JDM Nissan Silvia SR20DET BAD ENGINE TEARDOWN. What Killed The Most Popular 240sx Swap Engine?

[@bjornbidell4519]

Your personal hesitations and apprehensions about disassembling more complex engines is refreshing, what do I mean? The internet is full of egos and scene re-takes which give the illusion that they know everything and never have questions of their own. I love the real world experience that you portray. Well done and keep it up!

[@CableWrestler]

I came here to write the same thing

[@RonyIsaPony]

@@CableWrestler ok

[@skylinefever]

These engines have great aftermarket support, so getting replacement connecting rods will be easy. The cylinders look like they could be bored to a common oversize, so no worries about finding pistons either. It will need valves, but those are also easy to find. This looks like a good core for a high boost Silvia build.

[@dooooooval904]

Thinking same thing. Plus a bore out with the right piston equals more room for boost?

[@skylinefever]

@@dooooooval904 When you rebore and rehone, you can follow the piston companies recommendation for how much clearance for how much boost you take.

[@mbsnyderc]

There to expensive and have many issues.and the rocker arms are a problem in making higher horsepower,and there getting quite old.

[@jasonharris996]

I had a 200SX SE-R back in the day. Only issue with the engine was the timing chain tensioner which caused chain slap on startup. Easy fix with an upgraded one from a newer SR20. Drove it over 200K miles with no major issues until I got T-boned by a red light runner. Stock it made good power and torque for the time and had a 7.5k redline if I remember correctly. Great motor.

[@glassjoe6542]

The B14 SE-R will age like the S130 did. They have parallel stories. A little softer, a little more refined, arguably better in some ways than its predecessor yet these same virtues could also be held against it. Looks also generally weren't well accepted despite being beautiful in its own way. It won't be long before a lot of people who have a first gen SE-R on their bucket list get priced out (many are right now) and realize the next best thing is right under their nose. Just like the S130 is finally getting its due, so will the B14 SE-R. iykyk

[@thomasfletcher4765]

Looks rebuildable , bore and hone the cylinders , replace the bad rod , new pistons , and get some good , long miles out of it ( but that's my opinion )

[@Fabien2626]

It is clearly rebuildable. But you still needed to disassemble it entirely. Selling the parts to repair another one (or in fact quite a lot of them) is equally good. If it were mine, I would feel pretty lucky to only have a rod to replace, and would probably just clean of the bad cylinder and not even overbore them. 1 new rod, 1 head gasket, new rings, new bearings, then check and lap the valves and I would just run it that way if it passes a leak down test with similar enough results on all cylinders.

[@ohhthepatpat]

Depending on how much of a overbore the cylinder walls need couple need a sleeve at that point it's 👎

[@thomasfletcher4765]

@@ohhthepatpat from the looks , not much , just a slight amount for ensuring the rust is cleaned out for a proper ring seal .

[@Questchaun]

Agree, send the block to the machinist and slap her back together.

[@Tyler-qn4gn]

Spoiler Alert

[@RamanPanda]

Would love to see this after a run through the parts wash.

[@Erik_Swiger]

It's Christmas Day, exactly 3 months after this video was made, and thank you for keeping me company today. Always awesome videos.

[@jackrichards1863]

You're a straight up kinda guy. Appreciate what you've given us with this tear down.

[@coache1nine]

I've always liked this engine, even more because of the aftermarket support. A turbo kit on one, dropped into a mid '80's 200SX would be a lot of fun.

[@masondyer2396]

They absolutely rip with some minor parts added. I run a chipped ECU, Z32 maf, 740cc injectors and a Tomei MX8270 turbo on 15psi and make over 310wheel on a virtually stock engine. They take a beating pretty well and make great power for an old 2 liter.

[@shanetyler9391]

@@masondyer2396 i have about the same Mods Tomei turbo and 1.3 bar which is about 18.5 psi of boost i have a S14 SR engine my car is a S14 it has a 6 speed 350z trans also with a VLSD rear end the car is a lot of fun :)

[@Stylemaster911]

Awesome! I absolutely love this channel, had some fun tearing down a Subaru EG33 from an SVX a few years back! Definitely learn a lot on this channel about how stuff works, pretty fascinating.

