SR20DET Wiring Harness DVD REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[redtop91]

Thanks to Drifting.com I recently got the opportunity to screen their new SR20DET wiring guide, produced by Matt Kent, and give my impressions of the film. I have to admit that I was skeptical of the abilities of a DVD to fully explain the seemingly daunting task of SR20DET wiring.Thus as a decided cynic I began the review

Section 1 tools:

straight forward. outlined tools. Multimeter was interesting addition. didnt use it but it can be helpful

Section 2: Your harness

Interesting that a broken ECU plug was included. those of us familiar with SR swaps know this is common from the motor sitting on the harness. For people who dont have this problem they can skip it but it was thoughtfull to included it

Boost solenoid and carbon canister purge were outlined immediately as being unused and it was clear that can leave them as is without plugging or connecting them. This might seem trivial but it was a major source of confusion in my swap. The Frsport guide lists them as unused but doesn't go into detail on what to do with the unused portions

Matt Kent Gained major kudos points for outlining the wiring of the A/C into the USDM harness. I was left on my own on this one and the wiring is one of the major reasons why people discard A/C. A pattern is being built already. Things that aren't absolutely critical to the swap are still being covered and clarified. Very novice friendly

Ahh the good old CAS. The very interesting thing about the S13 SR harness is the fact that the CAS and ignitor chip plugs are, for all intensive purposes identical. Once again, from the offset the DVD defines which is which.

Neato. The broken ECU plug was touched on again. The fix for a seemingly daunting problem is given step by step. Some people once again might scoff at how simple the fix might be but theme has been established for the video. Leaving no stone unturned

Section 3: The Power interface

Good general electrical work tips here for those who are even new to this aspect of the wiring. Some good workmanship tips are outlined that are easy to forget and can easy waste wire length

an interesting take on the throttle position wiring from the KA harness to the SR20 O2 sensor is outlined. On this portion of the swap I spent 3 days alone =/ (But I also am terrible at wiring)

Another minor affair for most but a possible source of ruin for the naive is the maf wiring shield. Easy to make a mistake here that can cause major problems down the line. +2 for Matt Kent.

3 hours is a noble goal for the harness work but I feel that it will take longer than the estimate given. Not much a qualm but

S14 wiring into S13:

Once again every connector on both the USDM harness and the JDM S14 harness are covered in detail. This orientation sets the inexperienced mind at ease. It is definitely helpful to know where you stand with each connection

Sub category: wiper wiring and amplifier removal. Again (Broken record like LOL) wires and connectors that aren't used are outlined and addressed. On my S13 SR into S13 (I can speak from experience) I sat for about 30 minutes contemplating whether or not to startup my motor simply because I had so many unused connections and no knowledge of what to do with them. More time and headache saved

One small qualm I had with the removal of these was the pulling on the harness. For the love of God please be very gentle when doing this. If at all possible (which it is not) I'd make my best effort not to pull on the harness at all. Shorts are not fun to find.

Each cut and wire match between the S14 interface and the S13 ECU plug is outlined.In my opinion each of these sections are covered rather quickly however it simply impossible to grasp everything the DVD has to offer in one sitting(It's very difficult to review without givng away all the info in the DVD)

Ground wire and IACV splicing are covered and outlined in an easy to understand manner.

AC wiring extension covered in detail and made to be a snap

Dash Interface:

Wire prep is reinforced. Proper wiring etiquette demonstrated.

I really enjoyed how the wires are grouped in an easy to understand and organized way. The dash interface wiring on the S14 was written and executed flawlessly in my opinion. It is easy to make a step by step guide and start with the intentions of making it simple, but without proper organization, it can turn into a nightmare. Not here. VERY VERY organized and methodical walkthrough

MAF and O2:

An overview of the work to be done on the MAF and O2 wiring is given at the outset and what is to be accomplished.

I noticed another qualm that had been in my mind here. Again nothing major but a minor hiccup that would lead to, in the worst case scenario a cluttered engine bay, I would have liked to have seen more detailed coverage of the length or wire that is being used in the extensions. If your motor is already in then you can eyeball this but it you prewire the motor then you are left with some generalizations here. To be safe just use extra wire for all extensions. Again a minute qualm.

Hurrah!S15 Wiring:

Just like the S13 and S14 SR's,the section begins with a very thorough overview of each connector and what will be done with them

Ignitor chip. Definitely some useful information on the ignitor chip and the S15 SR. This one definitely caught me off guard and provided me with some new info. Had I done an S15 swap without this info I would be highly confused. Sharp observations that an introductory swapper might not notice, Matt Kent does an excellent job of pointing out.

ABS wiring removal:

Just like the S14 removal of the SR wiring and use of the USDM wiring is outlined.

