Nissan Forums / Infiniti Forums - NICOclub > Nissan Trucks Forum > SR20 Engine Swap into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21) (Printable Version) Click here to print this topic.
Post Title: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? Posted by:Big-Bird at 8:27 PM 10/16/2006 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.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:CakeBeater at 11:57 AM 10/20/2006
Thanks For the Info! I was also wondering does anyone know of a good independent rear axle for an sr20 swap?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (CakeBeater) Posted by:Big-Bird at 9:55 AM 10/22/2006 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.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:savedz at 7:27 AM 11/10/2006
what about 4x4 5sp?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (savedz) Posted by:Big-Bird at 1:54 PM 11/10/2006 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!
Post Title: swap from ka24e to a sr20 in a 1997 hardbody Posted by:nick665 at 12:23 PM 4/19/2007
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?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (draggin93) Posted by:Big-Bird at 8:39 PM 4/19/2007 TIME FOR A BUMP!
Post Title: Re: swap from ka24e to a sr20 in a 1997 hardbody (nick665) Posted by:Big-Bird at 8:42 PM 4/19/2007 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.
Post Title: Posted by:rumblebee at 6:04 PM 5/11/2007 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.
Post Title: Re: (rumblebee) Posted by:Big-Bird at 9:03 PM 5/13/2007 '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.
Post Title: Re: (Big-Bird) Posted by:Swiftwind at 6:07 PM 5/18/2007
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
Post Title: Re: (Swiftwind) Posted by:Big-Bird at 7:54 PM 5/18/2007 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.
Post Title: Re: (Big-Bird) Posted by:draggin93 at 7:20 PM 5/19/2007
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:
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:Stank at 12:52 PM 9/2/2007
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
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:LIMBS2005 at 11:23 AM 9/16/2007
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.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:savedz at 5:26 AM 9/20/2007 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.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank) Posted by:ibreakstuff at 9:24 AM 9/30/2007 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
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:Truplaya2369 at 4:26 PM 10/3/2007 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
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Truplaya2369) Posted by:Stank at 5:26 PM 10/8/2007 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.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank) Posted by:gear_grinder at 9:36 AM 10/12/2007 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.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (gear_grinder) Posted by:Stank at 8:04 AM 10/14/2007 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
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank) Posted by:ibreakstuff at 5:55 PM 10/16/2007 If you have good pics we can use them to fill the hole in my photo record and make a more complete guide.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:loonx at 5:54 PM 11/15/2007 hmm interesting..
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (loonx) Posted by:MrHardbody at 1:28 PM 12/16/2007 Stank, how's that step by step coming?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (MrHardbody) Posted by:fasfood at 8:47 PM 2/14/2008 i have a 91 4x4 and i have been wanting to do this swap like forever
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (fasfood) Posted by:jamlanta at 1:01 PM 4/15/2008 bump this back up!! any chance of getting the pics back up?
Post Title: Posted by:IThaJokaI at 4:50 PM 5/15/2008 Anyone done, or thought about a CA18DET swap? I have been looking into it recently...
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:TeamGuam at 7:11 PM 9/6/2008 Does anyone know of any shops that have done this before or do this a lot?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:AAAgearhead27 at 10:03 AM 9/25/2008 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
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank) Posted by:mitch at 6:25 AM 10/20/2008
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
Post Title: Re: (draggin93) Posted by:condev70 at 10:11 AM 1/19/2009
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
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank) Posted by:condev70 at 10:14 AM 1/19/2009 I;m doing the same swap on my D21. I could definately use the help on the wiring........
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.
Post Title: Re: (IThaJokaI) Posted by:The Tremor at 5:58 PM 3/24/2009
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!!!!
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Stank) Posted by:Xtream Friction at 3:44 AM 7/2/2009
nice swap what clutch areyou running?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Truplaya2369) Posted by:feriohhh at 6:11 PM 8/5/2009
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (Big-Bird) Posted by:88hardbody189 at 10:26 PM 10/16/2009 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..
