Sr swap budget or U20?
Moderators: notoptoy, S Allen, Solex68
-
- Roadster Fanatic
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Sun May 03, 2015 9:31 am
Sr swap budget or U20?
I am in the process of planning out an SR swap. I am undecided on Turbo or not. Leaning towards turbo.
I figure that for a clean low windshield you are looking at $5k - $7k. Lets assume that you spend $7 for a very clean car that doesn't need paint or any body work. Sell the motor and trans for $1k or so so you are in it $6k.
$1500-$2k for a SR20DET motor seems to be on the high end. Lets say you are now in it $8k.
Tires and wheels $1500. $9500
Suspension $1000. $10,500
Rear end $1500 $12K
Roll bar and upgraded seats $1000 $13k
I'm assuming that someone would install the motor with all needed parts,exhaust,guages, etc for less than $5k. $18,000
What else am I missing?
I figure that for a clean low windshield you are looking at $5k - $7k. Lets assume that you spend $7 for a very clean car that doesn't need paint or any body work. Sell the motor and trans for $1k or so so you are in it $6k.
$1500-$2k for a SR20DET motor seems to be on the high end. Lets say you are now in it $8k.
Tires and wheels $1500. $9500
Suspension $1000. $10,500
Rear end $1500 $12K
Roll bar and upgraded seats $1000 $13k
I'm assuming that someone would install the motor with all needed parts,exhaust,guages, etc for less than $5k. $18,000
What else am I missing?
Last edited by SERE Nate on Sun Aug 23, 2015 1:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- spl310
- Roadster Guru
- Posts: 13241
- Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2002 10:38 pm
- Location: In front of this keyboard... in Jacksonville, Florida!
Re: Sr swap budget
Good luck getting $1k for a 1600 and 4 speed.
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little
1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
- Alvin
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 8381
- Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:01 pm
Re: Sr swap budget
[quote="Alvin"][quote="SERE Nate"]I am in the process of planning out an SR swap. I am undecided on Turbo or not. Leaning towards turbo.
Go Turbo[/color]
I figure that for a clean low windshield you are looking at $5k - $7k. Lets assume that you spend $7 for a very clean car that doesn't need paint or any body work. Sell the motor and trans for $1k or so so you are in it $6k.
Agree with Sid, R16/trans is almost giveaway
$1500-$2k for a SR20DET motor seems to be on the high end. Lets say you are now in it $8k.
$2k+ for a legit, strong motorset, even more for a front clip which is safer
Tires and wheels $1500. $9500
Suspension $1000. $10,500
You could spend $1k in ball joints alone. This depends on the condition of your suspension/brakes
Rear end $1500 $12K
Roll bar and upgraded seats $1000 $13k
I'm assuming that someone would install the motor with all needed parts,exhaust,guages, etc for less than $5k. $18,000
I highly doubt that anyone would provide you with a turnkey install for under $5k. Gauges themselves can be $1k. Turbo associated plumbing adds $$$.
What else am I missing?
Wiring, testing, trouble shooting.
Go Turbo[/color]
I figure that for a clean low windshield you are looking at $5k - $7k. Lets assume that you spend $7 for a very clean car that doesn't need paint or any body work. Sell the motor and trans for $1k or so so you are in it $6k.
Agree with Sid, R16/trans is almost giveaway
$1500-$2k for a SR20DET motor seems to be on the high end. Lets say you are now in it $8k.
$2k+ for a legit, strong motorset, even more for a front clip which is safer
Tires and wheels $1500. $9500
Suspension $1000. $10,500
You could spend $1k in ball joints alone. This depends on the condition of your suspension/brakes
Rear end $1500 $12K
Roll bar and upgraded seats $1000 $13k
I'm assuming that someone would install the motor with all needed parts,exhaust,guages, etc for less than $5k. $18,000
I highly doubt that anyone would provide you with a turnkey install for under $5k. Gauges themselves can be $1k. Turbo associated plumbing adds $$$.
What else am I missing?
Wiring, testing, trouble shooting.