[@timmoutos8860]

I have a 91 sr20 I've owned since new. It's getting close to restoration time. Glad to know you may be a resource for any parts.

[@willagresham2978]

I’ve been a mechanic for over 20 years. I had a friend give me a great tip regarding socket headed bolts. You can do one of two things, take a punch that fits into the hex cavity and give the punch 3-4 good hits or do the same with the socket instead of the punch. You may damage the socket a bit but good steel doesn’t mind too bad. This tip has saved me a lot of time and frustration.

[@stevenbelue5496]

Socket headed bolts? Are you referring to 12 point or Allen maybe?

[@johncoops6897]

@@stevenbelue5496 - He said "hex cavity" so we'll have to assume he meant Allen head. I'm not sure what the tip is supposed to be - it's common knowledge to tap the head of a bolt that is stuck tight. That's always got to be done without damaging the fastener's key (hex, flats, splines, or whatever)

[@aaroncostello8812]

Yes, this works great. The axial shock imparted by a few sharp hammer strikes will often free any galling and make Allen bolts come out quite easily. The Germans love these damned bolts and I learned this trick from a buddy of mine who works on German cars.

[@Sendmetacos]

This video should have no dislikes. There’s nothing to dislike about this

[@AffordBindEquipment]

Unless he gave a downer response on another video. Happens all the time.

[@iamthefatstig]

I had the 1800 red top turbo in a UK spec 1990 200SX. Left standard (The JDM car culture didn't exist as popular then) it was mechanically bulletproof, only the dreaded rust let it down. A great car, my late father loved posing in it.

[@erichartke4331]

Tragic! I am happy to see that this can see a second life! With your teardown i can now see how these can handle decent amount of power. The block looks very strong! I had a 2001 Sentra with the SR20DE. I loved that car i had a ton of fun driving it, until body cancer claimed it.

[@viktortoews9657]

Great job on your videos. Appreciate that you keep them clean with lack of cursing and other BS. Keep it up!

[@negativeindustrial]

“Lack of cursing and other BS” 🤔

[@KrashGT]

I had an older Sentra with an SR20DE, great engine, great car. Ran like a swiss watch, had good power too.

[@MultipliedByZero]

That valve cover alone is probably worth $200-300, just because it's JDM-red. Plus they make damn good wall-art.

[@andrewsmart2949]

yeah so many blown it's hard to find a good one,later engines featured 3 step variable valve timing

[@anomamos9095]

A tip for really stubborn fasteners. There are breaker bars wit a spot where they can be hit with a hammer. They’re often used to break lug nuts loose on heavy equipment. One guy stands on the bar while another hits it with a sledge hammer kind of thing. You can rig up a smaller version for head studs, you just need to apply steady pressure with the bar while you strike the down on the top of the fasteners

[@LockieNZ]

The SR20 does not like it if you leave the oil changes too long. The oil feeds to the cams are tiny pinhole thick, so they can get clogged easily and you end up with cams that feel like sandpaper

[@adotintheshark4848]

but this engine had nice cams and journals

[@LockieNZ]

@@adotintheshark4848 Yup. Which is weird. Because with the way that head looks, you'd expect them to be torn up. Might have been sitting with old oil for a while rather than being run with old oil?

[@bradhaines3142]

@@LockieNZ the rust all over seems to agree with you

[@zeroyon4562]

@@LockieNZ We had a SR20 Serena van come through our family shop many years ago that had chewed a lobe off, it had never had an oil change once it was imported to NZ. I remember the owners scrapped it because they couldn’t afford to fix it.

[@LockieNZ]

@@zeroyon4562 I'm a kiwi too ;)

[@revisited-edm]

I love your video so much because you always gives good advice and comment to all what you’ve done and when something you don’t know you always be honest about it every single time. Learned a lot from your video thank you so much.

