Thread: DET vs VE+T questions

Planning my spring build and I am at a crossroads, the two would cost me about the same when all said and done, maybe the ve a little more in the end.

Power goals will be 350whp, hoping to reach that at 17-18psi.

Turbo setup(wont change regardless which way I go)
GT2860RS
GTI-r turbo manifold
3" Downpipe with cutout

DET route:
DET bottom end - stock pistons/rods
VE oil pump
VET headgasket
Lowport head
S4 cams


VE+T route:
SR20VE
SR20DET pistons/rods
SR20DE girdle
Stock cams
VET head gasket


1. As I understand it I can use a DE girdle in a VE as long as I use the DE pans, is this correct?

2. This motor will need to be OBD2 emissions compliant, IE codeless. Can this be done with the VE? I do not need to pass visual.

3. No clue what engine management I would use for a VE+T. Would a calum basic be suitable for this?

4. Will DET pistons drop in to the VE with using the VE crank?

I would use a de or det crank. I also would not bother with a ve-t for 350whp. I made 342whp with a de and gt28rs@ 15psi.

Why would you use a DE/DET crank?

4 counter weight ve vs 8 counter weight de/det crank.

350whp the VE is a waste, IMO. Just get a nice stock DE. Why is everyone so afraid to boost a DE?

Dont know why everyone is afraid to boost a de. My buddies nx has been boosted on his jdm de for 3+ years now, t25 to a t28 on 15psi and it hauls butt and has been more than reliable. Never one issue. The de motor can take well over 400whp if tuned correctly and take it reliably.

I still have my de-t. I am using the crank and girdle in my ve-t build. My motor had prefect compression before I tore it down for parts.

my stock lowport has never been out of the car and has been on boost for over 5 years. From about 120,000 to 141,000 miles. She purrs like a cat in a tuna factory every time I turn the key.

what kinda numbers do you get? mine always seems a little low at around 140psi, but it is always within 5psi across all cylinders. I have run the piss out of this motor too, 15psi all day.

My buddies nx has 30k miles boosted now and like you said it purrs . His car has been veey reliable