I'm tossing around ideas for my next car. I've got about $4k to spend on the car. I'm very interested in the SR20DE engine. I was hoping someone could run down the differences between the SR20DE and the SR20DET? Does the SR20DET just refer to a turbo SR20DE, or is it actually a different production engine? What cars were producted with the SR20DE, any w/ the SR20DET?

I'm currently looking at 91-94 Sentra's (including SE-R's) and (up to) '94 240sx's. What engines were these cars produced with?

What would be the advantages of buying an SE-R over any other Sentra? Suspension and engine?

I've got a million more questions, i'm just trying to get my bearings. Most of my knowledge is in honduh's and 3000gt's (my last car, may it rest in peace). Can anyone point me toward any websites with detailed information about these vehicles or the SR20DE/SR20DET engine(s)?

Thanks in advance ...

hey guy, welcome to the SR20DE Forum! Good to see you're considering buyin' an SR20-powered car. They're great :D
You can find a whole lot of information on www.se-r.net - that's where I'd start. Other than that, this forum is a great place to discuss any questions you have about anything. There are a lot of friendly people here, who know their stuff. Good luck w/ the search for a car! :)

Just a few quick answers, someone on here will provide more detail, I'm sure.

The DET is a turbo DE, basically. There are some differences. The DET has lower compression (as expected) and piston oil sprayers (I think?!?!). Also, no car was made for the US market with the DET. You have to get them from Japan through an engine importer. Lot's of people on here have connections to hook you up though. Plan on $1500-$2000 for the engine.

I LOVE the SR20. I think I've driven just about every 4 cylinder import car from all the major manufacturers. The SR20, in my opinion, is the best all-around performer. Smooth, torquey, high redline, makes power all the way up to that high redline, no flat spots in the powerband. Plus there's a good amount of aftermarket support. Not as much support as a Honda, though, but still pretty good.

I just realized the post is off topic. It kind of crept past my original intent.

Another question - do you "guys" (forum members collectively) recommend a SR20DE + turbo (w/ low comp pistons) or SR20DET? I'm talking bang for buck here. Thanks ...

Hey there Jon,

Welcome to the forum. As silversx said, go to ser.net. that website is the bible.

The 1991-94 Sentras came with one of 2 engines: the GA16DE or the SR20DE. The 240sx of that vintage came with only the KA24DE. The first 2 letters of the engine designation is the engine family, KA, GA, or SR. The numbers indicate the displacement of the motor, 1.6liters, 2.0 liters, and 2.4 liters, respectively.

For the SR20DET question, its essentially an SR20DE with a turbo, but it has some different internals, such as lower compression pistons..i think. someone can back me up on that. It also doesn't have any of the emmissions equipment for the US, since it was never sold stateside. However, as you know, you can buy these engines pretty readily from various engine suppliers.

A lot of people usually swap this engine into the SE-R or the 240sx. Advantages for buying either an SE-R or 240sx is that the DET swap is pretty much direct....you can use pieces from your existing stock motor, such as a/c brackets etc. etc. on the DET...I think.

Also, the SE-R has a stiffer stock suspension than a normal sentra, but if you are buying a 91-94, chances are the suspension is shot anyway. The suspension parts in the aftermarket are the same for regular and se-r's. If you are looking for a *true* sports car setup, go with a 240sx and swap in an SR20DET.

Cars produced in the US with the SR20DE:
NX2000 91-93
Sentra SE-R 91-94
G20 91-2001?
200SX SE-R 95-98
Sentra SE Limited 99-2000?

SR20DET's were sold only abroad, in cars like the Silvia, Bluebird, GTi-R, and probably a boatload of others.

That's all from me for now. Good luck! Happy Nissan hunting:cool: :D

Jon welcome!
I have one question for you? What is your goal on buying? I mean are you just buying a car because you need trasportation or are you going to be fixing it up?

As everyone stated here, there were NO cars here in the US that had the SR20DET motor. The best you can get is the SR20DE. So I guess that would leave you to just buy any of those cars you mention as long as it has SR20DE motor. This motor (SR20DE) are a work horse and will be able to accomodate any future mods you might have in mind. The bottom of this motor is rock solid! Now if you are going with a DET like I have it's a different story. The DET is a more superior motor.

"Here are the differences between the DET and the DE:

The DET has oil squirter piston coolers
The DET has a bigger oil pump.
The DET has a different front pulley.
The DET has lower compression pistons (8.3:1 vs 9.5:1).
The DET has bigger injectors.
The DET has direct ignition.
The DET has a variable intake cam, runs retarded at idle, advanced mid range and retarded top end.
The DET has mechanical shim in bucket type lifters with a slightly bigger in duration exhaust cam.

The GTi-R DET has individual Throttle body injection.
The GTi-R DET has stronger main cap bolts.
The GTi-R DET has beefier rods." Mike Kojima

The DET can be street legal and can pass the emission, depending where you are, by having your ECU reconfigured by Jim Wolf Technology. I think it's a little tougher out at the west coast.

I hope this helps with your decision. It all really depends on what you would like to accomplish with the car.

Steve