Plan to DIY SR20DET swap, advice needed.

[shortfuz]

Hello! first time posting and new to the forum! Just as the title says, I'm planning to buy an s13, and complete an engine swap myself. However I require some advice.

I have no tools, am planning on buying all that are needed. Estimates on what tools I will need?

Are there any REALLY detailed guides on how to go about doing this? Specifically ones which have people unfamiliar with working on cars in mind.

How much in "Emergency parts funds" should I have saved before I tackle this?

What manuals do I need?

What parts will I need besides the engine, transmission, uncut harness, plumbing?

Am I missing anything else?

I know that doing this with zero automotive tech background is risky, but I figure that if I take my time, follow directions, always ask for help, and enlist the help of friends, I should be fine.

BTW- Anyone in North Houston/Woodlands/Conroe who has done this swap themselves and would like to help?

-Mark

[hpmachine]

zerothread/145184welcome to nico...

[superJoy]

The Houston 240SX scene is pretty big. Help should be easy to come by:

http://www.houston240sx.com

The only thing you'll need besides basic hand tools (sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.) are a floor jack, jackstands, and engine hoist. It's really quite straightforward. These are the sites I've been looking while doing my CA swap (SR swap is the same as the CA one):

http://srownersclub.com/faq/index.aspht ... owto/3430/

Have fun! I went straight into my swap with no mechanical experience whatsoever and it's been a blast. Think of it as an adventure, and be prepared to have another ride around as the 240SX certainly won't be going anywhere for some time!

I'd HIGHLY recommend buying the motor from Jhot Imports, who is a sponser here.
Modified by superJoy at 4:43 PM 3/30/2007

[574-240sx]

Go buy a Craftsman basic mechanics tool set to start you off. You will probably need to buy more sockets, wrenches, and etc. Pry bars come in handy. Download a Factory Service Manual and start reading.

[dickie]

actually, the sr forum right here has pretty much everything you will need to know, as well as experts in the field and even Nissan techs to answer questions.

welcome to nico, you found the right place

[nissans13240sx]

http://www.frsport.com/sr20det....html

http://www.heavythrottle.com/

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.....html

these links will be helpful. for tools you wont need anything special just an engine hoist. a good socket and wrench set and some plyers should get you by for most of it. good luck

[oki_bum]

During your swap, id honestly replace all the coolant lines, especially the one on the back of the motor that runs to the turbo, if **** happens like it did for me, you wont be able to get to it without pulling the motor.

And definitely follow those links posted above, thats what i went off of when i did my swap. Also, take your time! Don't let anyone, even yourself, rush you or you'll regret it!

[shortfuz]

WHOA! I wasn't expecting such a huge response! If incredibly nice members and good information are any indication of a forum's quality, then I'd say I'll be sticking around here quite a while. Thank you guys so very much!

[alexander432]

As far as emergeny funds go...I had an xtra $1k and that helped me out a lot with missing and broken parts.

[tastycakeman]

if anything, dont go into this thinking you'll only need like 200 in emergency funds. i started my swap exactly like you back in december and the car still isnt running. expect a lot of hard work and a lot of hours.

[al]

I would say have about ~$4500 total for the car, engine and tools, assuming that you're buying a shell. Take everything slow and be sure to do alot of research before you get started. Don't be afraid to ask questions, people are generally polite on this forum.

To elaborate on what oki_bum said, be sure to replace anything that is made of rubber.

It may sound trite, but never cut corners- it will cost you more in the long run.

Welcome aboard and good luck.

[rushtillyoudie]

zerothread/145184welcome to nico...

do u have an sr in ur 240? hpmachine