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October 16, 2026, 02:54:14 PM

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[Sinema]

Hi all I'm looking to upgrade my current 4cyl engine in my tf cortina, I would like to go with an sr20det engine but I'm not sure where to start.

I want to know
-how hard it will be
-rough cost idea
-what running gear I should use( transmission, diff)
-do I upgrade to 5 bolt axles instead of stock 4 and how would I do this
-is it a viable engine swap
-will it pass engineering in Queensland
-what's your general thoughts on the idea
Cheers heaps in advance

[BigNorm]

i've never done a sr20 into a cortina but have done plenty of engine transplants into different cars over the years so i'll have a crack at some of these.

- how hard depends on your level of expertise, how much you're gonna do yourself and how much you're going to pay someone else to do. it will fit easily enough but you'll have to make up mountings, wiring and plumbing etc

- cost. think of random number. double it and then double it again. multiply it by how much you want to spend and double it again. thats about half of what it will cost. if you go in with a strict budget you're gonna be disappointed.  again it depends on how much you're going to do yourself etc.

- use the gearbox/trans that comes with the engine. it will be much easier to mount a trans than adapt another box to that engine.

- you wont need to upgrade to 5 stud as the sr will be lighter than the pinto you're taking out. if you wanted to then the hoppers kit is the easiest way to go.

- viable. fuck yeah. the sr20 is light as and good for 1000hp if you do it right.

- engineer. dunno but i doubt you'd have any problems.

- thoughts. do it!!

[Sinema]

Thanks
This is my first time doing any kind of engine swap/ engine work but in eager to learn and do it perfectly. As I don't know much I was wondering if there were any certain sites I should go to get help with rebuilding the sr20 and just general help with fitting it into the cortina. I want to rebuild the engine and get a good transmission setup ready before I start taking the old engine out. Id like to freshen up the sr20 when I buy one, and make it look tidy.

My goals for the cortina are to have a car that I can drive around town and take it down the drag strip if I want, I'm not expecting to run 9s down the quarter because that's just not what I want. I'm looking to make something different, with very clean build work. I want to do this right and I just don't know where to start. Any help is greatly appreciated.

[Bucster]

Hi mate.
Sr20 det. Good conversion but with no experience in cars etc. Start with something easier. Heaps of info on here stick a ford 6 cyl back in ther. If you have no knowledge put an original 4.1L crossflow in there. They still go hard. If u want to have a bit of a go yourself get a fuel injected E series motor and gearbox.
But i do not recommend anything harder not even a V8 if you havent done this sort of thing before.
Bucster

[BigNorm]

i agree. it will be quite a complicated job without the knowledge. the simplest of errors can cause the most headaches at the end. if you're already not sure on how to mount the engine and wiring etc then you may find yourself in trouble.  in saying that, the best way to get the knowledge is jump straight in and have a crack. whats the worse than can happen?

to answer your questions. i doubt there are any websites which will give you step by step instructions. there will be plenty of websites around with stories of sr20 transplants into other cars and will offer basics. what these sites will do though is give you names of people have done it specifically for you to contact.

not building a car to run 9's. why not?  i would. its easier to make it to run 9's and leave the boost screwed off so not use it than to go to that much trouble and you get bored with 13. you could build a 500hp sr without even blinking but still have a sensible tune to make it peaceful.