Model/Variant:
Nissan Almera N15 2.0l GTi R

My choice in the Almera was a consequence of my brother doing a SR20VE conversion for his 5-door Almera. So after one donor GTi that became a SRi, it wasn't long before I got my conversion project started.

It was a steep learning curve for finding and acquiring compatible parts let alone knowing how it all works and putting together; by the time I compiled a list I noticed a similar conversion that couldn't be finished was up for grabs.

So this is it, the Almera N15 GTi with a SR20DET from a Sunny Pulsar RNN14. The first job was to resolve a fuel leak and place preventative measures against detonation. Loads of engine tidying up; breather pipes, connectors and then we were left with an idling problem.

This took sometime to get right, but an AEM ECU, Walbro 255 Fuel pump, Swirl Pot, Denso 533cc injectors and SARD FPR later... It was discovered that the AEM ECU was faulty. So it was sent back to the U.S and switched for an A'PEXi PowerFC which brought the engine back to life.

A safe Dyno run at no boost hit the 211 BHP mark meant most of the teething was over.

Interior:
: : Full GTi Black Interior
: : White Dials
: : MOMO Gear Knob
: : Single DIN cup holders with VZ-R centre console
: : A'PEXi AVCR Boost Controller in Limited Edition Black
: : Defi 9k RPM Tachometer/Shift Indicator
: : Door card trimmed in Black Suede
: : RAZO Pedal set
: : Black Nissan floor mats
: : Blue LED courtesy light
: : Blue LED Varad sweeping lights; in foot-wells.

ICE:
: : Single DIN 7" motorised SONY AV/DVD Centre(XAV-A1)
: : Sony-Ericsson Bluetooth Media Centre(MMV-200)
: : Sony-Ericsson Voice Command Centre(HCB-700)
: : Sony Class D Mono Subwoofer Amplifier(XM-SD61X)
: : Sony XM-SD14X 4 Channel Amplifier
: : SPL 3.0 farad twin capacitors
: : AudioBahn 12" 1200W Immortal Subwoofer
: : Sony PS2 Slim black

Most of the ICE is hidden which includes the gauges for the car (glove box) and the amps mounted to rear seats - I still needed the boot space. The only planned interior change in the horizon is to install twin BRIDE Gias but not decided upon the colour Blue, Black or Red?

Certainly against anything outrageous for the exterior - less is more. The FMIC and the alloys are adequate offsetting from the chassis. Though I wouldn't say no to a Carbon Bonnet. I'd probably go further and anodise black the intercooler.

Exterior:
: : Full GTi Bodykit in Marine Blue
: : VZR Grille in Marine Blue
: : STORM mono-wiper
: : Colour coded door handles
: : Door locks smoothed off
: : VZR Rear light clusters
: : GTi front headlamps
: : GTi front indicators - de-globed
: : Phase 2 fog lamps
: : Clear side repeaters with Chrome Silvatec Bulbs
: : Rear-view cam installed in place of rear wiper arm location.
: : Wind Deflectors
: : KEI-Racing 18" Inox RSS Chrome lip alloys in Black Gloss
: : YOKOHAMA Parada R18/215/40
: : TEIN Coilovers with adjustable Dampers
: : K-Sport FR Big Brakes 356/32mm 8pot in Black

The YOKOs were quite surprisingly good in the wets unlike previous models before. In the dry they were exceptionally good allowing you to take sweeping corners faster, providing great road feel and grip.

Engine:
: : SR20DET GTiR

Engine Mods:
: : Almera SR20DE to Pulsar GTiR conversion
: : MoTeC M800 ECU.
: : A'PEXi Forced Induction System.
: : Powerspeed Custom 5" Turbo Back Exhaust System
: : A'PEXi Titanium Slide Finisher
: : Walbro 255 Fuel Pump
: : SARD 800cc Fuel Injectors
: : SARD Type-R Fuel Pressure Regulator
: : Swirl Pot
: : Garrett GT3071R-WG turbo
: : HYBRID FMIC
: : Pivot RAIZIN Volt Stabiliser grounding system
: : Samco Blue Hosing
: : Yellow-Top Optima battery .
: : Whiteline Anti-Lift (FR/RR)
: : PRI Racing Bushes
: : Clifford AvantGuard 5.5 Alarm with Remote Start PIN ignition

Power Output:
Initial road test was 300bhp @ .9bar using the GT3071R-WG.

Drivetrain:
: : P11 Casing
: : PAR Billet Gearset Nissan SR20 FWD - Synchromesh Spur Cut
: : PAR Custom 24 spline centre sprung clutch rated for 1080kg of pressure.
: : PAR Billet Custom Flywheel (5.5kg)
: : NISMO GT Mechanical LSD

The story thus far:
As you can imagine in a FWD set-up it will have traction problems putting this amount of power on the road. When I first acquired the car I had to ease into first before opening up on the 2nd and 3rd gears: too fast saw you wheel spinning and hopping.

With the air fuel ratio all but the idling problems sorted, I got the stock T28 turbo uprated to a GT3071R-WG rated for 500BHP and the Denso 533cc fuel injector changed to SARD 800cc (overkill? I think so, like I knew that before I got them ordered from Japan!). However, with the boost set to its lowest point; we got 300BHP out of her before the clutch went AWOL!

It is probably wise to settle for a happy medium of 350-400BHP. Besides, the car is likely only to be used on weekends. With its furthest journey being JAE if all goes to plan in time.

The arrival of the PAR setup and Nismo GT LSD in May 2008 marks the beginning of an end to a significant long wait. The car has been at the tuners since September 2007! We now await the arrival of the TEIN Super Street Dampers and Whiteline products; before work restarts. It will be interesting to see how much better the power is handled and applied to the ground.

Hope to bring news on the final set-up soon.
To find out about the mishaps in my project journey, most of it is posted on the AOC forum.

Next buy:?
Maybe the Full-Race Turbo manifold with black heat wrap?
Actually, turns out the tuners can make me a custom manifold so probably opt for that - no custom tax!...