Here's where we act like we know something technical about cars. Feel free to ask us about your technical troubles. Write us at tech@superstreetonline.com or Super Street c/o Tech Support, 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048. Feel free to include a picture of your project or tech problem.
Question Of The Month
Q I love reading your magazine and reading all the articles about Datsuns. I'm writing this e-mail for help. I own a Datsun 510 Bluebird coupe. The car was sold in Japan and is very rare to see out in the street. I want to give the car a new engine. I'm thinking about a SR20DET engine but I don't know what I need for the swap. I'm on a budget and I don't want to buy things I don't need.Isaac CortezSan Jose, CA
A A true Datsun `510' Bluebird is pretty rare here indeed. Now if your Bluebird is an SSS the original engine has some very rare and sought-after parts (head and carbs). It wouldn't be a bad idea to just rebuild your L16 (or L18) for more power. Some old- school alternatives that are easier on the wallet are swapping in a L20 block, or even doing a Frankenstein Z22 block. But if you do have the money to do a SR20, then look into McKinney Motorsports (www.mckinneymotorsports.com). They have a SR20 mount kit that fits both 510s and Bluebirds.
Q I am looking into swapping a SR20DET (JDM) engine into a '97 240SX (S14). Is this conversion street legal, in CA? If possible, could you please point me towards info or links that would explain CA laws on mods? This car is for a Christian performance project with all intentions to push options to the limits, w/o having illegal modifications. Thank you for any help and blessings.
Lance J.,
San Diego, CA
A The SR20DET is not a legal swap in the state of California. Although, previously suspended, the state referee program is now back effect. To approve an engine swap, the referee will look up the donor car's specifications and make sure all the US emissions parts were swapped over as well. Although the SR20DE came to the US, the SR20DET never made it here. So the referee will not be able to bring up any information on that engine, resulting in FAIL. Check out www.bar.ca.gov for more information on California automotive laws.
Q What's up guys at Super Street? You rock my socks off!! I'm in a bit of a stump right now, I really want to build an autocross car and have 2 choices of car, a `91 Civic DX hatchback or a `93 Civic DX hatchback. I'm building a turbo Z6 motor and just don't know which one to put the motor in. I'm kind of leaning towards the `93 cause of the more aerodynamic body but a part of me wants to go with the `91. I haven't really seen any '91 EFs whoopin' some ass out there, so it would be pretty cool to do. Which one should I go for? Any help would kick ass!
P.S. Your mag kicks every other mags papery ass!!!!
Tyler Harrison,
Via the Internet
A Jonny and Charles are pretty much obsessed with the '88-91 EF. The body style is pretty badass, but from a performance standpoint, a '92-95 EG is a much better platform to build. Everything you can do to an EG, you can do to an EF. But it will just require more work. EGs definitely have an advantage with the brakes and suspension design. Get an EG and you will have a wider selection of parts. Also the myth of EFs being lighter than EGs is not always true.