why an sr20 and not an rb25det? I need to be convinced one way or another

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maxima278
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I own an s14 auto, with a burned up wiring harness. I acquired this car to put in an sr20, but I'm wondering whether I should try for an rb25. Which one will I get my money's worth with? Keep in mind, I like handling as much as I like power, I have limited mechanical skills and money to begin with, and am looking for a reliable car. Thanks for any info you can give me.


Ralph
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maxima278 wrote:I own an s14 auto, with a burned up wiring harness. I acquired this car to put in an sr20, but I'm wondering whether I should try for an rb25. Which one will I get my money's worth with? Keep in mind, I like handling as much as I like power, I have limited mechanical skills and money to begin with, and am looking for a reliable car. Thanks for any info you can give me.
SR...why so say, well you answered the question your self.

Limited mechanical skillsLimited MoneyYou want handeling so handeling is a no brainer with the near perfect weight distribution with a SR versus a nose heavy RB.

That should be enough, but if you need more, I've got it.

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maxima278
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I think I pretty much am trying to talk myself out of the rb25... I had friends trying to talk me into it. Thanks very much for your input.

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lee_harvey
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in an S14 i would go with an RB25. alot of the SRs that are coming over now arent as good as they used to be IMO. Besides, the RB25's are newer. i have an SR in my S13 and kinda wish i woulda gone RB25. My friend has an RB in his S13 and its not as nose heavy as people say.

240DRFT
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have you considered a rb20?

mynismo
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handling and weight distribution.

sr aftermarket support is better in the u.s. it would cost about the same to get an rb25 as fast as an sr20. the rb26 is the only worthy choice of rb engines

Ralph
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If your going to spend the money on RB series motors into a USDM 240sx chassis, you might as well break the bank and do a RB26DETT. Now THATS a swap I considered and are still looking into if I can find a motor/rb25 transmission deal good enough.

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Hijacker
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a lot of people say that an RB can cost less an SR swap, but with all the little extras that add up, I've seen properly done RB swaps blow way past the SR cost. Also, an RB swap can really be a PITA if you have limited mechanical and electrical knowlegde. After doing a few SR swaps, electrical knowledge seems to be more important than outright mechanical skills.

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maxima278
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Well, I am an electrician... although I don't know if it will help me in the automotive world. Thanks to all for the info

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maxima278
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Somebody mentioned the rb20... what can you tell me about it? how does it compare to the SR20? I think I've found rb20s cheaper before but never paid them much attention

nismostate
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2.0 L inline 6 w/ iron block i believe.

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JustinStrife
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It all comes down to preference. The easiest would probably be to do the Sr20. The RB25 should give you more torquey response(plus the sound of a turbo inline six rb is music). The Sr20 revs higher and is a bit lighter. Every engine has it's pros and cons. You should take time and seriously go into all the motor sections of nicoclub and talk to people who actually run them.

It may make you more confused, but at least you'll look at both options with eyes wide open.

Doomed2Walk
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Well knowledge can be free, car parts rarely are. For cost effectiveness I'd say SR, more specifically the red top. But for the sake of arguing the engines, RB25 pros: has more torque, I believe the I6 will also give you a flatter curve, iron block. Cons: I've read it's about 150 lbs heavier so that adds weight, costs more (maybe not the engine+trans but, motor mounts, x-member, etc adds up), hard to find parts if things break. SR pros: Although it's a 4 banger, it's a proven engine that can make good power, helps for balancing the car, it's cheaper than a RB, there's some interchangeability with USDM parts, steadily gaining popularity so parts are easier to find. Cons: Needs quite a few bolt-ons to make good power, not as powerful or torquey, steadily gaining popularity so it's getting more expensive.

s13rb25
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rb25 all the way, you dont need custom mounts if you get a front clip. Sr's are fun but id go with an rb. Sounds better, weight difference is nothing to worry about, runs with bolt on sr's with less modification:helps your reliability cause. I wouldnt even consider doing an sr swap anymore. but thats just me and you shouldnt let anyone tell you what to do to your car. If its not your choice or preference then whats the point in doing it? Long live RB

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BoostFab
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it's just matter of prefference & budget.

but if it's in my situation:
s13rb25 wrote:rb25 all the way,
aftermarket support for rb is already abundant. the rb25 will support near 600hp motor. go figure. i could be bias because i already got a rb-s13.

one more thing, those that have driven an rb power 240, will not complain about the weight. i'm on totally stock suspension and the ride is so smooth.


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