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 SR20 Engine Swap into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)
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Big-Bird
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802 posts
2000 Xterra on 'Roids & 2004 Quest SL
Calgary AB
8-3-2006

  So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)?


This particular topic is becoming very popular in here. But for right now it seems that people are doing some fact finding, which is a good thing. These swaps should be well thought out before buying anything.

If you can scoop the complete SR20 drivetrain from your donor vehicle then do it!!! This will ensure you have all the required bits. Of course this is rarely the case with most SR20 engine swaps. Most times you only have the engine.

Things you'll need:
The SR20 donor engine, a compatable transmission either automatic or manual, compatable driveshaft or check to make sure your stock D/S will fit in the transmission, complete computer system and complete wiring harness.

Things to determine in the planning stage:

Are you dropping in a turbo?
Or going the plain EFI route?
Do you want a 5 speed manual and do you know which clutch you want?
Automatic tranny?
Will your original driveshaft fit in the new transmission's tailshaft?
What condition is your frame in?
What condition is your suspension in?
What size exhaust pipes do you want? 2.75", 3", 3.5"?
Is your stock radiator in good condition? You may need to provide better cooling capability for the needs of the SR20.

The boltup part is straightfoward if your D21 came with a 4 cylinder. The D21's engine and tranny mounts should all line up or be very close so that a minimal amount of fabrication work is needed.

I welcome others to post pertinent info because this topic is a hot one.



Attachment: HBcTurboSR20.jpg (23435 bytes, downloaded 19998 times)







I wanna be like my 'older' brother when I grow up.... <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://images.nicoclub.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif" BORDER="0">


CakeBeater

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3 posts
97 Nissan Hardbody
Woodland MS
10-19-2006

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


Thanks For the Info! I was also wondering does anyone know of a good independent rear axle for an sr20 swap?
Big-Bird
Supporting Member



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802 posts
2000 Xterra on 'Roids & 2004 Quest SL
Calgary AB
8-3-2006

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (CakeBeater)


The stock axle is normally an 233B or and H233B.

The 2000 and later H233B's were equipped with 4.363, 4.636 and 4.880 gear sets.

If you want smaller gears (which lowers your highway RPM's), you'll have to look at rear diffs from RWD cars.

savedz

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29 posts
D21
WV
10-30-2006

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


what about 4x4 5sp?



[QUOTE=Alfador]If you want that much rice its a lot quicker to buy a steamer and a 4lb sack of Uncle Ben's.
Big-Bird
Supporting Member



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802 posts
2000 Xterra on 'Roids & 2004 Quest SL
Calgary AB
8-3-2006

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (savedz)


The solid 233 series rear diffs are in the 2wd and 4x4 trucks.

The front differential is not a suitable candidate for such a use because the axle tubes are different lengths. The reason for that is how the front drive shaft attaches from the transfer case to the front differential. It's an offset alignment.

240's from the 70's were all set up with IRS. (indendent rear suspension).

But if you stick with the solid axle the truck comes with you can install a Pan Hard Bar which is better suited to control side sway of a body. Furthermore if you stick with a 233B you can install, unless it already has it, a factory limited slip differential. That will allow the rear wheels to hook up every time in straight line travel. It will also let you drift your truck which can be done if you're crazy enough!

I do it in my Xterra on the icy trails all the time. What a blast!

nick665

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1 posts
1997 nissan hardbody
folsom la
4-19-2007

  swap from ka24e to a sr20 in a 1997 hardbody


my engine is a ka24e and is ready to blow. i was wondering,would it be that hard to swap and put a sr20 engine? and what mods are needed?
Big-Bird
Supporting Member



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802 posts
2000 Xterra on 'Roids & 2004 Quest SL
Calgary AB
8-3-2006

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (draggin93)


TIME FOR A BUMP!
Big-Bird
Supporting Member



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802 posts
2000 Xterra on 'Roids & 2004 Quest SL
Calgary AB
8-3-2006

