The Definitive 2JZ 240sx vs SR vs RB Paper
It took me 3 days of research and compiling data to write this. We are offering this to everyone thinking about doing the 2JZ 240sx. Read it and give me some feedback:
Mainstream Performance/ Turbo Dave Fabrications
2JZGTE Engine swap in S13/S14 Chassis
This booklet contains information and a parts list to do a Supra 2JZGTE Motor swap into a Nissan 240sx. Why do a Supra swap? Most of our customers that want a Supra swap are interested in making more than 450whp. Its simply not cost effective for them to do an Sr20 or an RB of any kind. If you are looking for 300whp and that’s it, a 2JZ swap is NOT FOR YOU. You would be perfectly fine with a mild SR20 build. If your wanting 350whp+, a Supra swap is something to consider.
Why a 2JZ over an SR20?
SR20s are prone to a variety of problems over 350whp.
1) A- SR20 Transmissions are very brittle. Past 350whp they do not stay together. Most customers of ours who drive their cars hard with SR20s, go through at least 3 transmissions a year, some as many as 7. Now SR transmissions are cheap ($100-300) but they can become annoying to change all the time. Your only alternative is a 300ZX Transmission upgrade which can run anywhere from $2500-3500 with a clutch.
B- The 2JZGTE R154 5 speed transmission is very stout. Easily capable of 700whp in the lighter 240sx chassis, and they run around $500-600.
2) A- SR20s are known for their Valve train issues. If you want to make serious power with them (400+) they are very prone to popping rocker arms off and floating valves. The bigger the camshafts you run, the more problems they have regardless of your valve train configuration (stock or aftermarket).
B- the 2JZGTE valve train has no rocker arms. They are a bucket and shim with less moving parts.
3) A- SR20s are known for their oiling system problems. Past 450whp, many people have problems with spinning bearings and blowing motors up due to lack of oil pressure. The SR20 motor is prone to oil pump failure and are in serious need of oil pan modification or a dry sump oil system.
B- 2JZGTE blocks have no known oil system failures.
4) A- SR20 motors require a lot more work to make big horsepower. If you’re searching for 450whp+, you’ll need aftermarket sleeves, rods, and pistons. Those can cost a big chunk of money.
B- 2JZGTE motors are capable of 850whp in stock trim, no rods, or pistons are needed, blocks are cast iron that require no sleeves.
We feel that by the time you take into account the money needed to build a 450-600whp SR20, factoring in dry sump oil systems, built blocks, ported head , you will be far more expensive than a mild Supra motor. If you feel the same way, read on.
What about the Rbxx swaps?
You are right, many people argue the differences between the Supra 2JZGTE and the RB26DETT. Both are great motors, but we feel the Supra engine is far superior.
1) Cost- RB26 motors are FAR more expensive than the Supra engines. JDM Aristo Supra motors are as cheap as $2500 with wiring harnesses , ECUs, automatic Transmissions. RB26 motors cannot be found from reputable dealers for less than $3900 for JUST THE LONGBLOCK.
2) OEM Parts Availability- Any parts for a Supra motor are just a Toyota Dealership away. Many parts can be ordered and picked up in the same day. Since the 2JZGTE motor was offered in the United States in our Supra, Lexus SC 300, GS 300, IS300, we can get parts very easily. The RB motors were never offered in the United States. Parts are usually combinations of parts off other US Spec Nissans that can make it very hard or confusing for consumers. Some parts are only available from Japan and can take weeks and months to arrive in our US stores. You will also pay premiums for RB OEM parts as they are in high demand.
3) Power Parts Availability- The Toyota Supra has a very thorough Aftermarket Parts selection. The first MKIV Supra was produced in America in 1993 and production was stopped in 1998. It is a legend in the Racing community and has a huge following. There are numerous companies that Race and Manufacture parts for the Supra motors. Cams, Pistons, Rods, Intake manifold, Valve Springs and Retainers, valves, Turbos, Turbo Manifolds, Exhaust, Downpipes, Injectors, Fuel Rails, Cam Gears, Bearings can be found from any one of hundreds of websites dedicated to the Supra 2JZ motor.
The RB26 is much more expensive to make any serious horsepower. The availability of their aftermarket parts is nowhere near as extensive as the Supra.
If you are still considering the Supra swap, lets get to the real meat and potatoes of the SR vs. RB26 vs. 2JZGTE argument. Here are some dynos of some different customer we have tuned. These dynos are taken from our Dynojet Dynamometer.