[@jakethoover]

I'd like to see a Mazda 2.2L Turbo from a MX6 GT.. 1988 to 1992. My favorite car ever. Great videos man! Love the content and watching you tear motors apart. Your commentary is spot on. Feels like working in the shop with my buddy.

[@I_Do_Cars]

I still own two of those cars and I’ve got 8 or so complete engines so it’s likely

[@austincopeland9504]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the notification of a new tear down

[@DaPepster]

One of the exhaust valves in the #2 looks like it's chipped on the inside edge towards the spark plug

[@ert870]

13:02

[@firewatch814]

That exhaust valve has seen better days.

[@Fabien2626]

Good catch! This one clearly leaks compression massively. Also they are way darker than the other exhaust valves, this cylinder is not hot enough to clean the exhaust valves of carbon deposits.

[@SEIOWADIGGER]

Cylinder 4 valves starting to do the same

[@ghoffmann821]

It's good to see someone properly utilize the universal wrench.

[@scooterwoodley195]

I had 3 vehicles in my youth with this engine. Wish I still had one. Great job as usual!

[@dougwhitney7712]

You really didnt even need a turbo in a 240sx... my 91 was super light and handled well with the 2.4 liter that it came with. Pretty quick too, you can beat up than nissan truck motor for years of fun. First car i could do doughnuts in lol! Was so much fun to drive.

[@JasonLuther1]

Great teardown man. Your barn door is open 22:56 Cold air intake

[@nickstarz9316]

Sr20det is a great engine . Tuned right they go for years . And honestly most sr20 owners don't even maintain them .

[@bschtonks2010]

My red top is from 1989.. makes about 400hp, its going alright with stock block but almost time for a rebuild. Throwing a rocker, chain tensioner and oil is the biggest issue with sr20s.. they have tiny capacity and a crappy pump.. imports are a gamble as they never seem to change the oil in japan. Absolutely great engines.

[@kanenstuff]

Really enjoying your videos and I agree the Nissan JDM engines are easy to work on and yes idiot proof. I'm not a mechanic but with my 795 page manual for my 180SX with a CA18DET I can do everything myself. I have done the head gasket put a exausht cam on the inlet side with adjustable can gears, changed the turbo, injectors and many other parts. My mate always comes to check to see how I done and never been a issue great engines and fun cars to drive.

[@kennethconnors5316]

your editing is flawless, makes for a great video . worth watching / seen this dark oil ,usually cheap oil run low oil

[@2strokeFORever]

Another great teardown love the variety

[@edgarrivas5791]

Spent 9 years working at pick-n- pull. I spent a good 3-4 years underneath the drain racks as a drainer/ cat cutter/ gas tank drainer, etc. We would have to do anywhere from 30-50 cars a day. Aluminum pans would be punctured in 3 occasions; the drain plug was over torqued and caused the bolt to strip.The engine suffered major head gasket failure (10 plus minutes of draining molasses and still not done), or... out of sheer laziness. And yes, sometimes the aluminum casting would completely break and it was really bad. Anyhow, it was because we were always rushing. I'm not there anymore, much happier now.

[@jmillhone5.9]

I’ve had two of these engines and both developed rod knock because of sludge. The rest of the engine looked really good though so I replaced the bearings and cleaned it up and it’s been running very strong for 4 or 5 years now. I love an sr20

[@shaneroberts8668]

I don’t own a sr20 but as someone with a s13 that has a KA24de in it i can dream lol Thanks for the laid back dismantle 👌

[@roscothefirst4712]

Great. Video, 👍 I find these videos you do as strangely addictive

[@ericthimot]

Nothing better then watching Eric do his thing in his comical/informative way. Da-bris Adjustable connecting rods Great start to a morning. Thanks bud. 22 years in the trade, I'm a Subaru EJ and Jeep 4.0L fan (while being aware of all their short comings) Had my first crack at the new Subaru motors when i bought 2013 Outback with a FB25B with burnt exhaust valve.

