Thread: SR20DE Maintenance Questions...

So I bought a replacement engine and transmission for my rod knocking and 5th gear missing unit currently in my 91 SE-R.

I want to replace some things while everything is out and have some questions, first off here is my "list" should anything be added?

-Head gasket (and all associated gaskets with the removal/install)
-Timing chain? (recommended or no?)
-Passenger side engine mount, it vibrates like crazy. Do the others have to be changed if I change one?
-CV axles...both sides.

Along with those I was going to check the clutch while they're out of the car and replace that if need be.

Are axles the same on all B13 Sentras or are the SE-R ones for the SE-R only? There are many options for them from what I'm seeing and not all say SE-R or not. Will any 91 Sentra axle work if it's for a manual transmission and ABS?

Thanks for all of your time!

Waterpump

Timing chain is not necessary unless the engine you're putting in has maybe 300k miles.

Head gasket seems like waste of time and money too unless you know there is an issue with it.

The half-shafts are LSD half-shafts. If you have an LSD transmission, you need the LSD half-shafts. If you for some reason are not putting in an LSD transaxle, then you need the non-LSD half-shafts.

Hahahaha I completely forgot about that! Thanks!

It is an LSD transmission, so I'll see what I can find, I haven't seen any that say LSD yet.

they might not say for lsd on them but the part # for b13 1.6 ltr and 2.0 ltr axles are different....just make sure they are for 2.0 sentra of the proper year and you should be good.....and get oem axles....even if just the rebuilt ones....the crappy knockoff ones tend to cause vibration cause they don't have a balance weight

My engine was replaced not to long ago and there are a few things that are not "necessary" but are easier as long as the engine/tranny are out and the engine bay is empty. Here are a few thing I upgraded besides those gaskets, etc. all ready mentioned.

Silicone water hoses,at BACK of engine,(no worries about future leaks back there)
Thermostat (they're cheap, why risk overheating)
Clutch disc, throwout bearing, lightened flywheel, upgraded pressure plate.
Intake manifold thermoblock spacers (much easier with engine out)
Sensors for any gauges you'll want to install in the future.
Underdrive pulleys (quick and easy with the engine out)
Prothane motor mounts
Replace B13 power steering reservoir with a B14 reservoir( as long as the fluid is drained anyway).

Of course any of this can be installed with the engine in but doing it now makes life simpler.

On eBay there's a set of reman. Oem axles for 47 bucks + 40 shipping.. Left and right 1991-94 ser non abs.

Just replace basics,

Plugs, water pump (depending on mileage) most of the jdm motors ive gotten are super clean and i didnt bother. Replace seals on the trans. Rear main seal if its looking like it needs it. Again it all depends on the condition of the motor.

I wouldnt worry about all that other crap. No need to go overkill on it.

to me, I'd do the clutch disc and pp while I'm in there, and up the mounts to prothane

while you have the engine out of the car, it may be worth changing the rear water hose too if it looks even a TINY bit worse for wear, and the knock sensor would likely be shit on your old car if you had rod knock really bad.

Also, dont make the same mistake I did, check all your grounds as you drop the engine out of the car. I ripped a one wire ground right to the harness by accident and didnt know it, and the car didnt start after that until I pricked myself on the wire by accident and saw 3 strands sticking out ha ha!