Engine Swap

Just wondering if there is any kind of engine swap for a p11.

Originally posted by apintojr
Just wondering if there is any kind of engine swap for a p11.

With enough time and money, you can do just about anything.

The relatively easy swap is the SR20DET.

is the SR20DET what you class as the Nissan Sunny GTi-R?? Im not sure whih one you mean. If it is, ive heard that you cant change a 4x4 transmission in place for the front wheel drive that we have, is this true??

Originally posted by P11GT
is the SR20DET what you class as the Nissan Sunny GTi-R?? Im not sure whih one you mean. If it is, ive heard that you cant change a 4x4 transmission in place for the front wheel drive that we have, is this true?? I think they use the engine from a Bluebird.

The bluebirds over here were 1800cc, so i guess SR18DET but im sure, like you say, they had a 2000cc. Its hard to find a good ZX Turbo engine cos there wasnt that many of them and it was such a long time ago, most of them are probably in the scrapyards. On the other hand, with it being less desirable than the GTi-r or 200SX engine, if you come across one, im sure it wouldnt cost much. Heh, never thought of using one of them:)

All the turbo Bluebirds I've seen in NZ have all been 1800cc as well so I'm not sure. What makes me think it's a bluebird engine is I've seen them described as BB engines in some of the posts on SR20DET swaps like this one http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5924&highlight=sr20det+swap

The Bluebird in Japan uses a SR20DET. Or at least, the SR20DET motors that come from Japan are often referd to as "Bluebird DET's".

The Euro Bluebird uses a CA18DET engine, same as the S13 200SX.

The SR20DET from a Sunny/Pulsar GTi-R will work, but I don't believe the SR20DET from a S14 200SX will fit as it is designed for a RWD gearbox and therefore the mounting is different.

Originally posted by Anthony
The Bluebird in Japan uses a SR20DET. Or at least, the SR20DET motors that come from Japan are often referd to as "Bluebird DET's".

The Euro Bluebird uses a CA18DET engine, same as the S13 200SX.

The SR20DET from a Sunny/Pulsar GTi-R will work, but I don't believe the SR20DET from a S14 200SX will fit as it is designed for a RWD gearbox and therefore the mounting is different.

Much as I usually don't post a "ditto" reply, this is exactly right all the way around.

I have a SR20DET from a JDM Bluebird SSS. It is nearly the same as the SR20DE block. BTW, the JDM Bluebird SSS is also a AWD car. The FWD gearbox bolts right up with minimal fuss.

The GTi-R SR20DET is a little different from the Bluebird SSS SR20DET. The GTi-R engine is more powerful, but requires a far bit more modification and ingeniuity to install.

I think you could get a RWD SR20DET or CA18DET to work, but it would be a lot of work. There are too many things that are different. For us here in The States, it's fairly easy to get a BB DET, so modifying the 180SX (your 200SX) engine would be an annoying waste of time. If you do not have a source for JDM engines, the GTi-R engine would likely be a better solution.

Say forinstance, if i took a sunny GTi-R SR20DET and transplanted it into a P11, whats the best thing to do about the wiring? I already have a reprogramable ECU which could run it, would i still have to strip out the wiring loom and replace it with the SR20DET loom? Is there any extras, such as sensors that i need to consider? or can i just adapt the plugs to macth up all the existing wires on my P11?

Originally posted by P11GT
Say forinstance, if i took a sunny GTi-R SR20DET and transplanted it into a P11, whats the best thing to do about the wiring? I already have a reprogramable ECU which could run it, would i still have to strip out the wiring loom and replace it with the SR20DET loom? Is there any extras, such as sensors that i need to consider? or can i just adapt the plugs to macth up all the existing wires on my P11?

Well, I'm not the best person to ask. I can put you in touch with people who can really help you if you are serious. The injector wiring must have ballast resistors spliced in-line as well as several other modifications.

I would think that the SR20DE loom would be easier, but again, I don't really know.

I also don't have any clue about adapting your ECU to the SR20DET but again, the folks I can put you in touch with can probably help.

The ECU shouldn't be too much of a problem (famous last words) ;)

Kevin has a Dastek Unichip, which for you who have never heard of it, is a piggy back ECU that sits between the main ECU and the engine, and intercepts/modifies values so as to achieve maximum performance whilst the stock ECU still thinks that everything is dandy.

One of the functions of the Unichip is that is can do boost control, and map boost, air/fuel ratio and timing on a per-rpm and per-throttle load basis. The newer ones can also increase the rev limiter and other nice things too.

The Unichip should therefore be able to take care of running the SR20DET without the stock ECU freaking out, although it is probably going to take quite a while to set up the mappings etc for the DET - just something to be wary of if the performance guys you use charge by the hour for Unichip setups (some charge by the hour, some charge a set amount).

The DET install itself, especially the more complicated GTi-R install, is a little over my head I'm afraid. If you do decide to go ahead, I think that George's pal is gonna be the best person to speak to.

