Crafting an SR20DET Engine Build for the Iconic Nissan Pulsar GTi-R

Engine build SR20DET Pulsar GTi-R

by Nick | Dec 24, 2024

First hitting the streets in 1990, the Nissan Pulsar quickly earned its reputation as a game-changer. Working on an engine build for the legendary SR20DET was a real pleasure.

Under the hood was a turbocharged 2.0L SR20DET engine, delivering 225bhp, paired with Nissan’s ATTESA all-wheel-drive system. This setup propelled the GTi-R from 0-60mph in just 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 145mph, mind-blowing for an early ’90s hatchback.

Homologated for WRC competition, the GTi-R was built to meet Group A regulations, with at least 500 special models produced for rally use. Its motorsport roots make it a sought-after collector’s item today.

One of the attributes of the GTi-R’s rally success was its wiring harness, designed and manufactured by our partners Renvale Ltd. As the world’s longest-standing motorsport wiring harness manufacturer, Renvale played a pivotal role in ensuring the Pulsar Rally cars performed at their peak. This partnership underscores the GTi-R’s engineering excellence and solidifies Renvale’s reputation for innovation in the motorsport world.

https://i.hybridtune.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Shot-of-the-engine-bay-of-a-rare-Nissan-Pulsar-GTi-R-showing-a-blue-head-gasket-and-a-beautiful-gold-exhaust-manifold-engine-build-from-Hybrid-Tune.webp?strip=all&lossy=1&quality=50&webp=50&sharp=1&ssl=1

We’ve gone all-in on this rare Pulsar GTi-R homologation special SR20DET engine build.

Originally 225 bhp, this Pulsar GTi-R needed an engine build due to a faulty head gasket. We rebuilt it with forged internals, Supertech valves/ springs, and Newman camshafts.

One major complication…the block was damaged, with no replacements available. We imported Darton sleeves from the U.S. Darton sleeves offer a cost-effective solution for damaged bores, enhancing engine block strength and performance.

Their wet sleeve design improves cooling, reduces detonation, and reinforces the upper deck. Made from 130,000 PSI ductile iron, Darton sleeves outperform cast iron blocks. The Modular Integrated Deck (MID) system features siamese wet sleeves, creating a stronger deck surface. We had our friends at Damico Engines fit them, a proper big job that’s left the block rock solid.

We also tackled a vast amount of turbo and fabrication work, fitting a stunning Walton Motorsport manifold and a Garrett G25 660 turbo.

The Garrett G25-660 turbocharger is engineered for maximum horsepower, featuring advanced compressor aerodynamics and a 54mm compressor wheel with a peak efficiency of 79%. It incorporates a MAR-M alloy turbine wheel and stainless steel housings, both rated for temperatures up to 1050°C, alongside new turbine aerodynamics for enhanced flow and efficiency. The turbo includes an oil restrictor, water fittings, a fully machined speed sensor, and pressure ports. Turbo assemblies are calibrated with a 0.5-bar actuator for precise performance.

We also fabricated all the boost pipework. Space was really tight, so we implemented tons of heat management to protect anything close to the turbo. Now, the setup performs flawlessly. After all the work and calibration, this little Pulsar now produces 450 bhp, doubling its original power. This car now has the same bhp per ton as the stock Porsche 991 Turbo S!

A big thanks to Inspired Motorsport for installing an incredible exhaust system.👌