Using hindsight changes everything. This is what I'd do if I were designing the B13 SE-R edition back then knowing what I know now.
1) Use R134-a refrigerant from the beginning in the A/C system.
2) Use a pre-cat to keep emissions in check instead of going to lesser and lesser aggressive cams.
3) I'd obviously redesign the transmission to support 3rd gear properly and prevent the 5th gear pop-out issue.
4) I would use struts on the trunk lid instead of torsion bars. Or at least redesign the bars so they don't bind with age.
5) I would design the secondary coolant temp sensor with a less retarded electrical connection.
6) The more aggressive 1994 front bumper probably would never have happened.
7) The interior design pattern would have stayed the same throughout the production run (don't care which design).
8) The tachometer would stay on one side of the dash throughout the entire run (not sure which side) and it would not have that stupid pizza slice in it.
9) The speedometer would have been electrical from the get-go.
10) The shift throw would be marginally shorter.
11) The stock wheels would be 15" x 7" with 205-50-15 size tires. Front suspension geometry would be changed to maintain scrub radius.
12) The rear suspension would likely be a different multi-link design without built-in bind.
13) No sunroof would be available.
14) The interior lighting dimmer knob would be made more long-term reliable.
15) The HVAC fan resistor pack would be made like the new, redesigned part.
16) While it might have required a name change, the SE-R package should have been available in a 4-door.
17) The 2-door hinges would not use plastic bearings that wear with use and cause the door to sag.
18) Airbags would never have been an option.
19) The steering wheel would be smaller with more girth.
20) The steering wheel would telescope.
21) The main dash gauges and stalk controls would move with the steering wheel to stay visible and reachable respectively.
22) The front seat belts would be completely redesigned to avoid using the door for mounting, and somehow still avoid using electric automatic shoulder belts.
23) The rear deck spoiler would be optional.
24) The engine wiring harness would not go through its ass to get to its elbow.
25) The engine would use coil-on-plug like the RWD engines with the corresponding loss of the distributor and such.
26) The crank case ventilation setup would be like the SR20VE without that ugly catch can up front.
27) The emissions related air injection system on the early highport engines would never have been put in. Forget what it is called.
28) The ECU would not have been made purposefully obtuse and actively protected from modification (assuming it is).
29) I would probably use the lowport head and intake design from the beginning but would make sure to have the injectors more accessible like the VE intake manifolds.
This early in the morning, that's what I've come up with. I'm sure I'll think of more later.
The changes that cost money should be the wheels and tires, the steering wheel telescoping, and maybe the pre-cat. Oh and I guess the COP setup probably costs money over a distributor setup? There are some places money is saved like no secondary restraint system and no optional sunroof. I think the changes may add a couple hundred dollars to the price tag.
Last edited by BenFenner
on 2013-03-08
at 14-44-06.