Project 240: Custom Work
I've said it once, I'll say it again.
This project has been one custom job after another. Don't believe
what you read online about the SR20det swap into a 89-92 Nissan
240sx being a complete drop-in affair. Expect to spend a lot of
time either custom making parts, or modifying current parts to
custom fit the car/engine. After quite a few months of this
project, we were thinking about a list of things that weren't
covered in any DIY guide, or swap guide or service manual:
1. A/C hose directly in the way of the engine intake
2. Power steering line needs to be swapped with the JDM pump
3. Throttle cable is too short and needs to be modified to the
correct length
4. Downpipe doesn't bolt up flush against the tranny housing (used
a couple of washers as spacers)
5. Engine doesn't drop in perfectly due to an unknown metal box
bolted to the firewall
6. Oxygen sensor wire too short and needs to be lengthened
7. Gates hoses are recommended for the job, but end up being cut up
so small that generic hoses will do just as well. (much cheaper
too).
8. Upper radiator hose is a generic hose that needs to be fit by
trial and error.
9. Modified wiring harness has too much slack that needs to be
tucked away somewhere when placed in engine bay.
10. Drive shaft dust shield does not fit. Either need to fabricate
a new piece, or have no dust shield.
11. Nissan doesn't like to use rubber gaskets. Stock up on a lot
of RTV sealant.
12. Buy a lot of worm clips to replace the lame wire clamps used on
the Silvia
13. Gates belts are recommended, but you can probably get a generic
belt that is a lot cheaper.
14. Don't believe people who say that they did a whole swap in a
weekend. They are probably lying.
15. Oil filter is seemingly impossible to reach once engine is in
the car.
16. A couple months later, your friend will be looking to get rid
of her 2002 Audi TT Coupe for a cheap $11000 because she doesn't
want to bother with a private sale that could get her $18000. But
since you've already committed funds to your Project 240sx, you
can't buy the TT.
:)

