So the topic is which engine for the race car.
KA-T or SR20?
I feel that there are benefits for both of these engines, and of course, they both have their down falls.
KA-T:
The motors are of course a dime a dozen, so getting parts for it shouldn’t be a problem, and they will be relatively cheap.
If we are going turbo on this motor, then the usually suspects are needed: Injectors, manifold, turbo, oil and coolant lines, downpipe, intake piping, intercooler piping, bov, fuel management of some sort, intercooler, and of course internals. I know some have mentioned swapping out the internals for the DOHC pistons (which are also easy to get, and cheap), but how much boost/power could these hold? Sure we can get the pistons cheap, but each time the motor blows, its going to cost a good chunk of money to have the block machined for the new pistons each time. The other option is to do aftermarket internals. Eitherway the block will need to be machined, and the cost of pistons/rods are not the cheapest of things.
Of course, it all depends on what our goal is for this motor. How much hp? Torque? when the power is to come in? etc etc. I think if we are getting anywhere near the limits of the dohc pistons, we shouldn’t bother.
So people like Jack (Boost Infested) please let us know our best route for the KA-T.
SR20:
Well, if course we all love it (most of us). The only problem is the initial cost of getting the motor. After that, aftermarket support is great, and there are plenty of used parts out there as well to cut costs. Everything is there for us: manifold, turbo, injectors, ecu, etc. The good thing, is that we likely don’t have to take the motor apart and swap pistons and shit. Just bolt it in and add whatever extras we have or can afford.
The initial cost hits us hard, but in the long run, there could be savings, as there “likely” won’t have to be any engine rebuilds and costs of machining etc.
Here is a real quick and probably wrong breakdown:
KA-T
Motor: Free
Manifold: $300
Turbo: $400 (middle ground)
Oil/Coolant lines: $100
Piping/connectors/clamps: $150 (mandrels)
Intercooler: Possibly free (if not, $300 from ebay)
BOV: Possibly free
Downpipe: $100 (materials etc.)
Fuel Management: Possibly free ($200)
Boost controller: Possibly free ($120)
Pistons: Possibly free
Machine labour: $500 (a guestimate on doing it right)
Misc. Costs: $200
Total: $1750 - $2370
SR20:
Motor: Around $1800 (peiced together, whatever).
FMIC Piping: $150
Intercooler: Possibly free ($300 ebay)
Boost controller: Possibly free ($120)
Rocker arm stoppers: $100
Possible turbo upgrade: $400 (used)
Misc. Costs: $400
Total: $2450 - $3270
All prices where pulled right out of the air and have no validity, and it went from the absolute low side to the high side. It could fluctuate either way.
Theres these two options. Just need to determine which one is more plausible, and works in our advantage in the long run.
For the stock bottom ends, wouldn’t the SR20 hold longer and more power? Therefore costing less in the long run?
Either will work, we just need lists of parts availible to us, and costs etc.
Of course, the route is subject to different peoples opinions and whether they think the block should be machined/pricing on things/used/new etc etc. Just my opinion. Also, longevity is also a matter of proper tuning and use etc.
I was just bored and fired this up real quick. It’s brief but can get us thinking and swapping ideas.
