The 1987 Nissan Hardbody, the D21 pickup, was powered primarily by a 2.4-liter inline-four gasoline engine. This engine was standard for that model year in most markets, with fuel-delivery setups and emissions equipment varying by region and trim.
Engine at a glance
Below is a concise breakdown of the core engine information for the 1987 Hardbody.
- 2.4-liter inline-four gasoline engine (Nissan Z24 family) — the principal powerplant for the 1987 Hardbody, with either carbureted or fuel-injected delivery depending on market and trim.
The 2.4-liter inline-four was chosen for its balance of reliability and practicality in a compact pickup. Variations in fuel delivery (carbureted vs. fuel-injected) and emissions configuration could occur depending on the vehicle’s market and specification, but the 2.4L inline-four remained the defining engine for that year.
Market variations and practical notes
In practice, buyers and restorers should verify the exact engine delivery method and spec for a specific vehicle, as production bands and regional regulations sometimes led to subtle differences within the same model year.
Summary
In short, the 1987 Nissan Hardbody is powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four gasoline engine from Nissan’s Z24 family. The core engine stayed the same for that year, while fuel delivery and emissions equipment could vary by market and trim.