vg30et vs. sr20det
04-04-2004, 09:47 AM
#1
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vg30et vs. sr20det
In this corner we have the 3.0L SOHC turbocharged vg30et and in this corner we have the 2.0L DOHC turbocharged sr20det. Question, There has been much controversy between my buddy with a sr20det 240z and me and my vg30et. He seems to think that overall performance the sr20 is superior to my vg30...... At this time I proceeded to slap him with baby powder. 
MY question to my z31 family is how do you feel about to the two motors. Please, lets not be bias lets go off of facts and stats.
My personal opinion is that the vg30 is a lot more powerful then the small block of an sr20. Oh, and it doesnt matter if we are talking about redtop or balcktop. I feel that the sr20 has a lot more aftermarket parts now that it is becoming popular with the nissan and tuner crowd. Unlike the vg30.
MY question to my z31 family is how do you feel about to the two motors. Please, lets not be bias lets go off of facts and stats.My personal opinion is that the vg30 is a lot more powerful then the small block of an sr20. Oh, and it doesnt matter if we are talking about redtop or balcktop. I feel that the sr20 has a lot more aftermarket parts now that it is becoming popular with the nissan and tuner crowd. Unlike the vg30.
04-04-2004, 10:11 AM
#2
Distinquished Guest
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The vg30 will make gobs more power. It has 1/3 more displacement, and we all know, "there is no replacement for displacement". Right?
What can you do to a rb20 that can't be done to a vg30, and you're starting with more at the onset.
On the otherhand, the rb20 is lighter, and I'm sure that helps overall vehicle performance. It may be the best engine in certain applications.
But, engine to engine, BHP and torque at the flywheel, the vg30 wins.
Of the rb engine family, only the rb26 or rb30, are better than the vg30.
What can you do to a rb20 that can't be done to a vg30, and you're starting with more at the onset.
On the otherhand, the rb20 is lighter, and I'm sure that helps overall vehicle performance. It may be the best engine in certain applications.
But, engine to engine, BHP and torque at the flywheel, the vg30 wins.
Of the rb engine family, only the rb26 or rb30, are better than the vg30.
04-04-2004, 10:36 AM
#3
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I also must agree that the VG30DET is the better engine. 3 litres to 2 litres and you can do just as much to the VG30DET. You will make more power with the VG30DET and loads more torque.
04-04-2004, 11:51 AM
#4
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Ok, ok, but what about rb20 being DOHC compared to the SOHC. What Im asking is how come z32 drivers always seem to think that just because they have DOHC there engin is so much better. Im in total agreement that the sr20 is a light motor for the power it packs thats why so many pro drifters are moving away from the KA motor. I wonder why it is that if the vg30 motor is much better why is it that tuners are going with the sr20 and the sr20 is advertised much more then the vg30 motor other then the vg30dett? So many questions, so little time.
04-04-2004, 12:19 PM
#5
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As for the SOHC vs. DOHC. With the VG30DET the SOHC setup is fabulous. The power and torque curves are so smooth it is crazy. Why the SR20 is more popular dunno. It is light but then again the VG30 isn't too heavy either. it might just be because of the JDM craze in the U.S. and the fact that they are sort of easily transferable into the 240SX and other smaller Nissans.
05-06-2004, 12:10 PM
#6
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Originally Posted by James Hesson
As for the SOHC vs. DOHC. With the VG30DET the SOHC setup is fabulous. The power and torque curves are so smooth it is crazy. Why the SR20 is more popular dunno. It is light but then again the VG30 isn't too heavy either. it might just be because of the JDM craze in the U.S. and the fact that they are sort of easily transferable into the 240SX and other smaller Nissans.
How much hp are you vg30et guys running with just full exhaust, fmic, and a boost controller?
many many 240sx guys are getting ~240hp at the wheels with the same setup.
05-06-2004, 01:22 PM
#7
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How much boost with the boost controller? It depends on how much boost. At 12psi with a full 3in exhaust, intake, and FMIC some of the guys are pushing maybe 240-250WHP (some without the fmic that I know run mid to high 13s in the quarter). Problem being injectors are maxed out really quickly so we have to get new injectors since at about 270-300 flywheel hp our injectors are at full cycle and our fuel pumps have to be switched with Z32 TT pumps. After the fuel issues a few bolt ons can get us to 400+WHP easy. You SR20 guys can match us until about 300HP then the VG30ET will flat out destroy the SR20DET. You can maybe get to 300WHP in the SR20DET with out getting too expensive but the same mods you do to your two litre at that point wont net you nearly as much HP as we will get with our 3 litre. The VG30ET is a very good engine to mod the only reason you see so many SR20s in other nissans is availability (and mostly fitment) and for some reason over popularity. Several VG30ETs are making loads of power there are quite a few in the 450-500WHP range and a few have broken into the 800WHP range and then there are a few drag cars that make hellatious amounts of power. I am not counting several of the Z31 guys that have the VG33ET in their Z31. Also in the Z31 it matters which engine you have. The regular USDM VG30ET came with 200BHP and 227ft/lbs torque. The Euro Spec had 228 fly hp. and the JDM came with 230fly hp and 246 torque. But here in the US there are very few Z31s with the JDM or euro engines.
