SR20DET driveability

[hbrown]

I have an 89' S13 SOHC that I have driven since 89'. I have other vehicles, but I have kept the 240 going and love it- it is my commuting car and kicking around car. (yeah, I had a 240 back before they were cool)-so I know what the car is all about. 243,000 miles- in the last fifteen years I have done almost everything possible to it except crack into the bottom end of the engine. I am considering the SR20DET swap-my question is: How is the driveablity? I love the car, but my SOHC 240 is so slow that it cant get out of it's own way unless I floor it and dump the clutch- yeah, it moves smartly, but not fast. When the A/C is on you have to drive it a whole different way it drags the engine down so much- you guys who have one know what I mean- (I dunno if the DOHC is any better or not- I have never driven one). Anyway- that is annoying when old ladies on thier way to Kroger are dusting you from a stoplight. I would tend to think the SR20DET would be as bad or even worse when not in attack mode- on boost and spinning some revs so to speak. You guys that have one- educate me- is this the case?

[yellow_jacket]

Boost builds very well at 3,000rpm so it doesn't have to be wound out to make great power. Personally, I think the driveability is fine. Remember, this was the stock motor in Japan where people drive it daily. I use mine to commute and run around a lot. It is really a pretty quick car with the stock SR in it.

Your other option is to do the DOHC swap. Maybe someone will let you drive their car so you can see if you like the DOHC and if it is enough for you.

[Silvia007]

The SR20DET actually rides really, really nice. From a dead stop, turbo unspooled, the car feels like any other NA vehicle. If you are going to work and not in attack mode, it feels fine, not sluggish or weak. Although once you floor it, you're in for a sweet, sweet surprise.

[240SXer]

Ya.. Till you get a big turbo. Mine is pretty slow till about 4200rpm, but that's okay because it's a ball bearing turbo so even though it's not spooled it can move a little bit. Overall it'll be a different feel, but you'll get used to it. It'll have a lot more power. If you care about performance go SR, but if you just want another reliable motor just go with a KA24DE

[azncorruptedo17]

sr20 should have no problems at all once installed, its a younger engine ;D

[dareo]

You would love an SR, i've got a NON-turbo SR20 in an NX and the powerband is great. toss in some boost and RWD and it'd be twice as cool. Also consider doing a N/A KA24DE swap, use the sohc pistons and some bolt ons. You could have a torquey 160whp or so.

[getnrowdy23]

want fast cool stuff... srdescent but really reliable.... kaka = cheapersr = addicting: always want more boost=more money=more fun.