 « Re: swap from ka24e to a sr20 in a 1997 hardbody (nick665)


Read the sticky post I dug out of mothballs. ( Near the top of the trucks forum) This has some details and some SR20 pics either in a D21 or about to go into one.
rumblebee

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2 posts
1996 hardbody, 2001 Maxima, 1996 SE-R
Yazoo City MS
4-27-2007

 « 


i understand that most things from the swap will bolt right up. My concern is the wiring part. Anybody know anything about getting the truck talking to the sr20 computer.
Big-Bird
Supporting Member



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802 posts
2000 Xterra on 'Roids & 2004 Quest SL
Calgary AB
8-3-2006

 « Re: (rumblebee)


'Draggin 93' aka Steve should be able to help you with that item. He already installed his SR20 into his D21. Just click his log-on ID in this string and you will get his email address.


I don't see why he wouldn't help you in your quest. Just put 'Attention to Steve' in your subject line.

Swiftwind

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1 posts
Nissan pickup
Jackson TN
5-18-2007

 « Re: (Big-Bird)


I have been looking around superstreet and Nico for like an hour now and i have yet to find a straight forward answer on the wiring..... how hard is it to get the truck to communicate properly between the motor and the computer? I'v looked and everything is either easy as changing a tire and some are like puttin a 572 into a Geo and im just like

Modified by Swiftwind at 6:37 PM 5/18/2007
Big-Bird
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802 posts
2000 Xterra on 'Roids & 2004 Quest SL
Calgary AB
8-3-2006

 « Re: (Swiftwind)


Did you contact Steve? Did he not reply back to you?

Most of the wiring stuff is the same. IE Alternator, AC system, oil pressure sending units and I am quite certain the fuel pump wiring is the same as well. The trouble comes from the Air/Fuel sensors and how they talk to the computer. Which of course is your dilema.


It's quite possible the SR20's computer will connect into the D21's wiring harness....but there is also a possibility that the wrong wire could have
power and cause a short somewhere.

Try and get the wiring diagrams for your SR20's donor vehicle and your D21. Then start doing some wire color code comparisons and trace them back to their source switch/relay/etc on the diagram.

I feel for you I really do... but at least it's a start.

draggin93

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47 posts
Nissan Hardbody
Ft Lauderdale FL
10-6-2006

 « Re: (Big-Bird)


I did a full write up on the wiring here:

http://nissancustoms.com/viewtopic.php?t=6311

Bear in mind that my truck is a 93 king cab MT. You should be able to find your specific FSM on phatg20.net.

This is what it looks like when it's finished:





http://www.mautofied.com/listing-100055665.htm SR Hardbody FS
Stank



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10 posts
1990 Nissan Hardbody d21 Pickup
Hampton Va
9-2-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


Ok, I have a 90 D21. Not ant different than steve's. I got the sr20det with ecu, harness, trans, and sensors. I understand mounting it into the bay, the engine mounts appear the same. The drive shaft hooks right up. My questions are, for starters.

1. Do I need to move the power steering?
2. Do I need Different Gauges?
3. The clutter in the bay from the ka24, can that be removed or is it required for



Modified by Stank at 1:22 PM 9/2/2007



^Stank (y)



LIMBS2005



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23 posts

sturgeon mo
7-10-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


i was wondering if you could do the same swap with an 87 nissan hardbody, basically the same truck but it came with the z24 engine in it also a 4cylinder.
savedz

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29 posts
D21
WV
10-30-2006

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


This was posted a few posts up with no answer, what about a 4cyl 4x4? I just wanted to see if anybody tried it or knew of it before I start staring at service manuals for for 2+ hrs.
ibreakstuff

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53 posts

FtLauderdale Fl
9-20-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank)


1- Yes, I modifed my line with a plumbing flare tool.
2- Yes, the speedo will not work with the SR20. You can use 240 gauges, but they don't fit right. It will take some custom work to get them nice.
3- This is about as uncluttered as it gets without running a standalone:

I did a writeup on the wiring from my truck (maybe it should be stickied?) and I'll do a start to finish writeup when I get time.

