in the market for the SR - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

project_240 · 02-12-2003, 10:51 PM

First of all, my goals are as follows...correct me if i am wrong on anything.
I want to put an s14 SR into my 95 auto. I have not completely ruled out a s13 Redtop. Now, I have done extensive research, and this, IMO reaches my goal the best for me, with the most reliability for the price I will pay.

My goal is for it to be a very reliable daily driver, and in the long run, 250whp will probably be as high as I want my SR to go.

According to HeavyThrottle, the A/C is relatively difficult...but I want that running as well. Anyone done this?

I am looking for now just a raw install with everything included (the auto-manual swap and A/C too

) and here are two possible options that I have drawn up (assuming I choose s14):

1. Since I am in the Chattanooga area, I could do the 1.5 hr drive to Atlanta and have the guys at Unstable do everything for me (engine $4000, install $1900, tranny service $600, the rest is tax). Final price around $6500-7000. This option I do not want to do.

2. I could get a COMPLETELY working engine ($4000, correct me if I am wrong), tranny swap parts ($400), and install it myself, with the help of someone willing that is in my area. This might be hard, considering NO ONE is from Chattanooga.

I admit, I do not know hardly anything compared to you guys that I am asking advice from, but if I could have the physical help from an experienced member it would be very beneficial to me. I am willing to pay someone to help me out (i want to have hands-on experience, and whoever can also tell me what they are doing during the install) because I want a fast car but more importantly I am in it to learn about what I just dropped thousands of dollars on. I want to do option #2, but it depends on if there is anyone out there who wants to help me out, or who even CAN. I don't know how much I am going to pay whoever helps me, but obviously I want it to be cheaper than going to Unstable.

Other information I have gathered, or what you may want to know:
-I want minimum downtime, say 1-2 weeks at most
-I am looking to get an engine from HeavyThrottle ($3900) or Unstable($4000) (any other reputable companies that get it right the FIRST time, let me know)
-I do not yet know where to get the tranny swap parts
-My budget looks like I will be fully funded for this in about 3-4 months.
-mods after will include FMIC, BOV, downpipe, boost controller (for the road coarses and the 1/4 track) and N-1 exhaust. Maybe fuel pump...anything else I need?) Like I said before, 250whp daily driving is my max. I might want to go over on special occasion like if I decide to go to a track, but even that is not necessary.

So, anyone willing to help me out, or have any corrections on what I have just said, or have another option for me? Anyone disagree with wanting to do it myself with only average engine knowledge?

Spit it out...I will take note of anything you guys say.

Thanks a lot...
-Jake

DuffMan · 02-13-2003, 02:31 AM

No matter who installs it, YOU are going to have fix it when it breaks. Considering you only want 1-2 weeks down time for the swap, it doesn't seem like you could deal with the weeks downtime it takes to track down a part or chase down a gremlin that makes the car undriveable.

If I were I would sell it. Not trying to mean here but there are other nice cars. With the value of your car plus what you plan to spend, you could afford a MR2 turbo or something like that. Pretty much everyone I know with a fast 240sx has had at least some trials and tribulations to get there. This thing may not be right for you.

Dream240 · 02-13-2003, 08:01 AM

Hey don't crush the mans dreams! I say if you want to go SR then go for it. Most of the problems you are bound to run into should have been covered by SOMEONE on this site at one point or another. Also from the things I've heard most problems people encounter are from running too high boost. The way I see it, if you cover all your issues with obtaining the parts and find someone to help with the install, yeah it might take a couple weeks downtime but think of all the experience you will have, and knowledge is power! Also, this local shop is always there when you just can't find the problem or fix it. Another thing, if you're planning on going the way of the track, you are going to want to build up your tool set and abilities and what better way than to do the install on your own!
As for buying another already turboed car, these cars have their own problems and run into just as many downtime days as your SR would, the only difference is that you could take it the dealer as opposed to your local aftermarket specialists.
So if you have your heart set on the SR then go for it, hey you only live once.
But if you have a change of heart and want to buy a new car, get the New Dodge Neon SRT-4, 225 hp and 255 torque! A BEAST!
Or wait until this summer and get the new 300 hp AWD Subaru WRX! ANOTHER BEAST!!!

