in a 96 sr20, which do you think would be a better way to go? drop in 1989 Z NA pistons and have the block machined or swap to a JDM sr20... (can you use s3 cams in a jdm sr20?)

WHY?

TIA

***you'll want to use 91-94 NA 300zx pistons.

***you can use S3's, S4's, etc. Either in a high-port, low-port, or a JDM motor.

***do a search on the se-r mailing list, I found lots of information there.

Good luck,
Bryan

Get a JDM motor and put in S4 cams you will be happy. If you get 300 zx NA pistons, the years are 90-96. You will spend more money withthe 300 zx piston, for little improvements. Keep it simple.

Getting the entire JDM SR20 would be a better way to go, but you have to remember they are not all 10:1. If your whole reason for wanting a JDM engine was for the higher compression, it might be a better idea to do the 300z pistons.

K.I.S.S. = Keep It Simple S... ;)
I'm a bit off so I keep it simple.
The 90-96 300ZX pistons will create an 11:1 compression giving a 2045cc displacement. This mod requires a 1mm overbore. Cutting the dome will give you a 10:1. Yes, keep it simple. If you feel you must open the motor, send the head to DPR and get it filled. I think it was 10:1 with just 2 spots on the crown filled. You can also get the clover fill, 4 spots. Now you don't have to do pistons. There has got to be a simple way to find a 10:1 JDM. Maybe a compression test? I'll be in the market for a 10:1 soon. I heard about this bloke Lucas in Miami who should be able to set me up. Anyone know of him?
Make sure your JDM motor does not have roller rockers. I'm not sure if Jim has made cams for this design yet.
Cossie

Thanks Guys. I appreciate the info here. I have searched the archives and read quite a bit since then.

I usually do adhere to the K.I.S.S. theory, except when contemplating what my next step is. I like to explore every avenue before making a decision. (hence the Z pistons vs. JDM) I'm not familiar with turbo's enough to feel confident in working on/with them yet. Plus the money factor is a big one too. I figure $1500 for the JDM, S4 and ECU tweeking. the DET, though the gains would be much more substantial (plus that red valve cover is just plain purdy ;)) I would most likely be looking at much more than $1500.

Thanks again for your help.

Originally posted by Lee
Thanks Guys. I appreciate the info here. I have searched the archives and read quite a bit since then.

I usually do adhere to the K.I.S.S. theory, except when contemplating what my next step is. I like to explore every avenue before making a decision. (hence the Z pistons vs. JDM) I'm not familiar with turbo's enough to feel confident in working on/with them yet. Plus the money factor is a big one too. I figure $1500 for the JDM, S4 and ECU tweeking. the DET, though the gains would be much more substantial (plus that red valve cover is just plain purdy ;)) I would most likely be looking at much more than $1500.

Thanks again for your help.

Yeah, if you "only" have $1,500 to spend, forget the Z pistons. By the time you get done with the rebuild, you'll be well above that invested. You could do it for less, but it would be a total waste of time and money. The only time changing pistons is worth it is if you are doing a full rebuild.

I've done the whole Z piston, piston coolers, coatings, DPR head thing and all (a clone of Mike Kojima's engine). I had $6k into it.