New motor

So the itch is back and I want to do some mods to the S13. Especially in the area under the bonnet! 😂 Looking for good power, drivability etc.

So looking for some input to help me decide.

Do I keep the CA18 and just work it? This option will cost a few bucks and there's been a few unsuccessful CA18 builds on this very same forum. Even if it comes of right, will it have enough power? Cost? +/- R20k?

Do I go SR20DET? I can get a complete front clip incl. ecu, harness, maf, raidator etc etc, which will make for a very simple swap, as I just need to bolt over everything into my chassis, and possibly just renew the oil pump and water pump for insurance. This option will be the easiest, but after spending that R20k in total it will essentially be a stock SR20det which is not exactly something to write home about. Another pro is I'm very familiar with SR20's already.

Next is the RB20DET. Old technology and power wise about the same as a SR20DET. Not sure which has more potential, but RB parts, like CA's are a bit pricey. Also the swap is slightly more complicated with custom engine mounts, a new gearbox and some panelbeating of the tunnel to get the starter motor to clear. Stock it has a weak-sauce turbo, which will need upgrading without a doubt. Not sure if this motor can handle a decent GT2876??? Motor R6k, box R3.5k, New turbo, some custom parts. EMS. So nothing under R20k here either. 6cyl sound rocks though!

Last on the list is the RB25DET. Stock motor will be very close to the power I require. Not sure how hard the swap wil be? I'd like to keep the aircon, p/s, abs etc. Can I? Cost is R9500 for motor, R3900 for the box, EMS, a few other bits I expect, probably custom engine mounts.

So whats your verdict? Feel free to chip in or correct any misconceptions about any of these motors...

SR20, cause you can get the front clip, and a few basic mods and your getting some power there

For you, the only option that makes sense to me is SR20, you've got alot of knowledge from your FWD escapades so its the safest option.

However you might be getting bored with SR20's now too, so in that case. break into the 6 cyls, go big or go home, RB25....

SR20 is nice but R20k for a stock 160Kw is no good. I rate if you had to put R20k into the CA18 you get some good power, not a lot of torque though.

My vote is to stick with CA18DET and be different, see what power the motor can make, it is baby RB of course. If you dont like this idea, most people dont, go RB25, makes the power you want in near stock form.

hmm thanks for the responses so far. Keep em coming.

Each of the motors mentioned has it's pros and cons I guess. It's difficult to decide - with money being a factor off course.

The big plus of the sr20 front clip is that there may be a lot of parts I won't be using that can be resold to cover some of the costs, or to cover some upgrades. Like the stock SR20 turbo, would sell in a heartbeat to any CA onwer. Also the SMIC, S13 bumper, fenders, etc. Logically the SR20 has the biggest and most affordable aftermarket parts availability too.

Lastly, I don't want the conversion to take me another year. If I do this it must be up and running in a month or less.

Well the full front clip sounds good. but R20k? ouch. if it was like R15k then it would've been ok... R5k to spend on turbo?

But if you want to do something mad... one word....13B....

the only thing then is the price. 😮

Doctor G wrote:

S13 bumper, fenders, etc.

oohh yeah the bumper would be nice! hehe

RB25 is the way i would go, less mods for more power. No subtitude for cubes.

wot about the lexus v8

its lighter then a ca

SR20DET goes for R20k?????

Red top???

Black Top w/vvt????
:arrow:

Drillergy wrote:

SR20DET goes for R20k?????

Red top???

Black Top w/vvt????
:arrow:

it looks like this:

thats a full front clip

yeah Riekert it looks just like that! Except for the nice CUCO FSTB!!! 😮 and what looks like other little cool free bits on that one.

The front clip wil cost me R16k. I said R20k cause water pump and oil pump will be replaced, and there will undoubtedly be a few other expenses not taken into account from the start - as with any motor swap.

It looks like the one in that pic, so no not the VVT one. Which turbo does the motor in that pic have?

I can't bastardise my s13 by putting a non-nissan motor in there. And I frankly don't want the hassles of all custom bits. I already have that issue on my sabre thanks.

hey atleast u can sell body parts still from it

CA18DET, see how storng you can make it...

that ones got the t25g on I think...

here's the link I got the pics from...

http://zilvia.net/f/advertiser-specials-sales/123329-complete-sr20det-s13-s14-s15-rb20det-rb25det-rb26dett-motors-stock.html

normally they came out with the t25g

get the front clip.

oh and next time i go for a spin with my sr20 you welcome to join me!

Buy VC's SR20...

You have to take in account the money you have to spend, the amount of power you wish to produce(the type of engine setup...torque based or power based), what you intend to use the car for(daily drive or play car for weekends) and then drift drag track or gymkana, reliability.

Take all those things and see which scores the highest. Then Choose your engine accordingly and the setup there of.

My vote has to be with the RB25, unbreakable, good stock power, great torque, awesome sound and bang for buck top of the list!

😉 😉

unbreakable??? lol - its a big daddy CA isn't it???

veecee wrote:

unbreakable??? lol - its a big daddy CA isn't it???

True VC but I haven't heard of one single RB25 screwing out.

Even on BMI they say that. The chief engineer said that. So you kinda gotta trust what the man says. The RB motor has been around for so long, its a winning formula.