Prepping the KA24DE block for turbo

[LasVegas240sx]

I've been looking for over a week now on this board for information on what would be recommended to put inside the block/head before I do turbo. I've done all the searches but can't what I'm looking for.

The reason for this is simple. I'm on a budget and I have 198,000 on the motor currently in my 1991 240sx SE. I want to build a motor that can handle over 400 whp before the current motor blows up on me. I'm on a budget of about $3,000 so I don't have to buy EVERYTHING but I want to get the big stuff out of the way.

Does anyone have a list of parts that would be recommended I get before when I start on this project? I'd just rather get it right the first time than blow it up and have to do it again lol.

Thank you,Bryan

[virus77]

forged pistons (arias, ross, wiseco, etc..) ,aftermarket rods (carillo, pauter, etc..), bearings(OEM, Clevite, etc...) ,all seals (oem) , oem water pump,oem oil pump, oem timing chain kit,arp main/head/rod bolts, machine work/service on block for above mentioned (machine work is very important it can cost you the motor so get it done somewhere repectable not some place that slaps on any size bearing and calls it a day) This should be a good start.

[Florida240sx]

Yup everything he listed is good.However I'd go ahead and get a high volume oil pump. But that's just me.Not too much more expensive.

[LasVegas240sx]

Hmmmmm do I need to do any work to the transmission when I go turbo? I've heard they were strong enough to hold skyline motors but I'd like to be sure .

I appreciate all the help on this. I'm thinking I should save a little more than $3,000 to get it all done. The rods I see are about 500 to 600 alone so I should just hold off for another month. It will be nice to have that thing in there.

Do you recommend going higher compression 8.5 : 1 on that or is that going to cause problems later on?

Thanks again all!Bryan

[Iamjohnhayes]

well i have sen a few ka-t's with 9:1 that have been running fine. I will be at 9.1:1 at least until i rebuild b/c i have an early KA24E with the higher compression

[Chezedik]

F that, if you pick the right turbo you can pull close to those numbers on a stock block. Most guys on here are using the T04e, which is a good turbo, but if you can stand a little less max power, then another type of turbo will work to meet your goals.I am going to use the T04b with the enthalpy tune, and at 10psi I am supposed to be able to make 350, but in reality, I will maybe make that at the crank. 300 at the wheels. And don't be fooled, that is still BIG power. Many people on here have been VERY satisfied with much less.

[LasVegas240sx]

I want to be able to push 400+ with no problems at all.

There's no way I'll run that on a stock motor, especially when I read "Lots of white smoke coming out of my exhaust" or "The #3 piston broke." Those are the most common things I read on the KA-T forum. I'll take my preventative measures rather than spend another G on getting another motor built after I blow it up.

What I should have asked about the 8.5:1 pistons was this: Can I run them without a turbo (since I'll be adding that on later) or will it run funny or blow the motor?

I'll be starting to buy the stuff within the next month when I get taxes back so I'm just getting my ideas in order.

Thanks

[Chezedik]

Yes, you can run the low comp pistons but power will certainly suffer. Most of your small blocks run that from the factory. It most certainly will not blow the motor.

[virus77]

Your barely going to feel the difference with the lower cr and no turbo, only a dyno would show the difference. Its not going to make it feel like a tercel or anything.

[LasVegas240sx]

Well I will just have to get the turbo on quick then. Easy enough I'll have to upgrade the suspension to coilovers before that happens though, can't have too much power on that stock suspension.

[Turbo 510]

Spend all the money on the block. It is the foundation for your build up. I have forged JE pistons (8.3:1), Crower rods, stock crank, OEM bearings, main stud kit, and an O-ringed block. It all was balanced and seems to be bullet proof (so far). As stated above, good machine work is absolutely critical.

[Tims_240]

do you have to bore the block out if its in great condition, or just get it honed? id like to save some money, and wont have to rely on someone boring out my block, just honing it. arias sells stock bore pistons so i dont see why not?