Questions: Installing SR20DET

[BeatJunky]

I might buy an 89 HB Shell for an SR20DET. At this point, I will be left w/$2000.00 in my budget...

I called SOKO (www.soko.com) since they are nearby and they have 10 sets of SR20DET Engines/Trannys available at $1,400.00 and I would need to get ECU - MAFS - Wire Harness - Intercooler to make complete. Plus since its 1989 I will need power steering lines and reservoir too, correct?

What would you suggest at this point as far where to get these missing parts from???

How much do you think I will spend on these missing parts???

Also... about the install. Since the car already is engineless, how long do you think it will take 2 guys with beginner knowledge in mechanics to make this beast work? When I say beginner, I mean like the most we can do is, oil/filter changes, brakes (pads, calipers, rotors, etc.) and plugs. Some other fairly easy stuff as well.

Will this be too difficult? We have most of the tools necesarry except hoist.

Is there any one or any place online that has some sort of DIY Swap Instructions... Any sort of tips, techniques,etc.

Any help would be greatly appreciated...

TIA!!!!:D

-Omar

BTW... I've been using the lovely bright red "search" button and will continue to dig deeper in the zilvia.net profound sea of searchable information, but please, help here if you can.

[Titan]

You'll also need to get a DOHC gauge cluster, as the 89-90 will not work with the sr harness.

Unless you have magical powers, $600 WON'T cover all those parts, plus install.. No way... not even close.

As for the install itself, if you have patience, and the harness is uncut, then all it will take is time. But don't be fooled, pulling a motor isn't all that easy.

If the harness is cut, then you're in a world of troubles... not likely to get out of without serious help.

All the other parts you mentioned are not only going to be expensive, but also hard to find.

Have fun.

[FRpilot]

there is a bunch of info on the internet to get walk you through the swap. its just actually doing thats going to be tougher.

the parts are not hard to find at all but might cost a lot. ecu is about $500, an uncut harness is about another $500. you can use a z32 maf and you can always use a junkyard intercooler if you're on a budget. otherwise, upgrade replacing is a good option. you can opt for an apex power fc standalone unit and a large fmic while you're at it.

[Jim96SC2]

In other words DON'T BUY CHEAP SR20DET's!

Too much of a pain to get everything togetehr to make it work. Buy a clip, it'll make your life a whole lot easier.

[BeatJunky]

eBay items with no reserve...

$15.50 Stock SR Intercooler See It (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2417018184&category=33742&rd=1) (maybe $50?)
$ 1.00 SR Wiring Harness See It (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2417379982&category=6763&rd=1) (I expect maybe $200 if in a bidding war)
$12.50 Stock SR ECU See It (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2417123763&category=33596&rd=1) (Who knows... maybe $150?)
$ 6.50 Z32 SR MAFS See It (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33553&item=2417288844) (??? $100)
----------------
$500 Overestimated total price shipped

$1,400 Engine/Tranny from SOKO (http://www.soko.com)
$1,000 Engineless 89 Hatchback Base 240SX 5-Speed
----------------
$2,900 Estimated Expense

Labor: Free (by Myself and a few buddys)

[FastBack 240]

Yah, but if you want higher boost your going to need an FMIC which is gonna cost more. Plus with a clip, a lot of times you will get nice goodies like suspension and a bunch of other stuff that you dont get with just the engine/trans.

[BeatJunky]

you know where I can get a clip shipped to my door for no more than $2,500???

I just want it to run well and THEN I will upgrade... Im on budget... $3,000 at the moment to be exact. Then whatever I save per month. My current car (87 Cadillac Coupe Deville) isnt really mine. Im borrowing it but I have to give it back within the next couple of weeks.

This cadillac hurts my sould/ego and sports car needs...:(

[Yoshi]

Don't forget all your fluids and odds and ends... making brackets, etc. There's a ton of stuff that will happen that you just can't plan for. The only way to be ready is to have about $1000 of "oh sh|t" money. Sound like a lot? If ANYTHING goes wrong, it'll cost a lot.

