Shedding some light...
Hey bud,
Well to answer your first question. Very VAGUE question to ask my friend. Many factors have to be taken into account:
1) Type of SR20DET/CA18DET engine? (S13, S14, S15)
2) Mileage on the engine.
3) Shipping costs (Shipping and Handling).
4) Shipping taxes.
5) Shop installing it charge (not labour)... more like *personal shitting tax* (as I like to call it)
6) Labour (depends on who you know, hours, their knowledge of installation, etc)
So you see, it can range. For example... *I'm in Toronto CANADA... so I'm talking CAN $.. here... k?* I can get an SR20DET (S13 Red Top) with about 40K for $2,500 (CANADIAN). This includes installation... although I would have to buy my friend dinner or something.
www.magnusmotorsports.com (Toronto).
Another shop, told me it would cost me $7,500 for the same engine... but that is because they have little to no knowledge of it (in terms of mechanical knowledge).
So, simply go to all the shops around and ask! It doesn't hurt! If you're serious, they will be serious with you as well!!! =)
As to your second question. The "truck engine" as you so put it, is incredible... not because it is powerful, but because it is virtually indestructable! You can put a tank over it and nothing would happen to it! ***I say it's because it's a NISSAN... heh!***
Nissan gave North America that engine because everyone hates us and we get all the shitty engines for imports! heh. Joking, but true! The "POWER" potential with the KA24DE is small. However, I have seen a good 250-300RWHP come out of one... but it took the guy about 2 years of blowing parts and replacing them to get that result. However, with either the CA18DET or the SR20DET the SKY IS THE LIMIT! You already have a good 200HP average (SR20DET)... and the engine can take all the abuse and more that you give it! It can actually hold upto 600RWHP before it need to work on some SERIOUS internals!
In the end, an engine swap will be WAY cheaper and much more fun too my friend! Nothing like a good looking RED TOP or BLACK TOP under your bonnet-hood (reading too much of EVO Magazine)! heh.
Check out:
http://www.sr20detperformance.com/ (GOOD SITE w/ ENGINES TOO) - Email Ken Harrison... he will help you out... check out a *BROTHER SITE*
www.enjukuracing.com
http://www.autoimaging.com/shop/index.php?shop=1&cat=47
Those sites will help you GREATLY! =)
Hope I have been of use to you!
Take care and keep on smiling!
SR20DET JuNkY,
KaOz.
P.S. Feel free to contact me if you need anything else!