[@AdamNZ]

Few things I’d like to say: 1) there’s workshop manuals on how to disassemble this engine free 2) they aren’t expensive to repair and lots of spares are available 3) impact tools aren’t good for these old motors 4) I’ve never seen an oil pickup like the one in this engine before

[@jimbrown5091]

I've owned four 240SX's (89, 91 and two 96's) I've torn down and rebuilt several interations of KA24, but never an SR20DET.

[@matheisgordiz2743]

i just received a sr20 turbo that the guy believes spun a rod bearing and this video has helped a bit on what i should expect upon disassembly unfortunately I feel even less prepared to deal with it

[@lukeaclarkeb5602]

Hello from Chattanooga Tn! Subscribed! Stumbled on your channel and i am really enjoying your videos. Im not even a car guy and or mechanic but i feel i am learning a few things now. Thanks for that and keep up the good work!

[@patrickmadden6340]

Watching these makes me appreciate all my volvo 5 cylinders more. They’re so much easier to disassemble

[@johncoops6897]

Yes, however that is offset by the embarrassment you suffer from driving a Volvo.

[@patrickmadden6340]

@@johncoops6897 you’re not keen on Volvos, have 3 over 300hp and awd. One being a 6 speed manual hitting 20lbs of boost…to each their own

[@yeknomdori]

How do you figure this the sr20 is probably the easiest 4 cylinder of its era to work on I don't no how it could be any easier without making comprise

[@TheMarcQ]

The only hard thing is removing the cam cover with it's 10 thousand bolts and then reassembling them with lots of thread repair kits ready. Apart from that working on them is great.

[@tct9mm151]

I really enjoy your videos. I always await your posts every Saturday. Great video

[@25enyce]

Water pump removal was step # 1. Good video

[@mitchelldavidson9911]

Such a treat to watch u tear engines down

[@scotty2307]

Well! The inside of that engine is more thoroughly seasoned than my cast iron pans.

[@KangoV]

I had a nicely modded SR20DET in a Nissan Sylvia (S15) running at around 280bhp. This, in a car that weighed 1,240 kg! It was an absolute hoot! I miss it terribly. These engines in the UK go for around £2,000-£3,500 at the moment.

[@erikrunas226]

Knowing which tool to use at the appropriate time is key...special wrench ftw.

[@540i_be_fly]

Bro I have one of these in my 93 G20 p10. By far one of my most favorite vehicles to own and drive.

[@mentorofarisia371]

"You guys are probably laughing at me" NO WAY! I've watched dozens of yours now, and never laughed at you. Often laughed at your jokes, tho. Keep up the great work.

[@jacobmeisner9255]

Great content. I always love seeing different motors you don't see all the time!

[@sclark1701]

Not like it matters all this time later but did you notice the chunks missing from one of the valves in either cylinder 2 or 3? I don’t recall what position the head was in but I can’t imagine that cylinder making much compression with those pieces missing lol Edit check out 13:03 and it is visible on the exhaust side I believe

[@chrischiampo7647]

Nice Job I’ve Worked on Many of These Nissans Over the Years 😀😊😀

[@llllbserkllll]

Really a nice engine- looks simple well designed and engineered. I like it.

[@paulstan9828]

Always look forward to your Saturday evening video! 😁👍

[@jdmking4776]

The tension on that chain is normal for an SR. The tensioner is powered by oil pressure and only holds tension when the motor is running.

[@AdamsAdams-fc1ld]

I bought a used 1 owner Mazda MX6 LS with 90K miles, v6 (200 HP) 5 speed for $1,500 and it was so much fun to drive, I sold it 10 years later to a friend for $1,500 with 94K miles, I sub I still had it

[@clap_lmao]

this video is so good keep this up

[@dhyskRand]

I miss my 240 sr20det.. such a great little car

[@pctek961]

Look at Cylinder head, number 2 has burnt exhaust valves, they are not round and are darker color than other valves.

[@Nous3rnam3haha]

Got a like before I even started watching lol. I love Nissan JDM rice burning motors! Wish I could give a heart instead of a thumbs up.

