Why?

[IHeartRPS13]

ok, i must ask this question. whats with all the hate on sr20? I am fan of both the ca and the sr. let me brace myself... ok here we go.

[themadscientist]

CA18 guys have a chip on their shoulders. Years of having the SR20 fanbois completely discount and ridicule their motor based on nothing but internet hearsay has made them ready to fight at the drop of a hat. I suspect the KA24 lovers get similar BS from them but they can always fall back on the larger displacement argument. For CA owners defending an older smaller engine it really becomes a crusade, a religion to make sure due props are given. When props are not given they must be taken by force. This has left a pushback mentality that fosters deep seated hatred of the SR. I think CA18 guys feel like the men in the iron mask while the false king, the SR20 sits undeservedly on the throne. I used to be a dogmatic hater, a templar ready to fight the holy battle against the minions of the false god, the "soda can motor" as I call it.

The facts are this though, both motors taken out of the war zone and examined objectively display both merits and shortcomings.

The SR20 has more displacement and like it or not it does make a difference. Anybody that argues it doesn't matter is a fool who flies in the face of basic logic and anything else they say should be examined closely. point for the SR.

The CA18 has a superior valve train design and the belt drive is a better method of driving it. A chain is stronger but it is heavier for it and parasitic. Broken timing belts are the result of poor maintenance as are stretched timing chains and thus not a valid point in the discussion. Broken cam followers are a reality though. Point for the CA.

The fully counterweighted crank, larger journals and bigger rod bolts are a no brainer. I'm not sure where this "revvier" BS came from regarding the CA because the SR's rotating assembly is as well designed as the top end is badly designed. The half counterweighted crank and smaller rod journals with smaller bolts are a shortcoming in the CA. The exact causes of the propensity to rod knock a CA are not really important, the fact that it happens and with much more frequency than an SR simply confirms what old fashioned horse sense and simple math suggested. Point for the SR

The aluminum block of the SR can be considered a strength, Having the head and block made of the same metal is advantageous to head gasket sealing as the expand with heat at similar rates. The CA with the iron block and aluminum head has the gasket bridging the gap between two different matals that do not behave the same.The aluminum block sheds heat quicker, a definite plus but the CA with it's iron block is a brick, bulletproof. It is easy to machine and solid enough to accept a decent bore with no worry of lost cylinder strength. If you wish to expand the SR past it's original bore you will watch your wallet shrink. Taken collectively the point IMO goes to the CA.

The after market has embraced the SR20, there is no getting around it. There is potentially no Nissan performance engine with less support than the CA. I can get more parts for the L, the FJ, heck even an A, you likely don't even know what an A14 is but know I can get more gear for that brand new than CA stuff. Point for the SR.

It's really a tossup; it depends on the person. The nice thing is each motor is unique. Each has strengths and weaknesses that appeal to different people. The RB and KA are similarly dissimilar. There is a flavor for everyone but many people are not satisfied when others do not share their tastes and have to be a d!ck about it. There are some serious tools flying the SR flag but there are also some real abrasive CA owners firing first. It could be argued that the SR guys started it, they did; but that's not mature and sounds childish and weak.

Love thy motor but also respect that other people love theirs.

[float_6969]

Amen Brother!

[themadscientist]

You should see the hate aimed at the RB20 by RB25 guys. They are really d!ck sometimes. The RB26 guys for the most part rightly remain above it, they don't take notice of either of the smaller RBs and don't try to split hairs. To them it's RB26, all the other guys.

[Rin5]

CA18 guys have a chip on their shoulders. Years of having the SR20 fanbois completely discount and ridicule their motor based on nothing but internet hearsay has made them ready to fight at the drop of a hat. I suspect the KA24 lovers get similar BS from them but they can always fall back on the larger displacement argument. For CA owners defending an older smaller engine it really becomes a crusade, a religion to make sure due props are given. When props are not given they must be taken by force. This has left a pushback mentality that fosters deep seated hatred of the SR. I think CA18 guys feel like the men in the iron mask while the false king, the SR20 sits undeservedly on the throne. I used to be a dogmatic hater, a templar ready to fight the holy battle against the minions of the false god, the "soda can motor" as I call it.

Love thy motor but also respect that other people love theirs.

Inspiring.

