SR20DET swap...... can I?

[GlobeCLK]

Hello everyone.  I’m new to this forum to research for some things regarding the SE20DET.  Seems like everyone is pretty knowledgeable about the SR20DET, I hope someone can help me out here….. thanks.

I’m planning on getting a S13 240sx hatchback (PS13 180sx) as a project car, and I’m having problems deciding whether I should go with the SR20DET engine swap or keep the KA24DE and modify it.

1) Are there any turbo kits out for the KA24?  Who makes it?  Is it legal in CA?
2) I heard that under some circumstances, engine swap is LEGAL in California (if engine is newer than car, etc.)  Is SR20DET swap legal in California?  Smog?  CARB problem?
3) How’s the stock Automatic transmission?  Can it handle a lot of power?  Has anyone used SR20DET or turbo KA24 with an automatic tranny before?  What if it’s been modded to take more power? (like by Level 10)
4) Would you recommend SR swap or keep KA and modify?  Why?

Hope someone can answer my questions.  Thanks a lot!

[s15dude]

IF its got more than 100k miles, then get the SR, if it has less than 100k miles, turbo the KA.  There are a few turbo kits out there and more coming on the market.  There is also lots of custom setups that usually don't cost too much more than a kit. If your installing it yourself, then it might be cheaper to build your own kit. Also learn how to drive stick cuz the SR won't bolt up to the KA tranny.

[crazycuban]

By PS13 you mean 89-90?  If you have the SOHC engine, its easier to make power by getting the SR.

[GlobeCLK]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (crazycuban @ Mar. 11 2002,8:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">By PS13 you mean 89-90? If you have the SOHC engine, its easier to make power by getting the SR.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
sorry I was confused with PS13 and RPS13. &nbsp;What's the difference? &nbsp;Red-top SR20DET and black-top SR20DET?

If I swap, does it matter if it's the red-top or the black top, if they're both S13 generation 205hp one?

thanks.

[crazycuban]

Wait, so do you have an 89-90 or 91-93?

Anyways, the black top S13 motors are newer than the red tops, and some say they have 10 more hp.

[HippoSleek]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (GlobeCLK @ Mar. 11 2002,9:04)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (crazycuban @ Mar. 11 2002,8:21)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">By PS13 you mean 89-90? If you have the SOHC engine, its easier to make power by getting the SR.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
sorry I was confused with PS13 and RPS13. What's the difference? Red-top SR20DET and black-top SR20DET?

If I swap, does it matter if it's the red-top or the black top, if they're both S13 generation 205hp one?

thanks.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
IIRC, RPS13 = 180sx; PS = Silvia

All s13 motors (red top pre-?1995? and black top after that) are 205 hp.

If you are SOHC, the esiest swap is the CA18DET.

[AceInHole]

to my understanding of it, the letters go something like this:

&nbsp;R = hatch
+P = SR20DET
+S = chassis
+13 = chassis number
-------------------
RPS13 = 180sx with SR

IIRC, USDM models would be RMS13 's.

[GlobeCLK]

thanks for the info guys.

Well I didn't get a 180sx yet, but it's my plan and i need to work all the plans out before I actually go out and buy the car. &nbsp;If the 180 I get has a KA24DE that's TOO OLD (over 100k miles) then I'll probably go with the swap. &nbsp;but the legal problems and the smog/carb problems hold me back from the engine swap.

It's more important now for me to decide if I should get a 180sx with a fairly good KA24DE and turbo that or get an almost junked 180 with very old KA24 and swap out the engine for SR20DET? (all interior and exterior will be redone so that's not really a concern)

[azzli]

the best thing to do is think about what it is going to cost to rebuild and buy a turbo for the ka, versus buying the sr and building it.(from my research you will) by building it, i mean you have to replace everything as far as gaskets, seals, etc... basically get it ready for what kind of power you plan on putting on it. hope this helps.

[TheTimanator]

the best thing to do is think about what it is going to cost to rebuild and buy a turbo for the ka, versus buying the sr and building it.(from my research you will) by building it, i mean you have to replace everything as far as gaskets, seals, etc... basically get it ready for what kind of power you plan on putting on it. hope this helps.
good advice, but this thread is 2 YEARS OLD!!!!
this is happening a lot lately.....all I have to ask is why?