Found this on the net, so I decide to share this. Hope you guys can know the difference. :)
Differences between red top and black top SR20 engines
For the purposes of this discussion we will define 3 main types of SR20 engine:
S13 Red top SR20: 1991-1993 model year
S13 Black top SR20: 1994-1998 model year
S14 S15 Black top SR20: 1994-2001 model years
S13 RED TOP SR20:
This engine was only available in S13's manufactured between 1991 and 1994 - its identifying charateristic is that the rocker cover is painted red.
All these engines came out with the following specifications:
* T25G turbo
* 370cc injectors
* no VCT (variable cam timing) or VVT or VV anything else.
When comparing this engine to later model S14 S15 SR20's the following charateristics can be noted:
* NO VCT bump on intake side of the rocker cover
* NO slope on the back of the rocker cover
* LOW mount intake plenum - the intake plenum sits under the intake runners.
S13 BLACK TOP SR20:
This engine also came out in S13's only. However it was produced in 1994 model S13's. Its mostly seen in 180sx's but may have also appeared in very late model silvia's.
This engine is almost exactly the same as the S13 Red top SR20
Yes thats right, the S13 Black top SR20 is almost exactly the same as the Red top version. Apart from the colour of the rocker cover there are very litttle changes to the engine itself - the things that were changed possibly include a slightly different head casting (fins on the outside of the head), also in the update model 180sx's (type X 1996-98) there was a different ECU and some different sensors (water temp sensor).
There are probably other differences i have not mentioned however they are not really important. People sometimes mention different cam profiles in the blacktop motors but until someone conclusively proves this i wont be stating it.
I am running a 1994 model blacktop engine in my silvia using a Red top loom and ECU - it runs perfectly with no problems.
This motor DOES have the following things:
* T25G turbo
* 370cc injectors
* no VCT (variable cam timing) or VVT or VV anything else.
As per the picture below - the following charateristics identifies it as a S13 Black top motor:
* NO VCT bump on intake side of the rocker cover
* NO slope on the back of the rocker cover
* LOW mount intake plenum - the intake plenum sits under the intake runners.
AS YOU CAN SEE THE S13 BLACKTOP HAS THE SAME FEATURES AS THE S13 REDTOP
S14/ S15 BLACK TOP SR20:
The S14 and S15 SR20DET has a number of significant differences that need to be pointed out.This motor was available in all S14 and S15 200sx's silvia's from 1994 to end of production in 2001. Confusingly Nissan produced the S13 black top motor at the same time.
The main differences between this motor and the S13 SR20's are:
* Larger T28 turbocharger
* VCT on the inlet cam
* Revised intake design (high mount plenum chamber).
* Different loom and ECU design (not interchangeable with earlier models)
* Different oil filter thread (ryco filter Z445 vs S13 filter which is a Z442).
As mentioned this motor has a T28 turbocharger, some models have a ball bearing version of this which is subject to a lot of debate - the best way to determine if it is a ball bearing turbocharger is by the small garrett id-plate on the turbo itself:
466541 = ball bearing
466543 = bush bearing
and for the second section of the number:
-001 = S14 turbo (no splitter between wastegate and turbine exit)
-002 = S15 turbo (splitter between wastegate and turbine exit)
Later models also have larger 480cc injectors which are brown in colour - early S14's had smaller injectors which from memory are 370cc.
Taken at
Wheel Jamaica
By looking from the front mount intercooler (FMIC), we know that this 510 is powered by turbocharged engine. Yup, this 510 is really powered by a fairly known engine, SR20DET from S14. Owned by one of my oldskool car club friend, known as Pok Tek. Pok Tek had been known for many years in owning Datsun 510. This is maybe the 5th or 6th 510 that he own. One of his famous creation, a pink colored 510 CA18DET powered for a while and change it to 13B and a flat green 510 powered by L16 with twin weber DCOE 40.
This car just had been finished from a paint job when I shoot this. Before this, this monster was in black colour, but Pok Tek want to change it to flat grey because he want to make this monster different than other 510. And yet, he really dig it. Good job Pok Tek.
Still maintaining the original 69' dash, but with some modern touch like Apex'i RSM for several readings, Silvia steering rack and pinion system with the steering wheel replacing the original Datsun steering box. He also maintaining all the original interior that really rare to find for now.
Rocking the Work ASA 16 inch, with 4 pot brake in front, single pot at the back. A quite nice stance for this monster, still practical for Malaysia's road condition. Pok Tek also had treat me with a nice burnout from this monster. Quite a nice view would I say. Anyway thanks to Pok Tek for giving me a chance to shoot this monster. Hope that one day my 510 will be as perfect just like this monster.
