High-port vs. Low-port... pros & cons
Wayne Cox
wmc66@bellsouth.net
Thu, 22 Aug 2002 21:38:44 -0500
At 04:44 PM 8/22/2002 -0500, Donovan Maxwell wrote:
>My question is: Which is better, high-port or low-port?
Welp, I joined the list just about the time those low port SE-R guys
started coming around, as well as those funky looking new 200SXs. 1995-ish?
The question has been kicked around a bunch over the years (though not so
much lately), and I think the consensus is: There's not a whole lot of
difference, esp. for a mild street motor.
* High Port: slightly better top end HP; racier looking intake; easier
access to injectors and some other parts; probably more potential turbo
HP; more crowded engine bay (with AIV, etc)
* Low Port: slightly better low end torque; better emissions; less engine
bay clutter (no AIV, ignition integrated into distributor); easier access
to throttle body and clutch adjustment. Extra OBD-II crap to deal with on
the ECU, but some benefits, too. Think you can swap ECUs around for a
whole motor swap.
I think Mike K and some of the hard-core motor contingent (aww, crap - I
used to be able to call myself one of them) have said the high port is the
way to go. But there are plenty of both turning comparable performance
numbers. I intentionally have not mentioned things irrelevant to a motor
build up, such as cam differences over the years.
-Wayne '91 NX2k - '93 NK2k - '92 SE-R (parts car?)