The highport SR20 is good because it has a more free flowing head design, and comes stock with a more aggressive intake cam profile.
The fuel injectors are easy to replace on a high port. They are not so easy on a low port.
The IACV/AAC valve is a bitch to replace on a high port. It's easy as hell on a low port. Also, on a highport, you'll typically have more trouble cleaning the throttle body or adjusting the TPS, because it's so far down there.
I don't know for sure, but it's probably easier to remove EGR/BPT on a highport than it is a lowport unless you can get custom block off plates for cheap. With a high port, you have the option of installing intake runners from a JDM SR20.
nah not going SR20... just everyone keeps talking about highport / lowport and I got no idea what they are talking about, I knew it was different type of engines though...
The lowport is a better head design. Especially in NA form where they have roller rockers for less friction. The low port NA makes more power than the high port even though it has much smaller cams. A highport intake cam in a low port NA head makes about 18wkw difference IIRC!!
I'm not sure if the DET lowport motors have roller rockers. Will have to check.
But, if you're going turbo, then a redtop DET is good enought for 99% of the people. There are more aftermarket parts for it and they are more easily attainable.
The VVT gimmick doesn't do anything for a built DET ito power.
It was put in for mom's driving the car to the mall. To give nice smooth power at low rpm.
Any tuner who modify that motor disengages that VVT asap. So if you spend the extra R6k on that motor, make sure you budget for a normal intake cam gear also...
The general consensus among the yanks (nicoclub) and aussies (nissansilvia) is that the S15 black-top is not worth the extra money.
When swapping in a SR most opt for a non-VVT engine. The s13 red-top and black-top are almost identical, both came with T25 turbo's. Only the S14/15 black-top had a T28 and VVT.
If you buy a black-top from an engine import place you need to be very careful that you don't end up with a S13 black-top when expecting a S15 version.