240sx: S13 Red Top Vs. S13 Black Top - The differences

[Onizuka]

There always seems to be confusion as to what a “black top” SR20DET really is, and what makes it different from the “red top” SR20DET. Here are a few pointers so you can impress your friends with how much you know about Nissan motors.

First, how to tell the differences between s13 “red tops”, s13 “black tops” and s14/s15 “notch tops” visually:



Years- S13 red tops: 91-94 S13 black tops: Late 94-98 S14 notch tops: 95-98 S15 notch tops: 99-01

Alas, the changes/advantages of the s13 Blacktop:*

-Newer -Usually lower mileage -Usually about $500 more expensive (because its newer) -Minor ECU changes 96-98 (interchangeable with all s13 ECU’s) -Minor wire harness changes -Larger Oxygen Sensor (still narrow band, no performance gain)

There seems to be a misconception that S13 black tops have Variable Valve Timing and Garrett T28 Turbochargers, this is simply a confusion with the S14 notch top motor (also call black tops by some) and is not true.

If you know of any other differences between the S13 Red Top and S13 Black top, please post here and let me know!

[burnin240sx]

You forgot about the bluebird sr20det the one's that are in front wheel drive pulsar's GTi-R with the intercooler on top. These have biger main bolt cap's or stronger. Better motor but the transmission is not RWD on these clips.

Corect me if i'm wrong.drift safely. now that's a oxymoron if i ever heard one.

[Onizuka]

The bluebird and the AWD pulsar GTiR are two different cars

Anyways this thread is specifically about the S13 Redtop and S13 Blacktop differences.

EDIT: also, FWD blocks cannot be converted to RWD, the block is different.

[Dori Dori]

We already have this sticky so why add another? Either way, one should be deleted or they should be merged (the pics are a nice way to explain). Too many stickies though IMHO.

[burnin240sx]

The bluebird and the AWD pulsar GTiR are two different cars

Anyways this thread is specifically about the S13 Redtop and S13 Blacktop differences.

EDIT: also, FWD blocks cannot be converted to RWD, the block is different.

well that bluebird looks like a fwd red top sr20det if u ask me so isn't that a s13redtop?

[Onizuka]

Dori Dori, that sticky does not address the technical difference between s13 redtops and s13 blacktops, infact, this was a sticky already, but the old one was cluttered with mis-information and off topic posts so we took the useful information and made a new one. Im glad you like the picture i made though

burnin240sx, All redtops were not created equal, and no, a FWD redtop is NOT a S13 Redtop (it could be a U12 redtop for all we know).

[burnin240sx]

ayiee too many red top's and no skin. anyone make a redtop sr20det spec/difrence guide sounds like that is what is needed for all sr20det's. all i find on the web is the difrent HP/Tourqe. and what the heck is VVL is that nissan's version of vtec? this is a good starting place to discusse the difrence.

[Onizuka]

VVL is just variable valve lift.

No FWD SR20 will fit in a RWD configuration without ALOT of modification, so there is no point in even worrying about their specs unless you happen to have a spare one your going to yank a few interchangeble parts from.

[burnin240sx]

so these 3 motor's are the only sr20det's in RWD configuration?BTW thanks for the edumacation and without the looking down upon the noob attitude i get alot. thanks again

[Onizuka]

Well 4 technicly, the S13 Redtop, S13 Black top, S14 notch top, and S15 notch top. (even though the S13 R and S13 B are basically the same as well as the S14 and S15 motors)

Oh yeah, and welcome to NICO :thumbup