240sx engine swaps

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

I'm a newby here but an old geezer with engine swaps. First one was a 283 into a '33 Plymouth in 1965. I've got a really pretty '93 240sx in cherry condition, but with the stock engine. For now this will have to do, but I'm curious if anyone has done a vg30e/et swap into a 240sx? Looks like the SOHC engine isn't too wide, and could fit, but haven't seen anything written up about it. Comments?

Post by **InlineSix** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Id lookin to Sr20DeT or Ca18DeT

Post by **IveBeenBad** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

the SBC swap sounds more up your alley

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

If I were to go with a V-8, it would probably be a 302 ford, lighter, narrower, still lots of goodies available, plenty of power for a light car, but I'm kind of fascinated by the Nissan. It even looks like an Eaton blower could be easily adapted to the intake manifold top. I've always been kind of a maverick, (oddball?) So, nobody has done the VG30E into a 240sx? I don't see anything about the diff being weak. This car has the R-200 rear, right? Pretty strong? Thanks, guys.

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

i imagine the vg30e would fit easily. i dont think that engine is all that though. yeah, the r200 is very tough. i have never seen one go out ever.

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Yeah- the vg30et is rated at about 205hp, so the sr20det would give more power, but what about low end torque? How bad do you have to wind it up to make it go? With the larger displacement, I would think that the 3 liter motor would have more streetable manners. Also, a little freak power is a cool thing.

Post by **Toad[^_^]** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Meggala (again)

VG30

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Excuse me? Say what?

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

that link shows a vg30det in a s13. if the dohc motor will fit then the sohc will definitely fit.

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Thanks for the translation!

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

OOF DAH! Looks awfully busy in there! But, as you said, it fit.

Post by **Tweaky_Tom** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Personally i'd go with the VQ. Dual overhead cam, V-6. Pleanty of Naturally Aspirated power. With some internals and some fine tuning easily 280-300 hp. Throw a turbo on that thing and get pleanty stupid. This is my future plan.

Website · Post by **creophus** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Tweaky_Tom wrote:With some internals and some fine tuning easily 280-300 hp. Throw a turbo on that thing and get pleanty stupid. This is my future plan.

And how much does that thing weigh? Why not just go with the SR? The only way I could seeing doing this swap:

1. Having something to prove.2. Already having a working V6 ready to drop in.

Post by **ss240** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Hey Chuck,

Just figured since you said you were new I would add my $0.02

If you haven't already figured out, the Nissan 240sx is built on the same chassis as the 180sx/Silvia, which were only produced in Japan. Whenever you see a reference to the S13 you can consider that your model of car (89-94). The S14 and S15 are 95+.

The SR20DET engine (stock engine in the Nissan Silvia) would probably be the easiest and most cost efficient way to beef up your 240sx.

The SR20DET in the S13 was rated at 205HP, while the stock engine in the Nissan 240sx is the KA24DE, rated at 155HP.

Also, read up on turbo'ing the KA24DE. It can be one torque monster of an engine.

With the same cost that you will go through to get the VG30DE(TT) engine in your 240sx, you can put in a SR20DET and get the same amount of power.

If you browse the forums you will see that it is quite possible to have a 240sx @ 400hp+ with the SR20.

With power:weight ratio of a SR20'd 240sx vs Mustangs, Camaro's, and many other "prestigious" domestics", you may find that 99% of the domestics stand no chance.

However, if you still do want to get the VG30DET or TT in your S13 you can search these forums. There are some people who have done this before and will have valuable information for you.

Just another small tidbit on Nissan engines.SR20DETSR = Engine name20 = Displacement 2.0LDE = Dual Overhead CamT = Turbo

Works out for all engines

All in all, I think you should evaluate all your options before you decide.

A small list of options:KA24DE-TSR20DETRB25DETRB20DETCA18DETV8 (most true nissan fans don't consider this an option :pface )

Post by **SloMoe** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

There's someone running around the boards that has fit a VG30DE in and S13, and it fits quite nicely. Sits far back near the firewall with about 12" of clearance between the front of the block and the radiator core support, so I dont think it would affect the weight distribution too much. Not sure if all the plumbing for the VG30DET would fit though.

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

ss240- After all I've heard and read, it sounds like the reasonable thing to do is the sr20det. My concerns are the lack of low end torque and having to rev the **** out of it to get it going. I have never driven one of these, so I don't know their characteristics. Obviously, the sr20det is the most common swap, and apparantly the easiest and best understood here. I am interested in a usable car, not just a weekend warrior, and will probably not compete except an occaisional run at the strip. Not into street racing. Been there, got that ticket. Ideas on where to get a clip/ front cut? Thanks

Post by **ss240** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

I also heavily edited my last post so re-read it.

as for cheap ideas of front clips in the u.s. of a., can't help you there.

