Nissan · L-Series Inline Six
Nissan L28E
The 2.8-liter fuel-injected evolution of the L-series six used in late S30 and S130 Z cars.
168
Cubic inches
The L28E added displacement and electronic injection to Nissan's proven L-series platform, becoming the defining six-cylinder engine of the 280Z/280ZX era.
Displacement
168 ci
Bore
3.386"
Stroke
3.11"
Years
1975–1984 core era
Key Takeaway
The L28E enlarged Nissan’s L-series straight-six to 2.8 liters with a 3.386-inch bore and 3.11-inch stroke. Electronic fuel injection replaced the earlier carbureted approach, improving drivability and making the engine better suited to emissions-era 280Z and 280ZX models.
Technical Specifications
- Horsepower
- 145 PS @ 5,200 rpm in documented 1978 Fairlady 280Z-L specification
- Torque
- 226 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
- Architecture
- SOHC inline six
- Block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder heads
- Aluminum
- Valvetrain
- SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
- Aspiration
- Naturally aspirated
- Fuel delivery
- Electronic fuel injection
The L28E enlarged Nissan’s L-series straight-six to 2.8 liters with a 3.386-inch bore and 3.11-inch stroke. Electronic fuel injection replaced the earlier carbureted approach, improving drivability and making the engine better suited to emissions-era 280Z and 280ZX models.
Internal Specifications
Variant-specific values are labeled. Engine families that span multiple years or RPOs can have different heads, cams, induction and rotating parts, so the exact code/year always takes priority.
Notable Applications
Strengths
- Strong torque
- Simple EFI
- Large classic Nissan aftermarket
Weaknesses / Watch-outs
- Aging EFI hardware
- Cylinder-head selection matters for compression and quench
- Heavy compared with modern aluminum engines
Common Upgrades
- Performance camshaft
- Ported cylinder head
- Turbo conversion using L28ET-style hardware
Racing History & Legacy
The L28E became the defining naturally aspirated engine of the 280Z and 280ZX era and remains one of the most popular classic Nissan sixes for restoration and modification.
References & Image Credit
Engine image: Michael Barera · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Engineering Notes Worth Knowing
2.8 L / 168 cu in with 3.386 x 3.11-inch bore and stroke.
Cast-iron block with aluminum SOHC two-valve cylinder head.
Electronic fuel injection with naturally aspirated induction.
Documented Fairlady 280Z-L output: 145 PS and 226 Nm.
History · context · related reading
The Story Behind Nissan L28E
The L28E carried the Z car into the fuel-injected era without abandoning the proven L-series architecture. More displacement and EFI made it smoother and torquier than the early Z engines while preserving the familiar straight-six character.
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