SR20DET -Red / Black / Silver Top ??

Bos · Post by **Bos** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 8:58 am

Morning everyone

So in the process of sorting my engine out, I've been on the scout around for an SR20DET to just drop in and go. The mechanic said I just need to find an engine and he'll do the swap for me.

Phoning around, I can get one for 6.5K - 7K, which I imagine to be a red top.
Black top 11K.
From what I've read, the only differences is the bigger T28 turbo on the blacktop, and VVT? I've already got the turbo I'll be using so that doesn't really matter.
But you can apparently boost the red top more?

My reason for the swap is that cost wise, I reckon it would be worth it just to go for the SR.
Anyways, bottom line is I would like to know from you guys with all the experience, which one would you go for? In terms of modifications and spares etc.
Does the price difference constitute a rethink for me in getting a more expensive blacktop??

Charlvdw · Post by **Charlvdw** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 9:47 am

Ive got no experience in the swap department but I've read that the guys looking for real performance gos for the non vvt version. Al tho is a bit papper in std form you can apparently mod it more.

cursed_s13 · Post by **cursed_s13** » Tue Oct 13, 2009 11:54 am

Some info on the SR20

Redtop

* 1991-1993
* S13 Silvia & 180SX
* 202 hp @ 6000 rpm
* 203 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
* Garrett T25, 0.64A/R Exhaust
* 0.80A/R Compressor
* High-port head
* 370cc/min injectors
* Red valve cover

Black Top

* 1994-1998
* S13 180SX
* 202 hp @ 6000 rpm
* 203 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
* Garrett T25, 0.64A/R Exhaust
* 0.80A/R Compressor
* High-port head
* 370cc/min injectors
* Black valve cover, flat on top
* Better pistons, water pump, oil pickup than the Redtop

Notch Top

* 1994-1998
* S14 Silvia
* 217 hp @ 6000 rpm
* 203 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
* Garrett T28, ball bearing 0.64A/R Exhaust
* 0.60A/R T04B Compressor
* Low-port head
* VTC variable intake
* Cam Timing
* 370cc/min injectors
* Black valve cover with a hump that peaks at cylinder No. 3

S15 Notch Top

* 1999-2001
* S15 Silvia
* 247 hp @ 6400 rpm
* 202 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
* Garrett T28 ball bearing, 0.64A/R Exhaust
* 0.60A/R T04B Compressor
* Low-port head
* VTC variable intake
* Cam timing
* 480cc/min injectors
* Better materials in turbo and better wastegate flow design
* Black valve cover with a hump that peaks at cylinder No. 3

Fastlane · Post by **Fastlane** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 12:00 pm

@ Bos : Since you already have the turbo you gonna use, you can sell the turbo off the engine you buy to me.

phoenix s14 · Post by **phoenix s14** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 3:42 pm

just read up on Wikipedia dude... tells you alles.

oh and Google it.

Bos · Post by **Bos** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 5:32 pm

Yea, thats what I've already done, read all the technical specs etc.
Just wanted to hear word on the street as in real life application.

phoenix s14 · Post by **phoenix s14** » Wed Oct 14, 2009 9:20 pm

The other difference on the vvt notchback is the fact that it comes with some other stuff like a water to oil oil cooler. Most other ones dont and even on the S15 motors it was taken off. As far as I know they have bigger injectors to go with the bigger turbo... keep reading up... there is all sorts of differences. I.E. the heads are completely different and to go along with that the intake manifolds... You also have to consider the condition of the motor being a "older" red top.

Also make sure you shop around... there has been known to be a couple of upgrades on some of the import motors... clutches, cams, turbos, injectors... so be sure you know exactly what you are looking at when you look at it...

Bos · Post by **Bos** » Thu Oct 15, 2009 9:16 am

Cool, thanks for the advice