Dash and power interface:

Non used wires are identified and disposed of/ and or stored properly.

The Dash interface was referenced back to the S14 coverage. My only problem here is the fact that S15 owners will have to stop here and go back the S14 section to review the steps. Small inconvenience. Additionally I'm pretty lazy.

Wire cutting and matching for the interface is covered.

The cam control wires and what to do with them is covered.THis is a big deal in my opinion as they cam control wires would seem to be very important to the success of the swap and yet, what they are used for and what to do with them is covered.

MAF and O2 Wiring:

The differences in the S15 signal and ground wires are mentioned and kept fresh in our mind as the MAF wiring is extended.

Once again I have a minor qualm in the fact that the S14 and S15 wiring is so similar. The S15 wiring is slighty more concise so going back and referencing the S14 section will probably be necessary. Slight inconvenience. Nothing more.

Lower Transmission harness (S13 SR Into S13):

Pointed out which harness to be used for the lower transmission and what (or lack thereof) modifications needed to be done to the harness for the swap. No long winded explanation here. Just clear, concise facts.

A seemingly very minor detail as regards Japanese batteries and USDM batteries is mentioned here. Great info to save some confusion and as a possible troubleshooting step for an engine that fails to crank.

Lower transmission harness (S14 and S15 SR into S13):

I found this section to be slighty disappointing. The lower transmission harnesses seldom,if ever, come with the motorset so the lower transmission harnesses to be modified weren't present.

It was pointed out that the starter solenoid for the KA would not function on the S14 and S15 SR's and a fix was referenced but not directly shown.

It was pointed out that some engines will require some alternator wiring modifications as some S14's and all S15's have a different, slightly wider bolt. Two solutions were provided but once again not directly shown.

Transmission plugs that weren't used were outlined and addressed

Speed sensor adaptation was outlined and which differential wiring extensions were needed were outlined

Closing suggestions:

A very unique and very important step in priming the SR's for use after installation is provided. It is vital to remember that SR20DET's are "junk-yard motors" and are very dry lubrication wise upon install. This issue is mentioned and the solution is given.

A connection check is given and each connection to check for failed startup is outlined.

All in all I'd rate this DVD as a 9.1 out of 10 based on quality, clarity, and thoroughness. In my opinion this DVD is well worth the trivial amount of its' cost simply because of the time it can save you with each simple suggestion. The way I pictured it in my mind was the SR swap is time that could be used elsewhere. The best measurement for time is money so the 4+ hours that I can personally attest to saving by using this guide break down to be at a minimum wage rate of about $7.00/ hour x 4 hour saved = $28 worth of your time, sweat, tears, and frustration saved. My point, all fluffiness aside, remains that this guide simply pays for itself. There is not other way to describe it. It is a quality product from a quality production team that is clear, concise,and extremely useful. ALthough I still would not recommend attempting the wiring without some basic experience, this guide allows a novice to tackle the task without facing many (if any) unknowns during the wiring procedure and affords peace of mind. I cannot say enough good things about this DVD and the production that went into it!

Enjoy this DVD as I did!


Modified by redtop91 at 12:14 PM 4/10/2007

[ILikeMy240sx]

does the video go over how to retain ABS in S14s if desired?

S14 main harness has ABS plugs in it as well.

[vutony]

does the video go over how to retain ABS in S14s if desired?

S14 main harness has ABS plugs in it as well.

from wat i recall, no

the video is very vague, nothing is described into depthits a good starting pointnot worth $30

[redtop91]

does the video go over how to retain ABS in S14s if desired?

This DVD only covers the wiring of the motors into the S13 chassis.

[Mattlanta]

Man, that is an excellent review!

I'd buy it...if only they had one available for S14's!!!

[ILikeMy240sx]

WTF... just S13s? Thats gay.

[redtop91]

At least the one I was sent to review only did. The production version is probably different.

[Mattlanta]

I heard another is coming for S14's, but I'm trying to get my swap done in the next couple of weeks. With my luck, as soon as I get it in, they'll promptly release the S14 DVD.

[DRIFTING.com]

Drifting.com does an excellent job of pointing out.

Appreciate the review.

Just wanted to make a correction, this wiring DVD was produced by Michael Kent, not Drifting.com.

[DRIFTING.com]

I heard another is coming for S14's, but I'm trying to get my swap done in the next couple of weeks. With my luck, as soon as I get it in, they'll promptly release the S14 DVD.

That is true, Michael Kent plans to cover the S14.

[Mattlanta]

That is true, Michael Kent plans to cover the S14.

Any idea when???

[DRIFTING.com]

June

Any idea when???

Current ETA June. The RB25DET Wiring DVD will be finished first.