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Versa MR20DE Swap!!

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93K views 128 replies 38 participants last post by  Cobb  
#1 · (Edited)
As some of you know, my versa motor took a crap on me and Nissan did not want to replace it and I have been with no car for 2 months. I can't shell out 3-4k for a new motor, so I opted for the next best thing, the MR20DE. I found one that is a 2008, with 24k miles on it for $850 (not a bad price :coolgleamA:). Took the MR20 to one of Bobs (versaspeed) friends garage and he installed the motor in it this week. All I can say is OMFG, the car is awesome! It pulls way harder, the 20hp and 20tq really make a huge difference, let alone the versa weighs about 200lbs less than the sentra. I am super stoked and excited that the conversation of the Motorswap is now confirmed and working.

First initial thoughts:

-When I got to the auto wrecking yard and saw the motor I almost thought it was a versa motor, I was shocked to see how very similair they are. Then again, they are the same engine just with some different internals.

-When the motor was installed and I took it for a run, the exhaust note from the DC catback is a little louder, I like that. My roommate has a 2010 Lancer GTS and we raced down a stretch of road ( i know unsafe, but I had to test it out :p) and we were neck and neck the whole way until about 80mph I was passing him up! The GTS has 168hp (not whp) so i was extremely excited after that. It certainly put a huge smile on my face.

-Shifting is different. Every time I shift and let go of the clutch power is instantly there, no lag. Awesome.

According to Bobs friend everything was plug and play, just a few minor differences but nothing crazy. Like the key ignition plug was different, but it was easily swapped from the MR18 to the MR20.

I want to know the #'s but I don't have any plans on dyno soon.

Here are some pix.

MR20DE at the wrecking yard
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MR20DE in my car, excuse the dirty car, hasn't been home in 2 months!
Image



******UPDATE*******
Hit 200miles on half tank, not bad considering its a bigger engine. however I babied the shit out of it, barley hitting the gas. I don't get this good of mileage just driving normal and spirited, just fyi.
Image
 
#4 · (Edited)
if we kept going I think i would have fully pulled past him, but we were head to head at 80 and then i started inching past him, we let off after that. he was driving automatic.
 
#6 ·
Im stoked to slap the supercharger on it when it gets released!

Not gonna lie, but finding an MR20 within 150 miles at an auto wrecking site for some reason here in socal was difficult. When I went to pickup the motor the guy told me it was a good thing that I picked it up that day because he just got a 2 requests for one from another wrecking site.
 
#8 ·
That is so awesome!! You got to feel great about owning one of those!!! Keep it forever!!! lol You've got a one of a kind on your hands.
 
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#11 · (Edited)
Thanks! The versa is super dirty. hasn't been home in 2 months, so major TLC this week.

08versailles said:
Oh my....
:drool5:
I assume the mr20 was from newer sentra 140hp etc.
If i got a whole [wrecked] sentra, there must be other swappables:woot:
Glad you stepped up and made it happen!
Click to expand...
yup, 140hp and 147tq. I was suprised, the crank pulley, and the header are the same as the versa
 
#9 ·
Oh my....
:drool5:
I assume the mr20 was from newer sentra 140hp etc.
If i got a whole [wrecked] sentra, there must be other swappables:woot:
Glad you stepped up and made it happen!
 
#13 ·
updated pix coming in the next cple hours. it basically looks the same as a regular MR18. but ill post anyway
 
#14 ·
Well how about the 2.5 from the altima? Is it possible? That would be a decent swap. 175hp, yeah, that would be interesting in a versa, lol!!
 
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#17 ·
That would be fun ha, but you would have to also change the ECU and what not. I didn't have to do that.

Clean_4th gen said:
Good job on the swap. And I agree with 08v...a 5-lug Versa would be great. Imagine a Versa with Sentra SE-R or 370z wheels. :D
Click to expand...
that would be sick
 
#20 ·
This is just amazing. Congrats to you. Wonder if the swap is just as easy going from an HR to MR20? I like my gas sipper but maybe at the end of her life I could turn it into a track slut. The MR20 would do nicely in a 2300lbish car.
 
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#21 ·
im sure it would fit, but you would have to change out the cars computer system id imagine
 
#26 ·
Looked like he swapped in a complete engine including the intake manifold, injectors, and all that good stuff.

Can the guy who did the swap possibly come on here and write a little something. We would all like to know details.
 
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#28 ·
you should do a video of the car now with the new motor. im sure every one here would love to see what the difference is with the new one
 
#29 ·
sounds like a good idea. ill try to get one out this week. also going to the track next weekend :biggrinjester:
 
#31 ·
on the 1st page.

Also, posted another with my gas mileage. Hit 200miles on half tank, not bad considering its a bigger engine. however I babied the shit out of it, barley hitting the gas. but i don't get this good of mileage driving spiritedly:driving:
 
#32 ·
"Can the guy who did the swap possibly come on here and write a little something. We would all like to know details."

I didn't actually do the work but was there or in touch while it was going on and there's really not much to say....it was that easy and nothing dramatic. The only two area's that need attention is the coil packs on the MR20 had a different design for the harness plug (I think it was oval instead of squared) so just switched out the ones in the MR18 which is easy and a fifteen minute job and the only other thing that had to be changed because Greg has a manual and the MR20 he purchased was either from a automatic or CVT....he swapped out two outlet's that they had on the 20 for the cooler in those trans where the manual doesn't need it...again an easy change that if your Versa has anything other then the manual you wouldn't need to do the change out.

Now keep in mind we do not know what year exactly Sentra it came out of so the coil packs may be fine on the MR20 you get so no switching may be needed but again an easy swap if need be. Again, nothing special that one would do if the were putting another MR18 in the car....except now your adding 20 more HP/TQ AND we're a good two hundred pounds lighter then the Sentra! :woot:
 
#34 ·
haha thanks, ive driven the car for about 4k miles now, no problems to report. just as fun as the 1st day i drove it with the mr20 :thumb2:
 
R
#36 ·
wow to be honest i am very surprised on this. i used to own a MR20 sentra which is now totaled. could been another engine for you all. lol i raced plenty of auto versa in that thing and would alway get them. but not by much. so i can only imagine what it be like in a versa. glad to see this was a success and glad it is working out. next step is gettin a qr25 in a versa!!!!
 
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