Engine dilema? help needed

[stonb]

I just bought a S13 and after taking down the engine, the old KA is almost in heaven rather than earth (pretty damaged engine)

The exact model of my car is a 1990 Nissan 240sx

So i was thinking a swap would be the best thing to do... but now here is a dilemma! i found a place where they are selling engines and cant seem to wrap my head around which one i should get.... ANY HELP WOULD BE REAAAAAALLY APPRECIATED!

Here are the two options!

OPTION A

S13 SR20DET BLACK TOP Silvia Engine, Manual RWD Transmission, Harness, & ECU $ 1,849.00

Company: Nissan
Code: S13 SR20DET BLACK TOP Silvia Engine, Manual RWD Transmission, Harness, & ECU
Year: 91-93
Valve Train: DOHC, 16-VALVE, TURBO
Displacement: 1998 cc
Horse Power: 205 HP @ 6000RPM
Torque: 203 LBS-FT @ 4000 RPM
Compression: 8.5:1
Red Line: 6000 RPM
Transmission: Manual RWD 5spd
Weight: 700 lbs

OPTION B:

S13 SR20DET RED TOP Silvia 240SX Engine, Manual RWD Transmission, Harness, & ECU $ 1,799.00

Company: Nissan
Code: S13 SR20DET RED TOP Silvia 240SX Engine, Manual RWD Transmission, Harness, & ECU
Year: 89-93
Valve Train: DOHC, 16-VALVE, TURBO
Displacement: 1998 cc
Horse Power: 205 HP @ 6000RPM
Torque: 203 LBS-FT @ 4000 RPM
Compression: 8.5:1
Red Line: 7500rpm
Transmission: Manual RWD 5spd
Weight: 700 lbs

aside from the year, the only thing that is different is the RED LINE, anyone can help me with some facts to help me decide what to get? is not much price-wise but i just want to get the right engine for my car. (also if those engines are not a good swap, what else you recommend "please Nissan engine only")

THANKS!!!!

[daemonyk]

I could be mistaken, but I think those lists have some incorrect information. The redtop and blacktop motors are mechanically identical. Same redline, too - 7500 rpm. The only diff is the redtops were from 91-94 (silvia and 180sx), the blacktops were from 95-98 (180sx). 88-89 (silvia and 180) came with CA18's iirc. Also I don't think an aluminium SR motorset weighs 700 lbs when an iron block RB25 set weighs just over 700 and an iron block KA set weighs 550 ish.

Anywho, they're the same engine, just one is less old. Given how they've been listed, and the price being asked, not sure I'd buy from that source

Also note that there's an S14 "notchback" SR20 (220hp?) and an S15 "notchback" SR20 (250hp?). Both have some variable valve stuff going on. The S14 ran a T28 turbo instead of the T25 in the S13 SR's. The S15 ran a Garrett BB turbo, and can be had with a 6 spd manual - but it's a PITA to make it work, you need a different differential, etc... S14 SR's are a little pricier, S15 SR's are crazy expensive. All of them are good engines / swaps. The S13 redtop is usually the "easiest" choice to go with.

What are your overall plans for the car?

[stonb]

I could be mistaken, but I think those lists have some incorrect information. The redtop and blacktop motors are mechanically identical. Same redline, too - 7500 rpm. The only diff is the redtops were from 91-94 (silvia and 180sx), the blacktops were from 95-98 (180sx). 88-89 (silvia and 180) came with CA18's iirc. Also I don't think an aluminium SR motorset weighs 700 lbs when an iron block RB25 set weighs just over 700 and an iron block KA set weighs 550 ish.

Anywho, they're the same engine, just one is less old. Given how they've been listed, and the price being asked, not sure I'd buy from that source

Also note that there's an S14 "notchback" SR20 (220hp?) and an S15 "notchback" SR20 (250hp?). Both have some variable valve stuff going on. The S14 ran a T28 turbo instead of the T25 in the S13 SR's. The S15 ran a Garrett BB turbo, and can be had with a 6 spd manual - but it's a PITA to make it work, you need a different differential, etc... S14 SR's are a little pricier, S15 SR's are crazy expensive. All of them are good engines / swaps. The S13 redtop is usually the "easiest" choice to go with.

What are your overall plans for the car?

Thanks a lot dawmonyk!!!

Well my first idea was to rebuild the current engine (ka24e) but once I took it down, there is several pieces to be changed. list goes as follows...

Spark plugs
Valve cover gaskets
Crank shaft Seals
water pump
Oil pump
Alternator
Machine chop engine (one piston was really damage)
possible new set of pistons
Timing belt kit (old timing belt was gone)
Engine mount

I haven't checked the prices so i don't know how much it will cost me, but i think it should add up to around 1k...

my idea is to have a sweet ride with a good engine (always heard SR20 was the best inexpensive engine for S13s), eventually might learn how to drift just for the fun of it.

As of now i need a good engine for this car, that was the main reason of repairing the KA24, but now that repair is getting costly I was thinking into making the swap already.

that is why i need the help!