S13 sr20det vs. S14 sr20det - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

97S14 · 02-21-2002, 07:11 AM

I'm looking into buying an sr20det and what to know what the better decision would be, the s14 or s13 version.

So far the S14 has a little stronger tranny, ball bearing turbo, vtc, 20 hp over the s13.

Are there any qualities of the red top that would make it better then its s14 version??

The s14 is a little over 1000 more.

Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Mike

Yoshi · 02-21-2002, 09:14 AM

you mean besides the fact that you could upgrade the redtop for much less than that $1k difference?

This topic has been discussed SEVERAL times previously... (some of them very recently), do a search for sr20, redtop, blacktop, etc.  You'll find more than enough info i'm sure.

will · 02-21-2002, 10:57 AM

ok, good points, but what about for the sake of having a newer engine and VVT? I'm questioning this right now as plans for my swap are happening soon.

(Edited by will at 1<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>1 pm on Feb. 21, 2002)

Ni5mo180SX · 02-21-2002, 11:03 AM

DId they S14's and 15's really come with ball bearing turbos? I thought that was just a rumor.

Yoshi · 02-21-2002, 11:38 AM

Will,
an engine is only truly as old as it's mileage.  As far as getting one imported, they're all gonna be around the same mileage, so unless you plan to spend a stupid amount of $ to import a brand new motor, it's a non-issue.

as far as VVT, that's a loaded question.  Not a single person I know that got a s14 SR likes the VVT, in fact they loathe it.  Why?  Because they want to push the engine to 300+hp (at the wheels), and VVT gets in the way when you're building up an engine.  Most disable the VVT system entirely.  This holds true to japanese tuners as well.

The only instance I can see for getting the s14 SR would be if you plan to install one and do nothing further to the engine (ie 225 at the fly is all you want from the engine).

will · 02-21-2002, 12:20 PM

IC, thats good info you've shared Yoshi.  I'm still quite new to Nissans and the SR motor, so thanks.

97S14 · 02-21-2002, 09:53 PM

Yes, the S14 did come with the bb turbo, as I found out from numerous sources.  With the 1k difference I could get a front mount intercooler installed.
So the S14 doesn't have better made pistons/stronger rods or anything like that?

So then the best combo would be a S13 redtop w/ an S14 5sp tranny?

AJ · 02-21-2002, 10:00 PM

aren't the ka sr trannies the same?.. please god say yes... because otherwise.. getting a redtop in a s14.. would be soo... nasty... s14 tranny, hooked to a s13 redtop.. = $$$$$$$$$

02-21-2002, 10:03 PM

yes tranny is the same.  Bellhousing's are different.  The SR should come with a tranny though.

tnord · 02-22-2002, 12:32 AM

just remember.......unless you are going to push 300+hp, VVT is beneficial

*Jeff240sx* · 02-22-2002, 01:24 AM

I have heard of many people pushing 300+ with a VVT engine.  Take an s15 engine.  Put a nice FMIC, exhaust, free flow filter, turn up boost a few psi, and have a Mines ECU.  That's 300+.  And lotsa people have that setup.  You just can't do major changes, like really change timing, and cams, ect.
-Jeff

Yoshi · 02-22-2002, 11:38 AM

That's all true, but you know how much that would cost?!  WOW.  That's about what... 10k after all the trimmings?  You're right it could be done. And if I was in japan, that'd be the way to go, no arguement.  But here in the states it doesn't seem economically viable for everyday joe schmoe.

Yoshi · 02-22-2002, 11:44 AM

AJ,
If you get a motor from somewhere and they're not gonna give you a tranny, I'd say don't buy there.  It's all but assumed that any SR you buy will/should come with the corresponding tranny to install with it (manual of course).

