Nissan Skyline 2000 TURBO RS-X/KDR-30

Although making about the same power as the L20ET-powered GT-ES models, the version of the Skyline initially known as the 2000RS was released in October 1981 as more of a stripped-down lightweight racer, without as many luxury extras included (quoted curb weight was only 1130 kg). These were equipped with the naturally aspirated 4-valve per cylinder DOHC FJ20E engine generating 110 kW of power at 6000 rpm and 181 N·m of torque at 4800 rpm. The official Nissan chassis designation for all FJ20-powered models was DR30.

In February 1983 the DR30 range received a significant boost in performance with the introduction of the turbocharged FJ20ET engine in the 2000RS Turbo. Front brakes were also significantly upgraded to cope with the power increase. Now with 140 kW of power at 6400 rpm and 225 N·m of torque at 4800 rpm on tap, the FJ20ET enjoyed new-found prestige as the most powerful Japanese production engine of its era.

Nissan sought to elevate the status of the DR30 Skyline as their new flagship model in light of this success, and it received a generous amount of changes to distinguish it from lesser Skyline models in August 1983. Interior equipment was significantly upgraded to now include electric windows, air conditioning and power steering as standard; gone were the days of the spartan, stripped-out race interior with the increased curb weight of around 1250 kg. But by far the most striking change to the RS was the new unique front end treatment, nicknamed Tekamen or Iron Mask by fans for its distinctive look. The headlights were considerably slimmer, and instead of a conventional grille the bonnet now sloped down to two narrow slits above a facelifted front bumper and airdam.[5] Turbocharged FJ20ET models were renamed RS-X Turbo while the N/A FJ20E model retained the RS moniker. The 2000 prefix was dropped.

Further changes were made in 1984, most notably the addition of an intercooler, revised compression ratios and turbocharger exhaust housing to the FJ20ET powered model, now known as the RS-X Turbo C and increasing output to 151 kW of power at 6400 rpm and 245 N·m of torque at 4400 rpm.
FJ20ET Engine
DR30 RS-Turbo

To this day the FJ20-powered R30 Skyline remains a cult car both at home and overseas (there are still dedicated "one make" drag racing events for this model in Japan), and is credited with rejuvenating the Skyline brand in the early 1980s. It also paved the way for the eventual re-introduction of the legendary GT-R badge, markedly absent since the end of C110 Skyline production in 1973.

The RS achieved moderate success in Australian Touring car racing in the mid-1980s with Nissan winning the 1986 Australian Manufacturers' Championship and sharing victory in the 1987 Australian Manufacturers' Championship with BMW.

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Autos & Vehicles

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• Skyline

[yusuke0028]

鉄仮面はかっこよかった

[SprntrlDeathNinja]

@ScotchRB30DET holy shit... me 2 how are you gonna make the diff fit? the l20e aint that bad im just gonna +t it for the mean time till i can build a rb30 or 25, weither i go det de e or et i am unsure of atm might go l28 if i can find one. what part of nz are you from bro?

[k80386]

かっこええ

[ScotchRB30DET]

Wish mine looked this good :( Got a factory JDM 4 door HR30 which im restoring to DR30 spec with FJ20ET, R32 LSD and rear disc brake conversion, painting it these colours also :) Base spec L20E 5 speed manual atm though. Considered RB30DE with ITB's but too expensive and not original enough. Love this car!

and eidairman1, the L20E is fucking gutless, I have one in my 30 and it couldnt pull the cock off a chocolate mouse, honestly, NO comparison to the FJ20 at all.

[littlemimus]

i love this thing!

[countach500r]

あぁ乗ってみたい

[subzero92MK]

wow a 2000 cc?which is its top speed?

[mprasetya]

One of the best skyline after GT-R,Hakosuka,and R34

[eidairman1]

its the fact the DR30/ RS-X was a stripped down race machine where the one with the I6 had more luxury features, Im sure with the L20E in a DR30 being a Race unit vs the FJ20ET in a race unit (No luxury features) the L20E would have conseriable amt of power

[ditchoven]

SWEET!