Nissan Bluebird CA Series Engines
from £295 to £795
Rebuilt units from £695 · Common codes: CA16S, CA18DE, CA20E, CA18ET
Get quotes from trusted UK Nissan Bluebird engine specialists. Compare used and reconditioned prices for 1.6L to 2.0L petrol - CA16, CA18 & SR20 covered. Find the best value for your budget.
Nissan Bluebird CA Series Engines
from £295 to £795
Rebuilt units from £695 · Common codes: CA16S, CA18DE, CA20E, CA18ET
Nissan Bluebird SR Series Engines
from £495 to £1,195
Rebuilt units from £895 · Common codes: SR20DE, SR20DET, QG18DE, GA16DS
Nissan Bluebird Diesel Engines
from £395 to £895
Rebuilt units from £795 · Common codes: LD20, CD20

Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
The table below shows typical UK rebuilt engine costs across Nissan Bluebird variants - compare failure causes, engine codes, fuel types, and price ranges to benchmark what UK drivers are paying.


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Not sure which variant your Nissan Bluebird is- Enter your registration number above - we'll identify the exact sub-model, engine code and compatible replacement options instantly.

Every engine code fitted to the Nissan Bluebird across all generations, with technical specs, compatible variants and trims, known failure points, and average rebuilt prices from UK specialists. Select any engine code to compare quotes.
Extracted from detailed petrol and performance engine families across Nissan Bluebird variants.

CA16S - 1.6L Petrol
Main replacement demand comes from timing-chain, cooling-system and performance thermal-management faults.
Compatible variants
Avg. rebuilt price
£695 - £895
Supply only
Technical specifications
Common failures
Not sure which engine code?
Can't find your engine code- Enter your registration number above - we'll instantly identify the exact unit, its technical specifications, and live replacement prices from UK Nissan Bluebird engine specialists. Every rebuilt engine comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty.

The Nissan Bluebird's CA and SR petrol engines dominate UK replacement enquiries, with head gasket failure and timing chain issues being the most prominent causes. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EngineMarket includes upgraded internal components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Use...
Head Gasket Failure
Most affected vehicles
Nissan Bluebird 1.6 LX, 1.8 GL, 2.0 i (1986-1990, CA16S, CA18DE, CA20E)
Failure mileage range
60,000-90,000 miles
Typical failure window
Root cause
Thin head gasket design combined with aluminium head expansion under heat causes failure between cylinders 2-3, often triggered by cooling system neglect.
Repair options & estimated costs (UK ranges)
| Repair tier | Dealer price | Specialist price | What it involves | Longevity / suitability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor - Head Gasket Replacement | £800 - £1,200 | £450 - £750 | Remove cylinder head, replace gasket, reseal, refill coolant | Viable only if block/head undamaged; 20k-40k mile expectation |
| Intermediate - Full Top End Rebuild | £1,200 - £1,800 | £700 - £1,100 | Head skim, new valves/guides, upgraded gasket set, timing belt kit | Better longevity if block is sound; 40k-60k miles expected |
| Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine | £1,500 - £2,200 | £695 - £995 (supply) | Complete rebuilt CA engine with upgraded head gasket, bench-tested | Most reliable long-term solution; 12-month warranty included |
Our recommendation
On a Bluebird valued at £400-£800, a full rebuilt engine at £695-£995 often represents better value than a £750+ top-end repair that may not address underlying block wear. We recommend replacement if compression is low on multiple cylinders.
Compare rebuilt CA series engine prices for your Nissan Bluebird
Every Nissan Bluebird engine type is available through our UK network with typical price ranges based on variant, engine code and budget.
Compare Nissan Bluebird engine prices with vetted UK suppliers
All engine types include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty when sourced through EngineMarket. Prices are typical UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network and depend on exact engine code, variant, mileage and supplier. Use our free comparison tool above - enter your registration to get tailored quotes for your specific Nissan Bluebird within hours.

Every displacement fitted to the Nissan Bluebird is listed below, with compatible engine codes, production years and common failure notes to help you identify the correct replacement.
The 1.6L petrol was the entry-level engine for the T12 Bluebird, using the simple CA16S carburettor design. Most common in 1.6 LX and GL trims, it offered adequate economy but is prone to the head gasket issues that affect the wider CA family.
Engine Code(s)
CA16S
Compatible Models (UK)
1.6, 1.6 GL, 1.6 LX
Power output
Verified by registration
Common Failure Points
Head gasket failure between cylinders 2-3; carburettor wear causing rough idle
Production Years: T12, 1986-1990
Get quotes for Nissan Bluebird 1.6L petrol engines
Choose your Nissan Bluebird engine by fuel type to compare realistic replacement prices, known issues, and compatible UK supply options - from early CA16S petrol to the later SR20DE.
Petrol engines dominate the Bluebird range, with CA-series units powering most T12 models and SR-series appearing in later U12/U13 generations.
Common Nissan Bluebird Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
Petrol engines dominate the Bluebird range, with CA-series units powering most T12 models and SR-series appearing in later U12/U13 generations.
Common Nissan Bluebird Petrol Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Petrol Models
Diesel Bluebirds used LD20 and CD20 2.0L naturally aspirated units, offering economy but limited performance and availability in the UK market.
Common Nissan Bluebird Diesel Engine Families
Found In
Known For
Typical Diesel Models
Not sure which fuel type your Nissan Bluebird has- Enter your registration number above to instantly identify your engine code, fuel system and compatible replacement options - all backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty from UK Nissan Bluebird specialists.

This section covers all major engine changes across the Nissan Bluebird's UK production timeline, organised so owners can quickly identify their engine and compare rebuilt engine prices from UK specialists.
⚙Key Changes
▣Main Engines
CA16S- 1.6L petrol (1.6 LX)
CA18- 1.8L petrol (1.8 GL)
CA20S- 2.0L carb petrol (2.0 GL)
LD20- 2.0L diesel (2.0 D)
▰Popular Models
🔧Known For
Engine Codes Covered:
CA16SCA18CA20SLD20