I recently bought a 91 SE-R with 144,xxx miles. When I bought it, it had 0 compression in #2 cylinder, but good compression on the others. Previous owner seemed to think head gasket. I did notice much more fuel blowing out of #2 cylinder while doing compression check. Anyhow, head is pulled and gasket does not show typical signs of being blown (tears around sealing ring, holes, pits, etc). All I noticed was that on the #2 part of the head, everything was perfectly clean and no signs of carbon. Also, between #2 and 3 on the head gasket, there appeared to be oil in that area. I haven't pulled the valves out and checked for a crack in the runners yet, but don't see anything obvious. I also noticed the cams are shot due to lack of lubrication. There is a bad sludge buildup on the top of the head, and I think the oil lines that are supposed to supply oil to the cam lobes are stopped up. The cams are worn enough to see/feel ridges on the outside edges of each lobe. I did manage to find a stripped down block with head/cams, pistons, crank, etc. at a price I could not pass up http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8016395553&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT and have already picked it up. The cams are in perfect condition. The motor had spun a bearing but is in very good shape other than the crank.

I am wanting to freshen up the engine while I have it down (rings, bearings, etc). I want to also make this a turbo model when I get it back together. I have already ordered a timing gear set and gasket set, considering the age of the motor.

Now for the questions. Please realize, I have done nothing this weekend except for reading various (forums including this one) for all the info I could find. The only problem is that I cannot find everything I need to know, so I need to ask here. I have read so much conflicting information from one site to another, but feel comfortable with you guys. I am not worried about getting 500 hp out of this motor. All I want is about 200+ to start, then I can do further mods later, as I get the money or the need for more speed. For this start up, I would like to find used parts (in good condition). I would like to get by with my factory ecu and injectors, if possible, but am not sure what they can safely handle.
1. Would I be safe with factory injectors and ecu for about 200-220hp?
2. Since I am going to freshen up the motor, is there anything I definitely need to beef up (bearings) to make it safe?
3. Which turbo would I be best with? As I said, I am not looking for 500hp.
4. This auction just ended today, but I was wondering if this would have worked out for my needs. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8019059006&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

As I said before, I am on a tight budget and have no problem with used equipment, if it is in good condition. I just want to be able to do this conversion without spending an arm and a leg. I haven't even been able to drive the car yet because of the head. Thanks guys.

BTW, my car is a US model 91 SE-R with a factory SR20DE and 5-speed.

you are wasting so very much time and money on this, just get a JDM DE motor for 350 bucks, swap it in and call it a day (or two)

drill and tap the motor for turbo before it goes in. Get a nice GTI-R t28 setup, and strap it on.

you are wasting so very much time and money on this, just get a JDM DE motor for 350 bucks, swap it in and call it a day (or two)

drill and tap the motor for turbo before it goes in. Get a nice GTI-R t28 setup, and strap it on.
I looked at the SR20DET motors on ebay, but they were all rwd and the price was too high for me. Is the JDM DE motor for a fwd and what hp is it rated at? Still, I want to have the turbo for added hp as I can.

HEres one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-U12-SR20DET-BLUEBIRD-NISSAN-PULSAR-ENGINE-ECU_W0QQitemZ8002365947QQcategoryZ33615QQssPageNam eZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

You havent searched nearly enough, do what will said, or even find a reputable forum member who is selling an engine and buy it. Best bet is to look for a long block, so you can get somthing bigger than a t25 gets borring fast. If you couldnt even find a fwd sr20 on ebay, or asking that a jdm DE is fwd you def need to search.

HEres one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-U12-SR20DET-BLUEBIRD-NISSAN-PULSAR-ENGINE-ECU_W0QQitemZ8002365947QQcategoryZ33615QQssPageNam eZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
You havent searched nearly enough, do what will said, or even find a reputable forum member who is selling an engine and buy it. Best bet is to look for a long block, so you can get somthing bigger than a t25 gets borring fast. If you couldnt even find a fwd sr20 on ebay, or asking that a jdm DE is fwd you def need to search.


I couldnt have said it better.

a jdm sr20de is exactly the same as what you have in your car now, except it is in good shape, and lacks EGR. same compression, same everything. DET motors are a waste of money IMO, unless you are shooting for 400whp++

HEres one
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-U12-SR20DET-BLUEBIRD-NISSAN-PULSAR-ENGINE-ECU_W0QQitemZ8002365947QQcategoryZ33615QQssPageNam eZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
You havent searched nearly enough, do what will said, or even find a reputable forum member who is selling an engine and buy it. Best bet is to look for a long block, so you can get somthing bigger than a t25 gets borring fast. If you couldnt even find a fwd sr20 on ebay, or asking that a jdm DE is fwd you def need to search.
Thanks. I appreciate your honesty. I did search thru ebay looking for an SR20DET import, but everyone I found was rwd. I had no clue about where to find a rear diff or other necessary parts to get it to work. Also, since my engine is very rebuildable (no major damage), I didn't spend much time looking for engines. My time has been spent reading about turbos and how they work, since I have never owned a vehicle with one. It is just a project that has gained my interest, along with my 17 y.o. son's and this is something we have a common interest in and can do together. He has always wanted to know how an engine works, so I think he will learn more by helping rebuild vs. just exchanging. I am a certified marine technician (outboard and jet skis) and don't have a problem with tackling this kind of project.

Truth of the matter is this: Right now, I already have a gasket set, timing gear set, and a spare block, head, cams, injectors, etc. If I went with one of the jdm engines, I would be looking at $350 for the engine + $200 or more for shipping to get it here. On top of this, I don't know what kind of condition the engine will be in or how it has been taken care of, much like the one I just bought. Sure, I know they offer a warranty for a short time, but by rebuilding the one I have, I will know it's condition when finished. If I had it to do over, I would consider the jdm exchange, but I already have committed myself to a rebuild of my current motor. This can be a fun project and educational for my son at the same time. I can do my buildup slowly and keep the wife off my back easier that way as opposed to telling her I need a $600 engine or $2000 one with turbo already set up. She would approve of the rebuild quicker than an exchange, simply because of it being a "learning experience" for my son. Any of you who are married can understand where I am coming from. :D

Once again, I want to install a turbo just to say I did, and learn about it at the same time. I am not after a 500 hp motor at first, but I could always build up to it if I decide to.

Could anyone answer my 4 questions above? Thanks again.

You will need 370's at least for a turbo motor.
Don't really need to beef up the motor, unless ur going for mad hp
t28 will be good up to 300hp
i highly doubt that i'c kit will work.
when you do an ebay search u have to type sr20de or sr20det fwd.

like everyone else said.. u should just get a jdm motor and turbo that. u'll save money. and if it's for a learning experience with ur son, u don't think dropping in a motor, tapping a block, and installing a turbo on the motor isn't a good enough experience? just turbo'ing my car was hell of a learning experience.. a 3 month one at that. u could be up and boosting for less than under 3k.. and thats with a new used motor

Everything you need to know about turbo'ing your DE:

http://www.turbochargedse-r.com/home.html

Click on "the great turbo install of 2002" and have at it.

As for building your engine....you're on the right track. Just freshen it up with new rings, bearings, timing chain, etc. Get a Factory Service Manual and follow it to the letter in terms of the rebuild. Everything you need is in that FSM.