known problems with the sr20s

[zero87t]

well i am going to be picking up a 1989 240 with a redtop sr20det

is there any things i should beware of from this engine?This is the first car I have had besides the two MKIII supras I have had (getting sick of toyotas)And I know the supras are known to have BHG so as a precaution I swapped in a HKS MHG right away

do the sr20s have any big problems? Or for the most part are they fairly reliable?

thanks

--Ron

[hurddawg]

the early SRs (91-93, then they were redesigned) tend to have problems with the chain tensioners but I haven't heard anyone complain about it on here.

Listen for rod knock, a dented oil pan can cause this and if the previous owner was real rough with their motor (holding high rpm too long).

SRs have a problem with idle (stick too high, low or surges), they are finicky. Again something I don't here about on this forum.

Unlike the 7MG(T)E, no headgasket problems

Probably want to see if the owner had changed out the water pump when they did the swap as well. Not a problem, but just something you probably want to look in to.

[Onizuka]

SRs have this horrible problem with lasting for thousands of miles without breaking.

hurddawg, i have never heard of the chain tensioner problem you speak of, maybe thats only with NA SRs?

[hurddawg]

possibly. all my 'bads' about the SR is from the fwd community. But I'm pretty sure that the rwd and fwd share the tensioner.

You'd know if the tensioner is bad. the motor would have a rattley noise to it. and if it was were really really bad it would sound like a diesel truck.

[SpeedRacer1]

Yes the chain tensioner complaint is a write-up on http://www.SE-R.net somewhere. I havent experienced or heard of tensioner problems.

The idle issue goes with the electrical (timing) issues. I would attribute most idle problems to a bad install or messing with SR mechanics when you dont know what your doing. Most people like to say that when their idle is going, its because of the IACV, but I doubt thats the real culprit. Both my SR's idled just fine.

[hurddawg]

I had a serious idle problem with my G20 when I got it. EGR and BPT valve are the culprits, not a problem on S13 engines of course. It causes surging when idling and hesitation.

imo sr20forums.com is a better place for fwd SR stuff. SE-R.net is dated.