Want to go KA-T ~*n00B*~

[Kenrik]

Hey guys here's the deal I have a 89 240sx KA24E with 140k miles on it well maintained with oil every 3k miles etc.. (timeing chain done.. full tune up etc.. ready to be modded) she runs great but I want more power i'm looking for a modest setup that will not completely blow the engine up since I use it for day to day driving... i'm thinking about 200+ RWH or whatever is safe... (about the same HP as a stock SR20det or a lil more) I understand how Turbos work though I have never actually worked with a turbo car... basicly I want to make a modest and semi reliable KA-T for use on normal roads. I know you hear this a lot but I would want to get it running for as little $$ as possible. if you can point me in the right direction for parts/setup that would be great Thanks!

Since i'm starting small I will not need new injectors/fuelpump I can run stock right?

What am I looking at? the actuall turbo.. The plumbing, and a intercooler? what should I expect to pay for a small setup like this?

if you could list what you think a junkyard setup would cost and what cars to get the parts from

and also what a new setup would cost keeping in mind my goal and the fact that I don't want to blow up my KA just yet... (that comes later HEHE)

[AZhitman]

Best bet?

Fix a sandwich, prop your feet up, and read every thread in this forum until you pass out.

There's more KA-t info here than you can handle.

p.s. All the experts are here if something doesn't make sense.

[Kenrik]

LOL you don't think I have been reading??? i'm still confused as hell... if I just go on what I understand I might do somthing stupid like go out to my local junkyard find a old Z with a turbo (there were like ten of them last time I was there) and try to hook the thing with garden hoses and PVC pipe.... (I ooozzee sarcasim)

[PapaSmurf2k3]

LOL you don't think I have been reading??? i'm still confused as hell... if I just go on what I understand I might do somthing stupid like go out to my local junkyard find a old Z with a turbo (there were like ten of them last time I was there) and try to hook the thing with garden hoses and PVC pipe.... (I ooozzee sarcasim)

...that'll work.

Seriously though, for 200 hp, I dont even know if you need an intercooler. If you want to keep it as cheep as possible, get a log manifold from jgsturbo.com, and get piping made from a muffler shop. a turbo from a Z should be a pretty good match for a 200hp 240sx.

[Craving4Boost]

Best bet?

Fix a sandwich, prop your feet up, and read every thread in this forum until you pass out.

There's more KA-t info here than you can handle.

p.s. All the experts are here if something doesn't make sense.

i reccomend a burrito...it lasts longer

[Checkered-Member]

Do a compression check to see how the internals stand.

If everything comes out good:I would suggest the following based on the power that you want and a budget setup:

You can pick up a used blown T3 turbo for around 100, then spend 150-200 to rebuild it.

JGS offers a manifold for the KA24E will run you 250 plus some welding that can be done by a shop say 50-100 more

The turbo should come with an internal wastegate if it doesn't add 150-300BOV: 50-150

You will need an intercooler, that are many choice, johnnyracecar.com makes good once for 215Intercooler piping 300-400, if you do everything yourself can be as low as 200

Down pipe 50-100

Fuel Pump: Walbro: 100

For engine management you can go with an FMU: 100 (not the best fuel setup but it's cheap and will work for your power goals.

Boost gauge: 40

Oil feed and return line: 50-70

Gaskets, calms, adapter, ect: 200-300

We are looking at everything under 2 grand, can go as low as 1.5 if you find cheap used parts.

Hope this helps.

[Craving4Boost]

if you dont already have exhaust you can get a custom 3" exhaust for about 250$ at a muffler shop

[veilside180sx]

Here's a good thread to help you in your endeavor.=)

http://www.ka-t.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5597

[SloS13]

If you're only shooting for 200whp, I'd do a T-25 or something so it'll spool up uber quick.

