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SR20DET Swap Cost Help (Researched)

47K views 71 replies 13 participants last post by  BoostinIX  
#1 · (Edited)
OK. So I have done some researching but this is varying way too much. I need people who have actually done the swap to answer this please. I have seen anywhere from $3000 to $6000 to have the swap completed and running. Here is what I have come to so far:

S13 Chassis: ~$1000
S13 SR20DET Blacktop: ~$2700 shipped
w/transmission
Gaskets: ~$200
Walbro 255 Fuel Pump: ~$100
Misc. Parts for engine: ~$300
Misc. Parts for car: ~$500


Total: $4800

Of course I can sell old parts such as the transmission and other stuff but this is my basic conclusion to have it complete and running properly. I am going to do all of the work myself. So no labor fees. Just maybe a hospital visit or two if i seriously injure myself. But if anyone can give me more accurate prices or better suggestions (such as a clip would or would not save me money in the long run)and anything I left out that is important, I would greatly appreciate it. Meanwhile TO THE BATCAVE! for more research.

S13 SR20DET Redtop $2,000.00 JDM Online
ACT Streetlite Flywheel for SR20DET $300.00 240sxMotoring
2.1 Carbon Kevlar Clutch Kit $275.00 P2M
OEM SR20 Flywheel Bolts $40.00 240sxMotoring
Radiator Crossover Hose- KA Radiator w/ SR20DET $40.00 Enjuku Racing
Isis M-Spec FMIC Kit- SR20DET S13 $400.00 240sxMotoring
Circuit Sports S13 Aluminum Hotpipe Kit- Greddy BOV $310.00 P2M
Circuit Sports 3" Stainless Flex Downpipe SR20DET $99.00 P2M
Circuit Sports 3" Stainless Turbo Elbow SR20DET $85.00 P2M
Circuit Sports 255lph In Tank Fuel Pump $65.00 P2M
300ZX Fuel Filter $18.00 FRSport
NGK Iridium IX Spark Plugs Nissan S13 S14 S15 SR20DET $40.00 FRSport
Engine Gasket Kit S13 SR20DET Factory Nissan JDM $150.00 eBay - West Covina
FR Bando / ContiTech OEM Replacement S13 SR20DET Engine Belts $40.00 Enjuku
Nismo 3pc SR20DET Engine Mounts $235.00 P2M
Nissan SR20DET Oil Filter $7.00 P2M
Blue/White Electric Boost Gauge $56.00 Prosport Gauges
Blue/White Oil Pressure Gauge $43.00 Prosport Gauges
Blue/White Water Temp Gauge $38.00 Prosport Gauges
Shipping Costs $150.00 P2M
Shipping Costs $20.00 Enjuku Racing
Shipping Costs $30.00 Prosport Gauges
Shipping Costs $20.00 FRSport
Shipping Costs $60.00 240sxMotoring
Total $4,521.00
Grand Total with Tax $4,973.10
 
#3 · (Edited)
Yeah. I am highly considering if I buy even just the motorset and tranny, replacing all of the gaskets and inspecting it. I've heard that it can save some major headaches. I think one of the websites I found selling them says the fmic and piping is included in the motorset so I think that covers everything needed (maf ecu cas ignitor also) except the radiator though I have read the stock 240 one will work. I don't plan on any aftermarket upgrades til later. For right now I just need to get it put together and running correctly/reliably for cheapest price. I use to have a ton of info on all of this and my laptop died and I lost it all.

As for the clip, it seems to be about $3000 shipped?
What kind of resale can I get from a clip? I know it costs more for shipping and price but I know you can get things like fenders and windshield etc that can be resold. It's things like this that I'd like to know about.

Edit: Is it necessary/highly recommended to get a new exhaust? I see lots of people buying them for the swap and read something about the stock ka exhaust is way too restrictive for the sr to function properly. Is this true?

Edit: From what I am reading, a clip SHOULD contain every single piece to startup the car and have it running properly. I also read that Heavy Throttle (Phase 2) has a very good reputation for clips and motorsets.
 
#4 ·
a motorset probably won't come with the fmic and piping. A front clip will come with the stock smic and piping. The motorset and the front clip won't come with the exhaust after the downpipe. (if it comes with a downpipe at all) You should be able to use the stock exhaust but yes it will be restrictive and quiet. I highly recommend that you change out the exhaust though. There are companies out there that sell the catback exhaust for fairly cheap.
 
#5 ·
YouTube - Failed motor swap

not only jdm engine corp. but most any company that sells jdm engines is a risk. the more years pass by, the worse it gets. these have been hot items back in 2000 - 2003. now 2010 its way past the prime of the 240. so just something to prepare to look forward to: and that motor in the vid LOOKS allllooot cleaner than most Sr20s ive seen. so don't let em fool u.
 
#6 ·
Ok....

You REALLY need to do more research on here, and not just for the wiring....
2700 for the S13 blacktop is highway robbery. Look around.


Downpipe, you'll need one. Only stock exhaust that COULD bolt up is the catback, and you'll need to replace it. Plethora of used catbacks around.

A complete front clip would have the SMIC, but no 240/silvia came stock with a FMIC, so get that out of the mind. If you want one, and you might as well, they're fairly cheap, especially used.

And Cielo - It's been covered more times than I can count that these motors aren't babied over there, they need to be rebuilt. Any idiot that drops in a motor right off a shipping pallet gets what he deserves. They need a full gasket set at minimum, and inspection while it's apart. Ask RLong, who's over there- they get plucked out of everything from teenboy racers to actual drift cars to the occasional stocker. Don't spread bad information. Also, most reputable engine importers offer videos of your specific motor doing compression tests, as well as 30-day warranties.

