Thread: Rebuild SR20VE w/SR16VE pistons or run STOCK???

OK. I'm working on my latest project. Might be my last for awhile. P10 w/sr20ve swap. Motor is good running condition before I pulled it. Was pulled to redo a hack job and replace MANY parts including tranny & clutch.

Here is my issue.

1. I can just drop the motor back in and run it with all my bolt ons that I have ready for it.

2. I've got a set of sr16ve pistons that I can have the motor rebuilt with them. I've got a good stock DE that I will use the 8cw crank.

Parts to be installed either way I go: N1 cams, BC springs & retainers, 3" step header, 3" exhaust, ported OEM stock intake manifold, 370cc injectors, N62 MAF, Calum ECU tuned for my parts.

To rebuild the motor = $1100 in labor only and that includes smoothing out the head ports. Another $400-$500 for rebuild parts: bearings, rings, head gasket, etc.. 2 of my buddies have VE's, you guys know who you are.

1st guy, has similar bolts with STOCK motor. Made like 216whp

2nd guy, has sr16ve pistons with similar bolt ons. Made 227whp on E85.

I'm just debating if it's really worth the extra $1500 or so for a few more whp? Just looking for some thoughts. I know I would be rite in their range.

If you do the pistons now will not have any regrets later. If you dont do them now, it will cost you more later to tear it back down. Id say through them in since you are in there. Especially if you know you are not going to rebuild anytime soon. Bolt on VEs are nice, but for an extra little bit, and a nice fresh rebuild, you can add 10hp with the potential for more down the road.

We all know how common it is to spin a bearing, a rebuild will give you longer life and a little insurance knowing that you can hammer on it knowing it will hold up. E85 is the only downside i see, i am still debating on running it, and might do a tune on it later just to see the gains. It is harder to find if you drive outside of the local area, and it can be inconsistent in its ethanol content.

You could always shave them down to 12.5:1 if you wanted to stay on pump gas.

I would turn around and sell the SR16 pistons. You will get 150 for them. Then 100$ you will spend for new rings. For 500 bucks you can score a set of CP 12.5:1 pistons new with rings. It would compliment the setup nicely. This is my view on it though. I have done the SR16 pistons in the past but if I did it over again CP is the route I would go. Just some food for thought.

Build the engine yourself an put the 1100/1500 to more parts. Its pretty easy. And id to the 16 ve pistons for sure. Ve + high comp= fun.

I agree with bes if you can come up with the money. I will be using 92mm 12.5:1 cp pistons on my ve

If spending more is not an option then yes, notch the SR16 pistons and drop them in. For a stock sleeved motor I would do 88mm pistons without a doubt. The power is easy to be made.

Of the two options you presented, if you have fuel to support a 2.0L with sr16 pistons , then go for it. 10-15 more hp will give you the edge over the average bolt-on ve. And you will spend the money once, but you will have that 'extra' hp every time you squeeze her...

Peace

Why 8cw though? I have sr16 setup in my car with 4cw and 1mil of the top, glad i did it. Car makes more power pretty easily. With the crap ass header and intake setup my car put down 211-212, ive ran and beat cars that trap 105mph from a roll with not much fuss at all.

Agreed. 4cw is fine....

if the difference is 1500 then i would run the stock motor and save some more for a 2.3 build