Last edited by Alvin on Sun Aug 16, 2015 8:05 pm, edited 3 times in total.
Alvin Gogineni
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
Instagram
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
- RCMike
- Roadsteraholic
- Posts: 2460
- Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 12:58 pm
- Location: Pomona, CA
Re: Sr swap budget
Alvin, that blue is unreadable..lol
If you are getting a DET that doesn't need rebuild for 1500-2k, love to know where..
Your install is way way way under 1/2 for someone who knows what they are doing and is not learning on your car. Just starting at the exhaust manifold, the amount of fab work needed for turbo is exponential compared to a DE. Holes cut in fenders, in the right places, the right parts, a routing that works, the right computer and harness, none of it is cheap. Sure it could be done, especially if you do all the work. But a professional turnkey install for a DET is not cheap or easy.
If you are getting a DET that doesn't need rebuild for 1500-2k, love to know where..
Your install is way way way under 1/2 for someone who knows what they are doing and is not learning on your car. Just starting at the exhaust manifold, the amount of fab work needed for turbo is exponential compared to a DE. Holes cut in fenders, in the right places, the right parts, a routing that works, the right computer and harness, none of it is cheap. Sure it could be done, especially if you do all the work. But a professional turnkey install for a DET is not cheap or easy.
- msampsel
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 1812
- Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2014 5:31 pm
- Location: SoAZ
Re: Sr swap budget
@SERE Nate
Maybe this is covered above but I'm piling on anyway.
Suspect the stock brakes might not be good enough for you and your turbo ...
Add another 1000 or more for new brakes maybe more if you do not do the work
Lowering your suspension likely will be on your list too ... 300 or more for this.
I searched for a turbo herein too for grins ... Maybe you make him an offer ... Lol
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... bo#p212145
I do not think Alvin and Mike have a turbo and they are plenty fast. There is little
safety from other drivers in these cars so be careful where you drive it!
I think you can buy aftermarket ball joints for 498 plus shipping
Maybe this is covered above but I'm piling on anyway.
Suspect the stock brakes might not be good enough for you and your turbo ...
Add another 1000 or more for new brakes maybe more if you do not do the work
Lowering your suspension likely will be on your list too ... 300 or more for this.
I searched for a turbo herein too for grins ... Maybe you make him an offer ... Lol
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... bo#p212145
I do not think Alvin and Mike have a turbo and they are plenty fast. There is little
safety from other drivers in these cars so be careful where you drive it!
I think you can buy aftermarket ball joints for 498 plus shipping
- dynaguy
- Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
- Posts: 1250
- Joined: Wed Jan 01, 2003 3:27 pm
- Location: Colton, Wa
Re: Sr swap budget
I purchased an unfinished '69 s13sr20de project a few years ago. 90% of the body work was done, drive train was all there, had most interior pieces etc. Bought it right and had Spriso do frame mods and supply brackets and mounts. Did a flat dash conversion with new Classic Instruments gauges, body work finished and painted, rx7 LSD rear end by Spriso, 300zx brakes Spriso kit, I sourced and rebuilt calipers, CRX radiator and fan, new water pump, thermostat housing re-route, belt, Nissan lower radiator hose with sensor, air intake plumbing, accelerator cable sourcing and fabrication, Wiring Specialties engine harness, EZ wiring chassis harness, new interior, under hood insulation, new top, wheels and tires, exhaust system, shocks, ball joints, bushings, seals, steering box rebuild, Acura fuel pump in tank (done by Spriso), Justy alternator, re chrome and/or new shiny parts, stainless bumpers, new glove box, new brake and fuel lines, had new master cylinders when car was purchased....probably missed some... but this might give you an idea of what can be involved.
I'm nearing completion and will be happy if I'm in it for less than 20K
Pat Mahoney
so close, yet so far!
I'm nearing completion and will be happy if I'm in it for less than 20K
Pat Mahoney
so close, yet so far!
