ProjectSR20

I used to own an '89 Civic SI that was built up pretty good. It had no power steering and there was never any problem with it turning. After I got my new wheels and tires it felt like I did have it. I am sure the Z is a lot lighter. So I think you guys are right that it would not be unbearable. Now that I think about it I remember hitting 130 and even with no power steering and more weight than the Z it felt like if I touched the wheel I would fly off the road. Maybe I should just scratch this idea...

I think Superz hit the nail on the head. The L series motors were great for their times but are outdated now. I am still saying that if you are looking for a modern engine with light weight, huge aftermarket support and something that can put some serious HP number down while still being fuel efficient, the SR20 is the way to go. Of course there is also the CA18 (many avoid this just because the dissplacement is a little too small) and the KA24 (bigger displacement but takes some work to handle high horsepower).

Cool. Thanks for the info. I doubt that it is something that Im going to bother with considering you have to mess with fabbing brackets. Too much of a pain and power steering doesnt matter that much.

I am wondering what you guys have done for power steering? Did you just deep six it and call it good or has anyone made it work in an S30 chasis? If so how hard was it to get hooked up?

I guess I forget the L28ET. As far as swaps go it is the easiest and cheapest. It is a strong motor that can make some very impressive torque numbers. I personally like the idea of a turbo 4 in a Z (call me crazy of lame). I actually was going to do an L28ET but opted for the SR20 just because of the custom factor and there is no one in my town that has even thought of this. Everyone has the standard V8 swap.

Ive been looking at various swaps for a while now. I was looking for the same things that you seem to want: a turbo and good aftermarket support. The SR20 is a good strong running motor. With some simple bolt ons you can get upwards of 300 hp. If you have ever watched any S13's drift you know what they are capable of. I don't think the weight between difference between the 2 cars is that different (someone back me up on this). I think there have been several people that have done a VG30 swap in this car but from what I understand its not worth it in some ways. The motor makes alot of power but parts are expensive, the motor is heavy and there are some issues with fitment. But it is all up to you in the end.. My personal favorite is the SR20 just because of the reasons I listed above. I think it would make an extremely fun street car as well as a good drifter with the proper suspension set up. Just do a search or talk to Alex from Vildini. He has done some very impressive swaps with SR20's.

I was thinking of doing the same but the strength is what I am concerned about. If you get a competent shop that welded it correctly would it compromise the strength? I was thinking of the MSA aluminum shaft being cut and shortened. Anyone think this would be worth looking into?

Hey guys. I was wondering what you are doing for a driveline with your SR20 swaps? I am guessing that you cannot use the stock one. Can anyone give me any ideas on what they have done or where I can find one that will work? Thanks.

You might as well make that 8. I am stripping my Z right now and getting it ready for some paint and minor body work. I am in the process of getting and SR20 right now.

Will do. Thanks for the info.

Sorry guys, I gotta bump this one. I really need some help in this area.

Does anyone know what the limitations of the stock ecu are? I know what you can do with a standalone EMS in terms of tunability and max power output, but know little of how to modify a stock ecu to handle more power. Would something like an Apexi AFC get the job done? Keep in mind that I am only going for 250-300 whp.

Are you sure the thinwall would be strong enough? I would be concerned about hitting a speed bump or something and grinding a hole right through it. What kind of muffler do you guys reccomend? I am looking for something with a deeper tone (I know its only a 4 banger) that won't sound like a tin can at high rpm's.

Thanks guys. I was thinking I would have to make it custom anyways.

Hey everyone. Please take it easy one me. I am a newbie (well sort of). I've been browsing this site for about the last year just reading everything I could before i started posting. I'm not sure if this has been covered yet, I couldn't find anything using the all-powerful search button, but I am wondering what the best way to make an exhaust system work with an SR20 swap is. Would it be better to custom fab the whole thing or say buy a system from MSA and have that modified to fit? Any help would be greatly appreciated. ~Ryan