 This is our in-depth look at the multiple versions, abilities, and development of the highly modified SR20. We were originally going to use our write-up as a comparison, but because of the high amount of content we've put together, we think it deserves its own post. Nissan SR20DET (T?) EngineWhat does it mean? SR - Engine Code. 20 - 2.0 Litre Displacement/Capacity D – Double Overhead Camshaft E - Electronic Fuel Injection T – Fitted with a turbo charger as standard. The absence of the "D" in some of the engine identification codes denotes a cylinder head with a single overhead camshaft Overview. Nissan has never officially produced a twin turbo, 4-cylinder engine for public consumption, and while there are many so-called SR20DETT engines running in all manner of drifting, hill climbing, and track cars, these engines are all derived from the standard SR20DET, single turbo engine. The modification to twin turbos is expensive, and fraught with room for mistakes in heat management, lubrication, and block/cylinder head sealing, not to mention problems with failure of various internals, compression ratios, and general engine/fuel management. There are many manufacturers and distributors of conversion kits, and while conversion to twin turbo trim is certainly possible, merely fitting two turbos does not yield a SR20DETT engine for which standardized specs exist. No two conversions will yield the same torque characteristics, and in all cases, reliability suffers in direct relation to the extent to which the basic SR20DET engine had been modified. During its production run, Nissan developed a great many derivatives and variants-some of which were wildly successful, while others seriously detracted from the brilliance of the basic design. Below are some of the models in which the SR20DET engine was used with varying degrees of success:
However, the S13, S14, and S15 variants of the basic SR20DET engine, the so-called Red, Black, and Silver top engines proved to be the most successful of all the variants, and have found wide application in street racing, as well as almost all official motorsport disciplines, with only relatively minor modifications to the oil sump and oil filter housing required to resolve a potentially fatal lack of lubrication in competition conditions. Below are some details on the years of production, and in which models the three main variants were used, as well as basic engine specs.
Specs: Red Top SR20DET used in the 91-93 180SX & Silvia
Turbo Performance: The stock turbo is efficient up to 13-15 psi, after which performance falls off sharply, and turbo damage or destruction could result at higher boost pressures. At standard factory settings, the engine should produce 230-250 RWHP. Horsepower: 205ps @ 6000rpm Torque: 203 ft/lbs @ 4000rpm Specs: Black Top SR20DET used in the 94-98 180SX
Turbo Performance: The stock turbo is efficient up to 13-15 psi, after which performance falls off sharply, and turbo damage or destruction could result at higher boost pressures. At standard factory settings, the engine should produce 230-250 RWHP. Horsepower: 205hp @ 6000rpm Torque: 203 ft/lbs @ 4000rpm Specs: S14 Black Top SR20DET w/ VTC used in 95-98 SilviaCompressor: T-28, 60 trim 60mm BCI-1 compressor in T-04B housing Turbine: T-25, 62 trim 53.8mm 0.64 A/R turbine housing. Centre Section: Ball Bearings S14 SR20DET variants employ different engine management software (ECU /harness), which are extremely expensive, and almost impossible to source, due to their popularity. Variable valve timing and a different turbo are significant departures from the S13 SR20DET engines. The S13 also uses a "low port" intake design, whereas the S14 employs a "high port" design. Turbo Performance: The stock turbo performs spectacularly up to 13-15 psi. At higher boost pressures, the turbo exceeds its efficiency range, after which performance falls off sharply, and turbo damage or destruction could result at higher boost pressures. The standard engine/turbo should produce 250-260 RWHP at factory boost settings, but upgrades to the turbo, fuel, and matching internals can easily produce 300-375 RWHP. Horsepower: 220hp @ 6000rpm Torque: 203 ft/lbs @ 4800rpm Specs: S15 Black Top SR20DET used in the 1999+ Silvia
This variant is very expensive and almost impossible to locate. The money, time, and effort spent in trying to find one is usually better spent on building a competitive Red Top S13. Moreover, should you be lucky enough to find a usable 1999+ S15 engine, be advised that S13 and S14 transmissions cannot be fitted to it, due to major differences in the input shafts of the 5-, and 6 speed transmissions. Horsepower: 250ps @ 6000rpm Conclusion. In standard, SR20DET form, this engine has achieved iconic status among street racers the world over because of its proven reliability, low cost of maintenance, and high revving capability. However, upon conversion to the so-called SR20DETT, or twin turbo form, reliability diminishes in direct proportion the extent of the modification, which makes it impossible to forecast, or even make guestimates regarding longevity, or durability for any given level of modification. While it makes an excellent competition engine, the high initial cost of conversion, and even higher repair costs in cases of lubrication failure, places it out of the reach of the average competition enthusiast.  Have something you want us to do a write-up for? Contact us!
1 Comment
John B
2/24/2016 11:26:11 pm
how can i get the full copy of this? Leave a Reply. |
Interesting information we want to share with everyone in our industry.
POPULAR POSTS
February 2016
|