BTW the driveshaft does need to be cut and if you use the stock motor mounts the engine will sit wrong.


Quote, originally posted by Stank »
Ok, I have a 90 D21. Not ant different than steve's. I got the sr20det with ecu, harness, trans, and sensors. I understand mounting it into the bay, the engine mounts appear the same. The drive shaft hooks right up. My questions are, for starters.

1. Do I need to move the power steering?
2. Do I need Different Gauges?
3. The clutter in the bay from the ka24, can that be removed or is it required for

The chassis on the 87 hardbody should be the same (wiring will be different) and I don't see why you can't run an SR in a 4wd truck.


Modified by Stank at 1:22 PM 9/2/2007






Truplaya2369

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6 posts

Pope AFB
4-23-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


Well, it can be done. It's not that easy though! I had an automatic KA24DE, now it's a 5 speed S13 SR20DET! I did the swap back in 2001. If you have any questions, let me know. It's been a long time since the swap.






Engine:
Spearco Front Mount Intercooler
Garrett Disco Potato GT28RS dual ball bearing turbo & dual chamber dump pipe
Turbo manifold/dual Apexi N1 exhaust
NGK Iridium Colder Plugs
Apexi S-AFC piggyback fuel computer
Walbro 255 lhr fuel pump
Apexi power intake
Apexi twin chamber blow off valve
300ZX Z32 Twin Turbo MAFS
Turbo XS dual stage boost controller
Greddy/Trust pulley kit
ACT clutch
Interior:
Corbeau Carrera blue racing seats
MOMO race pedals
MOMO carbon fiber shift knob
APC white face gauges
Custom carpet kit
Tinted windows 20% mirror/5%black
Exterior:
FBI phantom grill & bumper inserts
APC projector headlights w/Nokia H4 bulbs
APC clear corner lights & bumper lights
APC G3 carbon fiber tail lights
APC roll pan
Nissan 4x4 front fenders
Nissan Frontier tailgate
Helo Maxx 6 18” chrome wheels
Nankang Tires 245/40/18
Gaylords tonneau cover
Belltech lowering leaf springs
Stank



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10 posts
1990 Nissan Hardbody d21 Pickup
Hampton Va
9-2-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Truplaya2369)


I'm trying to do all new custom gauge panel in mine too. Do you know what the specs are on the fuel gauge, ohms empty/full? Thank you.
gear_grinder



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9 posts
RX7 (fc3s), 240sx, Supra (MKIII)
Sticks michigan
4-7-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank)


This thread is a great idea, but for it to truly be useful some one needs to make an exact list of what is needed and what you needed to change for ever obvious model of the 90's hardbody. then this thread would be worth its digital weight in gold.
Stank



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10 posts
1990 Nissan Hardbody d21 Pickup
Hampton Va
9-2-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (gear_grinder)


If none has any objections I'll start a new thread step by step of my swap including wiring. Ive kept a good photo record of my swap, But I remember seeing one in progress already, if not here than on nissan customz
ibreakstuff

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53 posts

FtLauderdale Fl
9-20-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank)


If you have good pics we can use them to fill the hole in my photo record and make a more complete guide.
loonx

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17 posts

lowell ma
11-15-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


hmm interesting..
MrHardbody

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1 posts
'96 Hardbody - AirBagged, Phantom 20 bar, Halo Lights, Tacoma Bumber/Valance
Honolulu HI
12-16-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (loonx)


Stank, how's that step by step coming?
fasfood

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1 posts
1991 nissan hardbody d21 4x4
norfolk va
2-14-2008

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (MrHardbody)


i have a 91 4x4 and i have been wanting to do this swap like forever
jamlanta

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7 posts

Ga
4-18-2006

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (fasfood)


bump this back up!! any chance of getting the pics back up?
IThaJokaI

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32 posts
'93 Nissan hardbody
New Port Nowhere florida
1-31-2008

