SR20DET Redtop VS Blacktop

What is the difference between the SR20DET Red top motors and the blacktop motors?

VVT-i

t25g vs t28

high port vs low port

164 kw on fly versus ??? Whats the output of the red top? Sorry long arse night.

There are 2 distinct black tops. One looks like a red top, low port head etc, and the other looks a bit different, distinguished by what is known as the "hump back" as the tappet cover is raised in one section. (as mentioned it has a high port head, vvl, t28etc). The low port head is better for making power if you are chasing power,(dyno queen). The "hump back" version in std trim and with slight mods is a very enjoyable daily drive. due to the vvl its a breeze no matter what the turbo does or what revs you are running at.

So its all depending on what you want. I have little experience with the red and non humpback sr20's. And i have seen them perform amazing feats.

P.s. the red tops and black tops are between 6-9k AFAIK and the humpback is around 15k from the importers. (please these price figures are the last i heard from a friend a while ago) i.e. not accurate

@charlvdw the hump back that was brought here was factory rated 147kw

get a blacktop hump back. you cant say red top VS black top. Some black top motors are same as red top motors. so if it does not have that funny valve cover it's not a true black top. these also have the vvt on the intake cam. however this is not flawless... these pulleys (sprockets - yes it is built into the sprocket) have a way of starting to kick up a huge noise. Your car sounds like a tractor. this is due to the cam jumping around. mine did this and had to be replaced. problem is that these sprockets are R5500 to replace.I then fitted a normal sprocket from a N/A SR20 and replaced the long original bolt with a slightly shorter one.

But if it works and is not noisy - cool. this gets disabled when you change cams anyway and then you will change to vernier sprockets anyway. I love my blacktop but just wish it was stock... 😉

The real ballers buy the green-top.