Thread: Is it worth it: VE head vs. Built DET head

Thanks for clearing that up bro and good to see someone .. Make sure to post some pics, I plan to put my swap in a S13 as well so something to reference will be great. I think once the swap is done and proven more RWD SR lovers will go VE as well. I was considering doing the SR/VE swap into a AE86 but try to stay away from cross breeding as the project once complete will be up for sale

^^ hahaha yeah well i am cross breeding, in fact the ke70 rolla has the same chassis as the 86 and most parts are interchangeable except panels cause the ke70 is a box. But i the na power should suit the light weight short wheel base chassis. Hopefully with the engine conversion all done i want the weight of the car at 900kg's or lower

Hey there Guys, thanks for the great thread, i've been browsing through goolge for stuff on SR20 motors and after long search came accross this thread, im looking to buy myself a SR20 motor and doing a DET setup into a 1200 Datsun GX (4 door), but im still searching and doing research on what to use and which are best....

If i may ask, can someone explain to me why Mod a DET with a VET head and doing all the mods for it to fit and not just install a complete VET sub? Sorry if i sound stupid, im new to all of this... i went and had a look at different engine importers here in South Africa and im confused as to all the different SR20 engines... i have pics of the ones i can get here if someone is willing to give me some pointers....

thanks guys...

Block setups. The VEs are all FWD. Though they can be made to run in a RWD setup, the cost is far more then just swaping the head over to a RDW block. Someone correct me if that is left field wrong.

Ok, but besides that... are the engine basically the same?

FWD DETs (except the GTi-R) and VEs are pretty close to being the same besides a few oils paths in the VE and the obvious VE setup. Pending on the engine you will have a different comp ratio in it because they all came with different pistons. The AWD DETs had narrow blocks while all other DEs, DETs, and VEs had wide blocks, but internals were pretty close to the same. Rods, pistons, crank, valves, and so on can all be swapped between all SR20s (save the GTi-R and some internal head differences between the years). Most parts can. So if that’s what you mean be basically the same, then yes. But there are very subtle and major differences between each type that could play a very important role in your swap. Last I checked, 1200s were RWD; that’s the only reason I bring it all up.

Noticed you've said VET originally. If you are looking at getting a real VET, that’s pretty sweet. Most of us have only seen pictures of it and couldn't tell you more then what we've seen others say about it or we read on the web. Getting a real VET in the States is still pretty hard and rare. I would contact someone like Andreas Miko, who’s had firsthand knowledge of these engines, and get his opinions and help on your dilemma.