 « 


Anyone done, or thought about a CA18DET swap? I have been looking into it recently...
TeamGuam

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11 posts

Cheyenne Wyoming
9-6-2008

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


Does anyone know of any shops that have done this before or do this a lot?
AAAgearhead27

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4 posts
91 Honda CRX SI, 92 Prelude AWS, 95 Hissan Hardbody
Cottonwood Az
9-25-2008

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


Does anyone know where I can get lots of tech info on this swap? Yes I'm new but help would be great. Thank you



WHO DOESN"T LOVE BUILDING CARS?!
mitch

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16 posts
S14a, S14, S13 Sil80
Oxford U.K.
8-26-2005

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank)


Quote, originally posted by Stank »
If none has any objections I'll start a new thread step by step of my swap including wiring. Ive kept a good photo record of my swap, But I remember seeing one in progress already, if not here than on nissan customz

That would be cool. This is about the only thread I could find on here and there isn't as much in depth info as there could be. If there is a thread up, could someone link me to it please? Also, what do people do about suspension and steering on the D21s? Is it a lot of work to fit coilovers to them, as I'm considering one for a drift project.

Cheers

condev70

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3 posts
Nissan Hardbody '95
Williamsport PA
1-19-2009

 « Re: (draggin93)


I was doing the same swap with my D21. I couldn't access the wiring pages that you posted. I was wondering if you had them those wiring write-ups somewhere else
condev70

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3 posts
Nissan Hardbody '95
Williamsport PA
1-19-2009

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank)


I;m doing the same swap on my D21. I could definately use the help on the wiring........
sr20d21pickup

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1 posts
nissan pickup
chesapeake va
1-30-2009

 « 


http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3085097

here is my cardomain page of what i have done so far with my pickup and the sr swap... i have done more but haven't updated the page yet so keep an eye out.

The Tremor

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67 posts
1997 Nissan Hardbody pick-up, 1990 Honda Civic
Macon GA
12-15-2006

 « Re: (IThaJokaI)


Quote, originally posted by IThaJokaI »
Anyone done, or thought about a CA18DET swap? I have been looking into it recently...

I've just completed my swap it's a CA18DET into a 1997 nissan hardbody. I posted up pics in the truck forms. Check it out!!!!

Xtream Friction

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29 posts
s2000 with a nissan skyline GTR
los angeles ca
7-2-2009

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank)


nice swap what clutch areyou running?
feriohhh

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13 posts

elk grove ca
10-19-2007

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Truplaya2369)



88hardbody189

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1 posts
88 Nissan HARDBODY
Boiling Springs SC
10-15-2009

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird)


i am about to do this sort of swap but i am wanting to do a ka24det, which is a lot easier to get parts for and build power on in my opinion. I have an 88 Hardbody and will be buying a complete 240 with motor(hell of a deal) wondering if anyone has done this particukar swap, and I have read that modification to the oil pan is needed. If this is true or if anyone has done this could you post some pics of wat is done..
PEZi720
Datsun Moderator



Online

6603 posts
1985 720 pickup
colorado springs CO
12-11-2008

 « FN-QR


its not so much a modification of the oil pan as it is just using the one from the truck's KA... i'm relatively sure they bolt up the same but there could possibly be some modification there

i always forget what what tranny's match up and which ones don't but i think you're ok there... possibly different motor mounts?

if you do a little bit of searching it might help... but most guys just turbo the SOHC KA that comes in the truck rather than swapping in the one from the 240 so you might not find much





nissan_superwrench

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19 posts

Brunswick Ga
10-29-2006

 « Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (88hardbody189)


just took it for the first ride about an hour ago. i cut the flange off of both pans and rewelded the rear sump pan on the kade flange. i have completed 2 sr swaps in 240's. they make good power but i am impressed with the added displacement. i also had to extent the pickup tube.



master yoda
well a little taller ,not as green
 

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