ahh can't decide!

[gregfarz78]

So I have a s13 coupe and a vq35 engine sitting in my garage right now, I don't have the stock ka but I got to thinking should I go thru with the vq or find a used ka for cheap and build it up for boost. I figure the vq is going to cost me a few thousand more to get running, I need all the accessories, wiring harness, ecu/bcm, etc plus its new territory not many have done the vq swap. The ka has tons of support and tuning seems a lot easier I just don't know much about the engine, is a ka-t very reliable? I'm not one to skimp so everything would be done right the first time, if I went ka-t my goal would be 350-400hp and my budget is probably 4-5k for the engine build. Is this reasonable for my goals?

Those that have built a ka-t would you do it again?

[240sxvaj]

If you have time to do it then go for it. i think it is going to take longer and a lot of custom parts to get it to work right. Ka-t's are really fun cars, can go very fast with the right amount of money and right parts. read the stickies.

[gregfarz78]

If you have time to do it then go for it. i think it is going to take longer and a lot of custom parts to get it to work right. Ka-t's are really fun cars, can go very fast with the right amount of money and right parts. read the stickies.

which will require a lot of custom parts the vq swap? thats what I'm concerned about I actually want to drive this car hopefully by next spring is my goal I think that will be hard to do with the vq

yep I read the stickies and a few other sites thats what got me thinking this direction in the first place, this is my first project car/engine build I'm very capable of doing it but my inner demons are battling each other over this lol

[WDRacing]

You'll have to forgive 240sxvaj he sometimes forgets to take his meds

The VQ will require mucho custom work along with the aforementioned harness and accesories.

The KAT if built properly and maintained well will last 200,000 miles at almost any whp rating assuming you aren't beating it at the track all the time. The correct turbo selection will give you almost no lag and 400whp

Welcome to the KAT forum WD

[240sxvaj]

sorry i just wanted to be the first to post. LOL. i dont know anything about the vq swap, but assuming that its going to be a pain since it is kinda new. Ka-t=Fast=Fun

[gregfarz78]

I've driven a vq powered car and man its a blast but the more I look into it the more I realize nissan really engineered the crap out of this engine to get it to work is doable but will take some time to figure out all the wiring. Then I thought ok if I get it all working then what do I do when it comes time for inspection/emissions PA is kinda tough if you have an engine under the hood that doesnt belong there stock. I'm leaning KA right now since its drop right in and I have the harness already but I have a few months to decide I'm working on the rest of the car right now engine will basically be last...I'll be hanging around here though