Porsche944Turbo wrote:I have a not so mechanically inclined friend who owns a 96 200sx with the 1.6 liter engine, and Auto tranny. We think his engine is pretty close to going, its at 165k right now. He really likes the car and wants to keep it, so we are looking into doing a motor swap. Needless to say, he wants a little more power than the 1.6 can put out. I understand that the SR20DET is a pretty good engine. I think it might be out of his price range though. I think a good compromise would be the sentra SE-R Spec V engine. Has anyone done a swap like this? Is it pretty Straightforward or is there alot of fabrication involved?
Thanks in Advance.
The fabrication involved to put a Spec V engine (QR25DE) into a B14 chassis (95-99 200SX and Sentra) would cost more than an SR20DET. Definately not worth it.
The SR20DET is a fairly cheap swap if you keep parts stock. Perhaps a better compromise if the SR20DET is too expensive, is to get an SR20DE. It's the same thing but not turbocharged. However, still more powerful than the GA16DE (his current 1.6L engine).
The SR20DE was an optional upgraded motor for the 91-01 Sentra, 200SX, and NX. Try to find an SR20DE from a junkyard. The best fit is going to be a 95-97 200SX engine. The other years will work, but the computer on the 95-97 will best be suited for his car, since it is a 96.
He will also need a new transmission. Look for one from the SR engine when you get the engine. The GA transmission will not bolt up to the SR motor. If he wants to keep an automatic, the SR engine has both a 5spd and 4spd automatic as possible transmissions you might find with it.
Also, if he does decide to go the SR20DET route, then he will need an SR transmission from a U.S. car. The SR20DET was only available in AWD and RWD. It fits in a 200SX only when mated with the FWD transmission from a U.S. SR20DE. Just something to keep in mind. In any case, his current transmission will not fit anything except a replacement engine.
Let us know if you have any more questions or if something is not clear!