Oh, and I can't really see the point of installing a CA18DET in preference to a SR20DET - not only is it an older technology engine, but it doesn't have THAT much power stock (around 160bhp I think) and I'm certain you'd have to replace your ECU and wiring harness as it is a different series engine.

From what I have heard the GtiR was produced as a limited production car for rally and
it has a quad throttle body and forged pistons (apparently) where the bluebird does not.
I am looking at getting the Bluebeird Sr20DET myself next year.
I have seen a few turbo bluebirds in New Zealand myself and they go hard. There is
an 1988 Sentra in my area that has a SR20Det fitted to it and it puts out about 170-180
kw at the wheels, the old guy who owns it reckons it'll spin through 4th gear no
worries. It looks a little rough but the guy is putting heaps of money into it.
Does anyone know if it is worthwhile front mounting the top intercooler on the Sr20Det
because I have seen flow figures from that intercooler and it aint bad. Otherwise I'll just
get a VR4 intercooler.
All Bluebird engines I have seen have been 2L, the previous U12 models had the
CA18DET engine.
Oh another question is that U13 Turbo gearbox the same as the G20? Anyone?

Originally posted by G20-KIWI
From what I have heard the GtiR was produced as a limited production car for rally and it has a quad throttle body and forged pistons (apparently) where the bluebird does not.

I'm not so sure it has forged pistons. I'd double check that. It was indeed Nissan's FIA WRC homolugation special with quad TBs, a larger turbo (T28) and a few other goodies.

Originally posted by G20-KIWI
I am looking at getting the Bluebeird Sr20DET myself next year.
I have seen a few turbo bluebirds in New Zealand myself and they go hard.

Yes they do. And I don't know about prices in NZ, but the GTi-R engine here in The States runs about 65% more expensive. That extra money invested in a BB DET will get you more power. The GTi-R engine does have more potential though.

Originally posted by G20-KIWI
Does anyone know if it is worthwhile front mounting the top intercooler on the Sr20Det because I have seen flow figures from that intercooler and it aint bad. Otherwise I'll just get a VR4 intercooler.


By all means, get the FMIC. It will dramatically raise the IC effectiveness. Also get a 2.5-3" (60-75mm) exhaust. Those two items will add about 20 hp. This was documented by a friend of mine who installed an otherwise stock DET in his NX.

Some people have used the stock TMIC in the front. As you said, it's not a bad IC. The top placement is the only serious downside.

Originally posted by G20-KIWI
All Bluebird engines I have seen have been 2L, the previous U12 models had the CA18DET engine.
Oh another question is that U13 Turbo gearbox the same as the G20? Anyone?

According to my Nismo catalog, the U12 Bluebird SSS did indeed offer a SR20DET.

As for the gearbox, the U13 and U12 gearbox is incompatible with the P10 or P11. For one thing, the Bluebird SSS with the DET was only offered in AWD. You may be able to get a Bluebird FWD gearbox for the SR20DE, but you will have a lot of work on your hands to install it from what I've been told. JWT played around with that a bit and didn't find it to be a practical swap. Believe me, the SR20 community is searching despiritely for a stronger gearbox.

Would it be worth it taking the TMIC and front mounting it? With the improved airflow at the front the performance of the TMIC may be better and it would save the expense of buying another IC.:)

you can do that, i have actually seen sentras with DET motors that arent intercooled. If you are not gonna go boost-crazy you MIGHT be able to get away with this. IMHO though, since you are spending the money doing the piping, just finish it off with a bigger FMIC, cuz the TMIC is very small and it would look kinda funny....

Originally posted by T4 Primera
Would it be worth it taking the TMIC and front mounting it? With the improved airflow at the front the performance of the TMIC may be better and it would save the expense of buying another IC.:)

Yep. It can be done for sure. I know of a few people who have done that. It's not a bad IC. My FMIC probably has a similar volume, although it's packaged a lot nicer.

I was quoted $2500 about 6 months ago for engine and computer, I am sure that I can arrange an engine cheaper than that also guaranteed.
I have decided to start saving over my holidays from study but alas my plans have been changed as I suspect my gearbox is poked and adding more power would be bad. (also new engine mounts needed)
The best thing I think about the TMIC is that its black and small but reasonable flow, and it can be hidden away from view.
I have never heard of the U12 DET but from my parts experience there are some really bizarre variations on most of the vehicles the japanese produce, there are many names for the same damn cars which used to give me headaches at my old work.
One of the fastest cars I've ever been in was a GTiR Pulsar with I think a T4 turbo, it was laggy but on the motorway it was absolutely awesome, this guys previous GTiR is running 12 sec 1/4. He wanted to swap cars for a bit of cash but I could not afford to.

Originally posted by G20-KIWI
I was quoted $2500 about 6 months ago for engine and computer, I am sure that I can arrange an engine cheaper than that also guaranteed.


If you are going to use the BB ECU, make sure you get the MAF too.