Swapped sr20dets and reliability
Swapped sr20dets and reliability
How reliable are swapped sr20dets? I'm not asking if the sr20det is a reliable motor, I know it is. What I want to know is how reliable swapped ones are, and why is it I see so many people having problems with them? I'm not mechanically inclined so if I got an sr20 I would have to have someone install it. If something goes wrong, most likely i'll have to pay someone to fix it and I cant afford that. I hear everywhere the engine is extremely reliable, but on nearly ever webpage I see people having problems with them, and if they can go a month without being in the shop that's extremely good. The 240sx is my only car so I can't have it in the shop all the time. I can get an redtop sr20 for 1600 (blacktop for 1900) with all that is needed so this is very tempting, but I cant have it in the shop all the time. SPI will probably be the ones installing it. Has anyone had them install sr20s in their car? Should I go with the sr20, or will the ka with boltons give me less problems than a swapped motor? Right now I only have cold air intake, n1 exhaust, and hs headers. I'm equal to 91 mustang gts with full exhaust and suspension, and can beat lexus es300s (2000 models) my car is fairly quick now, but I know a ka with bolt ons is very limited. If I get an sr20 it will be mildly modified because reliability is the first priority. I'm leaning towards the ka because i KNOW it'll give me no problems, but my transmission's syncos and clutch are worn so time is running out on deciding sr20 or ka. I will be using this car for autocross, and depending on how that goes i'll decide if i want to race on road courses.
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Hijacker
- Posts: 14373
- Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2003 4:57 am
- Car: '92 240sx Convertible
'94 F-150 - Location: Fredericksburg, VA
i've had no problems with my SR for the month that I've had it so far. The guy that did my swap, did a very good job. The big thing you have to remember about the motor is that it's been sitting in junkyards for indefinite amounts of time and probably had a life of abuse before it was put in the junkyard.
when undertaking having an imported engine such as the SR, i recommend that you get some mechanical experience under your belt. I feel it's much more satisfying to fix things myself than to pay a shop an outrageous fee to fix it. Since the SR is a pure import motor, you may find difficulty in getting work done on it, or you may get charged out the rear for repairs done on it. the head gasket and water pump are JDM parts only, so if they go, you need to buy them and then have someone install them if you don't feel you can.
but the long-winded answer to your question is that each engine is different and will give you different issues. mine began farting a few weeks ago, and it turns out one of my exhaust bolts had backed out and the piping had formed a seperation. a new bolt later and everything was fine. just remember, any hybrid engine is going to give you some amount of trouble, but i've always felt it was worth it
when undertaking having an imported engine such as the SR, i recommend that you get some mechanical experience under your belt. I feel it's much more satisfying to fix things myself than to pay a shop an outrageous fee to fix it. Since the SR is a pure import motor, you may find difficulty in getting work done on it, or you may get charged out the rear for repairs done on it. the head gasket and water pump are JDM parts only, so if they go, you need to buy them and then have someone install them if you don't feel you can.
but the long-winded answer to your question is that each engine is different and will give you different issues. mine began farting a few weeks ago, and it turns out one of my exhaust bolts had backed out and the piping had formed a seperation. a new bolt later and everything was fine. just remember, any hybrid engine is going to give you some amount of trouble, but i've always felt it was worth it
I think most of the problem you hear about are swap related not the engine itself.
Not starting, idling (most cases), no power are mostly wiring mishaps or MAFS problems.
The other is turbo failure. Its seems hit and miss, particularly with the redtops IMO, because they are older and most people buy those. I would get a blacktop, S13 or S14 just because they are a few years newer than the red.
Once all the swap problems are ironed out I don't think it is a big problem. I would stick to installers that are well experienced in it, as they are familiar will all the problems that can happen in an install.
Not starting, idling (most cases), no power are mostly wiring mishaps or MAFS problems.
The other is turbo failure. Its seems hit and miss, particularly with the redtops IMO, because they are older and most people buy those. I would get a blacktop, S13 or S14 just because they are a few years newer than the red.
Once all the swap problems are ironed out I don't think it is a big problem. I would stick to installers that are well experienced in it, as they are familiar will all the problems that can happen in an install.
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Touring240
- Posts: 166
- Joined: Tue Jan 07, 2003 5:00 pm
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thats a tough question that has too many variables.
condition of motor quality of install
I did the install myself. Only problem I've had was the turbo gasket going on me which is very commmon and a ***** to replace. The nuts vibrate loose and the gasket is then blown out in chunks. Do yourself a favor and change the gasket or at least make sure the nuts are tight and clips on nice and tight.
condition of motor quality of install
I did the install myself. Only problem I've had was the turbo gasket going on me which is very commmon and a ***** to replace. The nuts vibrate loose and the gasket is then blown out in chunks. Do yourself a favor and change the gasket or at least make sure the nuts are tight and clips on nice and tight.