RB20 vs SR20

[redtop91]

rb25det swap is the way to go ive had absolutley no problem getting parts for it, alot of them are interchangable with usdm model cars (z32) also sr/rb20 are around 220 crank hp stock whereas my rb25det is around 240chp stock. i made 290 whp with a stock turbo fmic exhaust and pfc, i dont know much about sr's/rb20's but i doubt youd be putting that down with the same mods, granted im a baller and can afford to daily drive this beast(12mpg + shell v-power = $20.00 a day), seriously i dont know why everyone thinks its so uber exspensive for rb parts.

Its not uber expensive for anything JDM. The only problem is when something that goes wrong that isnt interchangeable, that is critical to the car's operation. You're screwed. Luckily my SR runs like a champ and I drive it like I stole it

[zdonner]

This is a battle going on in my head, I'm about to trade for a 89 Coupe with a RB20 in it and a T04E no installed. I wanted a RB25 but I don't know if I should sell the RB20 and get a SR or a RB25? Funding is an issue so the SR would be cheapest and allow me more goodies at the time of the install but the RB20 would be cheapest still because it's already in the car, but dear god is it ever hard to find parts for that damn thing.

Also I have very conservative power goals, I'm wanting a (as reliable as possible) reliable mid-low 12 second car with the ability to go 11's with little worry when I get bored with it's "current" power.

[themadscientist]

Most of the top drag racing teams used and still use the CA18DET for its cast iron block... they dont distort after 350 rwhp, they've been pushed up to 1000 chp in some places of japan. This information is even backed by tomei.

Block is bulletproof, no doubt. 1000HP, BS, sorry. The baddest CA I ever saw was 700+HP and peaky as hell so until I see a dyno sheet I say no muthaf**kin way and I drive and love the CA18.

Were I stateside I would roll KA24 for the ease of parts and legality or the CA18 because it's a wolverine that likes abuse and reasonably priced. I would shred an SR in a weekend. Rocker arms and oil spraybars? That's a joke right? Wow 70's technology, I guess everything is retro these days.

[Logan76]

Tomei claims there are 1000hp CA's but even though a 700hp CA is pretty badass. Too many people assume because its a 1.8L it cant make serious horsepower, Wrong.

[themadscientist]

No doubt, turbocharging makes so much possible. Small efficient engines can put down the the numbers but they do have to work harder than a bigger motor (generally speaking). I love my CA18 and I love my RB20 and I love my L20, and I love my FJ20. They are all around the same size but each is noticably different in sound and feel but all are fun.

[Carl H]

lol @ sr20's head design, whoever was on that team should be flogged.

[redtop91]

lol @ sr20's head design, whoever was on that team should be flogged.

I should flog you hater.

[themadscientist]

I should flog you hater.

He is correct, the SRs head design sucks. It's not hate, it's fact. Just like the oil pump drive on the RBs, it sucks. It's not hate it's fact. The upper timing chain tensioner on the FJ20, it sucks. It's not hate, it's fact. People get way to touchy about their engine of choice, pretty silly really and pathetic. I can't think of a completely bad Nissan engine but they all have their ideosyncracies. If you don't like hearing about bad head design ditch the SR or find a way to come to terms with it. ie rockerstoppers, religious oil changes and some thicker skin or stay away from the KA, CA and RB forums cause you won't get much love there.