Rob, I totally agree with the "to each his own" sentiment. In fact I have come to the defense of someone who wanted to swap an L26 from the wrath of okayfine once for the same reason. And although it may not seem like it here, I'm sensitive to the idea this topic may ruffle a few feathers. I genuinely hope this is taken as all in fun.
I understand that displacement is why a 3.L motor can produce more N/A peak torque than an equivalent 2.L. Simple laws of physics (says the artist philosopher
). There are many differences between the SR and VG, and I'm sure both can produce much more than 500hp all things possible. I LOVE a good debate, and yes I have taken a side. However, if we don't stick to the parameters of the thread topic we're just talking about fruit again, aka apples and oranges aren't we? That being said I guess I was thinking more in terms of a real world 500hp construction of these two platforms and how that might work in a 510 rather than floating a bunch of unrelated figures and "gearsay".
Here's my shot at it.
Stock low milage s13 SR20DET red top complete long block with tranny
minimum of 170psi compression and 10% cold leak down. $1.100-1.700
Flipped X-member $150
Head work:
Simple port matching to intake and exhaust manifolds, Valve seats $500
ONE Tomei head gasket, $200 new stock reinforced Nissan head bolts, $110
Brian Crower Head Package - 272 lift Cams, Springs, Retainers, Valves $800
Block,
totally stock.
Externals:
Single Internal welbo 100 psi fuel pump. $150
ONE JWT Top Feed Fuel Rail $135
Injector Dynamics fed at 62 psi 1000cc $460
ONE ISIS Intake Manifold Gretty nockoff $180
ONE ISIS T3 Top Mount Turbo Manifold $200
ONE GT3582R 28 lbs boost $1,300
Mines reflashed E5 ECU w boost control $600
Optimized for e85
$6k give or take.
I'm pretty sure that with this setup you could get 500hp out of an SR20, and in the 400 plus torque range. Just where you'd see this PWR and TQ on a curve; god only knows. Undoubtedly the curve would not be as broad as a VG's, but in a 510 application would you really notice? Would the weight difference level the field, or even tip the scales in the SR's favor in some respects? In a straight line 0-60 my guess is that the SR would have an advantage. 0-100 again, 1/4 mile maybe even, top speed would go to the VG. Yea you are right this is totally based in conjecture, but I will press on. In a slalom and in auto-X I would think the front end weight would play a far more significant roll being that neither car could ever use more than half it's potential. Who knows, maybe the low end grunt of the VG would even the field once again. In this respect it all comes down to tuning, where the turbo comes into boost and how controllable it is.
Please be kind when you tare this apart dear gentlemen.
Sometimes people loose touch with subjectivity, because they've got they're heads stuck too far up they're own,,, Reality.