This is a STOCK Twin Turbo setup from a 2JZGTE installed in a 240sx Chassis. This is a stock ecu, stock injectors, stock intake manifold and throttle body, stock twin turbos. This is what you can expect from a relatively low mileage JDM Aristo 2JZGTE Supra motor.
Here is a Stock Twin Turbo Setup (RED LINE) that’s listed above versus a mild SR20 (BLUE LINE) :
The SR20 had the following Mods:
Garret GT28R Turbo (disco potato)
HKS 264 Camshafts
Greddy Rocker Arm Stoppers
Megan Racing Manifold and Downpipe
3in Downpipe with 3in exhaust
Metal Headgasket and ARP Head studs
Apex Power FC
RC 650cc injectors
Z32 MAF
The 2JZGTE Motor had the following Mods:
Stock Twin Turbos
3in Downpipe
3in Exhaust
Stock ECU
As you can see, at 5000RPM, the 2JZGTE makes 32whp and 38Ft/Lbs of torque MORE than the SR20. Peak HP the 2JZGTE makes 30whp and 53 FT/Lbs Torque more than the SR20. Both motors are similar in price to install and build.
This is a dyno of a Medium Built SR20 (BLUE LINE) versus a 2JZGTE with a single turbo conversion ( RED LINE). Both are S13 Chassis.
The SR20 had the following Mods:
Stock Block- Stock Pistons and Rods
Metal Headgasket with ARP Head studs
T3/T4 57trim Garret Turbo
MSPi/TDF Tubular Ramhorn Topmount Turbo Manifold ,3in Downpipe
Tial 38mm Wastegate
ACT Clutch
Ported Cylinder Head
HKS 264 Camshafts
Greddy Rocker Arm Stoppers
Greddy Intake manifold
Front mount intercooler and piping
3in Exhaust
Apex Power FC
Top Feed Fuel Rail
RC 750cc Injectors
Z32 MAF
25PSI of boost on Race Gas
The 2JZGTE had the following Mods:
Stock Block- Stock Pistons and Rods
Stock Cylinder Head
XS Power Turbo Manifold
62-1 Turbonetics Turbo
Tial 44mm Wastegate
3in Downpipe and Exhaust
SAFC for tuning and a Stock ECU with Stock Injectors and Stock Intake manifold
Front Mount Intercooler and Piping
15PSI of boost on PUMP GAS
If you look at the graph, the 2JZGTE makes 100 Ft/Lbs of TQ and 85whp more at 4500 RPMs. The 2JZGTE motor KILLS the Sr20 until 6000RPMs. In fact, the 2JZGTE motor only loses from 6000rpms to 6800 rpms! That’s only an 800 RPM difference! That means the Supra Power 240sx is a killer street car with a far more usable power band, less lag in the spool time with FAR less modifications.
Your saying “of course it kills the SR20, it’s a 2.0L 4 cylinder compared to a 3.0L inline 6”. We understand that, but the Sr20 still has the “glass” SR Transmission, a stock bottom end that is way past “reliable”, and we feel if you price both motors from a reputable shop, you’ll find the money difference is not astronomically different. In fact, the SR20 dyno that is posted, that customer lost that motor 2 months later due to a common failure in the oil pump. He also was on his 7th transmission . The 2JZGTE motor only needs a fuel rail and injectors ($750) an he can make 600whp reliably at the same or less boost than the SR20.
Still not convinced? What about the infamous RB26 Skyline GTR motor? Lets see how it compares to a 2JZGTE.
The following is a Graph of a RB26 Powered 240sx(BLUE LINE) versus a S13 with a 2JZGTE with a small single turbo upgrade (RED LINE):
The RB26 has the following Mods:
Stock Block- Stock Pistons, Stock Rods
Metal Headgasket with ARP head studs
HKS 264 Camshafts
JUN Cam Gears
RC 750cc injectors
HKS Twin Ball Bearing GT2535R turbos ($6000 package)
3in RSR Downpipe with 3in Exhaust
Apex Power FC
15PSI of boost on PUMP GAS
The 2JZGTE has the following Mods:
Stock Block- Stock Pistons and Rods
Stock Cylinder Head
XS Power Turbo Manifold
62-1 Turbonetics Turbo
Tial 44mm Wastegate
3in Downpipe and Exhaust
SAFC for tuning and a Stock ECU with Stock Injectors and Stock Intake manifold
Front Mount Intercooler and Piping
15PSI of boost on PUMP GAS
The 2JZGTE with the small single turbo makes 93whp and 97 Ft/Lbs of Torque more at 5000 RPMs than the RB26 with TINY TWIN BALL BEARING HKS TURBOS! The RB26 makes more horsepower from 6800-7800 , or only 1000RPMS of power band. The RB26 setup is easily a $20,000 setup from a shop (install and all parts/Labor). The 2JZGTE setup was MUCH cheaper.