Good luck!! And happy swapping!!

drift freaq · 02-13-2003, 10:24 AM

well I can sell you a full clip for anywhere from $2300 up . I.E. you could have yourself a Redtop SR with around 40 thousand miles for around $2500 . Now if you were out here in Cali or bought your car here I could have a install and tranny swap done for you for $2000 . I think you will see I am a little more reasonable in my pricing.
Anyways look me up if you want some engine quotes. I also find cars for people.,
Oh yeah , hey duffman why are you championing the MR2? This is a 240sx forum, not a MR2 forum and quite honestly I have driven both cars and feel the 240 is a lot more user friendly. The kid is better off driving the 240 as a turbo car than the MR2 its( the 240) a lot more forgiving.
plus we are supposed to help these people not discourage them.

project_240 · 02-13-2003, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DuffMan
No matter who installs it, YOU are going to have fix it when it breaks.

With the value of your car plus what you plan to spend, you could afford a MR2 turbo or something like that. Pretty much everyone I know with a fast 240sx has had at least some trials and tribulations to get there.

Sure I know that I will run into problems, but that is why I want to do it myself: so I kind of know what to do or at least describe correctly the problem of the car so I can get some advice. I agree with dream240: knowledge is power. And no I don't want an MR2 or anything else for that matter, I am strictly a nissan fan, more specifically a 240 fan and there is no other car that I would want except the one that I have plans for right now.

019 · 02-13-2003, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by project_240
I want to put an s14 SR into my 95 auto. I have not completely ruled out a s13 Redtop.

isn't the s13 a better engine to drop in? i heard that the s13 is harder to tune with less aftermarket and that the s14 had vtc solenoid problems. is any of this true?

xLSTONEx · 02-13-2003, 05:43 PM

Hey, sorry to get off subject, but I live in Chattanooga. I also am going to get an SR20 in the near future. Pm me and we can talk more, or drop by Baskin Robbins on East Brainard Rd. if you see a white S14a there, and we can talk. peace.

mofo240 · 02-14-2003, 10:22 AM

IM from chatt area myself. You ever hear of a place called fast tech? Im not forsure on engine prices but i believe they do sr swaps.

DuffMan · 02-14-2003, 02:17 PM

Well I was sort of playing devil's advocate there. If it's what you want then by all means do it. But for the next 3-4 months spend a lot of time doing research. Download the FSM and skim through it. Since you want an S14 SR in a S14, that manual is going to be like a bible for you. Since this is a more rare swap, you are going to have to figure some things out on your own from the FSM and trial and error.

Good luck.

02-12-2003, 10:51 PM	#1
project_240 Leaky Injector Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: IE California Posts: 101 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	in the market for the SR First of all, my goals are as follows...correct me if i am wrong on anything. I want to put an s14 SR into my 95 auto. I have not completely ruled out a s13 Redtop. Now, I have done extensive research, and this, IMO reaches my goal the best for me, with the most reliability for the price I will pay. My goal is for it to be a very reliable daily driver, and in the long run, 250whp will probably be as high as I want my SR to go. According to HeavyThrottle, the A/C is relatively difficult...but I want that running as well. Anyone done this? I am looking for now just a raw install with everything included (the auto-manual swap and A/C too ) and here are two possible options that I have drawn up (assuming I choose s14): 1. Since I am in the Chattanooga area, I could do the 1.5 hr drive to Atlanta and have the guys at Unstable do everything for me (engine $4000, install $1900, tranny service $600, the rest is tax). Final price around $6500-7000. This option I do not want to do. 2. I could get a COMPLETELY working engine ($4000, correct me if I am wrong), tranny swap parts ($400), and install it myself, with the help of someone willing that is in my area. This might be hard, considering NO ONE is from Chattanooga. I admit, I do not know hardly anything compared to you guys that I am asking advice from, but if I could have the physical help from an experienced member it would be very beneficial to me. I am willing to pay someone to help me out (i want to have hands-on experience, and whoever can also tell me what they are doing during the install) because I want a fast car but more importantly I am in it to learn about what I just dropped thousands of dollars on. I want to do option #2, but it depends on if there is anyone out there who wants to help me out, or who even CAN. I don't know how much I am going to pay whoever helps me, but obviously I want it to be cheaper than going to Unstable. Other information I have gathered, or what you may want to know: -I want minimum downtime, say 1-2 weeks at most -I am looking to get an engine from HeavyThrottle ($3900) or Unstable($4000) (any other reputable companies that get it right the FIRST time, let me know) -I do not yet know where to get the tranny swap parts -My budget looks like I will be fully funded for this in about 3-4 months. -mods after will include FMIC, BOV, downpipe, boost controller (for the road coarses and the 1/4 track) and N-1 exhaust. Maybe fuel pump...anything else I need?) Like I said before, 250whp daily driving is my max. I might want to go over on special occasion like if I decide to go to a track, but even that is not necessary. So, anyone willing to help me out, or have any corrections on what I have just said, or have another option for me? Anyone disagree with wanting to do it myself with only average engine knowledge? Spit it out...I will take note of anything you guys say. Thanks a lot... -Jake