Post Title: FN-QR Posted by:PEZi720 at 11:54 PM 10/16/2009 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
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 into a 90's Era Hardbody(D21)? (88hardbody189) Posted by:nissan_superwrench at 6:00 PM 10/25/2009
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.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (nissan_superwrench) Posted by:sr20hardbody918 at 11:11 PM 11/10/2009 heres mine
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (sr20hardbody918) Posted by:sr20hardbody918 at 11:19 PM 11/10/2009 with a lil bit of drilling to the hardbody x member and taking a bfh to the firewall a lil it bolted right in. since i went with a greddy intake i had to move my heater core lines. other than that no probs. pushing around 20lbs im guessing around 320rwhp. she pulls purdy good and had many wins and a lot of pissed off car guys around here.. lol
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (sr20hardbody918) Posted by:Rocket31 at 11:38 PM 11/10/2009 That is sweet.
what engine mounts did you use??
and was the engine straight or was it tilted at the front too much or something similar? if it was tilted how did you fix that
many thanks
rhys
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (Rocket31) Posted by:sr20hardbody918 at 8:16 AM 11/11/2009
just used the factory mounts. what do mean tilted in the front?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (sr20hardbody918) Posted by:Rocket31 at 3:40 PM 11/11/2009 i was told by 2 people that the engine sat too high at the front and too low at the back and had to be fixed?
so the stock sr20 rubber mounts on the factory Nissan KAE/Z metal brackets ?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (Rocket31) Posted by:sr20hardbody918 at 5:11 PM 11/11/2009
What's too high and too low? It drives and the hood shuts?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (sr20hardbody918) Posted by:Rocket31 at 7:09 PM 11/11/2009 ohk thats ok i just thought the gearbox didnt sit in the hole properly because of this..
did use the sr20 box?
thats alright then..
thanks
also, have you taken the HB down the strip?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (Rocket31) Posted by:sr20hardbody918 at 10:09 PM 11/11/2009
Had to do a lil trimming On the floor around the shifter because it sets back farther. Yes I used the sr tranny. And I have had it down the track and kinda embaressed to say it only ran a 13.5 @ 106mph. But that was with stock motor and crappy slipping clutch and bald tires. Lol. I had to leave early because the clutch was slipping so bad I couldn't even make a full pass it was so bad! I dyno'd at around 270whp then. I'm thinking with current setup it should be capable of low 12s easy maybe even hi 11s if I learn how to launch it.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (sr20hardbody918) Posted by:sr20hardbody918 at 10:13 PM 11/11/2009 I also plan on putting a coilover setup and idrs on it over the winter so it handles much better. Along with that 4 wheel disc and 5 lug. Plan on slamming the truck on some sick 19s with a crazy stagered offset.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (sr20hardbody918) Posted by:Rocket31 at 10:41 PM 11/11/2009 oh so your still runnin leafies?
is it ok with them or does it try and put u into a tree every corner?
yeh bfh or cutting to shifter hole is easy little bit of firewall hammering required..
and whats this crossmember drilling that you speak of?
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (Rocket31) Posted by:sr20hardbody918 at 9:03 AM 11/12/2009
i havent drove the truck to crazy yet.. just race from a roll a lot and only on the highway a few times because i dont like the way the susp feels. as far as the drilling. the stock tranny mount doesnt line up with the wholes on the truck x member. so you just have to drill a whole and bore out one a lil bit for it to fit in there straigh. no biggy took like 5 min. i used to be into hondas and this is by far the easyest thing to work on. i can have that motor out and back in there in no time!! once i change up the front end susp i think im gona lower the mounts a lil to bring the engine down in the front a lil and put an aftermarket pan on it. the way it sets now the pan barely clears the front sway bars.
Post Title: Re: So you want to swap an SR20 i ... (sr20hardbody918) Posted by:sr20hardbody918 at 9:21 AM 11/12/2009 and if you like my truck you will s*** when you see this truck! its the truck that the green top motor in the first post. somewhere around 980rwhp runs low 8's
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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..
