Latest Car News - West Sidez Pride - Four One One

Machining the SR20DET for high-rev power production isn't as easy as one might think. The SR20 uses hydraulic last adjusters, which use oil pressure to eliminate the tolerances or "lash" between rockers and cam lobes. For the most part, this is a good thing-eliminating lash leads to near-perfect tolerances between rocker and cam lobe, which allows for quieter, more precise operation. But at high RPM, oil pressure can cause rockers to "bounce" over cam lobes, leading to variances in valve actuation and possible cylinder head damage. Tomei solid lifters for the SR20 eliminate this problem; we'll be using them, along with a host of SuperTech goodies: Super-stiff double valvesprings will keep rockers firmly planted against cam lobes, while ultra-light titanium retainers will help keep moving mass to a minimum. SuperTech +1mm stainless intake and Inconel exhaust valves will allow more air and fuel into and out of the cylinders, while super-secret cams will ensure they open and close at the proper spec to make power higher into the rev range than we're betting the other guys will even come near.

The second hurdle for us to overcome will be expanding and re-shaping the SR's intake and exhaust ports. Unlike, say, the 4G63, the SR20 is designed with long intake runners. Again-a great thing for the average engine, in that it allows for faster airflow at low RPM and better low- and mid-range power and torque production...but for big, top-end power, shorter, fatter ports are just better. With HeadGames at the die-grinder's helm, G-Dimension's Alex Pfeiffer and Stephen Rhim manning intake and exhaust manifold fabrication, and Garrett providing boost with a properly sized GT40R turbo-along with a few other tricks we've got up our sleeves-we're confident the SR's unique design will be looked at as an advantage, rather than a curse, once it all comes together.

We'll check on the other guys' progress in next month's installment and show you what they're doing wrong...and why we'll beat them. In the meantime, make sure to log onto the official Castrol Syntec Top Shop Challenge website (www.syntectopshop.com) and cast your vote for Import Tuner to win this thing-because when we do, you'll have a shot at winning our monster SR!