Your plan leaves zero margin for error. Bad odds in anyone's book. The best advice anyone can give, is WAIT until you have a comfortable cushion... I cannot stress that enough... oh, also, if the engine isn't from a clip, odds are that the oil pan is beat to hell, and even a small dent in the pan can cause oil starvation and pop goes your new SR.

There's lots of other things you'll need. I'm sure people will fill in the blanks... I don't think i saw air filter in there either? downpipe?

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by Yoshi
I'm sure people will fill in the blanks...

Im hoping so...

I need more ejamakashion!;)

[BeatJunky]

I think maybe I'll back out...

Anyone know what I decent price is for a proffesional to do it? Locally...

On a side note... What do you think of these?

91 240SX HB SE 170k 5-Speed
pdm cams
susp.techniques F/R sway bars
eibach sportlines
injen intake
5zigen style exhaust


or

89 240SX Base HB 5-Speed
106k on body
no engine/trans
stock
$1,000
or
$2,000 w/62k engine/trans

[Jsquared]

You'll also need to get a DOHC gauge cluster, as the 89-90 will not work with the sr harness.
not sure if you still want it, but I have a km/h japanese cluster with the DOHC KA24DE tach in it... you can take the tach out and put it in your gauge cluster...

[BeatJunky]

Nice...

Well... turns out I wont be doing anything soon. My finances are frozen for 2 weeks.

I'll let you know about the tach...

But please, if anyone has any other suggestions/comments about DIY SR20DET Install... please share!

[Titan]

Trust me, things WILL pop up that will cost most. There are tons of things that you won't be able to plan for. A.K.A you NEED that $1000 cushion.

As for the pro install... you're looking at about $1000-$1500, Give or take.

[dizastaman]

Heavy Throttle's swap FAQ (http://www.srswap.com/c_srfaq.htm)

[TheSparo]

BeatJunky check u'r PM's

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by dizastaman
Heavy Throttle's swap FAQ (http://www.srswap.com/c_srfaq.htm)

Read it... Printed it... Will study this. I looked at SportCarCompacts (?) article too, did the same. (printed, will study,etc.) Also looked up other info. I will do my homework the best I can.

Originally posted by TheSparo
BeatJunky check u'r PM's

Ah!:) If its $2,100 I am game... I e-mailed the guy.
Thanks a million! ;)

So if I get this cheap *** front clip (in price i mean)... Then how difficult will my install still be? Let's assume I ship my harness away for wiring...:)

[drift freaq]

I would go for the 91 over the 89 any day of the week but thats me. If the 91 is the one I am thinking it is then its a pretty nice car. I believe the guy has a pic of it in his sig.
Its gun metal grey right? nice color :D

[elevator]

Originally posted by BeatJunky
eBay items with no reserve...

$15.50 Stock SR Intercooler See It (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2417018184&category=33742&rd=1) (maybe $50?)
$ 1.00 SR Wiring Harness See It (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2417379982&category=6763&rd=1) (I expect maybe $200 if in a bidding war)
$12.50 Stock SR ECU See It (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2417123763&category=33596&rd=1) (Who knows... maybe $150?)
$ 6.50 Z32 SR MAFS See It (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33553&item=2417288844) (??? $100)
----------------
$500 Overestimated total price shipped


$1,400 Engine/Tranny from SOKO (http://www.soko.com)
$1,000 Engineless 89 Hatchback Base 240SX 5-Speed
----------------
$2,900 Estimated Expense

Labor: Free (by Myself and a few buddys)
Don't bother with a stock intercooler if you plan to ever upgrade your sr. It won't handle much more than the stock turbine.
When bidding on ebay be patient! WAIT until the LAST FREAKING SECOND to bid. Someone will inevitably out-bid you.

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by gladhatter
Don't bother with a stock intercooler if you plan to ever upgrade your sr. It won't handle much more than the stock turbine.

