VTC Worth anything on a blacktop?

[KaZ (VaBch)]

If given the choice of the blacktop non vtc, or a blacktop with vtc (VTC of course being more expensive), which would you take? Same mileage, same etc... just of course VTC priced more. Is the VTC worth it? Is the potential the same? If you get all the same mods:

T28, 740cc injectors, FMIC, boost controller, SAFC2, Exhaust Manifold, Dump Pipe, 3" Exhaust, yadda, yadda, will they all end up with the same HP?

Thanks!

[SpeedRacer1]

The S14 should have slightly more power but the VTC really doesnt do much. The S14 SR20DET with VTC is more expensive because it comes with a ball bearing turbo.

[KaZ (VaBch)]

What I thought, Thx!

[hokiruu]

I have an S14 SR, and I really can't notice much in the way of VTC at all. Someone once told me it doesn't necessarily work after a swap, but he had an S15. if mine was or wasn't working, I couldn't really say. if anyone knows of some way to be sure, please let me know.

[SRdave240]

You are talking about an s13 blacktop vs an s14. I would go with the s13 and take the extra money saved and put it towards a bigger turbo.

[hokiruu]

Yeah, if you want alot of power and have another $1500 before the cost of an upgraded turbo, go with an s13. For $4k, you can have your S13 SR motorset, metal headgasket, RAS, upgraded valvesprings, injectors, and some type of fuel management. Then you'll be all set to upgrade your turbo. That's only a little more than an S14 SR. I got an S14 SR becase mine is practically brand new, and I don't need tons of power.

[Dori Dori]

740cc injectors? What size turbo do you plan on getting?

[HalluSINogen]

so ive been told that once you start making high horsepower you will start having problems with the VTC and its better to go with the S13 blacktop

[Onizuka]

Thats probably myth, as I have seen numberous high power s14 SR's in magazines. Even if it is a problem, im sure its not that hard to fix.

[usdm_180sx]

Thats probably myth, as I have seen numberous high power s14 SR's in magazines. Even if it is a problem, im sure its not that hard to fix.

I agree. I've seen s14 blactops making upwards of 450-500ps in option magazines many a time. I also read that the low port design on the s14 blacktop is more efficient. It all breaks down to how much money do you wanna spend?

[hokiruu]

I agree. While you may see the occasional S14 with an S13 SR in Japan, that is probably more due to it being a Q's swap or having blown the original engine and needing a cheap replacement. S14s and S15s both are making tremendous amounts of power in Japan, so don't buy all that "redtops are inherantly better AND cheaper" business. I CAN tell you one thing in favor of the notch tops, though. Alot of them are running pretty big turbos with little more than upgraded pistons, because there is a slight improvement with the late S14 and S15 SRs in the internals over the S13 SRs. Unless they have a stroker kit, alot of the high power S14 and S15 SRs are using stock rods and cranks. That, combined with the fact that most of them are newer/lower mileage made it worht the extra money and a good choice for me, since I dont want to save money on an engine and instead use it to rebuild it and upgrade the turbo.

[EazyBreazy]

plus an s14 sr's wiring harnes is alot more compatible with the s14 240 wiring harness so there is less headaches with the install.

[hokiruu]

yep. even with abs like me it is not too difficult. not that i did mine

[Hijacker]

in all honesty, the materials between an S13/S14/S15 SR aren't radically different for the internals. The S14 and S15 SR run low port heads, but come with larger BB turbos and the VTC. I think if you don't plan to keep your engine stock, a redtop will be the way to go. When internals start to get replaced, mileage doesn't matter anymore. Aside from the VTC and the headflow design, all SR's are pretty much equal.

[hokiruu]

yeah, the difference is not huge or anything, sorry if i gave anyone that impression.