[SHIFTrl240]

a sr t25 using the stock sr boost would prolly give you a lil under 200 on a sohcim actually going that setup, but im going to be increasing the boost and eventually upgrading the turbo... heres my setup

sr t25- 160sr 370cc'- i got them for free(you probably dont need them anyway if you arent upping boost)ssauto t2 bottom mount- 200sr turbo dump pipe- 40sr megan racing flex and de-cat down pipe- 125a set of used oil lines complete- 60safc2- 150walboro- 95blitz dd bov- 85turbo timer with internal boost gauge-60

that totals 975... im adding a 24x12x3 front mount with the hook up on some custom piping, all that will cost me about 550

using a t2 bottom mount saves money because all of the sr piping fits it.. so its also easier to find you could actually run a sr stock sidemount if you wanted to with minimal modification.

for you, not changing stock fuel except the fuel pump on a t25 setup it would be somewhere around 900 depending on how much an fmu is for you. later on down the road you could add a fmic, some injectors, and a safc/tuned ecu, a gt35 ;P and up the boost

[Kenrik]

Yeah i'm looking for fast spoolup.. I have a new 2.5 in exhaust ATM so that's already done. Also i'm doing the clutch/flywheel soon because it's slipping... so it will be able to hold the added power. At some point I would want to up the HP once I get it going for a while and feel comfortable that I will not do somthing stupid and blow the engine (that still can always happen I know) under $1000 sounds good What's with those ebay kits for like $600 total crap?

[SloS13]

What's with those ebay kits for like $600 total crap?

You just answered your own question.

[Import_Ant]

Our sponsor IAP sells SOHC kits. I picked one up and am really happy w/ it. With the FMIC, tubular top mount manifold, T3/t4 turbo, and walbro 255lph fuel pump that comes w/ it, you're just injectors, maf, and tuning away from making good power

The SOHC uses top feed injectors. (turbo DSM injectors are 450cc stock and drop right in w/ resistor box which can be pillaged from the same DSM.)

I havent seen anyone mention it but I'd really encourage you to get an oil cooler while you're at it. I bought my kit from Jegs for under 100$ shipped.

a range colder spark plug will help out as well. I'm using NGK BKR6E-11's regapped to about .035. 7$ for a box of 4.

as far as reliability goes I just passed 240,000 the other weekend on the stock motor boosting about 8psig on a daily driver.

[AZhitman]

^ This man speaks the truth.

Some things are not worthwhile to "skimp" on, and so far, everyone I've seen that tries to "ghetto-fab" a KA-t winds up spending well over $2K...

(of course, they won't admit it, they don't count all the little expenses that ultimately DO add up).

[Import_Ant]

Thanks Greg. Can we send Dan back to you? He's giving me grief about my BOV. something about me stealing it from Vin Diesel.

Back on topic, IMHO, cutting corners on important parts that are going to see ALOT of heat-induced stress is just asking for trouble and dissapointment. The only way to save money while maintaining quality is to fabricate things yourself (i.e. manifold, IC piping, exhaust, etc...) assuming you are of course qualified. If you're trying to save money by buying used turbos, e-bay manifolds, and other cheap parts, you are asking for something to break. Better to put it off a bit and save the money you need to do it right.

There's a reason the IAP kit costs what it does that is exemplified in the 1 year full warranty on the manifold.

You can have cheap or reliable. pick one (there are always exceptions I dont want to start an argument. I'm just stating my opinion)

[AZhitman]

Thanks Greg. Can we send Dan back to you?

Nope.

My grocery bill went down 52% this month.

[Mustangs_Suck]

I have the stock SR set up basically (370cc injectors, T-25 turbo, 7psi) and I put down 200rwhp 205rwtq with lower than normal compression numbers. So that's about 230hp/235tq at the crank.

The T-25 spools SUPER fast, full boost is like under 3k rpm's...but it'll burn out quickly power wise.

Since you're shooting for only around 200rwhp (but believe me, 200rwhp in these cars make them move pretty damn well) I'd suggest the T25...just make sure it's in good condition...my luck with them hasn't been too good, but I keep buying cheap ones with high mileage heh.

