dunno wether it's more reliable or not.. basically it's the same.. mags that i read sez the blacktop breathes easier because of the slightly diff cylinder head design, but then mebbe literally kot..
no diff in power n torque for both standard engines ~205hp..
anyways if u want to change to aftermarket ecu (not those stand alone ones like powerfc n stuff.. juz the japan tuned ecus like tomei, mine's etc..) i think there are more for red top units..
check out http://sr20det.nismo.org/ for some info on the ecu..
E5 is from a 94-96 180sx black top 5 speed
E6 is from a 94-96 180sx blacktop automatic
WC is from a 94-98 S14 Silvia
62 is from a 91-93 180sx or S13 Silvia 5 speed
61,63 is from a 91-93 180sx or S13 Silvia automatic
J4 is from a 97-98 180sx Type X 5speed
I'm using E6 btw.. dunno how far this is true, but my mech says the auto ecu fuels a bit higher than manual.. put in 2 extra injectors and voila! :D
btw, redtop is slightly cheaper i suppose..?