I know... I planned on making it run well at stock turbo spec, get the feel for it, etc etc etc, and then begin to mod the turbo.

Originally posted by gladhatter
When bidding on ebay be patient! WAIT until the LAST FREAKING SECOND to bid. Someone will inevitably out-bid you.

Yup!:D

[Jsquared]

When bidding on ebay be patient! WAIT until the LAST FREAKING SECOND to bid. Someone will inevitably out-bid you.
what you just described is called "bid sniping" and is looked down upon on eBay. it's assholes that do that and **** off all the other members. i had high bid on an intercooler for 3 days, then got outbid by $5 (the minimum bid increase) with 14 seconds left by some jerkoff. don't do this.

[BeatJunky]

IMO... Its all part of bidding at an auction... highest bidder wins fair and square no?

[Jim96SC2]

My swap costs have totaled about $6,500 so far.

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by Jim96SC2
My swap costs have totaled about $6,500 so far.

How much did these cost?:D ---> (Greddy Turbo extension, Greddy DP, Greddy V-SPL FMIC, Greddy Hotpipe, HKS SSQV, Koyo Radiator, Toda Ultralight FW, Spec Stage 2 Clutch, ATS 2-way Diff., Rice-Boy Red Air Filter.)

Because that makes a difference!;)

[memphiss13]

i have spent 5500 so far. lets see how much more i spend once it all gets here and i start the install.

[BeatJunky]

Well...

Let's get specific. Here's a new scenario:

$1,000 Project Car Shell
$2,100 SR20DET Clip (Shipped)
-------
$3,100 Beginning Investment

On a DIY basis... what parts would you now buy (including intercooler) to make this car run stable (not superfast, mad drift style yet) while keeping yourself on a "let me spend as little as possible" state of mind.

Please share ideas/suggestions.

I have 2 weeks to decide if I wanna invest into the swap NOW or get a ride around 240 till I got forth with the swap.

[memphiss13]

atleast put a new clutch in if you buy a clip.

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by rookie2nr
atleast put a new clutch in if you buy a clip.

Thats a good start!:D

Flywheel too...
and Filters,Fluids,Oils,etc... What $70?

The List
----------------------
1) Clutch Kit
2) Flywheel
3) Oil/Fuel Filter - Fluids/Oils
4) [add text here]

[BeatJunky]

Lemme add some more


The List
----------------------
1) Clutch Kit & TOB
2) Flywheel
3) Filters
4) Fluids/Oils
5) Electric Fan
6) Power Steering Reservoir/Lines
7) Spark Plugs & Wires
8) Tachometer
9) FMIC

Anything else?

What about random things like heater hose stuff, greases, nuts & bolts, etc.

[memphiss13]

you can just get your flywheel resurfaced, that will save some money. cost about $35 at most places.

[ItzGenX]

Where in hell do you find a clip shipped for 2100???

[240sxownz]

Are you going to ask Zilvia to hold your hand through the whole process of buying a 240 and installing an SR- sure seems like it.
Looking at your posts is :p

[AREITU]

I compiled a really comprehensive list of everything involved in an S13 red-top SR20 swap for a $5000 budget, with an extra $1000 set aside should anything go wrong. I have links to parts websites, tutorials, etc. You might want to check it out. Just PM me and I'll send you the checklist. Doubtless you'll find it very useful in your planning.

I and many others don't recommend motor sets. They're missing small parts you might need, and even though a clip cost more, it'll be worth it so you're not running around like a crazy monkey in a junkyard trying to find tiny parts.

[FRpilot]

dont forget fuel pump. your stock one wont supply enough fuel for your new engine.. walbro for $100. theres a list of things you need to do before a swap on one of the websites. i forgot which one. i think its was heavythrottle.

you might want to upgrade exhaust too. iirc, the stock exhaust is too small for a turbo application. it will work, but there will too much exhuast gas wanting to flow out through your puny stock n/a piping.