[Kenrik]

What about a turbo off a 87 Audi 5000s quattro? I was at the junkyard today and I found a quattro The turbo on it was in great condition with very little shaft play Also it had a good wastegate according to the price list for the yard it would only be $40 for the turbo (big yard they go through 4000 cars a month...) What do you think?

[Mustangs_Suck]

What about a turbo off a 87 Audi 5000s quattro? I was at the junkyard today and I found a quattro The turbo on it was in great condition with very little shaft play Also it had a good wastegate according to the price list for the yard it would only be $40 for the turbo (big yard they go through 4000 cars a month...) What do you think?

I'd just try to find a T25 in my opinion.

Those cars use the KKK K26 turbo I believe from what I came up with when I searched online.

Idk if it'd work..i don't see why not, but again idk how much boost and power a turbo from the 80's Audis would give you.

[2fast2forty]

Make sure your compression is good. Then you could find a cheap kit on ebay or peace things together. Get a good tune on it and it will be a good driver and be able to dish it out on the weekends.

[Kenrik]

Garrett T25 Turbo? leaks some oil so it needs to be rebuilt how much should I pay?

[thekawaii]

did you fix your fuel problem? 13mpg is like ferrari... with turbo, maybe 8?

First is first.do the compression test. It sucked i did mine after i got 12 psi turbo kit.realized i need new wastegate which cost extra 50 bucks. do the test first than start your project.

ps. i have t3 from z31.

[Mustangs_Suck]

Garrett T25 Turbo? leaks some oil so it needs to be rebuilt how much should I pay?

Well you can get them rebuilt for $150-200 i believe.

I'd just look into finding a used one that doesn't leak and has minimal to no shaft play..shouldn't run you more than $200.

[HolyShiznit]

Or you could just buy my Super T3 60 that I made 373 whp @ 24 psi with. It would easily get you wherever you wanted with your car. *shrug*

[Kenrik]

HolyShiznit you're selling it? how much $

[HolyShiznit]

300 bucks. AIM me at HolyShiznit18 so we keep it off the boards.

[Mustangs_Suck]

300 bucks. AIM me at HolyShiznit18 so we keep it off the boards.

great deal.

I'd buy that turbo if I were you Kenrik. You won't blowing as much hot air around as a T25, so it'll be healtheir for the motor, and if you ever want to upgrade a bit, you'll be set turbo wise for about 400rwhp.

[Kenrik]

Sorry I have been without power for the last 3 days (dam hurricane) anyway I did a compression test... 155,155,155,155... those are low numbers right? I ran Seafoam through the engine before I did the test so the numbers should not be altered by carbon buildup.

Also as a note: i'm running synthetic 5W 30... I know it's super thin.. I thought my lifters were making noise so I put in the lightweight oil turns out though that the sound was a bad exhaust leak. The thin oil would also make lower compression numbers right?

Modified by Kenrik at 10:42 PM 8/28/2005
Modified by Kenrik at 9:36 AM 8/29/2005

[Kenrik]

I just replaced the valve gasket today it was leaking some oil. As far as gas mileage it still sucks i'm getting about 15-16mpg I found a vacuum leak today so she idles a little better... I have a small fuel leak at injector #1 right where it hooks upto the fuel rail I replaced the O Ring but she still leaks (Damit how do I fix it!) i'm going to check if the ECU is throwing codes. I can tell she is still running rich my 240 is being a real ***** when it comes to fuel! is there anything i'm missing that would effect fuel? I have done the O2 sensor, Coolant sensor, Cleaned the MAF, plugs/wires, Fuel filter, took out the AIV, put on a nice big cone filter.. hmm i'm running out of options here! my car sounds great she idles pretty smooth (a few coughs here and there and staying in the 700-800rpm range) it has plenty of power and does not bog but the gas bill is killing me!!! Any ideas?


Modified by Kenrik at 10:18 PM 8/28/2005

[Kenrik]

Update: Checked the ECU.. code 55.. All clear! Dam this car is just like my girlfriend You ask her what's wrong and she tells you "oh nothing is wrong" but you know something is up! you just have to poke around blindly till you find it! Dammit!