First, the L-series bolts in, while the SR20DET does not. That saves quite a bit in
fabrication and is a big plus in the time factor. And of course, it's not just an
issue of oil pan, mounts , crossmember and swaybar. The steering interference with the
exhaust manifold is another hurdle. The SR20DET is a bitch of a swap if the number of
incomplete projects is any indicator. I think most of the finished swaps have been
completed with a kit. That adds about 1G to the price. Another problem with this
engine in the States is the availability of parts. Gaskets, water pump, starter and
who knows what else are very specific to this engine and aren't available. No problem
if you putt around town, but driving 800 miles to Shasta? NAPA isn't going to have
your water pump or starter. That's why I eliminated this engine from my list.
As far as JY parts, keep in mind that your engine, my engine and any SR20DET available
here is a junkyard engine. On the other hand, Dan Hall (you may have seen his 1200
screaming at 9K at PIR) will build a balanced and blueprinted L-series short-block for
around $1200-1500 as I recall. Turbo manifolds are available in NZ. Open chamber head,
turbo grind cam, O-rings. Who needs to program? Turbo Tom whomped his competition with
a Holley 600. Jump to EFI later, but you certainly don't have to start with it.
Yes, I agree it needs to be a quality project throughout, but patience, common sense
and NO shortcuts could make quite a screamer.
Noisy and not as smooth? Sounding like a BMW owner.;-) I like my 510s noisy.
I don't want to repeat the whole schpeel again, but I can summarize the thought by
saying the L is a great engine. Arguably one of the best designs made. Tough as nails
and it did Brock/Morton quite nicely. A gnarly L can make you poop your pants as it
hurls a 510 around. Build a large L to take a ton of boost and you would have one very
fast, fun ride while doing something different. And of course the parts are available
here.
I don't underestimate what the SR20DET can do and I'd certainly love to have one if I
could easily get parts for it. Most of these importers are bringing them here with
"complete' harnesses, but they're missing crucial parts. There are ways to get around
it, but I still don't like the idea of buying engines out of someones garage in LA. I
think Dave's price of $1500? is still a tad low. They seemed to float around
$2000-2500 when I was looking. A buyer also should be aware whether the SR is coming
directly from Japan or did it do a few years stint in Australia after leaving Japan?
That could really rack up the mileage and wear.
The phantom car is doing its job of keeping me occupied. It's not a phantom to the
neighbors. It's a source of irritating late-night noise.
b
------Original Message------
From: Gary Savage <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Brendan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: February 24, 2001 7:49:06 PM GMT
Subject: Re: L20B TURBO v SR20DET
Brendan wrote:
> >I'm assuming that you are willing to spend more money on the motor than
> the car
> >is practically worth, right? I would guess that $5000 might get you that
> motor,
> >by the time you get all the trick stuff to make it do that. It's hard to
> beat
> >new technology! ;-)
>
> ..except that's the full-install price of an SR20DET too according to the
> project owners I've spoken too. Sometimes it's fun to carve your own path.:-)
Of course, the key word is MIGHT. Then you have to spend lots of time trying to
program the thing to work right, unlike the SR20DET w/ tons of "plug & play"
options. L-series are still more noisy and not as smooth, probably due to that
technology thing, again. ;-) It also depends if you are talking about doing it
right, or buying a ton of junkyard parts to build this motor. If it's not done
right, it won't last long, which means more HP equals even more money! I hate
that part! So, Brendan, when is this phantom car of yours going to be done?
--
Gary Savage - Racing in Memory of Swede & Shelly
Eugene,Oregon
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
'70 510 2dr - "Casper" the VG Turbo, double A-arm rocket
'70 Plymouth AAR Cuda Factory Trans-Am Racer
Check out our Team AAR 'Cuda stuff at:
http://www.aarcuda.com/merchandise.html
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