Buying a Sentra SE-R (worth it?)

[outcastcat]

Unable to find (much to my dismay) a 240SX for under 2k in WA, i saw a nissan Sentra SE-R for 1k (B13, 1991). Its already leaking gear oil from the manual though. While the SR20DE is known to be a good engine, should i worry about dumping a new transmission into it as soon as I get the 220k sucker? Basically is this thing a set of parts ready to be replaced or a good starting point for just a go fast high school project (something well documented by SCC and is going to be redone).
Modified by outcastcat at 7:19 PM 3/24/2005

[HashiriyaS14]

Are you selling an SE-R or asking a question about one?

This is likely a question for the Sentra technical forums, you'll get an answer there.

[outcastcat]

Unable to find (much to my dismay) a 240SX for under 2k in WA, i saw a nissan Sentra SE-R for 1k (B13, 1991). Its already leaking gear oil from the manual though. While the SR20DE is known to be a good engine, should i worry about dumping a new transmission into it as soon as I get the 220 thousand mile car? Ive heard the transmission isnt that good. Basically is this thing a set of parts ready to be replaced (aka expensive money drain with no prgress = BAD) or a good starting point for just a simple go fast high school project (something well documented by SCC and is going to be redone).

[turboimports]

The B13 91-94 Sentra SER is a great car.I currently own a 91 NX2000 and it's a great car.If you don't mind the little turtle girly look of the NX2K you should get one.They come stock with LSD and the same SR20DE from the B13 Sentra SER.My car currently has a JDM 98 10.0:1 comp. low port SR20DE and I'm pretty happy with it.Performs very good for all motor.

transmission isn't that much, unless you're looking to get one with the factory LSD.

-Lor

[RED_DET]

If the motor is still running and all it needs is a transmission, you would be a damn fool not to buy it. As long as the body is in good shape, who really cares about the motor anyway. JDM sr20's can be had for 400 and transmission's for 300. If it is leaking transmission fluid, it is probably from an axle seal anyways. Simple fix.

[outcastcat]

bump

[outcastcat]

Ok, so sounds like a Good buy if the body is straight. Trannies for 300? Used I assume. Can the SR20DE take turboing without changing the internals (because there is that EVER popular turbo in the RWD cars). And are there any kits in the world for that sentra, cause it isnt the best looking car in the world. But its a decent car, and it can go decently fast on the cheap.

And just in case im not entirely smart, what makes the SE-R such a much better car than the other FWD cars out there (aka the Accord. the civic is to much damn overdone).

Whats the diff between NX2000 and SE-R.

And how much is the LSD, cause thats what the SE-R comes with if i remember correctly.

[RED_DET]

Did you see my classic in my signature? The DE can handle about 12-14psi safely, using a T28. Yes 300 for used trannies, sometimes you can even find the 95-97 200sx se-r transmission with lower mileage and the 5th gear pop issue fixed. Make sure that se-r you are looking at doesn't have 5th gear pop out. Take it for a drive, once in fifth accelerate and see if it stays in 5th. The se-r trannies come with LSD, so does the 95-97 200sx se-r transmission, so does the 2001 sentra se with Performance Package, as does the NX2000.

Stillen makes a damn good body kit for the sentra. Some folks are even going with the JDM front bumpers and mexican headlight/grille setups.

The SE-R, is a lightweight pocket-rocket with a stock motor than can handle 300-400hp on stock internals. The car is easy to mod and fun to drive.

The NX has the same drive train as the se-r, but looks like an "evil egg". Most come with T tops.

Now on the other hand, there are sr20DET's, like the motor I have in my SE-R. Can handle over 400hp without any modifications to the internals. Bolts right up and harness plugs right up.

Here are some pics of the oh so ugly SE-R:

Sunny Salon 4fog light bumper

Tsuru(mexican lights/grille & Stillen front bumper



Stillen side skirts & rear bumper

Very clean classic here

2 fog light Sunny bumper and sunny grille Sunny bumper w/mazda 626 lip

Getting the idea.

[SkylineScottro]

definately get it, im in WA state too, andi had a B13 SE-R, they are amazing cars. only 140hp stock, but they run a 7.4 0-60 stock. whitch i think is pretty fast for 140hp.

amazing handling, little to no understeer, which can be fixed easily with some progress roll bars..

highly recommended, very fun car.

[outcastcat]

Then I have one question. My dad objected to the car for one reason. Hes had cars last that long (o how wonderful it is that Japan came to America), but past 200k his experience is u just start replacing everything, from the alternator to the starter. Is this basically true with all cars. I dont think i have the money to put into replacing starters and AC's and master Cylinders and stuff. maybe I do if its all cheap. If it is ill talk to him about it.

My only regret - that 240SX has grown in price , hard to find in my area at blue book value. Id like a good RWD, but that cars out of my up front budget range (though as i work i gain money therefore i put money in over time. But no, im not loaning money out on this). Ive heard the Sentra SE-Rs a good car. Now just if i could convince my dad before its sold....

So basically im worried about buying a 1000 dollar car and spending another 1-2 thousand (plus plenty of time and labor of my own) just to keep it running in the next year. Am I resigned to this? And is it worth it? Why?

If not what would u recommend?
Modified by outcastcat at 8:31 PM 3/25/2005

[Onizuka]

Used replacement parts are very plentiful both domestically and from abroad. If your starter takes a crap, I guarentee you could locate a replacement off a parts car through a forum the same day. That and there is a huge value-performance oriented market for the SER and its varients.

