Nissan Silvia

SR20DET Models

There are 4 different SR20DET engines models which were standard in the nissan silvia, the red top, black top, and late black top, and the S15 late black top. Because of this I have split the SR20DET tuning guides into different sections. The redtop and early black top are very similar I have called this guide SR20DET S13. The later model blacktops standard systems are a little different so I have called this guide SR20DET S14. Finally the last black top engine (found in the S15) has a larger fuel system I have called this SR20DET S15.

SR20DET S13: Red top: 1991-1993
SR20DET S13: Early Black top: 1994-1998 (mostly seen in 180sx's but may also appear in very late model S13 silvia's)
SR20DET S14: Black top late: 1994-1998
SR20DET S15: Black top late: 1998-2001

Identifying your SR20DET

S13 RED TOP SR20DET:
The Red top is the easiest to identify as its rocker cover is painted red. The redtop motor has no VCT so there should be no VCT bump on the intake side of the rocker cover, The intake plenum sits low (under the intake runners), and there is no slope on the back of the rocker cover.

S13 EARLY BLACK TOP SR20DET:
Obviously this engine has a black top instead of a red one, other than that this engine is very similar to the redtop. The only differences worth noting are the slightly different head casting, there are fins on the outside of the head, and a different ECU with additional sensors including water temperature.

S14 LATE BLACK TOP SR20DET:
This is were Nissan made things a little confusing as another higher spec black top engine was produced in 1994. This engine featured variable cam timing on the intake, a larger t28 turbo, larger supporting systems for the turbo, and a different ECU.
Identifying a late model blacktop is easy you just need to look for the VCT bump on the intake side of the rocker cover and a high mount plenum chamber.

As I said before this engine has a larger T28 turbo charger, some where bush bearing and some where ball bearing. You can tell tell which one you have by the garrett identification plate on the turbo: 466541 = ball bearing, and 466543 = bush bearing. All JDM S15 silvias have the ballbearing turbo where as the aussie ones have the bush bearing.

S15 LATE BLACK TOP SR20DET:
The S15 silvia engine is basically the same as the S14 but featured upgraded 480cc (maroon top) injectors instead of the 370cc (purple top) injectors found in earlier models. I am yet to confirm this but I have also heard that auto S15's use 370cc injectors. But if you are unsure just look at the tops of them, maroon = 480cc, purple = 370cc.