[ragenasian]

CA18 guys have a chip on their shoulders. Years of having the SR20 fanbois completely discount and ridicule their motor based on nothing but internet hearsay has made them ready to fight at the drop of a hat. I suspect the KA24 lovers get similar BS from them but they can always fall back on the larger displacement argument. For CA owners defending an older smaller engine it really becomes a crusade, a religion to make sure due props are given. When props are not given they must be taken by force. This has left a pushback mentality that fosters deep seated hatred of the SR. I think CA18 guys feel like the men in the iron mask while the false king, the SR20 sits undeservedly on the throne. I used to be a dogmatic hater, a templar ready to fight the holy battle against the minions of the false god, the "soda can motor" as I call it.

The facts are this though, both motors taken out of the war zone and examined objectively display both merits and shortcomings.

The SR20 has more displacement and like it or not it does make a difference. Anybody that argues it doesn't matter is a fool who flies in the face of basic logic and anything else they say should be examined closely. point for the SR.

The CA18 has a superior valve train design and the belt drive is a better method of driving it. A chain is stronger but it is heavier for it and parasitic. Broken timing belts are the result of poor maintenance as are stretched timing chains and thus not a valid point in the discussion. Broken cam followers are a reality though. Point for the CA.

The fully counterweighted crank, larger journals and bigger rod bolts are a no brainer. I'm not sure where this "revvier" BS came from regarding the CA because the SR's rotating assembly is as well designed as the top end is badly designed. The half counterweighted crank and smaller rod journals with smaller bolts are a shortcoming in the CA. The exact causes of the propensity to rod knock a CA are not really important, the fact that it happens and with much more frequency than an SR simply confirms what old fashioned horse sense and simple math suggested. Point for the SR

The aluminum block of the SR can be considered a strength, Having the head and block made of the same metal is advantageous to head gasket sealing as the expand with heat at similar rates. The CA with the iron block and aluminum head has the gasket bridging the gap between two different matals that do not behave the same.The aluminum block sheds heat quicker, a definite plus but the CA with it's iron block is a brick, bulletproof. It is easy to machine and solid enough to accept a decent bore with no worry of lost cylinder strength. If you wish to expand the SR past it's original bore you will watch your wallet shrink. Taken collectively the point IMO goes to the CA.

The after market has embraced the SR20, there is no getting around it. There is potentially no Nissan performance engine with less support than the CA. I can get more parts for the L, the FJ, heck even an A, you likely don't even know what an A14 is but know I can get more gear for that brand new than CA stuff. Point for the SR.

It's really a tossup; it depends on the person. The nice thing is each motor is unique. Each has strengths and weaknesses that appeal to different people. The RB and KA are similarly dissimilar. There is a flavor for everyone but many people are not satisfied when others do not share their tastes and have to be a d!ck about it. There are some serious tools flying the SR flag but there are also some real abrasive CA owners firing first. It could be argued that the SR guys started it, they did; but that's not mature and sounds childish and weak.

Love thy motor but also respect that other people love theirs.

Great to be on Vacation huh TMS

[ard]

and what with the RB30 guys? i believe that everybody praises what they have.in fact i love bmw, they are great, but i own two nissans (and a bmw )

[DALAZ_68]

CA18 guys have a chip on their shoulders. Years of having the SR20 fanbois completely discount and ridicule their motor based on nothing but internet hearsay has made them ready to fight at the drop of a hat. I suspect the KA24 lovers get similar BS from them but they can always fall back on the larger displacement argument. For CA owners defending an older smaller engine it really becomes a crusade, a religion to make sure due props are given. When props are not given they must be taken by force. This has left a pushback mentality that fosters deep seated hatred of the SR. I think CA18 guys feel like the men in the iron mask while the false king, the SR20 sits undeservedly on the throne. I used to be a dogmatic hater, a templar ready to fight the holy battle against the minions of the false god, the "soda can motor" as I call it.

The facts are this though, both motors taken out of the war zone and examined objectively display both merits and shortcomings.

The SR20 has more displacement and like it or not it does make a difference. Anybody that argues it doesn't matter is a fool who flies in the face of basic logic and anything else they say should be examined closely. point for the SR.

The CA18 has a superior valve train design and the belt drive is a better method of driving it. A chain is stronger but it is heavier for it and parasitic. Broken timing belts are the result of poor maintenance as are stretched timing chains and thus not a valid point in the discussion. Broken cam followers are a reality though. Point for the CA.

