Owner: Jeff Li
Dynamometer Model: R&D Dyno's Dynojet 248C Dynamometer
Testing: Richard Fong
Dyno 1
Baseline163.5 HP 165.8 TQ
Pros
Drifting has revived older cars that-in their heyday-competed against Hondas and lost. But today, things are different. These old dogs have found the spotlight years after their time and are being prepared with more powerful engines and numerous turbo components. The obvious case in point is the Nissan 240SX. The U.S. model had a 2.4-liter normally aspirated engine, while the Japanese Silvia came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter SR20DET engine. With engine transplants as common as implants these days, we're noticing a lot of 240s on the road, and they're as fast as ever.
Temperature
Air temperature at 76.3 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons
Nissan suffered from mediocre sales during the '90s. This makes good-condition S13s and S14s hard to come by. Also, the transplant is still more expensive than the popular B16A.
Notes
Our test platform is a 1989 240SX, with a red top SR20DET. This transplant was completed at Gushi Auto in Whittier, Calif. The engine has approximately 50,000 miles on it.
Dyno 2
K&N Typhoon Intake168.1 HP 167.9 TQ
Pros
Turbos need to take in air as quickly as possible. One of the limiting factors for the compressor is the intake. Nissan provides rubber intake plumbing with an airbox. K&N designed an intake pipe with an adapter for its trademark cone filter and the stock MAF sensor. Constructed of aluminum, the intake pipe is extremely lightweight and smoothes out the intake tract. The air filter has a large diameter base to help the turbo breathe as easily as possible. It definitely helped. Our peak power increased by 4.6 hp, but we realized as much as 7 hp between 6000 rpm and red line. Torque figures also increased by 2.1 lb-ft at the peak and by as much as 8 lb-ft between 6000 rpm and red line. You can really hear the turbo spool up with this intake system.
Cons
We made decent power so we have nothing to complain about.
Notes
The installation was a little tight, especially since the turbo sits low and close to the wall of the engine bay. Also, the intercooler took up a lot of space near the air filter. Different intercooler piping would have eased the installation.
Parts
Filter, filter adapter, intake pipe, hoses, hose clamps, instructions, hardware and bracket
Temperature
Air temperature at 74 degrees FahrenheitTemperature difference from previous run: -2.3 degrees Fahrenheit
Tools
10mm socket, 5/16 socket, extension, ratchet, 10mm combination wrench, pliers and Phillips screwdriver
Installation Time
30 to 45 minutes
Tune It.
Power is everything