SR20 Questions??

[S Allen]

Got questions about the SR conversion? Ask them here!


Steve

[DatsunBucky]

Ok then, I'll start the discussion.

What are the basic differences between the S13, S14 and S15 engines? How much reliable power (Solo, track days) can one expect out of each version? NA only, as I personally am not interested in power adders at this point.

BTW, I assume that it's implied that the original question applies to the SR20 only, not how much better one swap is than some other swap?

I have a feeling that day-dreaming can get expensive.

[spriso]

We need to write a FAQ!



S13: The S13 SR20DE engine was found in the first generation Nissan Silvia, and replaced the CA18DE engine.

The S13 SR20DE makes 140ps (just about 138hp) in stock form. This engine is very similar to the FWD version of the SR20DE found in the first generation B13 Sentra SE-R’s, NX2000s, and Infiniti G20s. Internal parts such as crank shafts, bearings, and valve train are identical to the US versions of the engine. Pistons are different since this engine runs a 10:1 compression ratio.



The S13 SR20DET is the turbo version of the SR20DE engine. Early versions are commonly called ‘red tops’ because of their cherry red valve covers. Later versions of the S13 SR20DET engine have a black valve cover and were produced all the way until 1998 in the Silvia Type X.

The S13 SR20DET makes 205ps (about 202hp) stock.



S14: The S14 SR20DE engine was redesigned to meet stricter emission requirements for the Japanese market. This engine makes 160ps stock (about 157hp). The cylinder head was redesigned for this engine and has variable valve timing.

(I will add photos of an S14 SR20DET powered roadster tonight!)

The S14 SR20DET makes 225ps (about 221hp) and also uses the VVT head. It also sports a larger T28 ball bearing turbo. The S14 SR20DET has a black valve cover.



The S15 SR20DE makes 165ps (about 162hp) and is nearly identical to the S14 version.

There is a special version of the S15 SR20DE engine found in the Autech powered Silvia’s which makes 200ps (about 197hp), and has all kinds of goodies including special camshafts, lightweight flywheel, but makes most of its horsepower from the 11.7:1 compression ratio! Not really suitable for US gas!

The S15 SR20DET makes 250ps (about 146hp) and has a modified T28 turbo, larger injectors, but other than that is nearly identical to the S14 SR20DET engine. S15 SR20DETs came mated to a 6-speed transmission.

[67 1/2 1600]

Is the earlier also known as the low port and the later motors as the high port? Also will a SR20 VVL fit in a roadster? I think thats a stupid question being the only thing that changed is the head correct? So a VVL head can also be used on a turbo motor? Wow that would be cool!

[spriso]

Is the earlier also known as the low port and the later motors as the high port?

Technically, that would be correct, but that kind of description is not generally used in the RWD versions of the SR20.

FWD versions of the SR20DE (which are a different beast) use that kind of terminology.

Yes, RWD versions of the VVL head have been built, and even turbocharged, but they are hybrid versions and are all hand built. Think taking two engines and making one!

This is a little outside the scope of what we might commonly see someone from the Datsun community putting into their Roadster...

If you do want more info on the VVL versions of the FWD SR20DE engine, I would highly recommend a visit to the SR20forums:

http://www.sr20forum.com

Michael

[67 1/2 1600]

Thats where I learned the whole low port high port thing. But they are grouchy, when you ask questions because they have "already been asked" and because they dont like answering questions it seemed. So I dont really ask on there no more . Thanks!

[S Allen]

I don't want to start a swap/flame war. I am just looking for a good answer. Here is a photo of the frame cuts, on the car in this thread. My questions are:

How can this be safe? Even if you weld a plate over it, you lose some of the structural integrity. If you cut a rope and tie it back together, it will never be as strong as the original rope.

Do you tell the insurance company about the cuts? Do they have a problem with it?

[S Allen]

mark to be perfectly serious (atleast with build drag cars) if it is boxed in there is no integrity loss. thats like saying if you cut steel then weld it back together it won't be as strong...a weld is stronger than the metal itself if done correctlly. If you were talking about a perfeclty to excat specs then this could be true..but we are talking about a street car with 150hp and little torque..and on top of that its a datsun..not the best made anyways. Don't get me wrong i love this car...but it ain't just the same as my 72 duster.And espically to newer cars.

So to refresh. With the power and the intentions of most of these cars we are never going to see something happen just because of these notches. even if left open i see it not being a problem. Not that "I" would...

