Thread: New SER Owner

Hi,
I just a got a new (to me) 91 se-r.
Here is a pic:

Anyways I've know about the SE-Rs for a long time and was able to pick this one up.
Its got a whole bunch of miles on it (245k), a decent interior, good suspension, and it runs.
Now its time to service the brakes and I am wondering if there is any good upgrades for the braking system? Just a street car btw. Not looking to spend thousands either.
Also while my engine runs its not running as well as Id like it to be. I did a full tuneup and it got better but it still is no champ. It sort of has a flat spot around 2500rpm when its cold and seems like it doesnt like to go past 5k rpms much as it starts struggling to keep revving. What should I look at to correct this condition? Should I be replacing any important sensors? Which items are likely to be worn out at this point?
Clutch is also on its way out, which are the better brands for the SE-R? Not looking for a stiff noisy clutch either.
If I were to replace the engine what is my best bet? JDM? Which ones are the most powerful in stock form?
Where is the coolant sensor located? My temp gauge stopped reading after about 2 days of owning the car....
Im in southern california and the car is just a daily fun driver which I hope wont become an addiction

Congrats on the SER.

1. As brakes goes, the best upgrade are NX2000 calibers and rotors.
2. Tune up parts get them from GregV here on the forums. Always stick with OEM. G Spec Performance
3. Do a tune up 1st.
4. Yes maybe, since you so many miles on the car some sensors my go bad.
5. If you are not racing on the track and just DDing i say get a OEM replacement clutch kit
6. JDM SR20DE or VE a will do the job. PM Andreas Miko he has all the motors ready to go
7. Coolant Temp Sensor is located right beside the oil fliter to the back of the motor.It has 1 wire going to it. The other sensor beside it is the temp gauge sensor. that has 2 wires.


http://www.sr20-forum.com/howtos/ Also check this section

Welkum 2 The Forum

Welcome! What all did you do for the tune up so far? Oil and filter I'm sure, but also cap, rotor, plugs, wires, clean/replace air filter, clean the MAF sensor (only with specially formulated stuff mind you), fuel filter? I did all that on mine and I could feel the difference after each one and gas mileage went up a point or two (sometimes 4 or 5) each time till I got to the about 27 I'm getting now with mixed driving.

I second the NX2000 brake upgrade, with some searching you can find it. There's a lot of info on that one. The NX and the SE-R share the same chassis, so they're a direct fit (with some trimming to the dust shield, but that's it).

As to what's likely to be worn out - a lot of things, as your car (mine's the same year) is 18 years old. Mine has a JDM engine (which has 10:1 compression rather than the USDM 9.5:1 and also doesn't have any EGR stuff) and tranny and whatnot, but everything else has pretty much been there since day one, it seems. At any rate, since you're in CA, I wouldn't recommend swapping to an engine that won't pass stringent emissions tests during annual inspection. JDM will be that exactly. There are other things you can do, however, like get a lowport and swap out the highport cams (if they're still in good shape, you could even take the ones in the lowport you currently have) and you could get a bit more power than sticking with the highport. Also, this combination is good if you decide to use it as a base for turbo.

Thanks for the warm welcome. Not new to imports although this is my first import in several years, I am new to Nissan though.
Here is what I did.
Oil/filter
Air filter
v/c gasket
fuel filter
spark plugs
cap + rotor
Still have the hesitation around 2500rpm.
My car is also real slow to build RPMs specially around 5k...
What could I do to get these conditions to disappear?
Also have an exhaust leak I got to take care of. Looking to buy a Factory service manual soon. Does the stealership still carry them?
Also Id love a VE engine but it looks like it will need a new ECU as well... and I dont really feel like fiddling with that. Maybe just install a newer DE and call it good but Id like to get this one to run the way it should first.
Regarding my temp gauge problem. I *think* I might have unplugged it by accident when I did my oil filter but have yet to check
Anyways looking for all the help I can get and any links or good reading material out there
Thanks!

You could also clean your MAF and TB. I would also check your timing. Don't forget your big three: air, fuel, and spark. My guess is air here. Clean your MAF, reground it, and test it to see if it's good. Also check for vacuum leaks. Checking your TPS sensor wouldn't be a bad idea either. You can find all this in the how-to section linked here.

There's some places you can find an FSM online for free in 2 enormous pdf files. I can't find it at the moment but with some searching you can find it easy.

Also, another good place to start is here: http://www.sr20-forum.com/howtos/174-se-r-101-a.html

About the NX upgrade, check here: HOW TO: Upgrade your brakes (B13 NX2000) - SR20 Forum

Index of /FSM/Sentra/1994_Sentra

you will thank me later

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with all of the above statements. Take your time and do it right. There is a lot of good info on this forum. The VE engine is a fantastic engine, but it isn't cheap. I am saving up for one right now...
The 02 sensor on this car is a weak spot. It might be something to consider. And the NX2000 front brakes are a nice upgrade, just make sure they'll clear your rims.



Good luck with that...

245k and still kickin it. thats what i like to see!

i have a part out thread goin so if you need anything just let me know
B13 PART OUT

Well, I am amazed by how nimble this little car is
And its fun to drive!
Unfortunately yesterday when I was driving back home it would not shift into first or second
It only would shift to 3rd,4th,5th and reverse
Now I really dont know what went wrong but some people suggested it might be time for a new tranny... I felt the clutch was near the end of its life already and thought that might be it, or at least hope so At least i had no 5th gear pop-out :o
What do you guys think it is?
If the trans has to come out and get swapped I might also do the engine since its not that much work after the trans is out
What would be the trans of choice if I had to get a new one?
Anyone know where to get one in SoCal?