[@powerman1955]

I can't tell you why, I don't think I really have a good reason, I've just never been a BMW fan. But, I very much like your pretty little blue coupe, that is one very beautiful automobile. Since you had it at the shop I'm going to assume your driving it regularly now, which is great, you deserve to enjoy it. Another interesting video, thanks for sharing.

[@DrEvil-os9dc]

I hated BMWs until I owned one. I still hate it but I can’t deny, it’s one of the best driving vehicles ever made. And Somewhat easy to work on.

[@GuitarJawn]

THANK YOU FOR THIS, THIS IS HOW I LEARN!!!!!!!!!

[@mikeo7604]

Love these teardowns! I'd like to see a video where you put together a project engine from a table full of clean parts and a bare block!

[@rayshutsa6690]

That is the engine on a car in one of the cars in fast and the furious. First time seeing òne of these engines up close thank you for the video ❤🇨🇦

[@danzigg08]

Ive seen SR build rebuild breakdown vids and follow all the channels but this is the clearest breakdown ive seen yet. Most other vids skip huge chunks of the process but here its all there. Ill sub for that

[@XY_Dude]

Did anyone else note that one exhaust valve in #2 that has the edges all busted up? Trashed. Surprised he didn’t flash on that.

[@I_know_what_im_talking_about]

Yep. Somebody is getting SLOOPYYYYYY. 🧐😅

[@SurfCityAmpRoom1]

The same engine I am running in my 1968 Datsun 510, with upgrades on stock block 400hp

[@stevenjohnson1692]

0 compression is always valve related unless you don't have a piston in 1 piece which is quite obvious if you do.

[@kid31989]

yeah I'm guessing the valves were timed 360 degrees out so it looked right but never made compression. some shade tree rebuild that was forgotten when it didn't work.

[@bobstride6838]

Hi Eric, I wonder, with all you knowledge and experience in stripping down broken engines, what you would design as the most reliable (perfect, most powerful?) engine if you took all the good parts from every engine that you have stripped down? A bit like picking the best sports team from what ever era or team. No expense spared in this purely fictional, imaginary engine. Would love to hear your thoughts and comments!

[@racinzebra95]

Ford H.O. 351w block amg internals Nissan top end turbo tuned (amg internals are in the Pagani Zonda 720) with the Nissan top end you'll get great duration this is from my experience in the world of cars

[@alexstromberg7696]

@@racinzebra95 wtf

[@Insaiyanrider]

The way engineers have design engines is that the smartest engineers have chosen to make weak points on purpose The best engineers have made this week points so that they are inexpensive and easily accessible to fix and won’t cause catastrophic damage if destroyed.

[@racinzebra95]

@@alexstromberg7696 the 351w block has a slightly larger chanel for the crankshaft, the AMG internals are factory forged so good power easily modified (plus the Pagani Zonda has them) , Nissan top ends are quite peppy with dohc top ends. They said build a fictional engine. This is literally what I would build for power, reliability, and economy. The V8 won't drink as much as a v12. The cast iron won't overheat at higher rpms. The Nissan top ends are dang near bullet proof. Throw a holly sniper intake it'll be a comfortable 600-700hp out the crate.

[@allenbeaulieu7077]

Good job buddy. Nice engine, very salvageable. Funny how that piston popped right out of the block. Thanks for sharing. Big Al

[@kevinrivera1492]

Back in the day, a way to decarbonize a engine was using water to make steam, best way to clean a engine. High Rev! Drip water in the intake.

[@christophermarshall5765]

I would simply strip down, hone, new rings & bearings, with new seals & gaskets. Job done.

[@troyrosenbaugh9935]

It can be honed out. Looks decent!

[@mattt525]

I believe there is a procedure for properly loosening either the head bolts, or cam shaft bolts. Not quite sure though. Great engine love these guys

[@justsumguy2u]

You might want to check out the head at 13:03---one of those exhaust valves has chips taken out of it

[@andrewsmart2949]

burnt,prob lean out overboost

[@jamescameron2521]

Sport Compact Car and Project Car Mag destroyed the SR20DET market…. That and the “couple of SR20 motors pulling a premium a week before race wars…” franchise.

