Thread: SR20DET FWD Engine Selection Help

So I am embarking on my Altima SR20DET Swap.

I think I have the tranny figured out. But the engine not sure where to do from here. And since the Atima isn't exactly a popular car to swap, not sure how many of my questions will be able to be answered or if I just have to learn the hard way. But here goes.......

Prelimiary thoughts are:

-GTiR, is the ideal motor. power + better intake (I hate the normal SR one, the GTiR one seems simplier and easier to work on)
-Bluebird while less power might be the best harness/ecu match to the altima
-Avenir will be the easiest to fit phisically, because of turbo direction and intercooler, plus you can get the higher hp BB turbo in the later one.

Where do I go from here? Any thoughts? Advice?

I think I have firgured out how to identify the 3 major motor variations between the intake, turbo and intercooler positions.

Another big question would be in the GTiR and Bluebird are there diffrent generations of the engines too? (Got the Avenir figured out thanks to the sticky)

Did I miss a SR20SET FWD are out there, that I need to watch out for as well?

How did you come to the conclusion that the ITB on the R is simpler and easier to work on? Also, I can't speak for the BB, but the R was only made in one type in its 4 years of production. If you go with the R you will have a strong engine, but most the parts are R specific, meaning if something breaks you might have troubles sourcing a replacement. It also comes out to be more pricy to maintain. Most people recommend the Avenirs for many of these reasons. Along with the biggest point: the newest you can get an R is at least 16 years old. Just food for thought.

This feedback is exactly why I posted this. Due to my ignorance I want to make sure that I am making the best decision. Thanks for the info.

As far as the ITB question, my thoughts were around how much of a pain it was to work around and get the 270 degree intake that was in my KA24DE out. The straig intake seemed easier to work around. (don't know anything about the ITB intake)

the power difference is like 5 horsepower between the avenir and the R, or you could find a freak bb like did.

True (on the rarer W11 models), but the R has better torque numbers and sports a bigger stock turbo. Despite that, the fact still lays in that the R is a bitch to work on if you don't know what you’re doing or how to go about it. It's an old finicky engine. Yea, it’s cool to say you have an R, but unless you are really going to build it, you don’t really "need" an R. Go with a SR from a W11 if you can get one.

There are two versions of the Bluebird. U12 and U13. The U13 is the one that came in your body style Altima with a front mounted intercooler. U12 is the top mount version that came in JDM Stanzas.

I personally would prefer to have a journal bearing turbo. Rebuilds are standard practice. From what I've read the Ball bearing units are not rebuildable. I don't know 100% though so more research on that subject would be necessary.

I'd also recommend a non GTi-R engine. Sourcing parts will be less of a headache that way. You said you want a daily driver so a 78E should be enough for your needs.

The Avenir motors are selling the cheapest these days. Tiger Japanese has them for $650. The problem is that their engines are hit or miss.

Another option that you didn't mention was bolting a turbo to a Sr20de. Many people have gone that direction.

100 de + eagle rods and cp pistons = same price

Anyone know is there is a diffrence between the W10 and W11 wiring harness and ECU?

I know the turbo's are diffrent.

no oil squirtes, you might think it doesnt make a difference but it def does.

If I had a choice to start all over I think I'd find a RR motor and start with it. I can't complain though, the u13 I got was absolutely mint.