Sr20det assembly and tuning ideas

[Sr20probs]

Hey guys I have a few questions about my build I'm doing.

Sr20det redtop
-forged Mahle 86.5mm 8.5:1 pistons
-forged eagle rods
-ACL bearings
-cometic headgasket
-oem headstuds?
-oem main studs?

I'm going to assemble the bottom end and was wondering if anyone has any trouble with the arp main studs I may go oem by arp seems to be my best bet while I'm in there. I was curious if anyone had any issues with them. What's the best assembly lube to use? Also I was considering having rs enthlapy tuning my ECU. Just posting ideas that's all looking for opinions thanks

[gaz_moose]

I know of a fair few people that have had trouble with cometic headgaskets.

what power are you aiming for?

the arp main studs put my caps out of round. I wish I would have saved myself the hassle and just used oem main studs.

you can just use ep90 gear oil as assembly oil. or just engine oil.

[Sr20probs]

I was aiming for around 300-350 as I plan on dailying it. I can't seem to find a set of oem main studs. I've read the arp can give trouble.:/

[RalliartRsX]

ARP main required an align hone and not many machines shops are capable of doing this with the SR block (Mazworx can however).

ARP head bolts may be incorrect (too shot). Use Mazworx

Everything else looks good. Make sure to have good tools to take various measurements (bore out of round, bearing, etc etc)

[Sr20probs]

Where can I get a set of oem mainstuds? I don't want to reuse the old ones. Block is currently st the machine shop getting decked and bored. Thank you.

[hanzbrady]

Where can I get a set of oem mainstuds? I don't want to reuse the old ones. Block is currently st the machine shop getting decked and bored. Thank you.

You can re-use the OEM mains, they're not torque to yield. ARP main studs, or any aftermarket ones for that matter will distort the main caps and require machining, also a take away note, ARP main studs for the SR20det are actually designed for the FWD block and oil pan, so you have clearance issues with the oil pan on a RWD det block. Mazworx main studs don't have that issue ;)

[Sr20probs]

What about the headgasket size I have a 87mm I bought previously but oh to bore the block to fit 87mm pistons, would I need a 88mm headgasket or can I run the one I have?

[hanzbrady]

What about the headgasket size I have a 87mm I bought previously but oh to bore the block to fit 87mm pistons, would I need a 88mm headgasket or can I run the one I have?

you would run an 87mm-87.50mm head gasket.

[RalliartRsX]

hanz, would that also be the case if the block is bored to 86.5mm?? Would you run a 86.5-87mm head gasket??

[hanzbrady]

hanz, would that also be the case if the block is bored to 86.5mm?? Would you run a 86.5-87mm head gasket??

Yes. msglength

[2_Liter_Turbo]

I run ARP mains, and never had any issues. I had the block machined for them though, lol.

[Sr20probs]

So you don't think I have to buy a new headgasket to run the 87mms?

[hanzbrady]

So you don't think I have to buy a new headgasket to run the 87mms?

You should always use a new one, however; if you're very strapped for cash and have a good quality MLS gasket you can re-use them.

[Sr20probs]

I have it brand new in the box 87mm but just worried bout heat expansion I read you should run .5-1mm over the bore size.

[hanzbrady]

I have it brand new in the box 87mm but just worried bout heat expansion I read you should run .5-1mm over the bore size.

That's why the hole in head gaskets aren't exactly their advertised bore size, they're always slightly larger, also your engine bores aren't growing .5- 1mm from heat expansion, they hardly move and if they do it's by thousandths of an inch. You will be fine.