05-06-2004, 03:22 PM
#8
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14psi is about the max for a completely stock sr20
How much does the vg30et weigh?
I know it would be a lot cheaper to mod one because they were offered in usa. I just wouldnt knock an sr, because they are very stout motors.
both motors have a lot of potential. This kind of argument is very prevalent on 240 boards with the factory KA engine.
I wouldnt blame the popularity of the sr on the jdm craze. 240sx's dont make anything more than 200 hp n/a (fully built) and swapping out a factory turbo motor that is a direct factory fit makes a big difference.
How much does the vg30et weigh?
I know it would be a lot cheaper to mod one because they were offered in usa. I just wouldnt knock an sr, because they are very stout motors.
both motors have a lot of potential. This kind of argument is very prevalent on 240 boards with the factory KA engine.
I wouldnt blame the popularity of the sr on the jdm craze. 240sx's dont make anything more than 200 hp n/a (fully built) and swapping out a factory turbo motor that is a direct factory fit makes a big difference.
05-06-2004, 03:28 PM
#9
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Originally Posted by WallZ
Im in total agreement that the sr20 is a light motor for the power it packs thats why so many pro drifters are moving away from the KA motor
A KA turbo setup doesnt weigh much more than a sr20det
Last edited by s13z31killer; 05-06-2004 at 07:20 PM.
05-06-2004, 07:33 PM
#10
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We were analyzing the SR20DET to the VG30ET not insulting it we were just stating opinions and facts. 
05-09-2004, 09:57 PM
#11
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Originally Posted by James Hesson
We were analyzing the SR20DET to the VG30ET not insulting it we were just stating opinions and facts.
Tru man. I was just on a tangent after smoking a few cars the other day. Compared to a stock KA an sr20det is pretty damn fast. Hell when my z31 race car (na obviously put down 165hp and 168tq, (2800lbs with driver) I thought it was pretty quick. Now roughly the same weight with 240hp I really respect the sr for its power with minimal mods. A ka turbo setup could make the same or more power. (usually done with a bigger turbo than a t25)
Now if a vg30et swap was as easy as an sr swap, I would go with a built block utilizing the stock mani(you damn t3 bastards) and a much larger turbo.
Im not knocking the vg, but dont hate on the sr. It is a 4cyl with a lot of punch in stock form.
05-09-2004, 10:01 PM
#12
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Now as far as comparison, the sr is probably lighter (nobody responded with the weight) and pleanty of aftermarket parts (thanks to us 240 guys (well mostly nissan)) I think the displacement arguement is done with the vg obviously, but a (possibly) lighter sr with bolt ons could out perform a z31t with similar mods. In a 240z which was the first idea.
05-10-2004, 05:20 AM
#13
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Well with the SR20DET you wont have fit issues in a 240Z the VG30ET will be alittle cramped. But then it would be better to get an RB. Why would you want to put a four cylinder in a car that uses a six cylinder engine? Oh and you can also drop a V8 in that 240Z. The SR20DET is a good motor I mean come on its a Nissan engine. The VG30ET is just as easy to modify. Simple bolt ons can get the VG30ET to 400/450WHP.
Last edited by JAMESZ; 05-10-2004 at 05:22 AM.
06-14-2004, 12:13 PM
#14
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I could be wrong, but doesn't the SR20 bolt right up to the same tranny as the KA? That seems like it would be the biggest reason, to me....easy upgrade. Wouldn't both tranny and engine have to be swapped if you threw a VG30 in a 240? Not to mention all the other mods that would definitely have to be done.
Last edited by SloppyGoat; 06-14-2004 at 12:16 PM.
06-14-2004, 07:10 PM
#15
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Originally Posted by johnZboy
What can you do to a rb20 that can't be done to a vg30, and you're starting with more at the onset.
You can't run it as lean. The sr20det has a wonderfully designed combustion chamber that is capable of running much leaner without destroying itself. Most poeple who start tuning sr20's and move to something else usually blow up engines do to running lean, but have never blwon an sr20.
10-08-2009, 01:59 PM
#16
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I could be wrong, but doesn't the SR20 bolt right up to the same tranny as the KA? That seems like it would be the biggest reason, to me....easy upgrade. Wouldn't both tranny and engine have to be swapped if you threw a VG30 in a 240? Not to mention all the other mods that would definitely have to be done.
I don't know, though, if that's the same transmission that the SR20 shares with the KA. :/
10-08-2009, 02:32 PM
#17
Ruff Ryder
Join Date: Sep 2005
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the later z31 turbo tranny's are about as strong as they come in the nissan world, they have also been able to handle well over 500HP.
(also VG pwns anything SR and anything KA)
10-08-2009, 03:18 PM
#18
The Evil Twin
Join Date: Mar 2001
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aaaah, 2004 to 2009??? LOCK!
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