Need To Replace My Engine

[KezR33]

Hi all,

I need to replace my SR20DET in my 1994 180sx and was wondering if you had any advice.

For simplicity sake going with another Black Top S13 SR is the cheapest and easiest to install but also the riskiest in terms of getting another lemon.

In your experience is it worthwhile investing in a late model engine vs. throwing in a cheap older model?

Also where is the best place to purchase engines from? Importers, ebay, wreckers, etc.

Thanks.

[Shoota_77]

What's wrong with the current engine? Completely grenaded or just oil/smoke/etc issues?

My advice, buy a cheap engine, put a set of bearings in it, give it a quick hone, some new piston rings in and away you go. That's not a perfect way to do it but should give you a bit more piece of mind than just whacking a completely unknown engine in. Once the sump is off you'll get a pretty good idea of what sort of condition it's in.

[KezR33]

Current engine is just tired. Uneven compression, did poorly on the leak down test, starts playing up when hot and down on power for the mods.

To be honest it would be fine for street use, at least in the short term, but I bought this car to be a registered track car. I'd hate to have to tow it home from Winton.

[GTSBoy]

VQ25DET transplant ex-Stagea. Even better, VQ30DET.

[skylinecouple]

Easiest way out is good 2nd hand engine. Just look for one out of an auto as these usually don't get thrashed but it must be ex-Japan. Little things like the condition of the rubber hoses and the nice gold nickel still on the engine bolts can sometimes tell more about the condition of an engine and it's age rather than the usual compression checks and hear running type of inspections. Though these still have to be done. Does the engine still have the original belts from Nissan and radiator hoses ? Don't buy what you can't see. And now is the time to put cams in and usual rocker stoppers while it's sitting on the floor or engine stand.

[hypergear]

Drop a Rb25det Neo in there. Much better engine .

Not recommending of buying 2nd hand engines, I bought one and swaped it three times as they all had bad pistons. Rebuilding it properly would save heaps in the long run.