*Jeff240sx* · 02-22-2002, 11:46 AM

But why would anyone do it all at once?  I know that for a while I bought 1 performance part every 2 months.  How long would that buildup take at that rate?  10 months.  And I go slow.  Plus, you'd probably already have an exhaust on your car.
I dunno.. sure.. it would be $8k, but it would be spread out.  And then again, I have seen 471hp s14 motors in SCC.
-Jeff

Yoshi · 02-22-2002, 04:00 PM

Jeff, I respect u man, I really do.  U give good advice to the ppl here, but I gotta call u out....

u just listed SCC as a reputable reference <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> hehee
(if you can't tell, that was a joke <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> ha)
SCC, not quite as bad as ricer street, er super rice, err.... super street  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

*Jeff240sx* · 02-25-2002, 12:52 PM

SCC is one of the more reputable mags... unless you know of any better.
And it's kida hard xeroxing a dyno chart onto a page next to the car that got dyno'd.  Little room for error.
I like to think of the mad hp 240's.
-Jeff

Yoshi · 02-25-2002, 03:31 PM

easy boy...
twas a joke....
with the mags tho, from what i've seen , and what I've read, SCC is like the least of several evils; but what choice do we as import enthusiasts have?

I subscribe to SCC. They have good articles, like the one this month penned by Lisa Kubo. But like all media, they tend to bend the stories to fit how they (or more accurately their chief editors) want to portray a story. I know of several people who have been outraged not because of what was actually said, but what was implied. That's journalism for you :/

and yeah... wicked hp 240's rule.

(Edited by Yoshi at 7:34 am on Feb. 25, 2002)

(Edited by Yoshi at 7:35 am on Feb. 25, 2002)

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02-21-2002, 07:11 AM	#1
97S14 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 36 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'm looking into buying an sr20det and what to know what the better decision would be, the s14 or s13 version. So far the S14 has a little stronger tranny, ball bearing turbo, vtc, 20 hp over the s13. Are there any qualities of the red top that would make it better then its s14 version?? The s14 is a little over 1000 more. Any suggestions or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mike

02-21-2002, 09:14 AM	#2
Yoshi Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Washington Age: 44 Posts: 3,000 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: Yoshi Feedback Score: 1 reviews	you mean besides the fact that you could upgrade the redtop for much less than that $1k difference? This topic has been discussed SEVERAL times previously... (some of them very recently), do a search for sr20, redtop, blacktop, etc.  You'll find more than enough info i'm sure.

02-21-2002, 10:57 AM	#3
will Zilvia Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 250 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	ok, good points, but what about for the sake of having a newer engine and VVT? I'm questioning this right now as plans for my swap are happening soon. (Edited by will at 1<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'>1 pm on Feb. 21, 2002)

02-21-2002, 11:03 AM	#4
Ni5mo180SX Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Orange County Posts: 423 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	DId they S14's and 15's really come with ball bearing turbos? I thought that was just a rumor.

02-21-2002, 11:38 AM	#5
Yoshi Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Washington Age: 44 Posts: 3,000 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: Yoshi Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Will, an engine is only truly as old as it's mileage.  As far as getting one imported, they're all gonna be around the same mileage, so unless you plan to spend a stupid amount of $ to import a brand new motor, it's a non-issue. as far as VVT, that's a loaded question.  Not a single person I know that got a s14 SR likes the VVT, in fact they loathe it.  Why?  Because they want to push the engine to 300+hp (at the wheels), and VVT gets in the way when you're building up an engine.  Most disable the VVT system entirely.  This holds true to japanese tuners as well. The only instance I can see for getting the s14 SR would be if you plan to install one and do nothing further to the engine (ie 225 at the fly is all you want from the engine).

02-21-2002, 12:20 PM	#6
will Zilvia Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Posts: 250 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	IC, thats good info you've shared Yoshi.  I'm still quite new to Nissans and the SR motor, so thanks.

02-21-2002, 09:53 PM	#7
97S14 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 36 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Yes, the S14 did come with the bb turbo, as I found out from numerous sources.  With the 1k difference I could get a front mount intercooler installed. So the S14 doesn't have better made pistons/stronger rods or anything like that? So then the best combo would be a S13 redtop w/ an S14 5sp tranny?

