Thread: Motor Build Questions

So after reading a few posts and wanting to do a N/A build i have some questions.

My Goals: Based off of other builds (Robchaos for one) i think i will be in the ballpark of 180WHP. I want a build that is durable and stout but not over the top compared to the output. I need to find a balance between budget, output, and reliability. I know this sounds like most people who want to spend the least amount to get the most out but not in this case. I want to keep the budget in proportion to the output compared to other builds, ie VE. I want to see at what point too much is spent and a VE build would be a better choice. Which is also in the thought process.

So the basics of the build that i am sure on are:
USDM SR20DE non RR motor
SR16VE pistons
JWT cam gears
BC Springs and Retainers
Port & Polish the head along with a 3 angle valve job

Now this is where i have questions on what is worth doing to gain a little extra and or more reliability.

Cams: JWT S5's or C3's? I want a streetable motor thats not too harsh for everyday driving. Will the C3's not have enough low end?

Rods: Will shot peening be a good idea? General Cost?

Balance rotating assembly: What gains / reliability will i gain from getting the crank machined and knife edged along with getting the crank, rods, and pistons all balanced together? General Cost?

Valves: Would going +1mm on both intake and exhaust be worth the money with the other mods? Would the different cam options change this? General Cost?

e85: I know 93 is becoming more scarce around here but i live close to an e85 refinery where it is pretty cheap. Is this a feasible option? Any gains?

I would like to do all of these things but i am thinking the cost would be too great to do everything for what the total output would be. I know the more i do the more output i can expect but i could also do a similar VE build for not too much more and have a higher total output. Am i looking at too many things for what benefits they will create on a DE? Would a VE be a better option for a high compression build? I know VE's are limited by cams but they still will outdo DE's with little mods.

I am also learning as i go so any information or links would be appreciated. I do not mind reading and doing some homework but i think i need to understand what each mod will bring and the general cost.

The stock connecting rods are shot peened from the factory. Also, I don't think it would be as worthwhile to replace them when compared to a turbocharged motor because you won't see as high of cylinder pressures (high CR atmospheric pressure/low CR high pressure). Even then, you still see people regularly boosting a stock bottom end. If anything, I think you should look into getting the rods polished to remove any stress risers, this will make them lighter and less prone to cracking.

id also throw in some lightweight items flywheel and pullies, and u should make it to 180whp


on a side note, what your going to spend on head work(a really good port-job), and a set of cams along with SnRs you could easily buy a VE, and make 180 with no problem and have room to go for more power

Yeah, just play around with the motor from that SE-R you picked up yesterday, get familiar with taking it apart and putting it back together. Then build a VE!

If your going NA VE is the only way!

Unless you going bottle in which then popping a $400 doesnt hurt as much as a $1300 one lol

The stock rods are proven good for 450whp,

But what about 9,000rpm stresses? N/A?

QFT!!

If youre going to just stay NA then go VE. If you want to make power on a DE add cams and spray the DE. That way if you want to turbo the DE and want reliability you can just slap a T25 or a GT28RS turbo on it and make more power with your cams already installed.

Dont spend money on trying to make a high powered N/A DE.

By the time you add pistons, head work, balancing you will be deep into VE territory..... Not power wise........money wise

I didnt mention it but it is a given.



This might turn into that if i can find a VE head.





High revving will be a must.

Like Conwrath said i have a spare motor at this point that i am planning as the base for a build. Going VE was always an option. There is the argument that the motor i build will be brand new vrs a used VE. But on the other hand i would like to build the lower end as well as through a VE head on it. This thread is to help me understand the costs vrs gains on a DE, but the more i think about this the more a VE comes into my head.

Well the rods would survive, not sure we could say the same about the bearings...
Lighter rods would be more appropriate for a high revving engine. But then if you follow all of Bigtoe's posts on the other forum you will see the way to go. There aren't many, so read them all.

Mike