whats better? costly? easy to install? Whats your opinion on these 2 engines for datsun 1200 ute?

well in QLD an SR20DET is illegal to install and the only rotary allowed is a 12A.

I think the SR20 would be easier to install in the long run, as you don't have to worry about oil cooler and lines etc. But with all turbo applications there is alot of modifications to make like upgrading fuel system and wiring in an ECU etc. But hey if you handy with your hands you can do it all yourself you just have to find an engineer who will approve the conversion, but having said that it's still illegal and in a crash if thats found out you lose your CTP and what other insurance you have due to an unroadworthy car.

Sorry to be the bad bringer of news but I've already gone through checking all this out. (Talk to tappet or 2quik4u they both have SR20's installed they maybe able to help you out)

Cheers
Damo

In my opinion go Rotary, but I have a biased opinion!

What are you gonna use it for? If it's big boost drag racing then I would suggest the rotor as they thrive on massive turbos and power comes relatively easily. I wouldn't worry about all the people that say reliability is an issue, all you have to do is look after them properly. Jump on any rotor site and they'll tell you the same (Big ports also sound awesome)

However if its just a neat streeter then maybe a SR would be a bit more subdue and easier on petrol. Saying that you can still get big power out of a SR

It really comes down to you and which you like more or what you gonna use it for.

That's my 2 cents

Thanks to all who replied basicly im the wife brooke 25, of hubby colin 31, whos building datsun1200 ute, as he works 16 hr days im online daily(ebay powerseller) i come to this site to get info for his little ute that we both love, I like the idea of the rotary and made the sudjestion as its something different, this ute is for a everday street driven ute cruising and driving to work ute something with power and performance the cheaper cost rotary vs sr20 must be some what good in fuel (which one would be better in fuel, or much of a muchness) im just weighin up cost, cost in fuel and ease of fitting and installation of engine mounts the cost of it all and the time it takes with all that said which is the most suitable engine :)

They are both illegall!!!!

So my advice would be CA18DET.

I know it is a super common conversion but it is so for a reason. It's relatively cheap to do, especially if you have the know how to do a lot yourself.

If i had to choose between the two you have asked about, and they were both LEGAL, then i would go rotor for downright smashing drager, but sr20det for street cruiser.

But either way it soesn't matter cause they are both ILLEGAL!!!

Just go CA. You will not be dissapointed.

Trav

I thought QLD was the only place is Aust that SR20 conversions were still legal? They were legal in the ACT up until a couple of months ago so maybe they're illegal up there now to.

Your best option would be to contact the engineer you will be using and have a chat with him and also the QLD transport place as nowadays they change the rules every two seconds. I did this a couple of weeks ago down here and it stopped a lot of wondering and getting 400000 different answers from people all over the place.

Also check this website

http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Registration/Motor_vehicles/Vehicle_standards/Light_vehicle_modifications/

There should be some useful info there.

Why not just NA SR20?

This would be a nice, cruisy choice, yet still have plenty of poke when needed. You don't need a huge amount of HP to get a 700kg ute moving, and an NA SR20 would have more than twice the power of the old A12, a decent upgrade if you ask me.

O.k..... Lets look at it this way.
How fast do you want to go?

A CA18DET with a T28 turbo out of an SR20 & a chipped std ECU, a LSD & some sticky tyres should see you well into 12 sec. 1/4 mile territory.
Anything beyond that & you're looking at cracking open the motor to add forged bits, cam etc.

You can get the same sort of results out of an N/A SR20, but because there's no turbo, you're looking at cracking open the motor straight away & concentrating on the gas flow. i.e/ headwork, cams, tuned exhaust system etc, etc,

An SR20DET or 13B turbo is illegal, but if you're only planning to race it... Who cares, it's brown trouser time.

Personally - I've just completed a CA18DET into a '74 ute build & had my 1st couple of proper drives.
Being a motorbike bloke, I was a bit sceptical about what to expect in terms of performance. BUT - 1st time I got well & truly into it, the whole thing kicked sideways, both rears lit up.... all hell broke loose.
Afterwards - I was grinning like an idiot for days.
Motorbikes.... What are they?

This is all with std ECU & a T28.

As someone else said, there's a reason so many people are doing this conversion.
Go CA18 turbo.... Trust me, you won't be dissapointed.

Have fun,

Coops

Quote:

haha.