Thread: RR SR20DE vs Bluebird SR20DET Rebuild

I'm looking at picking up a B14 that has a pretty good build on it already.

The car currently has:
RR SR20DE
JWT ECU
Stage 4 ACT Clutch Kit
JGY Manifold
GT28RS Disco Potato Turbo
Front Mount Intercooler w/ 2.5" Piping
Slim Fans
AVC-R APEXI Boost Controller
3" Turbo Back Exhaust
Greddy SP Muffler
JGY Fuel Rail with 50lbs Injectors
B&M Short Throw Shifter
Stillen Body Kit

Now, the car is also coming with a Bluebird motor (SR20DET) that has been stripped down, but needs to be rebuilt (new rings, etc). The SR20DE that is in it now needs some work as well (I think it has bad oil rings, but I'm not 100%).

My question is, just power-wise, would I be better off fixing the RR SR20DE with this setup, or would I be able to get more power out of the SR20DET Bluebird motor? I'm basically looking for what would be the best bang for my buck (assuming the cost to rebuild both is the same) between these two engines.

Thanks!

I need to ask why is this in the All-Motor section?

Depends on your hp goal. If you plan on keeping the boost at 15psi then I would rebuild the rr. You will get more power out of the rr with less boost, If your gonna go over 15psi and run the car hard, the rebuld the det. I know a few people with rr's then were never rebuilt and been ok. But since the det is out of the car already might aswell rebuild that, won't be as responsive like a rr but you'll be able to throw more at it.

LOUROK: Thanks for the advice. That's kind of what I was thinking. I just learned that the issue with the RR is that two of the rods are "loose". He's not sure how they're loose or why. I'm hoping it's as simple as tightening a few bolts, but I'm never that lucky.

I think I'll get the RR just running for right now, rebuild the Bluebird and run it next spring and rebuild the RR (huge) while I'm running the bluebird motor. I know I'm going to be running this car pretty hard, so it wouldn't be bad to have another motor ready to go if something were to (when it does) happen.

Thanks again.

Put the RR head on the DET block and take the RR crank and replace the 8cw one and walla. Relaible and responsive as hell.

If I do what you suggest, what would the estimated HP be for this setup? I'm considering a different cam to.

Thing is RR head (valve springs and rockers) are probably the weakest point on the RR itself. Though DET pistons with oil squirters does help

This is what I've heard, and one of the reasons I've been leaning away from it for this setup (with the GT28RS). I don't think I'll be running any more than 8-12 pounds of boost regularly, but I'm pretty sure this engine took (probably the reason it's down) up to 18 pounds at one point or another.

Engine can take it with the right tune, it's just detonation and overreaving it is what really kills it.

DET head also had the sodium filled valves if thats important.