link type
| Model | Engine | Frame | Year |
| Townride | RB20E | E-HA31GFE | 1988 |
| Townride | RB20E | E-HCA31GFE | 1988 |
| Townride | RB20E | E-HA31GAEP | 1988 |
| Touring | RB20DE | E-RA31GFE | 1988 |
| Sport touring | RB20DE | E-RCA31GFE | 1988 |
| MF Comfort touring | RB20DE | E-RA31GAEP | 1988 |
| Cruising | RB20DET | E-RA31GFS | 1988 |
| Sport cruising | RB20DET | E-RCA31GFS | 1988 |
| Townride N | RB20E | E-A31 | 1990 |
| ATTESA cruising | RB20DET | E-NA31 | 1990 (4WD) |
| Townride SV | RB20E | E-A31 | 1991 |
| Touring SV | RB20DE | E-A31 | 1991 |
| VL | RB20E | E-LA31 | 1992 |
| SE | RB20E | E-LA31 | 1992 |
| VE | RB20DE | E-LA31 | 1992 |
| 25SSE | RB25DE | E-EA31 | 1992 |
| SE-T | RB20DET | E-LA31 | 1992 |
| 25SSE M selection | RB25DE | E-EA31 | 1992 |
| SE-4 | RB20DET | E-LNA31 | 1992 (4WD) |
There are also many "sub models" which are the same as the above listed but feature HICAS 4 wheel steering as well. Nissan took the unusual step of making a left hand drive version of the Cefiro. Unlike all the Japanese versions it was fitted with a carburetted RB24 which was a single cam 6 cylinder 2.4L RB series motor.
Later models were given a softer look with revised light and bumper/grill design as well as "interior softening". These are referred to as the "facelift" shape and appear a little more refined in appearance.
Modifications
The most common engine modification is the RB25DET engine swap, which gives the car higher torque than the RB20DET engine, suited better for drifting. Others have successfully swapped an RB26DETT engine (as used in the Skyline GT-R R32-R34) with some minor oil sump modifications, along with an RB25DET gearbox. Some tuners prefer to use the lighter and more compact SR20DET using the RB25DET gearbox. Also many of the Silvia (S13, S14), Laurel (C33), Fairlady (Z32), and Skyline (R32) parts are interchangeable, which gives flexibility in choosing parts.
The Cefiro Alternative In Australia
The RB20DET Nissan Cefiro is a quick, practical and cheap Japanese import alternative.
By Michael Knowling
Silvias, 180SXs and Skylines are without question some of the most popular grey imports in Australia; it seems people just can't get enough of Nissan performance, reliability and drift-ability. One Nissan that's curiously left off buyers' Japanese imports list, though, is the top-line Cefiro...
While the lesser JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Cefiro models come powered by boring SOHC or DOHC 2-litre atmo engines, the top-line 'Sports Cruising' model offers the ability to run almost as quickly as a R32 GTS-t. That's no surprise when you discover the Cefiro Turbo packs the same silver rocker cover RB20DET as the GTS-t, though it is detuned slightly to 151kW at 6400 rpm and 265Nm at 3200 rpm (just 7kW less than the GTS-t). The RB20DET 2-litre's static compression ratio is 8.5:1, breathing is through a DOHC, 24-valve alloy head and there's a single turbocharger with an air-to-air intercooler hung off the side. A hotwire airflow meter, knock sensor and electronic boost control are also part of the engine deal.
As far as we can determine, the Cefiro Turbo came offered with either a 4-speed automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual. Our test car (supplied by Adelaide's Yahoo Motorsport) was an auto variant and, driving through its standard 4.63:1 rear LSD, could run to 100 km/h in the mid-to-high 7-second range and was a proven low 15-second quarter mile performer - not bad for a 2-litre sedan in stock form. On, the road the Cefiro offers great mid-range punch and exceptional smoothness.
Interestingly, the '88 released Cefiro (labelled as the NA31 series) is built on the R32 Skyline platform. Accordingly, the suspension layout is fundamentally the same with double wishbones at the front and a traditional Nissan multi-link rear. Drive is to the rear, of course, and HICAS II (rear wheel toe control) is fitted to some examples. Like most RWD turbo Nissans of the era, the Cefiro turns-in reasonably well and has on-demand power oversteer. Body roll is more noticeable than in the sporty Skylines, though the upshot is a more comfortable ride.
Weighing 1350 kilograms, the RB20DET Cefiro is equipped with ventilated disc brakes front and rear and ABS was an extra cost optional when new. Steering is via a power assisted rack and pinion arrangement, which is fairly light.The Cefiro's sheet metal is totally unique - nothing is shared with a Skyline. Its conservative but flowing lines were intended to appeal to upper-level buyers in Japan, hence you'll also find a bit of chrome trim around the side windows and door handles. It's not a bad shape, but the projector headlight front-end is a little too fussy to match the rest of the car. Alloy 15-inch wheels were fitted to most examples and the factory tyre size is 205/60 15.
Instrumentation is all very easy to read and comprises a 7000 redline tacho, 180 km/h speedo, fuel level and coolant temp gauges plus a gear position indicator. Like many Nissans from the late '80s/early '90s the interior is quite drab but it is comfortable.
The very first Cefiros from 1988 are now available in Australia cheaply, thanks to the 15-year-old import laws. This particular vehicle - with an apparently genuine 99,000 kilometres on it - was being sold by Yahoo Motorsport (in Adelaide) for $5200 plus the relevant ADR-ing. ADR-ing for the Cefiro includes things like door intrusion bars and child restraint anchorages and - depending who you get to do the work - will cost up to around $1200.
Replacement parts are something of an issue for the Cefiro since its body, chassis and driveline was never seen in Australia. Japanese importers have, however, built a reasonably strong supply of second-hand RB-series motors, transmissions and diffs and there are plenty of R32 Skylines being wrecked for parts - we can only imagine some of the R32 suspension components are interchangeable with the Cefiro. Whatever you do, though, just make sure you don't bend any of the panels or you'll find sourcing replacements pretty tough - maybe pick something else if you want to learn how to drift...A31 Cefiro for Drag Race ?
Potential is the keyword for the Cefiro - sure, its standard performance is quite good but it's oh-so easy to get it hauling in the 13s or 14s across the quarter...
For 13-second quarter miles, the formula is much the same except you also need to upgrade the intercooler (the stock unit is particularly small), increase boost pressure further (until you start to run out of fuel flow), fit a slightly up-sized steel wheeled turbocharger (the factory ceramic turbine wheel is known to disintegrate at high boost) and maybe add a transmission cooler. It's quite likely a set of rear semi-slicks will also be required in the search for traction.
Summary - if you're into all those things that RWD turbo Nissans are good at (straight-line performance, drift-ability and ability to withstand abuse) make sure you don't overlook the Cefiro. It offers all of these attributes plus more luxury and accommodation than its sportier 2-door cousins - yet it also comes with a smaller price tag.
1988 JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) Nissan Cefiro RB20DET Fast Facts:
- Comfortable, practical and quite well equipped
- Very smooth engine
- Good mid-range torque and plenty of performance
- Easily tweaked (while also remaining reliable)
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