And if you have collectors insurance the car should be listed as modified. Which it wouldn't matter.

Steve

[S Allen]

That answers my question a lot better than the nasty PM you sent me

I guess respect was not part of your upbringing...

Michael

I have enough respect to not bash the sr20 swap. Can you say the same about the Zetec swap?

[S Allen]

I have enough respect to not bash the sr20 swap. Can you say the same about the Zetec swap?

I have no problem with the Ztech swap, but I am a Nissan man.

This would be the first time that I have seen you write anything positive (or supportive) about the SR swap into a roadster!

The "nasty" PM asked you not to post my photos with your comments until I was done with them (I will gladly send the text to anyone who is interested as I saved it.)

I have no problem explaining what I do, or why I do it. But you copying my photos, saving them to your website, and posting them like a smoking gun for your own purposes annoyed me.

All the modifications that I do to the frame have been thought out, and have been sorted and there are lots of miles on the cars that we have modified.

I don't even have a problem with you challenging the decisions that I have made, as I feel that I can defend every one of them. All I ask for is a little respect...

Again, I am putting this thread together as a service for people who may be interested in the SR swap in the future. I don't have to be doing this; I have better things to do with my time...

[S Allen]

Of course Mark Dent would never want to start any trouble on the 311s board-- that would never happen!

Thanks for using MY photos before I had a chance to caption and post them-- you are a champ.

I guess respect was not part of your upbringing...

I will gladly reply to your questions via my SR thread, but am less than pleased at your methods...

Michael

That is the message I got. Where did you ask? I posted them to my site only to make them smaller out of respect to others on this board. All I did was resize them.

This would be the first time that I have seen you write anything positive (or supportive) about the SR swap into a roadster!

You must have me confused with someone else. Find me a post where I wrote something negative about it. The only thing I remember posting was when some bashed me about a Ford Motor, and I wrote, I think it is a good swap because you don't have to cut anything.

[S Allen]

Of course Mark Dent would never want to start any trouble on the 311s board-- that would never happen!

Thanks for using MY photos before I had a chance to caption and post them-- you are a champ.

I guess respect was not part of your upbringing...

I will gladly reply to your questions via my SR thread, but am less than pleased at your methods...

Michael

That is the message I got. Where did you ask? I posted them to my site only to make them smaller out of respect to others on this board. All I did was resize them.

This would be the first time that I have seen you write anything positive (or supportive) about the SR swap into a roadster!

You must have me confused with someone else. Find me a post where I wrote something negative about it. The only thing I remember posting was when some bashed me about a Ford Motor, and I wrote, I think it is a good swap because you don't have to cut anything.

[S Allen]

Mark,
How about keeping the PM messages private? I think the public thread should be diplomatic and definitely not personal.
If you want to duke it out in private, so be it.
Otherwise you risk starting the "flame war" or having the thread shut down.
Michael,
Hope you can continue your thread.

My.02,

Linda

[S Allen]

Linda,

I started by asking a valid question. The reason I asked it was because there is one for sale, and I am interested in buying it. I am curious if it would be safe for My Son. Instead of answering that question I get a nasty PM. If you want to act nice on the board in public, and not nice behind the scene, I can call you on it.

If I am interested in a SR20 car and want to know some details BEFORE I spend my money, can't I ask a question?

[S Allen]

If I am interested in a SR20 car and want to know some details BEFORE I spend my money, can't I ask a question?

By all means, yes.

Please start a new thread, and I will be happy to answer any questions you have regarding a SR20 powered swap.

If you want to act nice on the board in public, and not nice behind the scene, I can call you on it.

I will bend over backwards to help anyone who is interested in this swap with information, will send a CD full of photos, and I am available by phone if you need to talk with me. I have walked dozens of people through this swap via e-mail and the phone.

I started by asking a valid question. The reason I asked it was because there is one for sale, and I am interested in buying it.

As with anything, the quality of the fabrication work that was done to the individual frame will have a lot to do with how nice (and safe) the car really is. Get it up on a two post lift and take a look at the quality of the fabrication work, the clearances to the frame, and the quality of the wiring.

These swaps are done by professionals, and first time engine swappers. There are dozens of details to worry about, and I have worked hard at sharing my information over the years of what works best for us. We have this conversion sorted out, and there are no secrets, ask any of the owners of the cars we have converted, and they will share the same information.

If you really are looking at a SR converted car, put your list of questions together and I will walk you through what I know of problem areas and areas to keep an eye open.

Michael
spriso.motorsports