The powerplant is a US-spec, front-drive SR20DE. The engine went through a full makeover, from top to bottom. The block was sent to Ed Hale Machine to receive a set of centrifugal spun ductile iron cylinders. With the sleeves in place, the bottom-end was then loaded with a set of 10.1:1 Ross Racing pistons, which received a ceramic and Teflon coating. Off the shelf Tomei billet rods and main studs were also used in the bottom-end for added reinforcement.
A 1:1 ratio Essex regulator...
A 1:1 ratio Essex regulator handles the fuel pressure duties, while a Race tech SDS engine management handles the spark and injector controls.
The Sentra utilizes a Spearco...
The Sentra utilizes a Spearco liquid-to-air intercooler set-up, complete with a five-gallon water tank and Meziere pump.
The cylinder head is also a U.S.-spec model loaded with Tomei and Ferrea gear. The valvetrain from valve springs, valves retainers and rocker arm stoppers are all of Tomei and Ferrea make. When this project was first initiated, the SR20 pumped out 420 horses utilizing the hydraulic valvetrain assembly. As engine speed rose, the hydraulic units would fail; this led to incorporating a set of Tomei solid lifters with AEBS modified rocker arms designed for high-rpm operation. Adding more reinforcement to the cylinder head are a set of Ferrea valve springs complete with titanium retainers. Porting was handled by Paulus Le, who gave the head a custom, four-cloverleaf combustion chamber design, finishing it with a layer of Polymer Dynamics ceramic coating.
Both induction and injection systems received the AEBS treatment. Everything from the intake manifold to exhaust manifold was made in house by AEBS engineer Paulus Le. The SR20 now pumps exhaust through a custom, ceramic-coated, equal-length header into a T51 FasTrax turbo. Exhaust is expelled through a 3-inch downpipe and a 1 7/8-dumptube. Boost is managed by a Tial wastegate and controlled by a Blitz SBC. With hours upon hours spent on the induction system, AEBS finally mapped what it believes is a single-digit setup. Charge air is chilled via a Spearco liquid-to-air intercooler then distributed through a custom aluminum intake manifold where it receives a dose of fuel from an eight injector sequential/staged fuel system. Engine operating parameters are handled by a Racetech SDS ECU which utilizes an individual coil setup. Adding more juice to the coils is a Crane ignition system.
Engine vitals are monitored...
Engine vitals are monitored via Tomei water temp, oil pressure, air/fuel, exhaust gas and boost with an Auto Meter tachometer tracking the rpm.
A Motec data logger was also...
A Motec data logger was also added to the mix to establish vital engine, suspension and chassis parameters for the road to nines.