02-21-2002, 10:00 PM	#8
AJ Zilvia Addict Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Cincinnati Ohio Posts: 793 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	aren't the ka sr trannies the same?.. please god say yes... because otherwise.. getting a redtop in a s14.. would be soo... nasty... s14 tranny, hooked to a s13 redtop.. = $$$$$$$$$

02-21-2002, 10:03 PM	#9
Guest Posts: n/a	yes tranny is the same.  Bellhousing's are different.  The SR should come with a tranny though.

02-22-2002, 12:32 AM	#10
tnord Nissanaholic! Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 1,975 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	just remember.......unless you are going to push 300+hp, VVT is beneficial

02-22-2002, 01:24 AM	#11
Jeff240sx I hate you too... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Tampa, FL Age: 38 Posts: 5,828 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Jeff240sx Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have heard of many people pushing 300+ with a VVT engine.  Take an s15 engine.  Put a nice FMIC, exhaust, free flow filter, turn up boost a few psi, and have a Mines ECU.  That's 300+.  And lotsa people have that setup.  You just can't do major changes, like really change timing, and cams, ect. -Jeff

02-22-2002, 11:38 AM	#12
Yoshi Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Washington Age: 44 Posts: 3,000 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: Yoshi Feedback Score: 1 reviews	That's all true, but you know how much that would cost?!  WOW.  That's about what... 10k after all the trimmings?  You're right it could be done. And if I was in japan, that'd be the way to go, no arguement.  But here in the states it doesn't seem economically viable for everyday joe schmoe.

02-22-2002, 11:44 AM	#13
Yoshi Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Washington Age: 44 Posts: 3,000 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: Yoshi Feedback Score: 1 reviews	AJ, If you get a motor from somewhere and they're not gonna give you a tranny, I'd say don't buy there.  It's all but assumed that any SR you buy will/should come with the corresponding tranny to install with it (manual of course).

02-22-2002, 11:46 AM	#14
Jeff240sx I hate you too... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Tampa, FL Age: 38 Posts: 5,828 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Jeff240sx Feedback Score: 0 reviews	But why would anyone do it all at once?  I know that for a while I bought 1 performance part every 2 months.  How long would that buildup take at that rate?  10 months.  And I go slow.  Plus, you'd probably already have an exhaust on your car. I dunno.. sure.. it would be $8k, but it would be spread out.  And then again, I have seen 471hp s14 motors in SCC. -Jeff

02-22-2002, 04:00 PM	#15
Yoshi Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Washington Age: 44 Posts: 3,000 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: Yoshi Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Jeff, I respect u man, I really do.  U give good advice to the ppl here, but I gotta call u out.... u just listed SCC as a reputable reference <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> hehee (if you can't tell, that was a joke <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'> ha) SCC, not quite as bad as ricer street, er super rice, err.... super street  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

02-25-2002, 12:52 PM	#16
Jeff240sx I hate you too... Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Tampa, FL Age: 38 Posts: 5,828 Trader Rating: (0) Rides Gallery: Jeff240sx Feedback Score: 0 reviews	SCC is one of the more reputable mags... unless you know of any better. And it's kida hard xeroxing a dyno chart onto a page next to the car that got dyno'd.  Little room for error. I like to think of the mad hp 240's. -Jeff

02-25-2002, 03:31 PM	#17
Yoshi Post Whore! Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Washington Age: 44 Posts: 3,000 Trader Rating: (1) Rides Gallery: Yoshi Feedback Score: 1 reviews	easy boy... twas a joke.... with the mags tho, from what i've seen , and what I've read, SCC is like the least of several evils; but what choice do we as import enthusiasts have? I subscribe to SCC. They have good articles, like the one this month penned by Lisa Kubo. But like all media, they tend to bend the stories to fit how they (or more accurately their chief editors) want to portray a story. I know of several people who have been outraged not because of what was actually said, but what was implied. That's journalism for you :/ and yeah... wicked hp 240's rule. (Edited by Yoshi at 7:34 am on Feb. 25, 2002) (Edited by Yoshi at 7:35 am on Feb. 25, 2002)