-
- Roadster Fanatic
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Sun May 03, 2015 9:31 am
Re: Sr swap budget
Seems like you could almost build a factory five Shelby cobra for the price of a SR20det roadster
- pebbles
- Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
- Posts: 3931
- Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 12:00 am
- Location: Washington
Re: Sr swap budget
Nope. I was looking into that a few years back before i decided on the mini oneSERE Nate wrote:Seems like you could almost build a factory five Shelby cobra for the price of a SR20det roadster


David
"When we were standing next to the motor while on the dyno, and the motor hit VVL, eyes went watery.."
"When we were standing next to the motor while on the dyno, and the motor hit VVL, eyes went watery.."
-
- Roadster Fanatic
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Sun May 03, 2015 9:31 am
Re: Sr swap budget
$25k seems to be the figure for a factory five unless you go crazy. At least with those you can do all of the work yourself
- Alvin
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 8381
- Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:01 pm
Re: Sr swap budget
@ RCMike
FIXED
Nate, is the FF5 kit-car an option or just for kicks-comparison?
FIXED

Nate, is the FF5 kit-car an option or just for kicks-comparison?
Alvin Gogineni
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
Instagram
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
-
- Roadster Fanatic
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Sun May 03, 2015 9:31 am
Re: Sr swap budget
Building a factor 5 roadster is #1 on my bucket list. I don't have $20k to get started though. My plan was to buy a Datsun Roadster for around $5k (think I found one too btw, more to follow as I don't want to lose it) Upgrade the necessary components this fall winter, and enjoy driving it next spring summer and fall. The following winter do the swap. Eventually I'd sell it and use the money to fund my cobra . I want to learn to drive the Datsun and get used to the power in a small car before I kill myself in the cobra
- msampsel
- Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
- Posts: 1812
- Joined: Mon Jul 14, 2014 5:31 pm
- Location: SoAZ
Re: Sr swap budget
A good plan, just be sure you do not get too attached to your roadster, smart not to clue us in on your 5 K jewelSERE Nate wrote:Building a factor 5 roadster is #1 on my bucket list. I don't have $20k to get started though. My plan was to buy a Datsun Roadster for around $5k (think I found one too btw, more to follow as I don't want to lose it) Upgrade the necessary components this fall winter, and enjoy driving it next spring summer and fall. The following winter do the swap. Eventually I'd sell it and use the money to fund my cobra . I want to learn to drive the Datsun and get used to the power in a small car before I kill myself in the cobra

I could never find the time needed to do the work while I was working (employed getting a paycheck).
You are likely more skilled and a lot younger and if you have friends willing to help you, great too!
67 1600 (Mods only a mother could love)
78 911 SC Targa (Severe Oversteer but still loved)
78 911 SC Targa (Severe Oversteer but still loved)
-
- Roadster Fanatic
- Posts: 105
- Joined: Sun May 03, 2015 9:31 am
Re: Sr swap budget
Just finalized the transaction! There are a few things wrong with it but I feel that it's perfect for what I'm wanting to do. $4500 plus $700 for shipping. So far I'm within budget. . Lol
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/car ... 64346.html
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/car ... 64346.html
- RCMike
- Roadsteraholic
- Posts: 2460
- Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2012 12:58 pm
- Location: Pomona, CA
Re: Sr swap budget
If you DET swap, be very afraid of that right rear corner. Make SURE that the frame is straight. That car was hit pretty hard in that corner to fold the trunk up like that, and when you start putting real power in the car, well, you want it to go straight..
That being said, welcome to the fun! Get the brakes working and drive the heck out of it for a while! You are going to want to be attached to the car before it becomes a pile of parts..
That being said, welcome to the fun! Get the brakes working and drive the heck out of it for a while! You are going to want to be attached to the car before it becomes a pile of parts..
- spl310
- Roadster Guru
- Posts: 13241
- Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2002 10:38 pm
- Location: In front of this keyboard... in Jacksonville, Florida!
Re: Sr swap budget
If your goal is to build a cobra, why do an SR swap rather than a V8? There have been at least four small block Ford powered roadsters built. Going Ford will give you experience with the recommended power plant for the factory five.
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little
1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...