OP- Find a local shop, and sit down and have a talk. Even if you do it yourself, they'll help you with questions and advice.
 
#7 ·
yes but if they need to be rebuilt, an SR20 swap is gonna cost more than 2700, isn't it?

they cost $1800 + shipping = 500 - 1000. so already nearly 2.5 to 3k. and that only to have a random one sitting in your driveway.

even if you get the motor for 2k. dropping it in and proper wiring where everything works just like it did with a KA is another 1k. and we aren't even talking about a new gasket set, rebuild kit, piston rings, or anything to make it run reliably and we haven't even modded it yet..

thats 3k + JUST to have an sr. the definition of "having one" should be to have it in your car and driving around. not just paying for a block of aluminuml on a cone of iron..
 
#8 ·
i agree with the whole having it means it being in the car and running. otherwise its useless to you. but to properly do it its going to cost more than 3k. 1k worth of parts isn't going to get you there even if you go with cheap parts. Finding used parts he might be able to do it but very unlikely.
 
#9 · (Edited)
i was looking at 2700 for a clip. sorry if i wrote that wrong. im going to get a clip and use the smic. maybe an fmic if i have the money. was looking at phase2 for it or enjuku. ive heard only good things about both of them. and that theyll work with you if you experience any problems. ive also been looking into the rebuild parts. i know gaskets for sure. i see piston rings too. ill check into the rebuild kits. im not planning on modding it soon. just get in running reliably. so that means a 2.5" or 3" downpipe and back. i was estimating 4k to have the motor running decently. 5k counting the exhaust which i wasn't sure if it was necessary until now. and also sorry for any mistakes. i dont get much sleep so i may type something wrong.

boostin i have been researching into it too. just was asking questions while i researched. thats why i have a ton of edits. im trying to do my best to find everything for myself. just a lot of "i dropped it in for 3k!" " i did mine for 4k and only needed this!" and of course poor rexbo who im not sure has finished his yet. so i wanted to get more recent advice. and thank you to everyone for the help. i know it wont be cheap by any means but right now im looking at 5k to have it running correctly?

http://www.240sxmotoring.com/oemnisrtugap.html - oem gasket package $110
http://www.240sxmotoring.com/enrehes.html - engine rebuild head $270

if i have to get the bottom end rebuild fml

enjuku has the belt sets too. any reason to get those even if the ones on the engine look good?
and anything i'm leaving out? (excluding fluids and spark plugs etc)
 
#10 ·
#12 ·
im just finishing mine up myself. i went redtop but did the whole front clip just to make sure i had everything i needed. i ordered from jdm-online and they were really helpfull. it didnt come with the body pannels tho so they threw in the vlsd rear ( i know not the same worth but works for me) and it came to like 2800 including shipping. they have free shipping on their motor sets as far as i know
 
#14 ·
#15 ·
If you're talking about mine I have a better list written down. Just not including stuff that is suppose to come with the engine/clip. I'm trying to find out the hidden side of things that isn't quite as detailed in most posts. So right now: Phase 2, Enjuku, JDM Online, and JDM Source. I'm still leaning to the first two because I have read more about them but of course I have time still. However, I don't want to turn this into an off topic "Where should I buy a motorset/clip from?"

Oh sidenote here: I don't have any local 240/SR20 shops. The only real shop is Crawford Z which deals only with 300ZX's as far as I know. Not even craigslist is very populated with anything useful. Tennessee kinda sucks it seems.
 
#17 ·
From what I read, just about any FMIC is better than an SMIC but I haven't read much about ebay FMICs either. My first priority is getting the car up and running reliably on stock boost and I've read that the stock SMIC works fine for this. I'm not looking to have 250rwhp for its first startup or anything like that. I just want it to be drivable and reliable. Mods come later.
 
G
#18 ·
yeah bro.. i tryed to battle with funds to see if a SR was doable in my future.. doesn't seem like it.. if you were closer to some coast i've heard of 2500 for a full compelte stock SR done thru a shop.. since your doing it your own i'd say add a grand to that for reliability.. you might just wanna get to know them guys workin on them 300zxs.. just for help in general.. great idea see if you could gain some contacts with other members around the SR populated areas.. cause havin spare parts in a dry town like yours is gona be a must
 
#19 ·
My complete swap list so far:

SR20SET Clip $3000
Downpipe $200
Gasket Kit $150
Rebuild Kit $300
Belt Kit $50
New Clutch Kit $300
Exhaust $400
Boost Gauge $60
Water Temp Gauge $60
Oil Pressure Gauge $60
Spark Plugs $25
Fluids $50
Motor Mounts $100
Walbro 255 Fuel Pump $100
New Oil/Fuel Filters $100

Total $4955

So basically, $5000 is the minimum I want before I start this project? I know most of this isn't "necessary" for the swap but I'd rather not spend 3 grand on the clip and then watch it blow up within a week.
 
#60 ·
Are you assuming you get an intercooler and all piping + intake with the engine? Its missing most times. Also MAF and ignitor can be missing too.

Where is the oil pressure gauge going? Youll need an adapter plate.

Also set aside money for new vacuum lines/ hoses that have split, electrical connectors, clamps etc. And thats also assuming you have all the right tools for the job as well.

What is a rebuild kit and what do you get for $300?
 
#22 ·
Is exhaust necessary for sr20 swap?

Okay I have heard it both ways. Do I need too buy any exhaust pieces for the sr20 swap? A few people have said yes but I have read some places that say no and the enjuku racing basic swap package does not contain any exhaust pieces except the down pipe and it doesn't say i need one.
 
#26 ·
Main Things you'll need are the Turbine Elbow/Outlet and the Downpipe. If you have both the Stock Piece's then you set. But it would be a nice and fairly cheap upgrade to switch those out.