What to look for when buying an SR

[edwards30]

So I am going to look at buying my first SR this weekend. It is an S13 Redtop for $1000. He bought it out of a car that wasn't running because the timing was wrong. He fixed the timing and also tore the whole motor down. So he says that one of the crank bearings are a little discolored. What other stuff should i look for since i have no experience with SR's yet?

[duffman1278]

The question is, how familiar are you with engine components, more specifically internals? Because it sounds like that motor might need some work done to it. Best thing would be to find some way to run a compression test on it, as well as a leak down test. Pop open the valve cover and inspect the cams to make sure they look liek they're in good shape and don't have any markings of any sort. Look down the spark plug hole as well to check out the pistons.

[DuckyD]

Either he bought the engine hoping to fix it, and ran out of money.
Or he got the engine, realized it was screwed up, and is trying to pass his misfortune to someone else.
If you are unfamiliar with motors in general, I would probably try to find a running motor or one from a reputable importer.

That being said, if the motor is together do a compression check and look for consistency.
Pull off the valvecover, look for sludge and any kind of wear on the cams (one of the first signs of oil starvation).
Make sure the turbo is free spinning.
If you are able to, drop the oil pan and look for any debris.
Take some pics and post them up

[edwards30]

well i know the car it came out of. It was advertised as not running because of the timing being done wrong. I found this motor because i accidently called about his built S13 online. but basically he said he would put it together and sell it for 1000 but doesn't know about the compression or anything like that.

[74Celica]

I would stay away...

[patrickm1587]

X2 on staying away.

[nissan_star]

just because he said it was a timing problem, doesn't mean it was a timing problem. For all you know he might not know what happened at all. I would bring someone i trust with me that I know has plenty of expertise with SR's or maybe just engines in general, have them look it over and see what they think.

[edwards30]

okay update: i talked to the guy who sold him the SR. He rebuilt it to stock spec, but used S14 rods and pistons? he said when he got it that it spun a bearing so he rebuilt it. He said after the rebuild he drove it six miles then the ECU fried..and the timing was still a problem when he sold it.

[duffman1278]

Just walk away from this. It sounds like you have no idea what you're getting into, or how to fix it.

[Didderson]

If it was his first rebuild after a spun bearing, the crank could have been messed up from when the original bearing was spun out. If he's an A+ engine rebuilder and you got to hear it run and run strong then I'd say OK but I think the ECU and timing are excuses to sell a badly rebuild engine.
Like everyone says, stay away from this one unless you wanna learn a lot LOL

[edwards30]

thanks for the input everyone. Probably going to steer clear until he gets desperate for cash and sells it for cheap

[PyR0NiAk]

If you really want to assemble your own SR just frequent the engine/drivetrain for sale section. You'll find heads, blocks, and everything else you need in there to get started.

[93 Chuki FB]

thanks for the input everyone. Probably going to steer clear until he gets desperate for cash and sells it for cheap

i bought my sr20 running for $400, but it had some terrible rattling noise that the guy said was a rod bearing (i even thought it was a bearing issue when i heard it). I come to find out it was air in the lifters and a bad timing chain guide. And not to mention piston number 1 was all chewed up and at some point the engine lost oil pressure. If the guy will sell u everything for like $600, do it and go straight to a rebuild and that way u know its good.

[edwards30]

Ok so i have an update, I bought the SR for $150. I am getting the crank turned,polished, and balanced as soon as I can figure out OEM crank specs. Anybody able to offer help?

[OM3GA]

sweet