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by 240sxownz
Are you going to ask Zilvia to hold your hand through the whole process of buying a 240 and installing an SR- sure seems like it.
Looking at your posts is :p

Quite the funny guy are ya?

There's only so much one can find by searching thru the forums, some other things just have to be asked.

I figured maybe if we can compose a thread detailed enough w/accurate info on how to succesfully shop & prepare/complete an SR swap... that maybe the mods can make a it a sticky thread too. That way, when more n00bs come around, the answers will be laid before them and a lot of dumb questions (such as some of mine) can be avoided and we'll see less retarded replies (like yours...)!

I guess we've got some good info here so far.

Btw, heavythrottle has a shopping list and so does nekopunch (but his shopping list was NOT for a clip but rather for an engine/tranny). I still wanted to ask what everyone else thought should be purchased from your own personal experiences etc.

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by ItzGenX
Where in hell do you find a clip shipped for 2100???

The link was passed on to me thru PM... Not sure if the sender wants to keep it on down low. :confused:

FRpilot:
you might want to upgrade exhaust too

Of course...

rookie2nr:
you can just get your flywheel resurfaced, that will save some money. cost about $35 at most places.

Exactly... I was thinking, If we compile a dead-on list of parts needed for the sr swap (when using a clip) maybe we can also then make a "budget list" and "ideal list"

Example:

Needed Part: Flywheel
-Budget Fix: Resurface OE Flywheel
--Ideal Fix: [enter whatever suggestion here]

And so on....




Anyway... updated list...
Updated:
The List
----------------------
1) Clutch Kit & TOB
2) Flywheel
3) Filters
4) Fluids/Oils
5) Electric Fan
6) Power Steering Reservoir/Lines
7) Spark Plugs & Wires
8) Tachometer
9) FMIC
10) Fuel Pump
11) Exhaust

[240sxownz]

There's only so much one can find by searching thru the forums, some other things just have to be asked.
I dare anyone to take a look at your past threads and replies:
http://www.zilvia.net/f/search.php?s=&action=finduser&userid=10205
You've never done any research on your own.
You only come on here to ask if "Is this a good price for this car- I can't think for myself"
"I only have $3,000 I need a 240 + SR20DET by yesterday (bandwagonjumper)."
Your questions and replies speak for themselves- no brain.

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by 240sxownz
I dare anyone to take a look at your past threads and replies:
http://www.zilvia.net/f/search.php?s=&action=finduser&userid=10205
You've never done any research on your own.
You only come on here to ask if "Is this a good price for this car- I can't think for myself"
"I only have $3,000 I need a 240 + SR20DET by yesterday (bandwagonjumper)."
Like I said- your threads and replies will speak for themselves- pretty sad.

You are one entertaining individual. Funny how you are posting the same attacks on both this thread and the thread on my sig.

If my "lame" posts/threads are useless then what can you say about your attacks towards me?
Do they have anything to do in relation to the reason we are all here? (discuss, research, enjoy 240's)
Or are they far more useless...

Thank You!

[240sxownz]

You didn't answer the question.
Are you going to ask Zilvia to hold your hand through the whole process of buying a 240 and installing an SR- sure seems like it.
Looking at your posts is :p

You need to add this to your sig: "And for only $3,000 which is all I got."

[Kid Zelda]

Originally posted by BeatJunky
How much did these cost?:D ---> (Greddy Turbo extension, Greddy DP, Greddy V-SPL FMIC, Greddy Hotpipe, HKS SSQV, Koyo Radiator, Toda Ultralight FW, Spec Stage 2 Clutch, ATS 2-way Diff., Rice-Boy Red Air Filter.)


205
150
800
200
250
340
430
300
900
15
=$3590, does not included tax or shipping .. if you are cutting corners to get a motor set instead of an SR clip, then you're in no position to buy all those parts listed at once.