If you were to consider taking the lovely drive up to Canada in the summer I know quite a few engine importers about 6hrs from me in Quebec. Good prices, everything you need.

http://www.srswap.com/^ This place seems to be the general consensus, but that could also be because they sponsor this forum ::pface

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

rb25det will give you a little more bottom end. also look into fancy new turbos that provide near instant response and hence plenty of bottom end. one turbo that works very well with the sr is the gt28rs aka the disco potato turbo.

Website · Post by **creophus** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Sounds like you want an SR if you want reliable power. I've driven a couple. They have low end torque...though not as much as a v6. They rev quite nicely and make peak torque around 4500-5000 rpm. It's not like a honda that you have to rev before it comes alive.

Holy cow...I just saw that you're in Tampa Florida, so am I! I'm getting my engine swap done right now at XAT Racing. http://www.xatracing.com Send me an email and we can meet up and find out first hand what an SR can do!

Post by **Tweaky_Tom** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

~creophus "1. Having something to prove."

Originality.

Post by **DanielIser** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

I live in Palatka Fl and have already finished the swap. If you are interested in meeting me somewhere i will let you have a go at it.

Post by **karay240** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Hey, Chuck Hanlon, how knowledgeable are you when it comes to motor swaps? Will you be able to custom fab a K-member if needed? You'll have to make the VG mounts fit on the 240 K-member, and not let the motor hit the hood, and still maintain structural rigidity. If you're wanting to create something that is rare, go ahead and do the VG swap. It will give you more torqe than the SR could possibly match. The weight distribution won't be as affected compared to the RB, since the VG is probably shorter than even the SR.I'd also suggest getting the VG30ET, since torque is what you're going for, and it's a whole lot cheaper. However, sticking w/ the SR or the CA has its advantages in that it's more of a direct plug and play operation. You can even use the same engine mounts. If you want the torque, and have a relatively large bank account, the RB25 or 26 is your choice. If you can afford the parts, the actual work is fairly easy and straight forward. The swap will probably cost less than the VG if you take into account having custom mounts and all of that piping fabricated.

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

I can fabricate just about anything necessary. I don't have a plasma cutter anymore, but I'm good with a burning torch and have the tools necessary for cutting, grinding, shaping and welding. I used to do ornamental iron work, but gave it up as a profession after getting hurt too many times. Too old for that heavy s*** now. Can make up motor mounts, cross members, etc., but prefer to not have to re-invent the wheel unless it's really worthwhile. Even if I had the bank account, my wife would have other plans for it, and she's a keeper, so can't go that route. I think it will be a good idea to see what others have already done before making a decision. I got time. More time than money! Thanks for the input, I appreciate all of it.

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

To ss240- Send me your e-mail address and I'll share some stories about an IMSA race weekend at Mosport. Our crew got "adopted" by The Brass Rail Pub, some where in Toronto. Of course you were about 6 when this happened!

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Chuck Hanlon wrote:I can fabricate just about anything necessary. I don't have a plasma cutter anymore, but I'm good with a burning torch and have the tools necessary for cutting, grinding, shaping and welding. I used to do ornamental iron work, but gave it up as a profession after getting hurt too many times. Too old for that heavy s*** now. Can make up motor mounts, cross members, etc., but prefer to not have to re-invent the wheel unless it's really worthwhile. Even if I had the bank account, my wife would have other plans for it, and she's a keeper, so can't go that route. I think it will be a good idea to see what others have already done before making a decision. I got time. More time than money! Thanks for the input, I appreciate all of it.

perfect attitude to be a ground breakergood luck

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

That's a pretty nice complement, thanks.

Website · Post by **s13sr20chris** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

you can pay it back by writing up a how to sticky when you finish.

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

I assume that means take a lot of pictures as the job progresses, describe what had to be moved where and why, what fabrication was done , what unexpected problems appeared and were solved, and how many cases of beer were consumed, and then post it. Right? Sounds like writing a book about my racing days.

Post by **Toad[^_^]** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

Chuck Hanlon wrote: Sounds like writing a book about my racing days.

We'll call it that for now...

Post by **Chuck Hanlon** » Sat Feb 21, 2004 1:17 pm

OK, guys, it's a deal. But I want to know how Toad got all that power!

240sx engine swaps

240sx engine swaps

Some newbie info

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