The fully counterweighted crank, larger journals and bigger rod bolts are a no brainer. I'm not sure where this "revvier" BS came from regarding the CA because the SR's rotating assembly is as well designed as the top end is badly designed. The half counterweighted crank and smaller rod journals with smaller bolts are a shortcoming in the CA. The exact causes of the propensity to rod knock a CA are not really important, the fact that it happens and with much more frequency than an SR simply confirms what old fashioned horse sense and simple math suggested. Point for the SR

The aluminum block of the SR can be considered a strength, Having the head and block made of the same metal is advantageous to head gasket sealing as the expand with heat at similar rates. The CA with the iron block and aluminum head has the gasket bridging the gap between two different matals that do not behave the same.The aluminum block sheds heat quicker, a definite plus but the CA with it's iron block is a brick, bulletproof. It is easy to machine and solid enough to accept a decent bore with no worry of lost cylinder strength. If you wish to expand the SR past it's original bore you will watch your wallet shrink. Taken collectively the point IMO goes to the CA.

The after market has embraced the SR20, there is no getting around it. There is potentially no Nissan performance engine with less support than the CA. I can get more parts for the L, the FJ, heck even an A, you likely don't even know what an A14 is but know I can get more gear for that brand new than CA stuff. Point for the SR.

It's really a tossup; it depends on the person. The nice thing is each motor is unique. Each has strengths and weaknesses that appeal to different people. The RB and KA are similarly dissimilar. There is a flavor for everyone but many people are not satisfied when others do not share their tastes and have to be a d!ck about it. There are some serious tools flying the SR flag but there are also some real abrasive CA owners firing first. It could be argued that the SR guys started it, they did; but that's not mature and sounds childish and weak.

Love thy motor but also respect that other people love theirs.

that...was...GLORIOUSLY well put

[boost_boy]

Preach on preacher-man

Dee

[IHeartRPS13]

wow...even the sr20det vs ca18det don't put it as well as you do. btw what happened to raretricks TMS that sight was like a holy grail for parts. I'm swaying more to the sr side right now. Which one would respond better? looking to make 300-350whp. would a gt2871r .64 be a good match? looking at the dynos boost comes on kinda late for what i'm looking for.
Modified by IHeartRPS13 at 5:55 AM 7/29/2008

[themadscientist]

.64 is a good size.

[bradt]

when people ask me sr vs ca, i side with the ca (of course) because:

The CA was given up to the SR because of financial reasons within Nissan. Not because of development or change in technology. The all aluminum SR was cheaper to produce.

Now, go check the prices of the swaps.

why the hell would I pay MORE for a CHEAPLY produced motor?

Supply and Demand has worked in my favor

[themadscientist]

if you went KA24 even more so and bonus, it's already in the car and legal.

[IHeartRPS13]

Well the thing that really deter me from the CA is the ecu...

[float_6969]

How is that a deterrent? If you're really THAT worried about it, get a megasquirt.

[ca18detgabby]

Well the thing that really deter me from the CA is the ecu...

HUH? I dont understand...... of all the things I would nit pick about my CA, the ECU def isnt one of them. is it because of diagnoseability?

btw TMS, I think they added this Icon just for you. though Im not sure what aftermarket parts people are dying to have that dont exsist? intake manfold and a decent exhaust manifold is about all I can think of. beyond that you can pretty much use all SR, RB, or other motor parts with little or not effort.

[jbracy7]

im gonna say ka cause i done the sr20 swap, and i wasnt happy at all. i got 2000 miles out of it before it blew up in my face. its easier to boost a ka anyway. the ca,havent ever seen one or touched one before. besides the sr is starting to become ricey. just my o p

[The_Chosen_One]

How is that a deterrent? If you're really THAT worried about it, get a megasquirt.

I like your thinking

[ragenasian]

im gonna say ka cause i done the sr20 swap, and i wasnt happy at all. i got 2000 miles out of it before it blew up in my face. its easier to boost a ka anyway. the ca,havent ever seen one or touched one before. besides the sr is starting to become ricey. just my o p

[ca18detgabby]

lol I enjoyed alot of that post...... how is it "easier" to boost a KA than do a SR swap? I guess if you are doing a ghetto tune and expect it to last a few weeks.

[jbracy7]

no i am one ofthe few peaple on here that rom tunes ther car. it was easier for me. it also may be harder for some. megasquirt is ok but there is a big learning curve to using it