We have nothing against the RB motors or the SR20. Both are great motors and can be a blast to drive. We just feel you will get more for your wallet from the 2JZGTE motor if horsepower and a fun street car is what you are after.
So are you convinced yet? If so, lets get down to what it takes to put a Supra Motor in your Nissan 240sx S13 or S14 chassis and why. On the next page we have listed a parts breakdown of everything you will need for your swap. We have also listed what Mainstream Performance charges for a Stock Supra swap up to a single turbo conversion.
2JZGTE PARTS LIST AND PRICING
2JZGTE Motorset Complete with ECU, Wiring Harness
R154 5 Speed Transmission (shifter, release fork, Clip Rings and Washer)
1JZ Bell housing
1JZ Flywheel
1JZ ARP Flywheel Bolts
R154 Slave Cylinder
OEM 7MGTE Clutch or Aftermarket
Mainstream Performance/Turbo Dave Fabrications Motor Mount Kit
Mainstream Performance/Turbo Dave Fabrications Driveshaft
Mainstream Performance/Turbo Dave Fabrications Shifter Extension
Koyo Radiator with Slim Fans
Custom 3in Exhaust with Muffler
Front Mount Intercooler with Piping, Clamps, Couplers
Walbro 255 Fuel Pump
Fuel Filter
Misc. Fuel Lines and Clutch Lines, Vacuum Hoses
Mainstream Performance Stage 1 Twin Turbo Package $10,010.00- all the above (parts and Labor) installed . Your car will make between 300whp-320whp and 280-290TQ.
Mainstream Performance Stage 1 Twin Turbo Upgrade $1420- includes an SAFC NEO and 2 hours of tuning, Competition Stage 5 Clutch, Battery Relocation Kit, Greddy Boost Cut Defender, and True Twin Mode . Your car will make 330-360whp and 300-330 TQ.
Mainstream Performance Stage 2 Single Turbo Package $14,330- Everything from Our Stage 1 Package and Upgrade including:
XS Power Turbo Manifold
62-1 Turbonetics Turbo with Stage 5 wheel and 1 Year Warranty
Tial 44mm Wastegate
HKS Blow Off valve
Oil Lines and Fittings
3in Downpipe with Vband
Labor to Convert to Single turbo and remove Twin Turbos.
Your Car will make between 400-420whp and 370-380 TQ and max the Stock Fuel Injectors. You will need to Upgrade Injectors and Fuel Rail to make more power.
Mainstream Performance Stage 2 Single Turbo Upgrade $2170- Includes Brian Crower Valve springs and Titanium Retainers, Brian Crower 272 Camshafts, Ferrea Valve Stem Seals, Greddy Timing Belt, Titan Motorsports or HKS Adjustable Cam Gears, ARP head studs and installation or all parts.
Mainstream Performance Fuel System Upgrade $2000- Includes -8 Fuel Lines, Aeromotive Fuel Pressure Regulator, 2 Walbro Fuel Pumps, -8 to 3/8 Fittings, -8 Bulk head Fitting, Precision 850cc Injectors, Nissan Fuel Pump Relay Kit ,TDF Fuel Rail and installation of all parts. Good for 800whp. For 1000whp we recommend 3 Walbro Fuel Pumps.
Turbo Upgrades - EMAIL FOR PRICING
Turbo Manifold Upgrades- EMAIL FOR PRICING
Engine Management Upgrades- EMAIL FOR PRICING
Driveshaft Upgrades - EMAIL FOR PRICING
Mainstream Performance Maintenance Packages
(All Maintenance Packages are with Motor outside of car)
Package 1 $320- Includes replacement of Front Main Seal, Cam Seals, Rear Main Seal
Package 2 $1100- Includes replacement of Front Main Seal, Cam Seals, Rear Main Seal , OEM Water Pump and USDM Pulley, OEM Oil Pump, Greddy Timing Belt
Package 3 $1550- Includes replacement of Front Main Seal, Cam Seals, Rear Main Seal , OEM Water Pump and USDM Pulley, OEM Oil Pump, Greddy Timing Belt, Ferrea Valve Stem Seals
Other Services
Traction Control Delete/ Throttle Body Modification- $175
J30 LSD Upgrade- $450
Air Conditioning -$250
2JZGTE Swap LABOR ONLY - Starting at $3000
If you have anymore questions, you can contact Mainstream Performance via EMAIL at:
[email protected]
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by B18c1Turboed
....making 600whp for less than 15K.
