Statistics, statistics....

[hpstreetbuild]

Out of all the fine nissan I4 powerplants, which is the most reliable? The most upgradeable? The most versitle? Which can make the most power? I've heard so much about the imfamous sr20det rated at 202bhp, but how much power can ou truely make from this block and what are the best brands for upgrades?

[VMPhil]

the SR20 is the most tried and true however it is an old platform. Reliability was never really an issue with the SR20 even when boosting (depending on psi and internal upgrades. finding a used SR20Det means the engine is likely to be almost 10 years old so reliability starts to become an issue. so you can draw your own conclusions . if you are looking to do a powerful engine swap, perhaps consider a VQ35, the onyl caviat is there is only 1 known person performing these swaps.
Modified by VMPhil at 12:27 PM 5/21/2007

[hpstreetbuild]

So should i give up on the sr20? What will be the best substitute for my ga16i, if not an sr20det?

[VMPhil]

not necessarily its just something to keep in mind about an SR20DET. since nissan does not make them anymore any engine you get will be kinda old. i didnt see that you currenly have a GA16, so you have a b13 or older so you options are a little more limited. the SR20DET is your only bet for real power, or a turbo kit. some people have swapped in a SR20VE which is nearly 190hp non turbo but these engines are rare and hard to get a hold of.

[nametakennow]

On an '89, stick with an SR20 or a CA18.

How much power do you want? There are SRs with over 400hp out there.

[hpstreetbuild]

Im looking for a least 300 hp. Something i can keep a 5spd behind without going through a clutch every 4 months. I just want a fun street to strip car.

[nametakennow]

Over 300hp in a FWD car is going to be a handful.

Anyway, the 5spd itself isn't the issue with going through clutches, it's the clutch. A 6 puck with a heavy duty pressure plate should be able to handle that and be somewhat streetable.

300hp is going to be easier with the SR. One way to get there would be to find yourself a DET (Bluebird, Avenir, or GTi-R), use a T28 or T3/4 turbo and turn up the boost to 15lbs for starters. That should put you in the 270-280whp area, maybe a little more with a GTi-R.

This is all a matter of if you have the time and a bit of money to make it work.

[RED_DET]

Over 300hp in a FWD car is going to be a handful.

Anyway, the 5spd itself isn't the issue with going through clutches, it's the clutch. A 6 puck with a heavy duty pressure plate should be able to handle that and be somewhat streetable.

300hp is going to be easier with the SR. One way to get there would be to find yourself a DET (Bluebird, Avenir, or GTi-R), use a T28 or T3/4 turbo and turn up the boost to 15lbs for starters. That should put you in the 270-280whp area, maybe a little more with a GTi-R.

This is all a matter of if you have the time and a bit of money to make it work.

Well put.