02-13-2003, 08:01 AM	#3
Dream240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Inland Empire, California Age: 46 Posts: 2,188 Trader Rating: (8) Feedback Score: 8 reviews	Hey don't crush the mans dreams! I say if you want to go SR then go for it. Most of the problems you are bound to run into should have been covered by SOMEONE on this site at one point or another. Also from the things I've heard most problems people encounter are from running too high boost. The way I see it, if you cover all your issues with obtaining the parts and find someone to help with the install, yeah it might take a couple weeks downtime but think of all the experience you will have, and knowledge is power! Also, this local shop is always there when you just can't find the problem or fix it. Another thing, if you're planning on going the way of the track, you are going to want to build up your tool set and abilities and what better way than to do the install on your own! As for buying another already turboed car, these cars have their own problems and run into just as many downtime days as your SR would, the only difference is that you could take it the dealer as opposed to your local aftermarket specialists. So if you have your heart set on the SR then go for it, hey you only live once. But if you have a change of heart and want to buy a new car, get the New Dodge Neon SRT-4, 225 hp and 255 torque! A BEAST! Or wait until this summer and get the new 300 hp AWD Subaru WRX! ANOTHER BEAST!!! Good luck!! And happy swapping!! __________________ Don't mess with my monkey...he's loaded.

02-13-2003, 10:24 AM	#4
drift freaq R.I.P. Aya, always love Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Los Feliz/Hollywood Posts: 18,564 Trader Rating: (215) Rides Gallery: drift freaq Feedback Score: 215 reviews	well I can sell you a full clip for anywhere from $2300 up . I.E. you could have yourself a Redtop SR with around 40 thousand miles for around $2500 . Now if you were out here in Cali or bought your car here I could have a install and tranny swap done for you for $2000 . I think you will see I am a little more reasonable in my pricing. Anyways look me up if you want some engine quotes. I also find cars for people., Oh yeah , hey duffman why are you championing the MR2? This is a 240sx forum, not a MR2 forum and quite honestly I have driven both cars and feel the 240 is a lot more user friendly. The kid is better off driving the 240 as a turbo car than the MR2 its( the 240) a lot more forgiving. plus we are supposed to help these people not discourage them. __________________ "Having a lot of tracks on a song is like putting stickers on a car to get more horsepower" New Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uebV1OnbRsw Buy my mounts! http://zilvia.net/f/sale-items/51531...ns-mounts.html http://zilvia.net/f/tech-talk/317539...e-mouts-6.html Last edited by drift freaq; 02-13-2003 at 10:27 AM..

02-13-2003, 02:31 AM	#2
DuffMan Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: in a cardboard box Posts: 2,517 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	No matter who installs it, YOU are going to have fix it when it breaks. Considering you only want 1-2 weeks down time for the swap, it doesn't seem like you could deal with the weeks downtime it takes to track down a part or chase down a gremlin that makes the car undriveable. If I were I would sell it. Not trying to mean here but there are other nice cars. With the value of your car plus what you plan to spend, you could afford a MR2 turbo or something like that. Pretty much everyone I know with a fast 240sx has had at least some trials and tribulations to get there. This thing may not be right for you.

02-13-2003, 05:43 PM	#7
xLSTONEx BANNED Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Kennesaw, GA Age: 39 Posts: 390 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Hey, sorry to get off subject, but I live in Chattanooga. I also am going to get an SR20 in the near future. Pm me and we can talk more, or drop by Baskin Robbins on East Brainard Rd. if you see a white S14a there, and we can talk. peace.

02-14-2003, 10:22 AM	#8
mofo240 Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: tennessee Posts: 29 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	IM from chatt area myself. You ever hear of a place called fast tech? Im not forsure on engine prices but i believe they do sr swaps.

02-14-2003, 02:17 PM	#9
DuffMan Post Whore! Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: in a cardboard box Posts: 2,517 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Well I was sort of playing devil's advocate there. If it's what you want then by all means do it. But for the next 3-4 months spend a lot of time doing research. Download the FSM and skim through it. Since you want an S14 SR in a S14, that manual is going to be like a bible for you. Since this is a more rare swap, you are going to have to figure some things out on your own from the FSM and trial and error. Good luck.