[Kid Zelda]

BTW, in a way I agree with 240sxownz, we dont need to help tie your shoes
:p

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by Kid Zelda
BTW, in a way I agree with 240sxownz, we dont need to help tie your shoes
:p

;) You dont need to... Its your choice :D

I appologize if I have been a nuisance.. Im just here to try and get educated in these cars and their potential. I will be buying one within the next couple of weeks and want to absorb as much info as possible before purchase so that I know what I just invested in. Thus far... I dont think theres anything else out there that beats the 240 when it comes to bang for the buck.

Unless I get a 96 Geo Metro and load it up with a gazillion shot of nitrous!:D:D

[Kid Zelda]

Originally posted by BeatJunky
;) You dont need to... Its your choice :D

I can help you with euthanasia :)


I appologize if I have been a nuisance.. Im just here to try and get educated in these cars and their potential. I will be buying one within the next couple of weeks and want to absorb as much info as possible before purchase so that I know what I just invested in. Thus far... I dont think theres anything else out there that beats the 240 when it comes to bang for the buck.

Unless I get a 96 Geo Metro and load it up with a gazillion shot of nitrous!:D:D
Do search, read, and learn .. no need to ask GAZILLIONBILLIONTRILLO questions at once ... that's when people get feed-up with the bullish :)

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by Kid Zelda
I can help you with euthanasia :)



Do search, read, and learn .. no need to ask GAZILLIONBILLIONTRILLO questions at once ... that's when people get feed-up with the bullish :)

I know...:)

Search often times is somewhat vague, doesnt answer all... but believe you me, I do...

[AREITU]

yeesh. Calm down before this turns into a Honda Boy Flame Thread.

If you tell everybody to search, there won't be a thread that really explains what you're looking for. And besides, do you know how much effort it takes to search for seemingly obvious questions? Pages and pages and pages of extraneous crap...and it's hard to find any good information. I'm suprised the moderators don't have locked super-stickies with evverrrryyyything you need to know regarding the swaps and stuff posted at the top of the thread.

240owns, why don't you hit search and find all threads with meaningful information regarding the SR swap? I bet the majority of them have someone going "Search." and don't contain information. Don't forget to tell us how long it took either.
---

A 1G DSM beats the 240SX for straight line bang-for-the-buck, and you can get it with AWD too. Just pop in a new shortblock or something if it has a gazillion miles, and for a small budget, you can have a fairly quick DSM. Other than that, there's always horrifically depreciated muscle cars laying around for the taking.
---

From what I gather, a front clip is probably the best thing to do. You don't have to track down all the millions of small pieces laying around. With your budget, it'd be a very close call with no margin for error.

[elevator]

Originally posted by Jsquared
what you just described is called "bid sniping" and is looked down upon on eBay. it's assholes that do that and **** off all the other members.
Okay...so I'm an asshole? Believe me...ebay could care less. The buyers want the best product for the least money...the sellers want the most money possible for their product.
Originally posted by Jsquared
i had high bid on an intercooler for 3 days, then got outbid by $5 (the minimum bid increase) with 14 seconds left by some jerkoff. don't do this.
You bid WAY too soon. You tipped your hand. Also...If you were out-bid in the last seconds by only $5.00, you just bid too little.

[UltraOrange]

On the Ebay issue set you max bid at what you willing to spend I've lost a few times but a few buck but hey it happens and sniping isn't cool in my mind but it does get the job done.

And now for the search function I may nit be some posting god on this forum but I do know how thigns work and the search button is the key to unlucking the wealth of kowledge some of us bozos have commented upon in the past. Don't give the excuse "but somany answers come up" yea dude rephrase the query.

BeatJunky . . Dude you really need to get some more wrench time and read alot more I know a guy similar to your situation and I wish I had never said he could do it. Don't expect you to care but I guess good luck, maybe you'll learn something.

And from raeding this thread I am surprised how tolerante you guys are must be from thr RWD or something mad props to you composure .

[BeatJunky]

Originally posted by AREITU
I'm suprised the moderators don't have locked super-stickies with evverrrryyyything you need to know regarding the swaps and stuff posted at the top of the thread.

IMO these should exist...