[@jordanandashleyphillips5148]

I remember playing Need for Speed Underground 2 and using the 240 all the way to the end

[@patrickmckenna2086]

Is it just me, or is the sound of cracking cam caps loose the most satisfying sound in these videos?

[@DocNo27]

My biggest regret was selling my mint 1990 240sx in 2004. At least it went to a kid who had all the parts to do the Silvia conversion - it went to an enthusiast who appreciated the car. Still wish I had kept it :p

[@mikestoms4015]

@13:01 the valve is missing chunks

[@Eelgnotsa]

I had three SER Sentras just because it had this wonderful engine..

[@1benyko]

omg, saw SR20 and clicked immediately

[@sirhim1567]

hey bud. love the channel. can you do a nissan titan tear down?

[@Rich77UK]

A well maintained even med-high tuned SR20s are almost bloody bomb proof. I had one (P11 Primera GT Which I believe is an infinity G20) in a car that had done a little under 190,000 miles with no known history (I paid peanuts for the car). The sump held tar and to be honest it responded VERY well to a service, new filters and plugs. Amazing engine. Also the SR20DE/T was from Nissan. Pre Renault buy in/out where quality became an afterthought (Just like with Renaults).

[@feroxk.9266]

well.. the obvious #FKGhosn needs to be said in here...

[@_jehh]

21:41 love the wrench!

[@HeavyTanker-vx4oq]

id say that block is entirely savable

[@andrewsmart2949]

if it's not cracked from overheat

[@alanleclair1]

That was my question too. He talked about parts being good but that block looks useable to me. 🎉

[@dennisyoung4631]

I thought I was the worst for *Dropsy,* as in I drop lots of stuff unless I pay *close* attention to what my hands are doing. Can’t take anything for granted…

[@nrgonline]

Damn. Been 18 years since I messed with a red top sr in my s14. Life was good.

[@chrishamilton5204]

Just seeing the chipped valves was a indicator that it's not a running engine

[@taylorc2542]

This was a good engine, and the SE-R was a hidden gem.

[@bobwreck3775]

I had a 92 SE-R. The body was getting eatin by rust but the engine was a top. 3rd gear was a beast. I miss that thing. I doubt I ever get a chance to own one again as they are all but gone now.

[@lennybishop9930]

I work at LKQ and we do not puncture the pans, we pull the plug like ur supposed to.

[@SoCal_ayyayyron]

I absolutely love your videos. Thanks for publishing these, and keep up the great work!

[@JasPlun]

That is the engine I would like to swap into my 1985 Nissan 720 4X4. I do not want it dfor drag racing, just to bring my old truck power up a few notches for todays highway speeds. The Z24 engines were so gutless, but back then speed limits were 55 and 60 so you did not need much more in a 4x4 truck, but the extra power would be nice.

[@loganarzuaga8316]

The oil is probably dark like that from soot from an improper tune (rich)

[@eVoLewis]

the scream is dry rubber from being dry to long and the lack of tension on the chain is dude to no oil pressure it will be loose until you start the car

[@Mr.mopar71]

You need to get a jeep 3.8l jk engine. I really want to see one torn down.

[@joelbricker9920]

You’re missing the bottom part of the oil pickup. You shouldn’t see the screen, it should be covered by a cone to suck up oil from the bottom of the pan. No idea how it didn’t run dry of oil without that.

[@I_Do_Cars]

Really? Well maybe they just kept it overfull 🤷‍♂️

[@thatguytj420]

this is an early gen sr, no fins casted on the front of the head. that's the way the oil pickup was designed.

[@hobotheclown1761]

Would be curious to see a video on a LL8 (4200 Vortec) if at all possible, ive always been so curious to see one torn apart. Love all the content none the less 👌✌ keep it up

[@stephentreadwell8436]

awesome video. Thank you