[outcastcat]

Changed my post above.

[nametakennow]

Great car man.

Fix the transmission leak for now, a 220k SR has a lot of life left, but if you're going heavy into a project, you'll probably want to consider a swap for something lower miles (even if it's just a newer DE).

Then again, I bet you can find a fresh transmission for cheap. You may want to consider the B15/P11 SR transmission, as it's a bit stronger than the previous ones.

[RED_DET]

If you buy a 1k se-r and have to put a jdm motor(400 and possibly a transmission (300), then you have roughly 1700-2000 in a low mileage sentra. As long as the body is in good shape with minimal rust, the sunroof doesn't leak, then why not. You are not going to find a good running, good body se-r no where for less than 2k. Take some pictures of the car and post them up. If you don't know how, send them to my email: [email protected]. As far as alternators and starters, they are $30-40 ea. Sometimes they have to be replaced on cars with less than 100k. Things like that don't last forever. I have 166k on my se-r. Has a jdm turbo motor and I have replaced the transmission once because of 5th gear popout, which is going to happen sooner or later in a se-r made 1991-94. Parts are very plentiful right now for the se-r. As far as teh 240 goes, they have become way overpriced because of the new crave. I wanted to do a 240 project, but too many people think they have gold with these cars.

THESE CARS ARE AN EXCELLENT STARTING POINT FOR ANYBODY INTERESTED IN MODDING CARS!! VERY EASY TO WORK ON.

[nametakennow]

RED- You know your car is the reason I can't get a B13 project out of my head? It's just... sad... I want to finish my B15 but every time I see your B13 I want to dump a couple grand on one and... arrrr...

[RED_DET]

THanks!! If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change a thing. Most can't say that about certain projects they have done. I got a few odds and ends things here to clean up, new tint, fix a/c and maybe some racing seats and I'm done. I would also love to have one of those sunny 4 fog light bumpers with mexican front end. That is just an extra clean look.

You got an se, so that means you got an sr20, you know you want to go ahead and drop in avenir in there, turbo the de or go all motor with a VE.

[outcastcat]

Where do you get Mexican parts? Those lights and grill are cleaner and more agreesive.

other than mexico of course.

[outcastcat]

Hey now that this is genreal chat anyone else have any opinions? read my posts, analyze my situation with the car im looking at buying and put in your 2 cents. I just saw a Nissan Performance Magazine project SE-r with 270-280 thousand miles on it and performance parts, so im thinking the car would be ok.

[nametakennow]

The car will be fine if you fix the transmission leak. Do it! Pics!

RED- I love the Mexican look too, and actually, I'm bouncing a few ideas around. The main problem with B15 is the weight, it's much heftier than previous B chassis (though still pretty light- 2674lbs stock for a 00-01 SE). Plus, this is my daily driver, so it's gotta be comfortable. I like noise, but stripping and that sort of deal... no thanks.

If you check my Cardomain (linked via the picture in my sig), you'll see my plans. I don't want the issues of a motor swap, so I'm looking at power options. I'm not totally sure what parts I could get off of a GTi-R or Avenir to fit, so I'm thinking the JGY Customs GT25 kit is up my alley. I know the GT25 is small, but that's what I want, low boost, quick spooling, looking for 200-210whp, which will make for a fun daily (and allow me to keep up with my brother's A4 1.8T, particularly since it's a heffer at ~3000lbs). If I knew of some sort of list of what's needed to get boost based off getting parts from a Japanese motor (using a GT25 or 28 turbo), I'd use it, but I have yet to find one and I certainly don't know anyone nearby with that kind of SR/B15 knowledge... Cheap, reliable boost is what I'm looking for and I'm not sure it's available. I'm considering a light all-motor tune too, but I'm not sure I'll enjoy the extra gas (all motor kills economy even when you don't use it, I believe), rough idle, etc.

Not thread jacking... carry on.

Like I said man, pick up that old SE-R and love it, you'll thank yourself later.

[RED_DET]

Where do you get Mexican parts? Those lights and grill are cleaner and more agreesive.

other than mexico of course.

One of our sponsers

http://www.mossyperformance.com/product/?id=3331

[outcastcat]

Still looking for opinions on the car or just the SE-R platform itself.

Buying takes a long time when youve got parents and little money .

[RED_DET]

If you don't want it, where's the car located. I will buy it. But thats me, I know the car like the back of my hand and wouldn't have a problem replacing anything on it.

[outcastcat]

After three days of trying to call the guy i got a hold of him today. he sold it. It was listed on autotrader.com (one of my fave scanning to see whats out there sites cause people list there more than just about anywhere, and i can keep it local), in pyuallup washington. If you're not in washington, it prob wasnt worth having it shipped to you. Thats what makes it such a pain to find one. Now i have to wait to find another SE-R or a reasonable 240(unlikely). Definetly want a nissan. They are reliable good driving cars. My dad drives a honda, and its nice, but theres no personality there. But while im looking at FWDs, maybe ill check out dodge or something. who knows. But Nissan would be nice (specially with that SR )

[92serguysson]

Well you should keep looking, they are good cars. Just look to find one becasue they are worth the time and money.

[Caplax40]

Well you should keep looking, they are good cars. Just look to find one becasue they are worth the time and money.

Hmmm...well is has been 17 MONTHS since he last posted. Maybe he's found one?

Any other old posts you'd like to bump?