Thread: Seeking information on my GA16DE

Hello all,

I am in need of help regarding my GA16DE. I have a 1991 Nissan Sentra E Coupe. 4 speed manual transmission. I lack knowledge of the GA16DE and I plan on having a friend rebuild it. I have searched this forum and Googled information. I found a lot of helpful information, but still have a bunch of questions. Any information would be highly appreciated.

Here are some questions I am having trouble getting thorough answers...

I have no power steering. Can I add power steering to my vehicle?

I bought a complete gasket kit for my GA16DE. What else would you recommend that is necessary to replace on this motor. I'm at 180,000 miles. Still runs strong, but has several oil leaks. Leaks a lot when the car is on. Narrowed it down to the front main seal and a few other locations.

Is it really necessary to replace the timing chain, and the pistons? I plan on changing the water pump and oil pump.

Should I replace the fuel filter and fuel pump?

Where is the cabin filter located?

I see one belt around in my engine bay. Can anybody tell me what the name of this belt is? Serpentine belt? I know it's not a timing belt, because I have a timing chain. It is deteriorating and I really think I should replace this as soon as possible.

I have no tachometer. What would be the best option for me? Should I just buy an aftermarket tachometer w/shift light, or could/should I get an SE-R cluster and swap it out? I'm not sure it will fit.

What is the cheapest way to turbo my car? I can't find any turbo manifolds, unless it's part of a kit. I want to avoid buying a complete turbo kit, since I'm only financially stable to buy one or two parts at a time.

I know it's a lot of questions and I know I can just buy an SR20DET, which is what I'd love to have. Unfortunately, I want to start driving this car as an everyday driver. I want a little bit of power, but don't care about being the fastest. I want it to be reliable and I don't have a couple thousand dollars to do a motor and tranny swap. I will be buying parts for my GA16DE when I have enough money to buy them, so this is the cheaper route for me. I know that some of the questions are damn there common sense and I may sound like an idiot. I would appreciate the help though. Like I said, I lack knowledge on the B13's. I have to start somewhere right? Thanks you all in advance for reading my thread and for the help/advice.

Oh, I was also interested in adding the rear lights that are on the trunks of SE-R's and the Super Saloon. I am missing that trim on the trunk. The clips are broken and have tried to pull a few off from the junkyard. I'd always break the white clips attached to the black plastic pieces that hold that trim up. Would the lights fit on the Sentra E? Thanks again!

I wouldn't bother with the power steering.

While your at it with gaskets might want to check and/or replace all rubber hoses

timing chain you can replace if you want to be safe but probably not necessary. I'd replace the guides for it though. I'd leave the pistons alone.

yes I'd replace the fuel filter is quick and easy. Fuel pump not unless you think its bad.

You talking about an in cabin mircofilter? If so it doesn't have one.

serpentine belt.

Thats up to you really. When I had the xe I just got a cheap small sunpro and mounted it on the steering column. Quick easy and cheap.

All the parts can be had for fairly cheap here and a few other places the only thing that is going to cost you is the manifold. Probably just have to get one made. They are fairly rare for the GA.

In regards to the back lights my bro-in-law did this to my old xe. You'll have to remove that trim piece anyway and drill some holes for the bolts to stick though as well as cut out squares for the back of the lights and harnesses to stick though. Wiring is easy but the only thing he hasn't figured out yet is the lock its still on the recessed part of the truck behind the lights. There is a hole for the lock in the lights but no way to being it forward to where it is flush with the lights if you see what I'm saying.

Any way good luck and you might try the ga16forum as well.

Thank you so much! It's highly appreciated. Your answers helped me a lot. I have a lot to learn about these cars. Just in the process of doing so as I work on mine.

I'm not too worried about the trunk lights. I just been curious about fitment. If I ever go that route, I might just replace the whole trunk instead of cutting into it.

I'll look into replacing the guides. Not sure where or how much they are, but I'll look it up. Thanks again man.

Although, I got some great information from rustbucket, I'm still interested in anybody else's help that they may have to offer. Thanks in advance.

just buy an ser theree was a guy in sd selling one for 800 bad engine

Fix the oil leaks by replacing the gaskets or seals that are leaking. Replace the fuel filter if it is of unknown age. Stick with your manual steering. You can add power steering, but it is not worth the hassle, nor can you afford it.

There is no easy way to add a stock gauge cluster with tachometer, as I don't believe your ECU has a tech output anyway. Regardless, this would be pointless. Same with aftermarket. Just say no.
Want a tach? Buy a car with one.

No cabin air filter to replace. Leave the fuel pump alone unless it is dead. Pistons and oil pump and timing chain should all be fine. Don't bother.

It's called an accessory belt, since it drives your accessorie(s).

The cheapest way to turbo your car is not going to be helpful information to you. You won't be doing it. Don't even think about it. You don't have the money/skill/patience/etc.
You said you wanted it to be reliable.
Fix the leaks and leave it alone.

If the engine was ever run low on oil I would replace the timing chain. My NX1600 was run low on oil before I had it (and only 138K) and I fired it up one day in the winter and the chain went out. Now I'm doing a whole SR20 swap anyways because I had to take the GA16 out. I would recommend doing the timing chain just to be safe, its a lil bit pricey though.

Dang this bummed me out. I wanted to add a cluster from another ga model when I swapped motors in my four door.