Tell me about SR20DET transplants?

Depends on what you want to put it in I suppose. Oh and the earlier 1.8 16v Turbo (CA18DET in Nissan speak) is probably better for conversions as they're cheaper and have plenty of potential.

It is to go in my RWD Triumph Toledo.
It already has Sprint running gear so it is not quite as inappropriate as it sounds.
People have fitted Rover V8's, Cosworth's, XE's which seem to comparable in height?
So, do you reckon this is a good route as opposed to the more common Zetec, Vauxhall XE or even Cosworth YB route? The engine itself is a lot cheaper for good power it seems.
If the engine comes out of a S14 or whatever, I presume the stock sump is okay for other RWD set up's?

Wow! Thanks for the pics Lewis. I didn't realise from our previous conversations that someone had actually put one in the Dolomite, I thought it was just potential.
Must admit, seeing that bay makes me scared, a lot of work as you say.
Not seriously considered a V8........tempting but seen it as too much work/money compared to a 4 pot, oh but the noise, that would be worth it!!

SR20 is a different generation of engine, CA18 is more closely related to the RB engines found in the Nissan Skyline R32 onwards, but with two less cylinders. The reason all the mountings are the same is both found their way into the S13 180sx/200sx (and silvia too I think), early JDM and uk spec cars had CA18s, but the JDM cars got SR20DETs, like the 180sx I used to own. Power is similar but the CA18 is iron block and the SR20 is alloy block, making the SR20 lighter. The SR20 is generally regarded as being a bit more reliable and robust for tuning purposes.

Here are some pics of one in my Celica.....very easy to fit as far as transplants go,and loads of bis avaiable for them.



ECU

Yeah, SR20 and CA18 are totally different! I'd rather have the SR20 for definite! But then, if I was going J it'd be: 2JZ, 1JZ, RB20 (not particularly powerful, but cheap and fine in a little light car!), RB25 or RB26 generally. All pretty reliable and tuneable engines. All are expesive bar the RB20 though!


Cheap turbo option for me these days - saab 2.3 turbo.

If you're on a budget use a CA18DET. Making some sensible, scrapyard style mods to it will see 250bhp. Good on the wallet.

If you fancy spending a bit more you could go SR20DET. It's a different type of engine completely to the CA18DET. Both mechanically and the way the power is delivered.

Both engines are actually known for having marzipan big end issues. The reasons are simply down to maintenance. The CA is worse because the poorly designed dipstick will fool most amateurs in to thinking the engine is ok on oil. Drain the sump, and the dipstick still can read oil lol. Bottom line is you get what you pay for. Avoid any engine that is cheap. Remove the rocker covers and inspect how clean they are inside. The SR's have issues with the top end running dry due to blocked spray bars.

Regarding engine looms, the S13 and S14 have very similar setups. You need to study the wiring diagrams a bit and rob the right bits of a donor to make it work. Some people have found this very difficult though.

I'm a CA18DET fan (see my bluebird thread), but am realistic to the fact that the SR20 makes a very sensible engine choice for those seeking a good torquey 200+bhp.

If you have £1,000 to spend, and want a simple drop in 200bhp, you really can't go wrong with the SR20.

but they too aren't cheap. I quite fancy a SR20E (ie non-turbo) tricked to about 200bhp with fancy throttles/bike carbs and what not.

Ofcourse if you're really skint you could get the 8v CA18ET as found in Silvia and Bluey turbos. Intercool it and with a bit of luck you'd be near 200bhp.

What's the rwd box availability like?